From founding the controversial alcoholic beverage Four Loko to becoming a leading entrepreneur in the better-for-you space, Chris Hunter has navigated an unconventional path to success. Now at the helm of Koia, a brand known for its plant-based protein drinks, Hunter has applied his entrepreneurial spirit to a new industry focused on health and wellness. In this interview, Hunter reflects on the lessons learned from his past ventures and how his unique background has led him to launch another category defining brand.

As the spirits industry navigates shifting consumer trends and evolving market landscapes, staying agile has become essential for growth, even for a company that is 137 years old.  I sat down with Paul Basford, President of William Grant & Sons USA, to discuss how this family-owned, independent company famous for brands such as Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin, and Milagro Tequila has adapted to change. In our discussion, Basford talks about their data-driven approach to regional shifts, the company’s commitment to core brands, and strategies for cultivating a strong, future-focused team culture.

Coming out of COVID, the non-alcoholic beverage had incredible tailwinds, supported by plentiful venture capital and strong consumer demand. Boisson capitalized on these trends, quickly expanding to 11 retail stores across the country and placing themselves at the heart of the non-alc industry. Things came to a sudden stop as the retailer shut their doors and declared bankruptcy in early 2024. I sat down with Boisson founder Nick Bodkins for his first interview since this sudden closure. In the interview, Bodkins, opens up about his journey through bankruptcy, restructuring, and the hard-won lessons of entrepreneurship during trying times.

Functional mushrooms are transforming the wellness industry, and at the forefront of this movement is Four Sigmatic, founded by Tero Isokauppila. A 13th-generation farmer from Finland, Isokauppila has pioneered mushroom-based products that blend tradition with modern wellness needs, building Four Sigmatic into the number one mushroom coffee and protein brand on the market. I sat down with Tero to discuss the challenges and insights behind building a new category, the importance of resilience and focus in scaling a sustainable business, and his vision for Four Sigmatic's future.

In a world where luxury and technology intersect, few are pioneering the fusion as deftly as the founders of Bezel. I sat down with Quaid Walker, a tech veteran turned watch enthusiast, to discuss how his team is reshaping the high-end watch market by marrying cutting-edge technology with timeless craftsmanship. In this interview, Walker reveals the challenges they’ve overcome, their unique approach to blending digital and physical experiences, and the passion driving their innovation in a niche industry.

The allure of Mexican traditions meets modern innovation in the vibrant world of tepache, a drink with ancient roots and a fresh, contemporary twist. I sat down with Alex Matthews, founder of De La Calle, to discuss his journey from curiosity to creation, bringing the authentic flavors of Mexico to the U.S. market. We delve into the challenges of introducing tepache to American consumers, the evolution of the brand, and the strategic decisions driving its future growth.

What started as a serendipitous discovery on a remote island in Thailand has blossomed into a mission to revolutionize how the world relaxes.  I sat down with Joe Demin, co-founder and Chief Relaxation Officer at Yellow Leaf Hammocks, to learn about the inspiring journey behind the brand.  We discussed the company’s humble beginnings, the challenges of scaling a socially conscious business, and the innovative strategies that are bringing comfort into homes and beyond.

Founded on a mission of fierce love by Stephanie Boone, Wondercide has evolved over 15 years to offer plant-powered pest control solutions to help families to “protect their pack.” I sat down with Brad Locke, who joined the company in 2023 as President.  We discussed maintaining the brand's core values, navigating market expansions, and the strategic importance of self-manufacturing in ensuring product quality and innovation.

PepsiCo is transforming how we think about beverages, pushing boundaries beyond the bottle. Greg Lyons, Chief Marketing Officer of PepsiCo's Beverages North America Portfolio, shares his insights on driving this innovation. In this interview, Lyons discusses embracing a challenger mindset, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, and expanding into new categories like functional and enhanced beverages.

The story of Ember began with a simple observation over breakfast: cold scrambled eggs. Fueled by his background in thermal science engineering and a penchant for innovation, Ember Founder and Chairman Clay Alexander embarked on a mission to revolutionize the way people eat, drink, and live. I sat down with Clay to learn more about his journey launching the world’s first temperature-controlled coffee mug, the global expansion of the business in partnership with Starbucks and Apple, and why he believes so strongly in entrepreneurs protecting their ideas.

In a dynamic landscape where consumer brands navigate ever-evolving markets, Camino Partners has emerged as a beacon of innovation and collaboration. I sat down with Elle Lanning, President of Camino Partners and veteran of KIND Snacks, to discuss the firm’s pioneering approach to investing and incubating emerging brands. From leveraging operational experience to championing values-driven partnerships, Lanning shared what inspired Camino to take a differentiated approach to consumer investment, guided by a commitment to sustainable growth and strategic innovation.