The Story of a Brand Show

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Forest says, "...most of the agencies are just pretty bad. I hate to say that, but they are. You know, folks are spending way too much or they're getting someone way too junior or it's an agency that pretends to be good at everything, but they're really great at just one or two things. And so we're helping [our clients] kind of cut through all the clutter and make sure that they have the right stack." Today, we interview Forest Bronzan and Scott Briggs, Partners at MachForty. MachForty helps ambitious companies solve complex problems and be best-in-class. Their active team has been operators, founders, and growers who have built and exited some of the most innovative brands in their class. They approach problems with real-world experience rather than theoretical ideas and bring this operational excellence to serve Fast-Growth to Enterprise Brands. We discussed: * What they are both grateful for * Scott's and Forest story: from how they built their business to their exits * Why you should focus on the company, not on the exit (sounds counterintuitive but it works) * The false myth of retiring after an exit * Why most agencies are bad * Why they want to roll up their sleeves again and help Fast Growth to Enterprise Brands * What's working and not working for brands * Why they see opportunity with text & SMS and email but with data * Who they work with and how and how they can add value * Last words: why you need to take care of your partner (spouse, loved one, etc) Join Ramon Vela, Forest Bronzan and Scott Briggs as we break down the inside story of MachForty on The Story of a Brand. For more on MachForty, visit: https://www.machforty.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing! This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane. When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine. Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Becca and Jess say, "It is the utility. They are so practical and I love the idea that you should have things in your home that serve a purpose and that you believe to be beautiful. And to me I still have the original locker that I literally picked up off the side of the street because it's a reminder of the beauty that I saw in this rusty old banged up locker that really needed a lot of love to make it practical… it's got a story, it's got history and metal furniture ages gracefully, you know, whereas something that's made out of MDF if it gets wet or it gets soggy the edging peel off it." Today, we interview Becca Stern and Jess Gray, Co-Founders of Mustard Made. Mustard Made has reimagined old school lockers to make them pretty + practical for your home, work space + kids' rooms. They're here to make life a little more tidy. Mustard Made was founded by Becca and Jess, two sisters living on opposite sides of the world who always had the dream of building a business together. We discussed: * What they are both grateful for * What they were doing before the brand * What was it about lockers that excited them enough to start the brand * The power of the brand's vision * The multiple challenges faced by the brand including packaging, fire on boats, Suez Canal, sandstorms, typhoons and more * Their secret for getting through hardships ~ not being surprised when things happen (expectation & acceptance) * Their story of launching in America * Putting "problem solving" as your job description as an entrepreneur * Supply Chain issues and why they now add in buffers to delivery dates * A review of their product: lockers and more… * The challenges of scaling the business * Their 3 core values * Why it's important to define who you are and who you want to be * As the business grows, so should you as an entrepreneur Join Ramon Vela, Becca Stern and Jess Gray as we break down the inside story of Mustard Made on The Story of a Brand. For more on Mustard Made, visit: https://www.mustardmade.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing! This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane. When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine. Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Dan says, "If I weren't the co-founder of this company, I would be a customer because… we make products that cater to people just like me and we try to convey through the ethos of our brand the messaging that life could be lived on your own terms. And that makes it easy to relate to our customers and have thoughtful and effective marketing that appeals to them. I sometimes feel like when we're writing ads, we're writing them for me." Today, we interview Dan Demsky, Co-founder & CEO of Unbound Merino. Unbound Merino is stylish, simple Merino wool apparel that can be worn for weeks or even months without ever needing to be washed. That means you can ditch the enormous suitcase, because all you'll need is your carry-on. We've created travel essentials that will bring out the true minimalist in you. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * Traveling, doing the interview from Mexico * His thoughts, as CEO, on remote work and productivity * How the pandemic and lack of travel impacted the brand and what they did about it * How the pandemic made them savvier, stronger, more profitable * The best places to manufacture outside of China (why China is no longer the least expensive) * Why having investors is like having a boss (and why they don't have any) * The simplicity of e-commerce model and why it suits them * Their brand ethos: life can be lived on your own terms * Introducing a line for Women * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Dan Demsky as we break down the inside story of Unbound Merino on The Story of a Brand. For more on Unbound Merino, visit: https://unboundmerino.com/ Listen to his past episode where we go into more of the founding story: Part 1 - Unbound Merino - The Everyday High-Performance Clothing https://sites.libsyn.com/119400/unbound-merino-the-everyday-high-performance-clothing Part 2 - Unbound Merino - Do the Work. Momentum will Follow. https://sites.libsyn.com/119400/unbound-merino-do-the-work-momentum-will-follow Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing! This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane. When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine. Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. The Tasting Alliance competitions are considered the most influential for a reason. They have elevated the reputation of thousands of brands, and represent the ultimate curator for the world's best wine and spirits. Receiving a medal from the organization is a critical next step for any producer to earn recognition in the industry. Today, we interview Amanda Blue, President & COO of The Tasting Alliance. The Tasting Alliance is the ultimate resource for the best in wine and spirits. Hundreds of their judges have spent hours evaluating every product on their site so you don't have to. We discussed: * What she's grateful for * How her father was an editor at Bon Appétit Magazine * Overview and origin of The Tasting Alliance * How The Tasting Alliance Process works and why it's the Oscars of the Booze industry * Why young brands can see an increase in sales by 10x when winning an award * The events including San Francisco World Spirits Competition * What consumers will find at the Top Shelf gala, including masterclasses * Adding new categories including ready to drink, no & low alcohol and more * The benefits for a brand beyond winning awards * And so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Amanda Blue as we break down the inside story of The Tasting Alliance on The Story of a Brand. For more on The Tasting Alliance, visit: https://thetastingalliance.com/events/12123/ Purchase tickets for their TOP SHELF event before March 31st and receive a discount, promo code: TA20 Visit The Tasting Alliance e-commerce partner: https://www.reservebar.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing! This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane. When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine. Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Brian says, "I just hope that [hair and color] could be the catalyst of a conversation that becomes a friendship that becomes more. Maybe it saves someone's life because they didn't feel alone that day." Today, we interview Brian O'Connor, Co-founder of Good Dye Young. Good Dye Young was created by Hayley Williams, lead singer of the Grammy Award winning band Paramore, and her longtime hair stylist and makeup artist, Brian O'Connor. Good Dye Young cultivates a safe and inclusive community that values vibrant self-expression and creativity. They also make bad ass hair products. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * How he met his co-founder Hayley Williams and their relationship * How & why they started the brand * Brian's origins including growing up in a broken home, experiencing loneliness, depression, shame, and finding safe harbor with his grandparents * His "bag of ash" idea and how he wants to leave the world with something bigger * Why he is passionate about Good Die Young being a place for every body, every shape, size, color, and walk of life * Building a family and creative, safe space and how hair/color could be a gateway to a human connection * Giving people a DIY-at-home experience * A review of products, where to buy, and so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Brian O'Connor as we break down the inside story of Good Dye Young on The Story of a Brand. For more on Good Dye Young, visit: https://gooddyeyoung.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing! This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane. When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine. Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Forest says, "68% of us pretend to check stuff (on phones) in order to avoid talking to people. 20% reported checking their phone while having sex. I don't know how it's possible, but okay? That's just bonkers. Talk about a lack of meaningful connection and intimacy. I think something like 47% reported phone use in their relationship being one of the top two causes of fights." Today, we interview Forest Bronzan, Partner at Digital Detox. Digital Detox provides the skills to help you slowly bring your life and phone use back into balance—so technology can help you be a better parent and friend and partner and colleague. As they say at Digital Detox, you deserve to feel better physically and mentally. To experience life in the moment. And to take back control of your time. We discussed: * What he's grateful for * An overview and origin of Digital Detox * In memoriam: The story of Levi Felix, Founder of Digital Detox and Friend * How Forest became involved with Digital Detox * Stats and the emotional and physical impact that technology can have on our lives * What you can do to bring balance into your life (and not let technology control your life) * Why Digital Detox is not Anti-technology * Tips that you can use in your daily life to minimize the impact of technology * Parenting and technology * The wildly popular Digital Detox Newsletter and what you can expect from it and more… Join Ramon Vela and Forest Bronzan as we break down the inside story of Digital Detox on The Story of a Brand. Learn about Digital Detox and sign up for the newsletter at https://www.digitaldetox.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing! This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane. When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine. Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Erica says, "it's safe to eat raw, there's less sugar, there's added protein. It's a healthier version of a snack that's normally not vegan, but ours is plant-based... so you have health-conscious consumers who exercise or look for cleaner ingredients, who wouldn't really normally eat the Pillsbury stuff that's on the shelf... and kids love it too." Today, we interview Erica Rankin, Founder & Chief Everything at Bro Dough. The best part of Bro Dough is that you are SUPPOSED to eat their cookie dough raw! Bro Dough is a is a healthier way to indulge in your favorite childhood treat. Low in sugar, 100% plant-based, and only quality ingredients. With added protein, Bro Dough is perfect for that post workout snack, or afternoon treat you can feel good eating. We discussed: Who and what she's grateful for The origin, overview, and the Why for Bro Dough Brand How she started creating "better for you" versions of snacks in her kitchen What strategies have helped her cope with the harsh entrepreneurial journey Erica's morning routine and how she sets herself up for success Her New Year's Eve routine that starts her year The Bro Dough Formula Why pivoting has been an important strategy for her Her answer to what the title of her memoir would be and what mine would be Where it's available, where to buy and so much more… Join Ramon Vela and Erica Rankin as we break down the inside story of Bro Dough on The Story of a Brand. For more on Bro Dough, visit: https://brodough.ca/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Alright, guys, here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing! This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane. When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine. Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Tyler says, "We are pasture raised. So our chickens are out on our pastures with movable hoops with free access to the outside. They get to run out in the sun. They get to eat grass and dig bugs… their pituitary glands are right, their vitamin D levels are right. We are raising chickens the way they are meant to be raised; the way their genetics and instincts are set up. And so that quality of life translates into the quality of the chicken." Today, we interview Tyler Dawley, Head Chicken Wrangler at Big Bluff Ranch. Big Bluff Ranch is dedicated to regenerative agriculture and farming practices. They raise healthy organic chicken and help protect, preserve, improve, and sustain the land for future generations. We discussed: * What he's grateful for: finding his life's calling * How Big Bluff Ranch grabs your soul and is like a spiritual connection to the land * The origin of the ranch, including how his parents met (this is a great story!) * How listeners can experience a digital detox and beautiful lake at his ranch * What is pasture raised chickens and why it's how chickens are supposed to be raised * Why they take land stewardship, holistic management, and regenerative farming seriously * Why "quality of life translates to the quality of the chicken?" * Why there is a disconnect between consumers, food and the land * Why your food dollars matter and why the food we eat affects the environment Join Ramon Vela and Tyler Dawley as we break down the inside story of Big Bluff Ranch on The Story of a Brand. For more on Big Bluff Ranch, visit: https://www.bigbluffranch.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Alright, guys, here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing! This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane. When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine. Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Alina and Vanessa say, "when people talk about let's represent Latinos, especially from a female standpoint, the first thing you see is that there's this belief that the average Latina is the sex pot. And I'm sorry to use this word because it's an awful word to use, but not every woman that is Latina walks around with, you know, her boobs out and her butt up to here and this and this and that..." Today, we interview Alina Gonzalez and Vanessa Ramos, Co-founders at Erenzia Beauty. Erenzia Beauty is a brand with a mission and purpose, born out of the ideal that all women deserve better beauty. And, at the center of it all, a celebration of the Latina woman–her allure, beauty and unique essence blending generations of deeply rooted traditions with modern-day life. We discussed: *What they are grateful for *The origin and overview of Erenzia Beauty * How can brands provide more representation and dispel sexual stereotypes? * How its not about vanity but about "self confidence" * Why "Latinos" can't be lumped together and why we're complex * The difficulties of raising capital and their personal experience * The vision for their brand * Their "Amigas Program" affiliate model and why this is also about financial empowerment * And so much more… Join Ramon Vela, Alina Gonzalez and Vanessa Ramos as we break down the inside story of Erenzia Beauty on The Story of a Brand. For more on Erenzia Beauty, visit: https://erenziabeauty.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Alright, guys, here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing! This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane. When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine. Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!

This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Jennifer says, "we've intentionally branded it in a really weird, unique and magical way. If you explore our website and look at the bottle, it really stands out. We wanted to evoke a potion or, or magical feeling. And the product itself is incredibly versatile. It is not only delicious on its own, you can pair with pretty much anything: whiskey, tequila, gin, vodka, sparkling wine, even some beers. And it makes these products taste better. And from my perspective, it elevates every kind of drink that it's put into, whether it's a simple cocktail or just drinking it on ice or mixing it in a really complex cocktail." Today, we interview Jennifer Toyzer, Founder & CEO of UME. UME is a delightfully tart, mildly sweet plum spirit featuring a show-stopping royal purple hue. It's made from all-natural plums, grapes, & black cherries, with hints of green apple and lemon. It has 17% ABV, gluten-free, with half the sugar of similar apéritifs and is produced responsibly in California. We discussed: * What she's grateful for * Encouragement to other founders * Overview and origin of UME * Launching during COVID and the supply issues they experienced * Getting validation from the industry * Review of the product, including ingredients, history, and working with a mixologist * Why UME is like a magical potion and condiment for your bar * Advice for founders and dreamers building a business * And more… Join Ramon Vela and Jennifer Toyzer as we break down the inside story of UME on The Story of a Brand. For more on UME, visit: https://www.drinkume.com/ Try some by using this promo code: STORYOFAPOTION10 Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Simply search for "The Story of a Brand" on your favorite podcast player. * This episode is brought to you by Sendlane. Alright, guys, here's the deal: I have a gift for you from our primary sponsor — Sendlane. They're giving away their online course eCommerce Academy - Email & SMS Marketing! This course gives you the step-by-step playbook to drive more revenue and retention with email & SMS. This is typically a $500 package, but for our listeners, it's entirely FREE when you get started with your FREE 14-day trial of Sendlane. When you do, chat with their support team and let them know you're one of our listeners to get full access to hours of course content that will help you make email marketing your #1 growth engine. Visit https://storybrandgift.com to get the details, sign up for a free trial and get your gift!