INspired INsider Podcast

Eran Heffetz is the Co-founder and CEO of Bites, a game-changing training platform that offers the ultimate solution for training, communication, and engagement of the frontline workforce. It is a revolutionary content creation app that enables managers to easily create media-based professional units and seamless delivery of the units to employees via existing channels such as WhatsApp, Slack, SMS, and Microsoft Teams.  With past successes in hospitality, real estate, and technology, Eran co-founded eight restaurants and bars, is a board member of fintech startup Obligo, and is the Co-founder and Board Member of City People, which specializes in urban renewal projects. He is also a veteran IAF F-16 fighter pilot with experience as an executive in various industries. In this episode… Training and engaging the frontline workforce is part of increasing the overall performance of a company. But do you have the expertise, platform, or tools to streamline the training process and make it more efficient and effective? Frontline employees are often the face of the company and are responsible for delivering the first impression to customers. Therefore, receiving the necessary training to perform their duties effectively is crucial. However, many managers struggle to train their frontline employees for various reasons, including a lack of time, resources, expertise, different backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets. Eran Heffetz recommends hiring someone who offers the ultimate solution for training, communications, and engaging the frontline workforce. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz is joined by Eran Heffetz, Co-founder and CEO of Bites, to discuss how companies can efficiently and effectively train their frontline employees. Eran talks about Bites, why he built a tech-based training platform for frontline employees, its business and pricing models, and customer success stories.

Cole Schaefer is the Co-founder of SMACKIN’ Sunflower Seeds, jumbo-flavored sunflower seeds roasted and seasoned to perfection. He is a self-starting college entrepreneur dedicated to creating products and services that improve the lives of others. Previously, Cole served as the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Blueprint Brands, a Venture Capital Analyst at Atland Ventures, and a Digital Marketer at Homi Inc. He holds a BS in marketing from the University of Minnesota.   In this episode… Are you a fan of sunflower seeds? Are you interested in finding sunflower seeds that offer unique and delicious flavors?  Sunflowers contain healthy fats, essential plant compounds, and several vitamins and minerals that can help reduce the risk of common health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and cholesterol. Sunflower seeds are becoming increasingly popular for snacking straight from the bag, in trail mix, multi-grain bread, and nutrition bars. However, finding unique and delicious flavors can be a challenge. This propelled Cole Schaefer to create a brand of better-tasting and better-for-you sunflower seed snacks people can enjoy.  In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Cole Schaefer, Co-founder of SMACKIN’ Sunflower Seeds, to share his entrepreneurial journey in creating a sunflower seeds brand. Cole talks about SMACKIN’, the evolution of its products, tips for growing your online presence as a brand, and the challenges he faced.

Grace Erickson is the CEO of Zing Bars, a chocolate brand that creates nourishing wellness bars for health-conscious consumers. She has a wealth of experience in general management, marketing, operations, accounting and finance, and HR/IT. Grace has a proven track record of creating, planning, and building processes, metrics, and projects for small and medium businesses. She also serves on the board of directors at American Licorice Company.  In this episode… Do you have a sweet tooth for chocolate? As a mindful nosher, where can you get healthy and delicious chocolate bars you can enjoy? Nowadays, people are becoming cautious of what they consume. Health-conscious snackers are increasingly seeking nutrient-dense snacks. However, most of the available healthy snacks are less tasty. Grace Erickson shares their journey of creating wellness bars that are low-glycemic and free from wheat, gluten, soy, and any artificial ingredients or additives to provide a tasty and satisfying snack that's perfect for people on the go. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Grace Erickson, CEO of Zing Bars, to discuss their nourishing wellness chocolate bars. Grace talks about Zing Bars' process of creating healthy nutrition bars with tasty flavors, its rebranding journey, and the challenges it faced during the pandemic.

Christopher Warman Sr. is the CEO of Chocolate Moonshine, a gourmet fudge, chocolate, and hand-painted truffle bar manufacturer. Using traditional cooking methods, Chocolate Moonshine uses French and Belgian chocolate, Madagascar vanilla, and pure sugar cane ingredients to make delicious confections. Chris began a career in confectionery in 1983 and has since been recognized as a leader in the fudge category. He also has over three decades of experience in manufacturing, retail, and wholesale distribution. In this episode… Do you have a sweet tooth for chocolate? Are you looking for the best places to buy delicious fudge and chocolate? Despite the growing awareness of potential health issues, people still crave delicious food. For chocolate lovers, Christopher Warman Sr. recommends purchasing confections from brands that prioritize healthy, pure, and fresh ingredients in their fudges. He shares his journey of becoming a leading figure in the gourmet fudge and truffle bar industry. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Christopher Warman Sr., CEO of Chocolate Moonshine, about his journey as a gourmet fudge and chocolate manufacturer. Chris talks about Chocolate Moonshine, its alcohol-infused and non-alcoholic products, and the challenges he faced in his entrepreneurial journey.

Shane Robbins is the Owner of Bulk Wild Bison, a brand that produces high-quality bison meat that's healthy and incredibly tasty. He is an industry expert in bison production and spends most of his time caring for his herds. Before Bulk Wild Bison, Shane worked for Coca-Cola as a merchandiser salesperson for 15 years.  Michael Goldstein is the Co-founder and President of Shrewd Food, a brand that offers hi-protein, low-carb, low-fat, and keto-friendly snacks across the globe. He is a dynamic, multi-faceted professional and leader with over 25 years of experience in product development, commercialization, co-packing, global key account sales management, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning. Michael is also a partner at Clever Cookie Corp and has a culinary and pastry background that adds to his resourceful executive skills. In this episode… Are you aspiring to be an entrepreneur in the food and beverage industry? What can you learn from experts to help you thrive in this space?  Starting a food brand can be both exciting and challenging. With the market already saturated with different brands, it can be difficult to stand out and make a name for yourself. However, with the right strategy, you can overcome these challenges and grow your brand. Shane Robbins and Michael Goldstein share how they are scaling their food brands by attending exhibitions like the Sweets and Snacks Expo. They recommend them as the ideal platforms for food businesses to showcase their products, interact with potential customers, and network with other industry players. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz welcomes Shane Robbins, Owner of Bulk Wild Bison, and Michael Goldstein, Co-founder and President of Shrewd Food, to discuss their entrepreneurial journey in the food industry. They explain how they started their companies, their product and flavor evolution, the challenges they've faced growing their brands, and the value of attending expos.

Carly Schildhaus is the Director of Public Affairs and Communications at the National Confectioners Association, the leading trade organization representing the US confectionery industry. The association promotes the unique role of chocolate, candy, gum, and mints in a happy and balanced lifestyle. Previously, Carly worked as an Associate Director of Development at The George Washington University, but now she serves as an outside reader. She holds an MA in media and public affairs from The George Washington University.  Theresa Bostic is the Co-founder of Kayla's Italian Ice, a brand that provides premium frozen desserts that are gluten, dairy, and soy-free, made with cane sugar. Her role in the company includes providing leadership development in business and training for potential franchise owners. Theresa also serves as an OE (Operating Experience) Trainer and Brand Ambassador of Delta Air Lines. She holds a bachelor's degree in human resources and an MBA in project management from Brenau University.  Allison Lin is the Co-founder and COO at Like Air, a family-run brand that makes delicious and gluten-free puffcorn that melts in your mouth. Before Like Air, she was a Global Product Owner at HSBC. Allison holds a master's degree in international relations from the University of Nicosia and a BS in foreign service from Georgetown University. Tessa Porter is the Founder of Norma's Snacks, a brand that offers a range of natural fruity snacks for those who crave something delicious. With a background as a candy scientist and R&D leader, she has a proven track record of success in the CPG industry. Tessa is also the Owner of Sprinkk, a candy development business supporting confectioners from idea to manufacturing. In this episode… Are you an entrepreneur in the snack and candy industry? Where can you get the secrets to thrive in this space?  The snack and candy industry is a highly competitive market constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of consumers. With so many brands vying for attention, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd. That's where the Sweets and Snacks Expo comes in. Learn how this event is the perfect opportunity for brands in the snack and candy industry to showcase their products and connect with potential customers.  In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Carly Schildhaus, Theresa Bostic, Allison Lin, and Tessa Porter as they showcase their brands and products at the Sweets and Snacks Expo. They share their brands' genesis stories, snacks and candy trends, the challenges they've encountered, and their proudest moments growing their brands.

David Staley is the Co-founder and President of Digible, a company providing advanced digital marketing and technology solutions for the multifamily housing industry. He has extensive experience in digital strategy, has built businesses from the ground up at three start-up companies, and has led digital strategy initiatives for Hearst, Verizon, and Digital First Media. David has worked with some of the largest multifamily portfolios in the industry to develop digital solutions that not only drive leasing velocity but also increase NOI. He has been recognized for several prestigious awards, including the 2021 Top Workplace Awards, AdWeek's Fastest Growing Company, and the Guinness Book of World Records for the Greatest Distance Run on a Treadmill in 12 Hours. Reid Wicoff is the Co-founder and CEO of Digible. He has rich expertise in digital media, organizational change, leadership development, and enterprise strategy. Before Digible, Reid held high-level leadership positions at several Fortune 500 companies, including CBS Radio, Cox Media Group, and Digital First Media. He has been recognized for several prestigious awards, including the 2021 Top Workplace Award, Adweek’s Fastest Growing Agency of 2021, and the Guinness Book of World Records for the Shortest Distance on a Treadmill in 12 hours. In this episode… Do you want to thrive in the multifamily housing industry? What can make you stand out? In today’s digitally driven world, effective tech and marketing strategies are essential for business growth. However, the efficacy of tech and marketing approaches applied varies by industry. Seasoned digital strategy professionals David Staley and Reid Wicoff share that for those in the multifamily housing industry, partnering with a marketing agency is vital for business growth. Marketing agencies cater to your company with an understanding of the unique needs and challenges of the multifamily housing space. They provide cutting-edge digital marketing and technology solutions exclusive to the industry, enhancing your success.  In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with David Staley and Reid Wicoff, Co-founders of Digible, to discuss their journey of building a tech and digital marketing agency in the multifamily housing industry. They talk about digital marketing solutions for apartment buildings, tech investment and outsourcing for real estate agencies, the experience of starting a business amidst legal challenges, and how they hire and maintain employees.

 Nir Zavaro is the Founder, CEO, and Chief of Happiness at Streetwise, an agency specializing in outsourced marketing services. Founded in 2011, the company has worked with hundreds of brands in Israel and abroad. Nir is a speaker and the author of F*ck the Slides. He is also a partner in a few ventures, a mentor in various accelerators, and a lecturer on branding, sales, marketing, and storytelling.  In this episode… In today's fast-paced digital landscape, it's more important than ever to have a strong brand story. But do you have what it takes to create a great story about your brand?  A good story can help you connect with your audience and differentiate your brand from the competition. However, crafting a compelling story is easier said than done. It requires a deep understanding of your target audience, your brand's values, and the emotions you want to evoke. Nir Zavaro says hiring an agency specializing in storytelling can make all the difference. They can help you craft a narrative that resonates with your audience, evoke emotion, and inspire actions. Don't underestimate the power of a great story — it can be the key to unlocking your brand's full potential. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Nir Zavaro, Founder and CEO of Streetwise, to discuss how brands can thrive through storytelling. Nir talks about the importance of storytelling, common mistakes people make with storytelling, storytelling techniques for effective communication, and how to create a three-minute pitch that sells. He also shares his thoughts about conflicts and wars and the dangers of hatred and propaganda in the media.

Scott Donnell is the Founder of GravyStack, the world's first gamified banking platform designed to help parents teach their kids and teens financial skills. He is also the Founder of Apex Leadership Co., a fundraising company developing fundraising plans that more effectively mobilize students and community members. His companies have equipped over six million kids nationwide with leadership, fitness, and financial competency skills.  Scott is also the Founder of Hapbee, a biotech company integrating physical fitness and mental wellness. He is a best-selling author of Value Creation Kid and hosts the Smart Money Parenting podcast, where he shares practical financial literacy tools for kids. In this episode… Are you worried about your child’s financial future? Do you want to equip your children with financial skills to help them grow into financially competent adults? You are not alone.  According to Scott Donnell, financial literacy and value creation expert, financial literacy skills prepare kids for their future. Financial literacy for kids and teens is at an all-time low as most schools do not teach money skills. Scott discovered that kids learn through play and healthy struggles. He shares his journey of creating an educational bank account app that plays as a game, teaching kids how to earn, save, spend, share, invest, and manage their money wisely. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Scott Donnell, Founder of GravyStack, to discuss how kids can achieve financial literacy. Scott talks about financial lessons from wealthy families that helped birth GravyStack, the three types of value creation, GravyStack’s 3Es home economy system, and the healthy struggles your children need to succeed.

Jon Tsourakis is the President and Chief Revenue Officer of Oyova, an application development and marketing agency specializing in integrating marketing and technology to create efficiencies and growth for clients. He also owns the Digital Mastermind Group, a community of digital agency owners and leaders who believe in the power of the mastermind concept to elevate the industry. Jon is a seasoned leader, strategist, and marketing expert whose entrepreneurial record includes having created two companies that averaged 4X ROI for businesses with branding and marketing models. He is extensively skilled in his industry and shines as a marketing strategist and sales developer. In this episode… Agencies and businesses need to stay relevant and competitive in order to thrive in today’s dynamic marketplace. How can you face market challenges and stand out as competition through your agency’s strategies? According to Jon Tsourakis, a seasoned marketing strategist and sales developer, hiring a team of experts specializing in custom software, marketing, development, and IT consulting services gives you a competitive edge. Experience and expertise in marketing and technology enable you to streamline your strategies, setting you apart from the competition. Jon shares his journey of building an application development and marketing agency that helps entrepreneurs enhance their businesses.  In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz welcomes Jon Tsourakis, President and Chief Revenue Officer of Oyova, to discuss how agencies thrive by integrating marketing and technology. Jon talks about the genesis of Oyova through a merger, the services they offer, growth-hindering mistakes that agencies make, and Oyova’s business and hiring models.