In Episode 23, James and Sean chat with Daniel Schindler, Founder and CEO of the hydration brand, Buoy, covering:
-Differentiating within the saturated hydration category
-Prioritizing "convenience and clean" in product development
-Growing a DTC brand efficiently versus "at all costs"
-Managing investors and communication cadence
-Leveraging celebrities such as Chris Paul to endorse the brand vs. tapping into the medical community as brand ambassadors
Daniel (and his new pup) offer a great perspective for brands that are operating lean and agile and show growth can start slowly and then scale suddenly.

In Episode 22 (and our first of 2025), James and Sean chat with Ryan Chen, Co-Founder of Neuro, the Leading Functional Gum and Mint Brand. In this episode, we cover:
-Starting a company with your best friend
-Orienting innovation behind the brand's identify
-Receiving and declining not one but TWO offers on Shark Tank to preserve the company's valuation and how the experience opened retail doors afterward
-Expanding from digital-first to over 10,000 stores and how to determine which retailers are the right fit for your brand
-Cultivating authentic relationships with celebrities like Apolo Ohno, Steve Aioki, and Young the Giant to support your brand
Ryan shares a ton of practical advice for brands of all stages. Listen, re-listen, and share it with friends. If you haven't given Neuro a try, make sure to check them out on Amazon, TikTok Shop, or neurogum.com.

In Episode 21, James and Sean "Keep it Reel" with David VanHimbergen, CEO of Reel Paper, covering topics such as:

-Transitioning from CPG behemoth Procter & Gamble to leading a challenger brand in the consumer goods space

-The innovation process within leading brands Crest and Tide

-Navigating retailer expansion, including selection, to # of stores, geos, products, and shelf placement and presence

-Differences in consumer purchasing behavior between DTC and brick-and-mortar

-Bucking the trend of sustainable brands, winning on product performance and pricing

-Moving a category from commodity to care

This episode is a treasure trove for brands competing in the sustainable space and for listeners considering a career leap out of big CPG.