Welcome to another thrilling episode of 21st Century Entrepreneurship. Today, we are joined by Chris Cronin, a key figure behind the renowned tactical gear company, Kitanica. With a blend of family bonds, an insatiable desire for innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Kitanica has carved out a unique niche in the world of tactical and adventure apparel. In this episode, Chris unravels the journey that has seen Kitanica grow from a 'one-man sweatshop' to a global player.The familial connection forms the backbone of Kitanica's success, with each member bringing their own unique strengths to the table. This episode explores the symbiotic relationship between love, passion, trust, and honest communication in driving their collective success. Chris candidly shares the benefits and challenges they've faced as a family business, noting their shared passion for the company as a driving force behind their success.Beyond their familial bonds, Kitanica is recognized for its innovation. In a space where premium tactical gear isn't plentiful, Kitanica focuses on filling this gap by crafting gear that can withstand the rigors of the most demanding consumers. From design to manufacturing, Chris reveals their secret to consistently producing high-quality, long-lasting tactical gear.However, Kitanica's journey hasn't been without challenges. Chris delves into the realities of manufacturing in the United States, the high costs, and the limited fabric choices. Despite these obstacles, the team remains optimistic and strategic, leveraging both domestic and international partnerships to ensure the continued growth and evolution of the company.Finally, Chris shares exciting future plans for Kitanica. He speaks about their move into wholesale, their quest for further innovation, and the company's relentless mission to provide their loyal consumer base with the best tactical gear in the market.If Chris Cronin's unique journey and Kitanica's mission to craft the best tactical gear in the market sparked your interest, you won't want to miss this compelling episode. Take the opportunity to delve deeper into the story behind Kitanica, a company reshaping the landscape of tactical apparel with innovation, resilience, and dedication. Share the episode with your network, expanding the conversation around 21st Century Entrepreneurship. Remember, your reviews and feedback are invaluable to us. Tune in, absorb the insights, and help us shape the entrepreneurial narrative by participating actively in our growing community. We can't wait for you to join us on this journey.

In this deeply insightful episode, we explore the extraordinary journey of Doc Wright, a trailblazer in the woodworking industry. His voyage, defined by audacious risk-taking, sheer determination, and a ceaseless pursuit of his unique vision, is a testament to the power of individuality in an ever-standardizing world.Doc shares his approach to building his business, which intriguingly involves disregarding industry trends and societal norms. Instead of conforming, Doc found success by chasing 'whales', large, complex projects that provide an expansive canvas for his creativity to fully express itself. This strategy is a testament to Doc's belief in the transformative power of individuality and originality, two qualities that have become his signature.Unpacking his business model further, Doc emphasizes a relentless focus on quality and artistic value over mass production. His method underscores the potential of an artisan approach in a world increasingly driven by industrialization and mass-production. This perspective not only helps shape his business but also inspires others to value their unique talents and visions.Moreover, Doc shares his unorthodox view of schedules. Instead of following a regimented daily routine, Doc prizes the freedom that allows his creativity to flourish naturally. He believes that inspiration and ingenuity cannot be scheduled and that the best ideas often come when we least expect them.Despite the looming presence of AI and other technological advancements, Doc remains optimistic about the future of his trade. He expresses confidence that the demand for his one-of-a-kind, handmade furniture will continue to flourish, demonstrating a steadfast belief in the enduring appeal of unique and high-quality artisanal products.Key takeaways from this episode include the crucial role of originality in business, the value of being selective in choosing projects, and the importance of perseverance and unwavering belief in one's vision amidst adversity. Join us as we dive into Doc Wright's world, where creativity, individuality, and artisanal craftsmanship intersect to create an inspiring success story.

In this captivating and insightful episode, we are joined by Brian Wong, the innovative co-founder of Normans Apparel. Brian takes us on a journey through the creation and growth of his unique fashion brand, sharing his personal insights and experiences along the way. In the crowded and competitive world of fashion, Brian has been able to carve out a unique space for Normans Apparel through a strong emphasis on authentic storytelling, as well as a firm and unwavering commitment to sustainability.The episode delves deeply into the heart of what makes a brand truly stand out from the rest. Brian details the strategic approach he's taken, explaining how he communicates with customers, conducts market research, and consistently stays true to the foundational principles that define his brand's unique value proposition. His insights into these core aspects of business strategy are invaluable, and any budding entrepreneur stands to gain a wealth of knowledge from his experiences.However, the conversation doesn't stop at the theory behind building a brand. Brian also ventures into the practical realities of managing a business in today's fast-paced and ever-changing economic landscape. He discusses the complexities of developing an effective pricing strategy, and shares his approach to navigating the world of marketing tactics. His thought process is not just theoretical, but packed with hard-earned, real-world lessons that can be applied to any business.Moreover, the episode takes a dive into the psychological aspects of entrepreneurship. How does one maintain a positive mindset in the face of competition, especially when faced with the potential threat of copycats? Brian’s perspective on competition, his optimism, and his strong belief in the intrinsic value of his brand offer a refreshing perspective in a business world often marked by cynicism.In a world where consumers are becoming increasingly discerning, demanding authenticity, and valuing products and brands that align with their personal beliefs and values, Brian's approach to building a brand stands as an instructive and inspiring blueprint. From the inception of Normans Apparel to its current success, Brian's journey is packed with invaluable lessons for all aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike.

In this engaging episode, Chris Mirabile, the founder and CEO of Novos Labs, shares his inspiring journey through the intricate world of anti-aging and longevity. As the visionary behind the first human longevity company addressing the 12 Mechanisms of Aging, Chris pulls back the curtain on his innovative, patent-pending formulations designed to enhance life's longevity.From personal lifestyle decisions to the science of aging, he discusses a myriad of factors that influence our aging process, revealing the surprising truth about the role genetics play. With a strategic focus on the importance of lifestyle choices, he explores critical areas such as nutrition, physical activity, psychology, relationships, and our physical environments.By dissecting the modern lifestyle's complexities, Chris provides valuable insights into maintaining our health and longevity in a challenging world. From the power of intermittent fasting and balanced exercise to the role of intelligent supplementation, he gives listeners actionable steps to take control of their health today.With a treasure trove of scientific references and practical advice, this episode empowers listeners to pursue a longer, healthier life. Chris also invites listeners to explore the wealth of resources available at Novos Labs, including a longevity quiz, a facial age AI tool, and a comprehensive blog populated with expert articles.Dive into this episode to discover how you can actively influence your health and longevity with Chris Mirabile, the pioneering force behind Novos Labs.

Join us in this remarkable episode where we dive into a conversation with Vedran Habel, founder of the pioneering NGO - UNUO. Embark on a journey of inclusion, empowerment, and innovative approaches to disability. Vedran narrates the story of UNUO's inception 15 years ago, its commitment to providing holistic support for children and adults with disabilities, and its transformational efforts to integrate them into society.The episode's highlight is UNUO's latest groundbreaking project – organizing the first-ever European culinary competition exclusively for people with disabilities. Vedran shares with us the essence of this initiative, their endeavours across 19 countries, and the inspirational individuals involved. This competition is not just about food but about stirring societal norms and changing attitudes towards disability.In a heartfelt discussion, Vedran addresses the prevailing challenges, including the lack of visibility for people with disabilities in regular workplaces, and urges everyone to change the narrative. Listen to Vedran's unyielding hope for a future where disability is not a barrier to employment and inclusion isn't just spoken about but practised in every workplace.

In this eye-opening episode of 21st Century Entrepreneurship, our guest is Frank Licea, co-founder of a fast-growing tech startup. Frank shares his experiences in building a business in the competitive tech market without a household brand. From costly marketing attempts to a pivot towards focusing on personal branding, Frank's journey offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs navigating similar waters.Frank talks about the company culture, highlighting the importance of clear internal values and authenticity in communication. While his company does not necessarily project these values explicitly in marketing materials, Frank emphasizes the power of aligning with customers who share these values. This strategy has resulted in higher-quality leads and easier sales.Frank also discusses the significant changes happening in the workplace, particularly in the recruitment and technology sectors. Observing a slow but gradual shift towards hybrid work models, Frank shares insights about the future trends of the workplace based on his extensive experience managing over 100 different teams.In his vision for the next five years, Frank hopes to see his company becoming a default infrastructure for managing global teams. Currently focused on Latin America and the US, the company is exploring how it can support a range of roles worldwide, opening up access to international talent.If you're an entrepreneur, leader, or simply curious about the future of work, Frank's experiences and insights offer invaluable lessons. Share this episode with your network, and we would appreciate if you could rate and review us on your podcast app. Be sure to catch our next episode of 21st Century Entrepreneurship for more conversations that matter. Stay tuned!

In this episode, we welcome Cole Shepard, partner at Legacy Group and founder of Green Coffee Company. His enterprises both aim to bridge the gap between finance and industry, while driving meaningful change.Cole's work in the coffee industry showcases his commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. By reinventing how coffee is grown and processed, he's made significant advances in waste management and water usage.Shepard began in the corporate sector before leveraging his skills to revolutionize coffee farming. His mission to create the largest specialty coffee farming operation is driven by his desire to leave a meaningful, positive legacy.Cole's strategy also targets high net worth investors seeking alternative investment options. Recognizing a market gap, he's created opportunities for these individuals to realize higher returns via private investments, promoting international diversification and inflation hedges.Shepard and his team continually innovate, shaping businesses that prioritize environmental and social responsibility. Shepard's vision for the Green Coffee Company aligns with the emerging importance of sustainability in business.We close today's episode urging listeners to explore novel entrepreneurial opportunities. As shown by Shepard, creating businesses that are profitable and contribute positively to the world is the future. So, keep dreaming, learning, and innovating. Until next time, seize the opportunities of the 21st century in your entrepreneurial journey.

In this compelling episode, we explore the wisdom of Mark Myers, a renowned business strategist and tax efficiency expert who reveals transformative strategies to elevate your business growth and profitability. Mark illuminates how small to medium business owners often overlook the potential of treating their tax liability as a profit centre. He offers insightful tips on how a proactive approach to taxes can significantly increase businesses' profit. He emphasizes the crucial role of a well-structured team for tax efficiency and profitable growth. He provides insight into how companies can strategize their operations for optimal tax management, regardless of size.The episode also touches on the pivotal role of proactive planning in exit strategies. Mark underscores the importance of structure before the sale of assets, to either eliminate or defer taxes.Key Takeaways:Treating tax liability as a profit center can significantly increase profitability.A proactive approach to tax efficiency is vital. Businesses need to understand and utilize the available "coupons" in the tax code.As a business grows, its tax efficiency or inefficiency support system should grow with it. This may involve building an in-house team or contracting professionals.The awareness of the necessity of a team for tax efficiency is often lacking in private companies. It usually becomes a forced requirement upon becoming a public company or during an exit.Proactive planning before selling appreciated assets, like businesses or real estate, can help eliminate or defer taxes.If you're an entrepreneur looking to optimize your business profitability or planning an exit strategy, listen in to uncover how proactive tax management can transform your business. As Mark says, "Start paying attention to how much taxable income you have and how you can adjust that to keep more of it." Don't miss this episode!

In this illuminating episode, we dive deep with Yoav Vilner, the innovator behind Walnut, a leading no-code platform that's reshaping the face of B2B sales. Yoav shares his entrepreneurial journey, which saw him create a category in tech and secure a staggering $60 million in his first deal. With a strong emphasis on brand-first strategy and a team of intelligent, dedicated individuals, Yoav’s story is a testament to the power of innovative thinking and purposeful execution.Throughout our discussion, Yoav provides insights into his leadership style, emphasizing the importance of connecting with his team and customers on an emotional level. He shares his thoughts on the future of sales, predicting a shift towards product-led growth and automation. His success hasn't come without challenges, though, as he opens up about the stress of founding a company and how he manages it with various strategies, like mindfulness and focusing on morning routines.Some of the key takeaways from this episode include:The importance of letting your product sell itself through Product-Led Growth (PLG)The value of building a brand that resonates emotionally with your audience.Why the initial team in a startup is crucial to its success.The significance of filtering out advice and staying true to your vision.How Walnut has distinguished itself in the tech market, securing trust from clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to smaller tech startups.Tune in to learn about Yoav Vilner's journey, the founding of Walnut, and how they're spearheading a new wave of modern selling. For those interested in the future of sales, entrepreneurship, or simply inspired by innovative success stories, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice. Let's build the future of B2B sales together!

Join us in this riveting episode as Jill Kushner Bishop, founder and CEO of Multilingual Connections, takes us on a journey of her entrepreneurial adventure. Discover how she shifted from running four different businesses to specializing in translation services, all while raising a child and maintaining her sanity. Explore how she adopted artificial intelligence and machine translation tools while maintaining the human touch, and how she expanded her business to bridge cultural and language gaps in market research. This episode is filled with stories of leaps of faith, embracing change, and building a globally recognized business.Jill provides invaluable insights on scaling a business, managing a team, and harnessing the power of AI in the language industry. If you're an entrepreneur, a linguist, or anyone interested in the interplay of AI and human expertise, this is one episode you don't want to miss.Tap into Jill's wisdom, adaptability, and innovation, and learn how to navigate the exciting world of language and technology. Hit the play button and immerse yourself in this captivating entrepreneurial journey.Key takeaways from this episode include:Embracing Change in Business: Learn how Jill came to embrace the efficiency and potential of AI and machine translation, highlighting the importance of adaptability in business.Scaling and Specializing: Hear about Jill's transition to focusing on corporate business services, enabling her company to scale efficiently and effectively.Bridging the Gap in Market Research: Discover how Jill's company expanded their service portfolio to fill a market gap by offering bilingual research services.