The Turning Pro Podcast

Nick DiNatale, founder of ShipPlug, is transforming the logistics industry by automating refund processes for high-volume shippers. Leveraging his industry experience, Nick spotted a market gap for a service that recovers funds from shipping errors without adding extra work or costs for companies. Since starting ShipPlug, Nick has grown the team from four to 26 members, focusing on educating clients and building trust to overcome initial skepticism. In this episode, Nick shares insights on scaling a bootstrapped business, the evolving role of leadership, and the influence of his hardworking single mother. He also highlights the importance of simplifying complex problems and delivering clear value, drawing inspiration from industry leaders like Netflix's Reed Hastings.

Alex Malamatinas, founder of Melitas Ventures, has made a notable impact in venture capital by investing in early-stage consumer brands. With a finance and hedge fund background, Alex combines analytical skills with a passion for guiding founders through the challenges of building successful companies. In this episode, He shares his journey from finance to becoming a leading investor in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) space. He discusses his investment philosophy, highlighting the importance of resilience and vision in founders and the role of early traction in assessing potential. Alex also reflects on the CPG market’s evolution, the balance between collaboration and competition among investors, and the trends he finds most exciting.

Andrew Rea, founder of Taxwire, is a seasoned entrepreneur with a deep understanding of the challenges in sales tax compliance for e-commerce and software companies. With a background in early-stage startups, Andrew has leveraged his expertise to create a company that simplifies the complexities of operating across multiple states and countries. In this episode, Andrew shares his journey from a religious upbringing in Ohio to becoming a tech entrepreneur in New York City. He discusses the importance of authenticity in marketing, the value of hiring top talent, and the lessons learned from his past ventures. Andrew also highlights the significance of building a strong brand presence and the role of consistent, high-quality content in achieving long-term success.

Dan Freed, co-founder of Thesis, has emerged as a pioneering force in the wellness space by developing personalized supplements designed to enhance cognitive function. His journey is marked by overcoming early challenges, such as an ADHD diagnosis at six and dropping out of high school at sixteen. After years of working in elite kitchens, including a Michelin-three-star restaurant in France, Dan discovered his passion for brain-enhancing compounds while pursuing higher education. This led him to co-found Thesis, a company that recently secured $13.5 million in funding. In this episode, we dive into Dan’s extraordinary path from a troubled youth to a thriving entrepreneur. He reflects on the key turning points that influenced his career, including how nootropics played a crucial role in his academic and professional achievements. Dan also offers an in-depth look at the science driving Thesis, the company’s approach to personalization, and their mission to influence the future of mental wellness.

Jay Wright, founder of Ecommerce Equation, is a dynamic entrepreneur who has carved out a unique niche in the ecommerce world. With a background in finance and a talent for scaling businesses, Jay's journey began with the co-founding of Search Insights, Australia's leading ecommerce digital marketing agency. Today, he focuses on empowering ecommerce founders by helping them build in-house capabilities and navigating the complex landscape of online retail with an emphasis on sustainable growth. In this episode, Jay shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, from the highs of launching products that rapidly scale to seven figures to the challenges of transitioning from agency life to hands-on brand building. He discusses the critical importance of product-market fit, the evolving nature of digital marketing, and how his coaching program is reshaping the way ecommerce brands approach growth.

Caroline Danehy, Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Fair Harbor, is making waves in the fashion industry with her commitment to sustainability and innovation. Founded in 2014 while she was still in high school, Fair Harbor, based in New York, specializes in creating stylish and eco-friendly swimwear and apparel from recycled plastic bottles. Alongside her brother, Jake, Caroline has driven the company’s mission to reduce oceanic plastic waste by transforming it into high-quality clothing. In this episode, we explore Caroline’s entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of the brand. Caroline shares the brand’s origin story, highlighting their childhood summers in Fair Harbor and how these experiences shaped their dedication to sustainability. We delve into the strategic decisions that propelled their growth, from bootstrapping and grassroots trunk shows to recycling over 36 million plastic bottles.

Alex Fine, CEO and co-founder of Dame Products, has been a transformative figure in the sexual wellness industry since the company's inception in 2014. Founded alongside Janet Lieberman, Dame emerged from a need to create better sexual wellness products designed specifically for women. Under her leadership, Dame aims to close the pleasure gap and destigmatize sexuality through thoughtful, innovative product design, empowering people to prioritize their sexual health. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Dame Products from its entrepreneurial beginnings to becoming a notable name in the industry. Alex shares the strategic decisions that have driven their success, the challenges of navigating the market, and the dynamic growth of their product line. She also provides insight into the company’s mission to foster sexual wellness and the cultural shifts they aim to influence through their groundbreaking work.

Nishal Kumar, Founder and CEO of No Days Wasted (NDW), is revolutionizing the wellness industry with innovative solutions for recovery and well-being. Since launching in 2017, Nishal has been committed to creating science-backed supplements that help individuals recover faster from alcohol consumption and maintain an active lifestyle. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey behind NDW's rise to success. Nishal shares the story of the company's entrepreneurial beginnings, the strategic decisions that have driven their growth, and their recent achievement of launching in Walmart stores nationwide. He also discusses the importance of customer feedback in product development and his personal routines for maintaining balance and wellness.

Ryan Lewendon, co-founder of Giannuzzi Lewendon LLP, is at the forefront of legal services for emerging consumer brands. Since establishing the firm with Nicholas Giannuzzi in 2011, he has played a pivotal role in guiding high-growth companies through complex legal landscapes. With a client list boasting household names like Vitaminwater and BodyArmor, Ryan's expertise has been instrumental in their rapid growth and successful exits. In this episode, we uncover the fascinating story behind the company’s ascent to prominence. Ryan discusses the firm’s entrepreneurial beginnings, the strategic moves that have cemented their reputation, and the dynamic relationships they've built with some of the most notable brands in the industry.

Michael True, co-founder and CEO of Prescient AI, is leading a transformative startup that is redefining data science and marketing analytics. His journey from a corporate tech role at IBM to heading a rapidly expanding company is both compelling and insightful, showcasing his relentless drive for innovation and success. In this episode, we look into the captivating story behind Prescient AI's inception and development. Michael shares how he navigated the numerous challenges of early-stage startups while balancing personal well-being with professional responsibilities.