Problem Solvers

Pasta is a crowded space, so how did Amazon help Madalina Defta and Arash Hashemi, the husband-and-wife duo behind Kaizen Food Company, transform their vision into a thriving brand without relying on traditional marketing? In this episode, they explain how they did it: They leveraged engaging content to build a loyal clientele, refined their product that speaks to an underserved customer base, and, when faced with overwhelming demand for fulfillment and customer service, strategically pivoted to Amazon.To learn more about how Amazon is helping independent sellers succeed, visit http://sellingpartners.aboutamazon.com/

Erin Wade hated her job. So she created a mac & cheese restaurant called Homeroom, then rethought how every other employee should be treated. In this episode, she explains how she rethough discipline, incentives, and the working environment, and built a place that people actually want to work in. Erin's new book about this is called Mac & Cheese Millionaire.

Mike Maples Jr. is one fo the pioneers of seed-stage investing, and invested early in the likes of Twitter, Twitch, and Lyft. I asked him to do something a little unusual: give advice to small business owners who, instead of pitching VCs like him, are instead pitching their family and friends. His advice reveals a lot about how investors think, whether they're pros like him or just a mom or pop at home.

Kuo Zhang, the president of Alibaba.com, has been at the forefront of a significant organizational transformation. He shares insights on identifying hidden opportunities that elevate businesses beyond mere financial gains. Kuo delves into Alibaba's strategic growth, focusing on anticipating future consumer needs and the importance of building innovative teams. He also discusses the challenges in global sourcing, emphasizing data-driven decisions and payment security. Furthermore, Kuo highlights the essential role of trust in fostering team dynamics and executing successful organizational changes.

Brian Lee cofounded LegalZoom, ShoeDazzle, Honest Company, and now Arena Club, and he believes a lot of conventional business wisdom is backward. Here, he shares the hidden path to founder success.

Jo Kelton, COO of Removery, shares insights on overcoming the challenge of hiring in the tattoo removal industry. With a shortage of qualified specialists, Removery decided to create its ideal employees through tailored training programs. She discusses innovative recruitment strategies and the importance of fostering a strong company culture among new hires. Additionally, Jo highlights how evolving consumer behaviors are reshaping the tattoo removal landscape, emphasizing the need for adaptability in business.

Are you prepared to sell your business? Even if a sale is many years away, you should start planning now — and avoid the common mistakes that devalue many other businesses. CLA managing principal of industry Brandon Knight explains why not all businesses are sellable, why you need to build a leadership team, and why it's so important to look at your impact beyond your business. This episode is brought to you by CLA — CliftonLarsonAllen LLP. See how CLA can help you, your family, and your employees prepare for the seamless transition of your business. Visit CLAconnect.com

Feeling uneasy about self-promotion? Discover four essential rules to confidently showcase your accomplishments. Learn actionable strategies to share your successes humorously while boosting team spirit. Encountering haters? Transform criticism into growth opportunities and see self-promotion as a way to help others. Understand your audience dynamics and how different listeners perceive your message. Embrace feedback and turn negative comments into valuable connections.

David Walker is the Founder of iCell Consulting LLC, a consulting firm specializing in telecommunications analysis. After a successful career in telecommunications, David decided to start the business by pursuing his skill of analyzing telephone records. Working with multiple telecommunications companies, David has helped solve over 200 criminal cases, bringing him across the country over the last decade. Listen to the Side Hustle to Small Business podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or visit: entm.ag/hiscox

Do you know what makes your brand special? Sometimes, you're wrong — and the "special sauce" you cling to can actually be holding your company back. That's the story of HiBall, an energy drink that was struggling to gain traction... until they rethought a critical part of the brand. Sales went through the roof, and the company was sold to Anheuser-Busch. Here, HiBall cofounder Dan Craytor explains what happened.