How I Built This with Guy Raz

Andy Dunn, co-founder of Bonobos and creator of the social app Pie, joins the conversation to offer savvy advice to early-stage entrepreneurs. He discusses strategies for positioning a tennis-inspired athletic brand, reaching health-conscious consumers with vodka, and the intricacies of launching a biscotti brand. Dunn also emphasizes the importance of mental health in entrepreneurship, offers insights on community building, and shares the motivation behind his new app focused on fostering real-life connections.

William Wang, Founder and CEO of Vizio, shares his inspiring journey from mismanaging his first company to creating a top-selling TV brand. He recounts overcoming a near-fatal plane crash and his immigrant struggles, highlighting how these experiences shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. Wang's innovative strategies, such as cutting out middlemen, propelled Vizio to success, disrupting giants like Samsung. His partnership with Costco played a crucial role in Vizio's rise, ultimately leading to its acquisition by Walmart for $2.3 billion.

Peter Rahal, co-founder of RXBAR and founder of David Protein Bars, shares invaluable advice for budding entrepreneurs. He discusses strategies for positioning products in competitive markets, including Kristi's women's supplements and April's cocktail mixers. Peter emphasizes the importance of clear communication, understanding product-market fit, and leveraging grassroots marketing. He also shares insights on managing sales channels like Amazon and the rising trend of non-alcoholic beverages, all while encouraging a learning mindset in business.

Missy Park, founder and CEO of Title IX, shares her inspiring journey from a college basketball player to the creator of a $100 million women's sportswear brand. She lovingly recounts the challenges of launching her mail-order catalog in 1989, driven by her frustration with ill-fitting athletic apparel. Missy reflects on Title IX's pivotal role in shaping women's sports and her unique approach to business, focusing on incremental successes and customer loyalty. With humor and heart, she emphasizes the need for representation in athletic gear, as well as the broader impacts of her $1 million donation to women's soccer.

Jeff and Curran Dandurand, co-founders of Jack Black Skin Care, share valuable insights from their entrepreneurial journey. They discuss the challenges of launching a men’s skincare brand and emphasize the importance of customer feedback and networking. Listeners hear from founders like Inga, seeking advice for her eco-friendly venture, and Ashley, navigating the luxury market. They explore innovative solutions for inventory management and building community around outdoor cooking, showcasing real-world strategies for startup success.

Abhi Ramesh, Founder and CEO of Misfits Market, shares his journey from witnessing food waste while apple picking to launching a grocery delivery service for misfit produce. He talks about using Facebook ads to gauge demand and hiring drivers from Craigslist, which led to rapid growth and significant funding. The pandemic accelerated his business's expansion, transforming it into a full online grocery store. Abhi reflects on overcoming challenges, building partnerships with farmers, and promoting sustainability in food practices.

Jeni Britton, the innovative founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, shares her expertise alongside Jesse Koenig of Jesse & Ben's and Casey White of Jaju Pierogi. They tackle marketing strategies, fundraising pressures, and the unique challenges of the food industry. Jeni discusses her new venture, Floura, aimed at addressing dietary fiber needs. The guests offer insights into building customer engagement and the importance of quality ingredients, weaving in personal anecdotes that highlight the entrepreneurial spirit.

Dr. Dennis Gross, a celebrated dermatologist, and his wife, Carrie Gross, co-founder and marketing whiz, share their thrilling journey of creating a skincare empire. They discuss the initial fears about the brand's name and how a home peel revolutionized skincare. The couple recounts their hustle through challenges, including a major acquisition by Shiseido. Innovative products like their eye-catching LED face mask and dedication to consumer trust exemplify their success. Tune in for laughter, insights, and behind-the-scenes stories from the beauty industry!

Leah Solivan, founder of TaskRabbit, shares her journey in the digital marketplace, offering insights on overcoming early challenges in the sharing economy. Shahn Sereckli, co-founder of My Love Your Love, discusses innovative strategies for user acquisition in couples coaching, emphasizing the importance of accessible relationship resources. Calls from founders reveal unique marketing hurdles, like how to make digital greeting cards stand out and finding product-market fit for educational platforms. The conversation is a treasure trove of advice for budding entrepreneurs.

Niklas Zennström, a Swedish entrepreneur known for co-founding Kazaa and Skype, shares his journey in pioneering peer-to-peer technology. He recounts the challenges of launching Kazaa amidst legal battles with the music industry. Zennström discusses the innovative pivot to Skype, which transformed telecommunications by enabling free global calls. He reflects on the entrepreneurial landscape of the early 2000s, navigating funding hurdles and competition from major tech players, ultimately leading to Skype's acquisition by Microsoft.