How I Built This with Guy Raz

Sarah Kauss, the founder of S'well, and Adam Barker, the owner of Bolt Skin and Shave, tackle pressing questions from budding entrepreneurs. They delve into unique product positioning and the significance of cultural representation, like greeting cards celebrating Latino heritage. The duo also discusses the innovative launch of a razor specifically for men who shave their legs, shedding light on quirky cycling culture. With advice on fundraising, marketing, and leveraging influencers, this conversation is a treasure trove for aspiring business owners!

Dominique Ansel, the world-renowned pastry chef, shares his journey from humble beginnings to fame as the creator of the Cronut—a delicious fusion of croissant and donut. He recounts the overwhelming demand and chaos his bakery faced when the Cronut took off, leading to lines and scalpers. Ansel discusses the balance between culinary artistry and entrepreneurship, innovations like the cookie shot, and the importance of trademarking the Cronut. He also reflects on the impact of media coverage and resilience in navigating the challenges of business growth.

Randy Goldberg, co-founder of Bombas, brings his expertise to the table alongside industry innovators Rivki Itzkowicz and Änna Benchavanga. They delve into the entrepreneurial journey, tackling the complexities of brand building and community engagement. Rivki shares her vision for size-inclusive modest fashion, while Änna discusses transitioning her local boutique to a digital space. Together, they explore unique marketing strategies and the importance of storytelling to foster authentic connections with diverse audiences.

Arman Oganesyan, co-founder of Dave's Hot Chicken, shares the spicy journey from a humble pop-up in East Hollywood to a thriving chain of 200 stores. He humorously recounts the launch mishap of tossing cash and how strategic marketing and product quality fueled their success. Topics include the challenges of launching with minimal equipment, the excitement of celebrity influence on their franchising, and the delicate balance of skill and luck in the culinary world, all while dishing out fun anecdotes from their chicken adventure.

Fawn Weaver, founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, shares her expertise in business storytelling. She engages with early-stage entrepreneurs addressing essential branding questions. Key topics include the impact of personal narratives on consumer connections and strategies for creating authentic brand stories. Weaver emphasizes transparency in marketing and the emotional ties to products, whether it's coffee, jewelry, or baked goods. The conversation fosters a sense of community, encouraging budding entrepreneurs to share their journeys and seek guidance.

In this engaging conversation, Marc Ecko, founder of ECKO UNLTD and media company COMPLEX, shares his journey from airbrushing t-shirts in New Jersey to creating a cultural phenomenon. He discusses the hurdles of financial struggles and partnerships that nearly led to bankruptcy. Ecko reflects on launching COMPLEX to address the media's lack of diversity and celebrates ECKO UNLTD's 30th anniversary with a nostalgic limited edition collection. His story is a vibrant testament to innovation in streetwear and media.

Maureen Kelly, Founder and CEO of Tarte Cosmetics, shares her innovative insights alongside Marcel Yeager, Founder of Career Valet. They dive into the secrets of marketing strategies for emerging brands, such as sweat-wicking underwear and chemical-free hair care. Topics include personalized marketing, leveraging social media trends, and the importance of authentic storytelling. Kelly and Yeager also discuss entrepreneurial challenges, empowering career trajectories, and how to engage audiences through innovative techniques.

Brothers Dick and Peter Dreissigacker, both Olympic-level rowers, share their incredible journey in creating Concept2 rowing machines. They recount how initial skepticism turned into success after transforming bike parts in a Vermont barn into game-changing fitness equipment. With insights on navigating niche markets and competing against fitness fads, they reveal their commitment to customer satisfaction and community. Their personal experiences in rowing and innovation highlight the passion that drives their business, making it an inspiring tale of perseverance.

Tom Rinks, co-founder of Sun Bum, shares his wisdom with early-stage founders navigating brand identity challenges. He engages with Wendy, a former comedian promoting a unique sugar scrub, Allyson, a reality TV producer turned trucker hat designer for women, and Zephyrus, an opera performer with a fresh bedtime storytelling device for kids. The conversation highlights the essential role of branding in making emotional connections, innovative marketing strategies, and the importance of storytelling in product development.

Jason Wersland, founder of Therabody and inventor of the Theragun, shares his incredible journey from a motorcycle accident to creating a revolutionary pain relief device. After crafting a makeshift massager from a jigsaw, he discovered its therapeutic benefits for himself and his patients. Wersland talks about the challenges he faced in developing his prototype, securing endorsements from top athletes, and transforming his innovative idea into a multimillion-dollar wellness brand.