

Startup to Storefront
Diego Torres-Palma
STARTUP TO STOREFRONT brings the stories of stand-out companies and individuals building the future with innovative and forward-thinking ideas. Focusing on leaders and innovators who work harder AND smarter, hosts Diego Torres-Palma and Nick Conrad give the inside track into what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Diego brings his expertise to each show as an angel investor and founder of a fashion/tech company, a data analytics company, and a real estate development company. Interviewing entrepreneurs and other success stories who have built a business or a brand give our audience insight and a roadmap that will generate and motivate more entrepreneurs by simply listening to the podcast.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 15, 2025 • 24min
Good Girl Snacks - Leah Marcus and Yasaman Bakhtiar
This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re joined by Leah Marcus and Yasaman Bakhtiar, the Gen-Z founders behind Good Girl Snacks—the cult-favorite pickle brand that’s taking over your feed and shaking up the CPG space. In just one year, they went from quitting their post-grad corporate jobs to building Erewhon’s #1 pickle, selling over 10,000 jars, landing in 50+ retailers, and closing a pre-seed round led by Collab Fund (think Olipop, Sweetgreen, Beyond Meat). All of this—with $0 spent on paid ads. On this week’s episode, you’ll learn: How they turned a viral obsession into a real business The power of building in public and radical transparency What it’s really like bootstrapping year one How they disrupted the grocery aisle through social and community What’s next: new flavors, national expansion, and scaling post-fundraise It’s startup hustle meets Gen-Z social savvy—don’t miss it.

Apr 8, 2025 • 16min
Carrie Minter Ebers - Carrie's Pilates
This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re joined by Carrie Minter Ebers, founder of Carrie’s Pilates Plus. From her early days as a successful model to building one of the most respected fitness studios in Los Angeles, Carrie’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and redefining what strength really means. She’s not just shaping bodies—she’s shaping the conversation around fitness, mental health, and community. Her high-intensity Pilates method blends cardio, strength training, and mindfulness, creating a space where everyone is welcome and empowered. On this week’s episode, you’ll learn: Why Carrie fell in love with Pilates—and how it changed her life How she designed and developed her own custom reformer machine The key mindset shifts and business moves behind her entrepreneurial success The full episode is out now—and trust us, you don’t want to miss this one. PLUS: We’re announcing a special giveaway this Wednesday, so stay tuned!

Apr 1, 2025 • 26min
Wayward Film - Jacquelyn Fröhlich
This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re spotlighting the powerful indie film Wayward—a gripping coming-of-age thriller that dives deep into themes of defiance, self-discovery, and unexpected connection. Written, directed, and co-produced on a micro-budget by first-time filmmaker Jacquelyn Fröhlich, Wayward tells the story of Cleo, a rebellious pre-teen who forms an unexpected bond with a mysterious hitchhiker during a cross-country trip with her mother. As the lines between freedom and fear begin to blur, the film takes audiences on an emotionally raw and resonant journey. Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, Jacquelyn brings a unique multicultural perspective to the film—infusing it with both magic and authenticity. Wayward is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of independent filmmaking, pushing the boundaries of survival, independence, and trust. Wayward will be available to stream on Friday, April 4th on Apple TV, Google Play, and Amazon. Follow along on Instagram at @wayward_thefilm. In this week’s episode, you’ll learn: • How to make a movie on a small budget without compromising vision. • Why you need to stop waiting and start making your dreams a reality today. • The inspiring impact of Tangerine—a groundbreaking film shot entirely on an iPhone. • How the magic of collaborative creation brought Wayward to life.

Mar 25, 2025 • 37min
Timeless Skin Care - Veronica Pedersen
This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re sitting down with Veronica Pedersen, the founder and CEO of Timeless Skin Care — a brand that’s proof you don’t need investors or a massive marketing budget to build something big. Veronica started Timeless with a single product — 100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid — and turned it into a globally recognized skincare line trusted by millions. Today, Timeless is known for its clean, effective, and affordable products, including their viral Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum, which has earned praise from dermatologists and is often preferred over luxury options like Skinceuticals. In this episode, you’ll hear how Veronica: • Dominated Amazon beauty sales in 2023 • Grew the brand without outside investors • Started on eBay and scaled to global success • Is now expanding into Target stores nationwide She also shares her journey as a founder, the lessons learned along the way, and her take on what consumers really want from skincare today. It’s an inspiring story of grit, growth, and building a brand that puts people first — don’t miss it.

Mar 18, 2025 • 32min
Red's - Michal Adair
On this week’s episode of Startup to Storefront, we’re sitting down with Michael Adair, CEO and Founder of Red’s — the number one premium burrito and breakfast brand in the country. You’ve probably seen Red’s in the frozen aisle at Target, Walmart, Costco, Kroger, Publix, and just about every major retailer nationwide. What started 15 years ago in Mike’s family trailer while he was in business school has grown into a national brand — and Mike’s still at the helm, rolling up his sleeves (and sometimes burritos) to make it all happen. His story is packed with everything we love to highlight on this show — grit, hustle, and real-world lessons that every founder can learn from. In this episode, you’ll learn: Insider insights from Expo West — and why it’s one of the most intense events in the food and beverage world Why breakfast is booming — and how it’s become one of Red’s fastest-growing and most exciting categories The unexpected and heartfelt origin behind the name Red’s We’re also celebrating a major milestone — this is our 300th episode, and we just hit 7,000 followers. Thank you for being part of this community! To celebrate, we’ll be announcing a special giveaway this Wednesday, so make sure you’re following along. Let’s get into it — here’s our conversation with Michael Adair of Red’s.

Mar 11, 2025 • 30min
Heraclea Olive Oil - Berk Bahceci
This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re joined by Berk Bahceci, founder of Heraclea Olive Oil—a brand rooted in heritage, sustainability, and a deep love for the land. Founder Berk Bahceci rekindled his family’s olive oil legacy in an effort to preserve the rich history of their family groves. Driven by a deep connection to his roots, Berk saw an opportunity to modernize his family’s conventional approach to production. The result? A thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation—powered by solar energy, rainwater collection, and natural fertilizers—ensuring that every drop of Heraclea Olive Oil is not only delicious, but also a reflection of a deep commitment to sustainability. What began on a 100-acre stretch of mountainous land in Turkey—where life moves in harmony with nature—is now a brand that’s reshaping how we think about the most essential ingredient in our kitchens. In this episode, you’ll learn: The history of olive oil and where it really comes from The ultimate guide to buying real quality olive oil How worker-owned funds can help transform entire communities The best way to store olive oil for peak freshness and flavor This isn’t just a conversation about food—it’s a story about honoring legacy, embracing sustainable innovation, and building a brand deeply connected to the land it comes from. Tune in now—link in bio. P.S. Keep an eye out—we’re announcing a very special Heraclea Olive Oil giveaway this Wednesday! You won’t want to miss it.

Mar 4, 2025 • 27min
Suntide - Spencer & Wyatt Hanson
This week on Startup to Storefront, we’re toasting to life’s greatest moments with Spencer & Wyatt Hanson, co-founders of Suntide 🍊🥂 Built on the belief that life is meant to be savored, Suntide is all about simplicity—real ingredients, no pretense, and a reminder to be present. Founded by Spencer, Wyatt, and their sister Lyda, Suntide brings the classic Mimosa to a can, making it easier than ever to celebrate the little (and big) things in life. ✨ On this week’s episode, you’ll learn: ✔️ Their CPG strategy and what it takes to build a standout beverage brand ✔️ How they are revolutionizing the brunch experience one can at a time ✔️ The power of pivoting and embracing change in business 🍾 Catch the full episode now on YouTube! And stay tuned because we’ll be announcing a giveaway on Wednesday, with the winner revealed on Friday! 👀🎉

Feb 25, 2025 • 26min
SUGARED + BRONZED - Courtney Claghorn
Welcome to this episode of Startup to Storefront, where we spotlight entrepreneurs turning passion into thriving businesses. Today, we’re diving into the story behind SUGARED + BRONZED—a unique blend of sunless tanning and eco-friendly hair removal that’s redefining beauty in Santa Monica. Courtney Claghorn always felt her best with a tan—even though she was the only Italian in her family who didn’t naturally tan. Rather than "baking in the sun," she embraced a faux glow that ultimately shaped her career. After meeting her now-husband and co-founder, Sam Offit, at the University of Colorado Boulder, Courtney set her sights on Santa Monica to create a better tanning experience. On this week’s episode, you'll learn: How Courtney started the business with just $1,000 Why she chose to fuse sugaring with bronzing for a unique service Her unforgettable experience with her very first customer Join us as we explore Courtney’s journey from a spark of inspiration to entrepreneurial success, and discover how SUGARED + BRONZED is setting a new standard in beauty and self-care.

Feb 18, 2025 • 27min
Eight Sleep - Matteo Franceschetti
Today, we’re sitting down with Matteo Franceschetti, the founder and CEO of Eight Sleep—a company revolutionizing the way we think about rest, recovery, and human potential. Matteo has always been obsessed with performance—whether it was on the slopes as a competitive ski racer in his native Italy, on the tennis court, or behind the wheel of a race car. That same drive propelled him into the legal world and led him to launch not one, but two clean-tech companies across two continents—all before the age of 30. But with success came sleepless nights. Frustrated by the lack of innovation in sleep technology, Matteo set out to change that. He founded Eight Sleep, a company turning the bed into a seamless health platform designed to optimize sleep, improve performance, and even extend longevity. On this week’s episode, you’ll learn: ✅ How elite athletes, including Formula 1 drivers and professional sports teams, are using Eight Sleep to gain a competitive edge. ✅ Why sleep is the next frontier in a multi-billion-dollar wellness revolution—and how technology is transforming the way we rest. ✅ The science behind sleep temperature, and why getting it right can be the key to deeper, more restorative sleep. From athlete to entrepreneur, from restless nights to unlocking the science of better sleep, Matteo’s path to building Eight Sleep has been anything but ordinary. Join us as we explore the intersection of technology and wellness, the future of sleep optimization, and how Matteo is redefining what it means to rest well and perform at your peak.

Feb 11, 2025 • 31min
Tonal - Troy Taylor
Today on Startup to Storefront, we’re sitting down with Troy Taylor, a globally recognized leader in human performance and innovation. With a career spanning seven Olympic Games, Troy has worked with over 500 Olympians and 50 Olympic medalists, helping athletes reach peak performance on the world’s biggest stage. As the former High Performance Director at U.S. Ski & Snowboard, he played a pivotal role in securing 15 Olympic medals—including seven gold—at the 2018 PyeongChang Games. Now, as the Senior Director of Performance & Innovation at Tonal, Troy is bringing his expertise to the world of connected fitness. Tonal, the pioneer behind the world’s smartest strength training system, is redefining how people train by combining revolutionary digital weight technology with AI-powered coaching. From strength training and HIIT to mobility and recovery, Tonal adapts to each user’s needs, helping them break through plateaus and reach their full potential. On this week's episode, you’ll learn: Why most fitness apps fail—and the science behind keeping people engaged in long-term fitness The shocking reason 90% of people quit the gym—and how technology is changing the way we approach strength training Everything you need to know about Tonal—from its game-changing features to cost, installation, and whether it’s worth the investment Get ready for an episode packed with expert insights, industry secrets, and a deep dive into the future of fitness.