How I Built This with Guy Raz

Joe Kudla, the Founder and CEO of Vuori, shares his entrepreneurial wisdom while advising early-stage founders tackling distinct challenges. He emphasizes the importance of building genuine customer relationships, especially in niche markets like healthcare apparel. The discussion highlights the evolution of comfort in fashion post-COVID and dives into strategies for navigating the luxury apparel market. Kudla also explores innovative product design and the critical impact of community engagement and resilience on business success.

Olivier Bernhard, a Swiss triathlete and Ironman champion, co-founded On to revolutionize athletic shoes, inspired by a prototype using garden hose strips. Alongside Caspar Coppetti, an expert in branding, they faced skepticism from major sneaker brands. Their groundbreaking shoe eventually caught the eye of Roger Federer, transforming On into a $2 billion company. The pair share tales of innovation, resilience against industry giants, and the blend of hard work and luck that propelled their success.

Pete Maldonado, co-founder of Chomps, shares invaluable insights on scaling businesses with early-stage entrepreneurs. Jennifer Ballin seeks advice on expanding her sourdough bagel business while considering franchising. Brandi Shelton discusses entering big-box retail without losing her brand's essence. The conversation highlights partnership strategies, the intricacies of retail pricing, and the importance of storytelling for brand growth. It's a treasure trove of practical tips for aspiring food entrepreneurs on navigating the competitive landscape.

Paul English, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Kayak, shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to building a billion-dollar travel platform. He discusses how chaotic early life experiences fueled his entrepreneurial spirit and the innovative strategies that positioned Kayak against competitors. Paul also delves into the creative process behind the company's name and reflects on personal challenges, including mental health, that shaped his career. Excitingly, he hints at his future endeavors, including a new dating app!

Tony Lamb, co-founder and CEO of Kona Ice, shares his expertise alongside Jennifer Braidwood, founder of Braid and Wood Design Studio. They delve into the transformation of classic ice cream trucks into thriving franchises, discussing grassroots marketing strategies and community engagement. The duo answers burning questions from founders, including how to gauge the viability of a candy store franchise and effective ways to promote unique products like handmade decor and needle felting kits on a budget, emphasizing creativity and authenticity.

Ouidad Wise, founder of a successful hair care brand specializing in curly hair, shares her remarkable journey from a passion for curls to running a thriving New York salon. She discusses the challenges of being an immigrant entrepreneur, her innovative marketing strategies, and the emotional connections formed between hairstylists and clients. Ouidad also reflects on her personal battles, including a breast cancer diagnosis, and emphasizes her philanthropic work in research. Her inspiring story highlights resilience, love, and community in building a successful business.

Brett Schulman, co-founder and CEO of CAVA, shares his powerhouse insights on scaling a successful restaurant chain. He tackles imposter syndrome faced by entrepreneurs, while Sophia Bowden discusses her journey creating allergy-friendly accessories for children and seeks marketing strategies. Sean Murray explores whether seeking outside investment is the right move to grow his coffee brand. Together, they navigate the challenges of entrepreneurial growth, emphasizing resilience, effective marketing, and innovative strategies.

Bayard Winthrop, founder of American Giant, shares his journey of creating a clothing brand focused on American-made apparel. He discusses the initial hurdles of sourcing materials and finding skilled workers in a shifting textile industry. Bayard reveals how a viral article praised his hoodie as 'the greatest ever made,' leading to overwhelming demand. He emphasizes the socio-political backdrop of American production, the balance of hard work and luck in success, and the significance of supporting local craftsmanship in today’s market.

Mark Ramadan, co-founder of Sir Kensington's, shares his unique approach to the food industry, emphasizing bold product launches and brand persona creation. Chef Lucas Manteca discusses his innovation strategies at Taco Shop to compete against fast food giants while emphasizing community engagement. Beth Benecke, founder of Busy Baby, talks about transitioning her products from startup to growth, highlighting financial management and retail strategy challenges. Together, they explore the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and share valuable insights for aspiring business owners.

Ronnen Harary, co-founder of Spin Master, shares his unconventional journey in building a $4 billion toy empire. He emphasizes the importance of intuition over market research in creating hits like PAW Patrol. Harary recounts their innovative early products, like the Earth Buddy and Devil Sticks, and the bold decision to launch Air Hogs without traditional testing. He details the triumphs and challenges of navigating financial crises, highlighting how resilience and creativity drove their success in the competitive toy industry.