How I Built This with Guy Raz

Cynthia Tice, the founder of Lily's Sweets, ventured into the chocolate arena at nearly 60, driven by her quest for a healthier sweet fix. She shares her rollercoaster journey of innovating sugar-free chocolate using stevia, revealing the trials of product development and co-founder conflicts. Cynthia discusses the pivotal moment when her brand caught Hershey’s eye, leading to a $425 million acquisition. Her story highlights resilience, the impact of personal experiences, and the growing demand for healthier indulgences in a changing market.

Vicky Tsai, co-founder of Tatcha, shares her transformative journey from finance to skincare, inspired by Japanese beauty rituals. She addresses how to cultivate brand awareness and navigate leadership challenges, emphasizing self-affirmation in the beauty industry. Brittany Lowe, founder of Beya, discusses strategic sales channels for her vegan fem care line. Devon Clymer of Mugsy Bakes talks about launching gluten-free mug cake mixes, highlighting the blend of convenience and quality in food entrepreneurship. The conversation is packed with valuable insights for aspiring founders.

Ben Weprin, the visionary founder of Graduate Hotels, shares his journey from commercial real estate to creating a brand that captures college town nostalgia. He discusses the innovative approach of his hotels that celebrate local culture, including quirky decor like life-sized mascots. Weprin also reveals how he navigated the financial turmoil of the pandemic and turned challenges into opportunities, ultimately selling the chain to Hilton. His inspiring story underscores the blend of passion and practicality in entrepreneurship.

Sadie Lincoln, the co-founder and CEO of barre3, shares her journey of creating a unique fitness concept and the challenges of building a brand. Andrew Pizzullo discusses his innovative backyard game, Ramps, and strategies for selling it at a premium price. Randi Pink reveals her efforts to transition from being the sole face of her community space, Ruffner Treehouse Village, highlighting the importance of storytelling and community engagement. This lively discussion offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Bonnie Harvey and Michael Houlihan, the innovative co-founders of Barefoot Wine, transformed their 300k debt and wine naivety into a booming brand. They share their journey of creating a relatable wine experience, emphasizing clever marketing strategies that targeted everyday drinkers. From overcoming skepticism to navigating debt and retail challenges, their story is a blend of persistence and ingenuity. Listeners will love the charming anecdotes of their serendipitous partnership and the iconic branding that made Barefoot a household name.

Leah Solivan, founder of TaskRabbit and a pioneer in the gig economy, shares her insights on connecting with core customers. She offers valuable advice to tech founders dealing with unique challenges. Kate in LA seeks to make her digital cards stand out, while Shahn in Australia revisits user acquisition for his couples coaching app. Meanwhile, Allen in Hawaii explores product-market fit for a children's music education platform. Leah emphasizes the importance of focus, user-friendly design, and innovative marketing strategies to overcome hurdles in today's competitive landscape.

Andrew Mason, the quirky co-founder of Groupon and now the brain behind Descript, shares his rollercoaster journey in the tech world. He reflects on creating one of the fastest-growing companies and the tumultuous experience of being fired. Mason discusses the challenges of rapid growth, facing imitation from competitors, and the emotional toll of leadership. He also dives into his transition from music to tech, highlighting humorous moments and valuable lessons learned along the way as he ventures into new entrepreneurial endeavors.

Scott and Ally Svenson, co-founders of MOD Pizza, share their insights on scaling a successful fast-casual pizza chain. They discuss the resilience of their brand in the face of challenges like the pandemic and their recent acquisition. Additionally, Evan Byrne discusses transforming his pizza restaurant into a vegan frozen pizza company, emphasizing grassroots marketing and brand visibility. The Svensons also offer guidance to fellow entrepreneurs on maintaining quality and navigating growth while fostering community amidst industry hurdles.

Ben Goodwin, Co-founder of Olipop, shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to launching a successful prebiotic soda brand. He reveals the chaotic experimentation and innovative fermentation processes behind Olipop, designed to evoke nostalgic flavors while promoting gut health. The talk delves into the importance of resilience, teamwork, and learning from failure. Ben also highlights their strategic pivot from probiotics to prebiotics, aiming to meet the growing demand for healthier beverages.

Ariel Kaye, founder of Parachute Home, leads a discussion on business growth with co-founder Dane Brown of King Brown Pomade and Deanna Blasi-Diandino of Mindset Tapestry. They tackle the intricacies of transitioning from self-funding to seeking investment in men's grooming and offer insights on marketing emotional health tools for children. The group shares strategies for overcoming challenges in a male-dominated industry, emphasizing innovation, brand identity, and the power of positive affirmations.