Hey Brand Builders,If you’ve ever wondered how anyone actually scales a biotech company in one of the most regulated, complex industries on earth — without venture capital and big-pharma profit pressure — this episode is for you.I’m sitting down with Eric Moyal, Founder and Executive Director of Project Insulin, a nonprofit on a mission to produce its own generic insulin and sell it directly to patients at cost. No price gouging, no games with insurance, and a clear focus on the 1.3 million Americans who are currently rationing their insulin.We get into:• How Eric’s journey as a professional nonprofit fundraiser and his sister’s rare illness pushed him into health equity work• The moment he realized insulin hasn’t meaningfully changed in 30 years — but the price has• What it really takes (time, money, and emotional stamina) to develop a biosimilar drug from scratch• Why he chose a nonprofit model over a traditional startup• How LinkedIn and intentional networking literally built the foundation for Project Insulin• The mindset shift founders need when they’re building something that might take 5–10 years to fully materializeIf you’re building anything in biotech, health equity, regulated industries, or long-timeline ventures, this is a masterclass in patience, planning, and asking for help.________________________________________About Eric MoyalEric Moyal is the Founder and Executive Director of Project Insulin, a nonprofit working to produce a generic long-acting insulin and sell it directly to patients at cost, regardless of insurance status.He’s a professional nonprofit fundraiser, board member for a CRPS organization, and a deeply mission-driven founder with a background in higher-ed fundraising, health equity, and relationship-based capital raising.When he’s not grinding on drug development timelines, you can find him in spin class, eating Frosted Mini-Wheats, or demystifying LinkedIn for other founders.________________________________________Connect with Eric & Project Insulin• Website: projectinsulin.org• Email: emoyal@projectinsulin.org• Learn how to volunteer, host a fundraiser, or support their next phase of drug development on the site.________________________________________Chapters / Timestamps 0:00 – Intro: Why insulin access and health equity matter2:00 – Rapid Fire: Coffee vs tea, cereal, mornings, and spin class5:15 – Founder tools: LinkedIn, Monday, and staying out of procrastination mode7:00 – How Eric actually uses LinkedIn to build real relationships11:00 – “Professional fundraiser”: what that really means in the nonprofit world15:00 – Eric’s sister, rare illness, and learning the cost of healthcare the hard way18:30 – The Boston-to-Miami bike ride for awareness and fundraising22:30 – CRPS, TOS, and becoming a board member for a rare disease nonprofit24:30 – Meeting his partner with Type 1 diabetes and discovering insulin hasn’t changed in 30 years26:30 – The moment he realized insulin is a money problem, not a science problem27:30 – What Project Insulin actually does and how the model works30:30 – Cutting out the middlemen: pharma, PBMs, wholesalers, and insurance35:00 – From U.S. launch to global impact: regulatory pathways and ambitions36:30 – Who Project Insulin is really for: the 1.3M Americans rationing insulin39:00 – Access, awareness, and partnerships with clinics, FQHCs, VA, and ADA43:00 – Eric’s 3-month, 6-month, and 3-year roadmap for drug development and fundraising47:00 – What he wishes he’d known earlier (and why he’d still start with networking)51:00 – Burnout, LinkedIn comparison, and the lie that “everyone else is winning”55:00 – “Nobody cares” (in the best way): why you should still celebrate your small wins57:00 – Who Eric needs to meet next: health equity funders, operations leaders, and volunteers1:00:00 – Dana’s closing + how to support Project Insulin and The Brand Blueprint________________________________________
For SeedSpot Special Ep. 2, we’re joined by Logan Cuvo — Founder & CEO of Best Dam Tape — to unpack how a niche performance brand can scale from equipment rooms to big-box retail. Logan shares the exact steps behind his B2B-first traction with NCAA and pro teams, then walks through his retail-readiness plan: Walmart.com KPIs, Open Call prep, packaging/UPCs, EDI, 3PL, and PO financing.We cover channel selection (DTC vs. retail vs. B2B), forecasting for first ships, why retail-ready packaging matters, and how to bring buyers hard data instead of hype. If you’ve ever wondered how to take a specialty product into national distribution the right way, this is your playbook.What you’ll learn:• How B2B team sales (NCAA/NHL) can accelerate early volume and validation• Turning online KPIs into in-aisle confidence for buyers (walmart.com → stores)• Retail readiness: UPCs, EDI, 3PL selection, line capacity, PO financing• Packaging essentials: retail-ready vs. raw product, and when to upgrade• Regional launch logic: why concentration beats nationwide out-of-the-gate• Founder soft skills: relationships, distributor readiness, and manufacturing visitsChapters:• 00:00 Intro — SeedSpot Special• 02:00 Rapid-Fire: routines, sports, early retail memory• 08:00 Origin story & brand naming conviction• 12:00 B2B traction with NCAA/NHL (equipment managers & players)• 15:00 Retail strategy: walmart.com KPIs → Open Call• 20:00 Marketing budget, merchandising, and point-of-sale needs• 22:00 Regional launch logic vs. nationwide• 24:00 Product lineup: clear tape, cloth tape, scented beeswax• 31:00 UPCs, EDI & retail-ready packaging• 36:00 Manufacturing relationships, line capacity & 3PL lessons• 44:00 Global vision & distribution (Canada, UK, Sweden)• 47:00 How to choose channels: DTC, B2B, or retailFollow & Subscribe: Apple • Spotify • YouTube#SeedSpotSpecial #BrandBlueprintSales #CPG #RetailStrategy #WalmartOpenCall #Hockey #BestDamTape
We’re back from fall break! 🎉 After a 5–6 week reset, The Brand Blueprint returns with a special Seed Spot Founder Series rolling out over the next several weeks. We’re kicking it off with Tristan Gandolfi, VP of Programming at Seed Spot, to unpack what actually gets founders retail-ready: data-driven storytelling, buyer psychology, live buyer simulations, and non-dilutive support that turns proof into POs.In this episode (Capsule 6 | Sales & Distribution):• Why buyer pitches must lead with data (velocity, margin, trend fit)• How to make a buyer’s job easy (answer their questions before they ask)• DTC → regional → chain: building your proof trail• Why “Shark Tank pitches” ≠ buyer pitches• Seed Spot’s national programming, mentor network, and outcomes• New Seed Spot Emerging Brand cohort for pre-buyer founders00:00 We’re back from fall break + Seed Spot Series kickoff01:00 Why Sales & Distribution matter (Dana’s Big CPG background)02:18 Rapid Fire + Midwest ↔ AZ life10:58 What Seed Spot is & why it’s different15:40 Going national/virtual: access anywhere22:10 Why the Retail Accelerator (who it serves)25:10 NEW “Emerging Brand” cohort (pre-buyer)28:05 Data > drama: the buyer’s POV31:05 Iterating curriculum to real founder needs33:15 Live buyer simulations (why they work)39:15 Build a buyer-ready, data-driven deck46:10 Adapting to category shifts (Ozempic effect)47:30 KPIs & outcomes: tracking success53:05 Making mentor meetings high-ROI54:20 Other Seed Spot tracks (nonprofit, health equity, spring training)58:05 Spanish/English programming59:30 How to evaluate accelerators (equity vs non-dilutive)1:03:15 What’s next in the Seed Spot Founder SeriesSupport the show✅Subscribe on YouTube + hit the bell⭐Rate & review on Apple/Spotify💬Comment with your biggest takeaway🔗Share this with a founder who’s going retail
Capsule 6 is here—and we’re zeroing in on the most under-praised growth engine in CPG: sales & distribution. In this 8-minute kickoff, host Dana Ammons (PepsiCo, Colgate-Palmolive, SC Johnson, P&G) breaks down why shelf strategy and channel selection beat flashy ads every time, and how founders can turn data + story into retail velocity. You’ll hear the four pillars we’ll explore this capsule—channel selection, pitch design, supply chain & margins, and scalable rollouts—plus a preview of featured founders (like Black Girl Tamales and Best Dam Tape) and a special Seed Spot mini-series. Leave with a short action plan to map your channels, tune your pitch, and test regional pilots. Subscribe, rate, and share—then meet us at the shelf.________________________________________Chapters0:00 Cold open0:18 Welcome to Capsule 60:55 Why sales & distribution drive growth1:28 Big-brand lessons (PepsiCo, Colgate-Palmolive, SC Johnson, P&G)3:02 Capsule focus & featured founders 3:58 Pillar 1 — Channel selection (DTC, retail, hybrid)4:28 Pillar 2 — Data-driven pitch design for buyers4:58 Pillar 3 — Supply chain, 3PL, margins & first ships5:26 Pillar 4 — Scale plans, regional pilots & resets5:58 How to apply this capsule (action steps)6:48 Community + how to engage (LinkedIn, IG, hashtag)7:18 Coaching invite & closingAction Checklist• Map channels: DTC, marketplaces, regional retail, independents• Build a buyer-ready one-pager: Data + Story + Sample• Forecast & margin map: pricing, promo guardrails, first-ship readiness• Pilot smart: regional test + co-op plan + velocity KPIs
Founders: before you launch, run your plan through desirability, viability, feasibility—then measure velocity like your business depends on it. In this episode, Kaushik Boruah (Business Head, CPG & Hospitality at LatentView Analytics) breaks down how to pick the right channel (DTC vs. retail), what to track after launch, and how to use AI as a force multiplier—not a crutch.Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:15 Desirability–Viability–Feasibility framework 07:40 Velocity & distribution: what retailers look for 15:10 AI as a tool (and why judgment matters) 22:35 Building dashboards that drive sell-through29:00 What’s next: agents “working for founders” 👉 Subscribe to The Brand Blueprint for more founder playbooks.#SalesStrategy #Distribution #CPG #Retail #DTC #AI #LatentView #TheBrandBlueprint
How do you scale social across Europe without losing the plot? VeraContent CEO Shaheen Samavati explains how her team builds multi‑market strategies, localizes content with native speakers, and sets KPIs before expansion. We cover team structure, platform differences, and when to use AI.Chapters:00:00 Welcome & capsule context01:15 Rapid fire warm‑up02:30 Spain blackout story & working across cities08:00 Shaheen’s path & VeraContent’s origin12:30 First 10‑market social client18:00 Editorial vs. social; platforms24:00 Why 3+ markets26:00 Europe ≠ one market31:30 U.S. brand missteps33:30 KPIs before scaling38:00 Workflows & research44:00 AI + human52:00 Expansion playbook56:00 Takeaways & closingSubscribe for more founder stories and brand playbooks.🎧 Listen everywhere: thebrandblueprint.biz💼 VeraContent: veracontent.com
In this in-depth episode of The Brand Blueprint, host Dana Ammons sits down with Nazr El-Scari, the visionary founder and CEO of Solecit, a next-generation fashion-tech platform delivering personalized styling and outfit inspiration. Nazr’s entrepreneurial journey began in Kansas City, where as a teenager he scaled a sneaker-resale hustle—flipping limited-edition Jordans—to learn the irreplaceable power of customer trust and the limits of resale margins alone.While studying entrepreneurship at Lehigh University, Nazr realized that sustainable, scalable brands require more than passion—they demand product-market fit, sound unit economics, and a defensible value proposition. After graduating, he combined hundreds of user interviews, key lessons from a stint at Warby Parker, and community-driven research to launch Solecit’s MVP: live virtual styling consultations paired with data-driven outfit boards. His mission today is to help people feel confident in what they already own, reduce fashion waste, and democratize expert styling for all body types.A pivotal chapter in Nazr’s story came when he joined the CIC Impact Accelerator, learning to choose “fit over fame” in program selection. CIC mentors sharpened his go-to-market strategy, challenged him to expand beyond footwear into sustainable apparel, and guided the integration of data-driven personalization into Solecit’s roadmap. Now, Solecit blends proprietary algorithms with human insight to recommend complete, shoppable outfits—offering both aspirational style and real-world sustainability.Whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, Nazr’s journey is packed with actionable insights on:• Building and monetizing community trust• Crafting a data-driven personalization engine• Selecting accelerators and partners that match your stage• Scaling a hybrid human + technology styling process• Driving sustainable growth by encouraging purchase-less confidenceTune in for a masterclass in combining hustle, heart, and hard data to build a purpose-driven fashion-tech brand.________________________________________Show Notes & Timeline:00:00 – Welcome to The Brand Blueprint00:35 – Meet Nazr El-Scari: From Sneaker Reseller to Fashion-Tech Founder02:10 – Rapid-Fire: Coffee Routine & First Business Lessons05:00 – Early Hustle: Scaling Jordan 11 Flips & Trust Building08:20 – College Pivot: From Resale Margins to Real-World Brand Fit11:45 – Solecit MVP: Virtual Styling & Wardrobe Rediscovery14:30 – CIC Impact: Choosing “Fit” Over Fame in Accelerators17:15 – Sustainable Style: Encouraging Purchase-Less Confidence20:00 – Data-Driven Personalization: Surveys, Segments & Scaling23:10 – Tech Stack: Balancing Human Insight & Automation26:00 – Growth Tactics: Community Referrals & Strategic Partnerships29:30 – Founder Advice: Embrace Feedback, Iterate Rapidly32:45 – Final Reflections & Next Steps for Solecit________________________________________Key Resources & Links:– Solecit platform & waitlist → https://Solecit.co/– Nazr El-Scari on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/nazrelescari/– CIC Impact Accelerator → https://cic.com/accelerator– Subscribe to The Brand Blueprint → https://www.youtube.com/@brandblueprintpodcast– Read the full blog post → https://www.thebrandblueprint.biz________________________________________Hashtags:#TheBrandBlueprint #FashionTech #SustainableStyle #Solecit #NazrElScari #CICAccelerator #PersonalStyling #StartupStory
In this episode of The Brand Blueprint, host Dana Ammons chats with John Gargiulo—co-founder & CEO of ReadySet and creator of AirPost.ai—about the future of direct-to-consumer marketing driven by AI-powered user-generated content (UGC).John walks us through his journey from Miami Ad School to scaling Airbnb’s growth engine, then launching ReadySet to help DTC brands automate and amplify authentic video ads. He reveals how voice-prompted briefs and autonomouscreative assembly can move brands from testing just 3 ads per month to hundreds per day, all while maintaining the human touch that resonates with consumers.Along the way, John shares real-world case studies, the two metrics every founder must track, and practical steps for integrating AI into your paid‐social workflow. If you manage paid social—whether you’re spending $5 K or $500 K permonth—this episode will show you how to leverage AI + UGC to unlock exponentialgrowth.Show Notes & Timeline:00:00 – Welcome to The Brand Blueprint00:30 – Guest Intro: John Gargiulo, ReadySet & AirPost.ai02:20 – Rapid-Fire: Coffee Rituals & Favorite AI Tools05:10 – From Miami Ad School to Airbnb Growth Team08:45 – The Birth of ReadySet: Solving DTC Creative Bottlenecks12:15 – Voice-Dictated Briefs: How to Feed AI Rich Brand Context15:30 – UGC vs. Polished Ads: Why Authenticity Wins18:50 – Case Study: Scaling from 3 Ads/Month to 300 Ads/Day22:40 – Key KPIs: Client Acceptance Rate & Cost-per-Acquisition26:10 – Integrating AirPost.ai: Steps to Automate Your Video Pipeline29:55 – Avoiding Creative Fatigue: Continuous AI-Powered Testing33:20 – The Future of AI in Advertising: Where Do We Go Next?36:45 – Founder Advice: Embrace Iteration, Measure What Matters40:00 – Final Thoughts & How to Connect with JohnKey Resources &Links:• ReadySet Website → https://readyset.co/• AirPost.ai Platform → https://airpost.ai/• Connect with John on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gargiulo/• The Brand Blueprint Podcast → https://www.thebrandblueprint.biz—▶️ Subscribe for cutting-edgefounder interviews:https://www.youtube.com/@brandblueprintpodcast#TheBrandBlueprint#AIPoweredUGC #DTCMarketing #JohnGargiulo #ReadySet #AirPostAI #GrowthHacking
In this episode of The Brand Blueprint, host Dana Ammons sits down with Deanna DeFelice, founder of Ovease—a breakthrough brand that’s changing the way people treat chronic period pain. Deanna shares her personal journey from Kansas City to Boston and back, how her own struggles with endometriosis led her to create Ovease, and why personalized nutrition is the next frontier in menstrual health.🔑 Episode Highlights:00:00 – Welcome to The Brand Blueprint00:45 – Introducing Deanna DeFelice: From Kansas City to Boston and Back02:20 – Rapid Fire Questions: Favorite Comfort Food, Best Productivity Hack, and More05:00 – Deanna’s Personal Journey with Chronic Period Pain07:45 – What is Ovease and Why It’s Different from Other Period Products11:10 – From Patient to Founder: How Deanna Built a Health Brand from Scratch14:35 – The Power of CIC’s Social Impact Accelerator and Mentorship Network18:20 – Why Personalized, Nutrition-Based Solutions Matter22:00 – What Founders Can Learn from Listening to Their Bodies and Audiences25:40 – Ovease Product Line, R&D, and Future Vision30:00 – Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Deanna and Ovease📌 Key Takeaways for Founders:- Solve for real pain: Ovease was built out of necessity—proof that the best innovations come from lived experience.- Don’t overlook community: CIC’s accelerator and Boston’s ecosystem gave Deanna tools and mentorship she couldn’t find elsewhere.- Talk to your customers early and often: Deanna credits direct user feedback for key pivots in her product development.- Trust your gut—literally: Your own body’s signals might be the roadmap to your best ideas.📺 Watch the full episode now at https://youtu.be/EljMz0nC6HsFollow Deanna and learn more about Ovease at www.ovease.com or @oveaselife on Instagram.#TheBrandBlueprint #Ovease #DeannaDeFelice #PeriodPainRelief #MenstrualHealth #WomenInHealthTech #StartupStory #SocialImpactStartups #FounderJourney
Welcome to our Brand Blueprint × CIC Special Series—today’s episode goes behind the scenes with CIC’s program managers, Kat Lazell & Sam Garcia. Learn how they power a global “passport” network, champion equity education, curate diverse cohorts, and sequence funding to lift founders worldwide.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: The Brand Blueprint × CIC Special Series kicks off00:45 – CIC’s Global Footprint: Why one card unlocks every campus02:15 – Cohort Diversity: Mixing sectors for breakthrough innovation04:00 – Facing Political Scrutiny: Articulating CIC’s mission and impact05:30 – Equity Reimagined: Teaching founders to wield capital wisely07:25 – Funding Pathways: Banks → Angels → Revenue Finance → Grants → PitchContests09:15 – Rising Tide Philosophy: Community practices that amplify success11:00 – Closing Reflections: Keys to applying CIC’s model to your ventureConnect with CIC:🌐 cic.com | 🔗 linkedin.com/company/cic | 📸 @cic_innovation
In this episode of The Brand Blueprint, host Dana Ammons sits down with serial entrepreneur Kam Price to explore how he’s built multiple purpose-driven ventures—ranging from youth transport in social services to Supreme Water convenience retail to Hesperia streetwear—without an MBA. Kam shares the grit behind his success: a relentless work ethic, learning from “haters,” and balancing fatherhood of 11 with fast-paced entrepreneurship. You’ll also hear insider insights on the trucking industry, pivot strategies, and how community empathy informs every new business. Tune in for a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and the mindset that fuels serial founders.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to The Brand Blueprint00:28 – Meet Kam Price: From Group Homes to Streetwear01:40 – Rapid Fire: Kam’s Favorites & Daily Rituals03:17 – Fitness, Family & Foundational Routines07:39 – Early Hustles: Youth Transport & Social Services10:30 – Visionary Goals: Building a Social Impact PAC14:51 – Overcoming Challenges in Social Services19:34 – Transition to Convenience Retail: Supreme Water30:47 – Expanding the Portfolio: Side Gigs & Trucking31:24 – Streetwear Appeal: Launching Hesperia32:33 – Trucking Business Deep Dive & Margin Tips35:27 – Advice for Aspiring Trucking Entrepreneurs42:04 – Universal Lessons for Every Founder51:02 – Balancing Entrepreneurship & Fatherhood55:31 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next for Kam Price🔗 Watch the full video & read complete show notes:https://youtu.be/b_4xNQ0I12o#SerialEntrepreneurship #PurposeDriven #KamPrice #TheBrandBlueprint #NoMBA #PivotStrategy #FamilyBusiness #StartupLessons
Ready to break free from burnout and unlock your highest potential? In this special Brand Blueprint episode, Dana Ammons sits down with Dr. Murray Heber, founder of MH Elevate and creator of Flow OS, to dive into the neuroscience of flow states, high performance, and brand-building. Learn how to stop "shoulding" yourself, rewire your brain for success, and maximize your creativity and decision-making power. Whether you're a founder, entrepreneur, or leader, this episode will give you the mental edge you've been searching for.▶️ Subscribe now for more real, unfiltered insights for brand builders:https://www.youtube.com/@brandblueprintpodcast________________________________________Timestamps:00:00 — Intro: Why Flow States Matter for Brand Builders01:30 — Meet Dr. Murray Heber: From Olympic Athletes to Entrepreneurs04:15 — Rapid Fire: Coffee, Cycling, and Favorite Places to Travel07:00 — Dr. Heber’s Origin Story: From Injury to Peak Performance Science10:30 — What is a Flow State (and Why You Need It)?14:00 — How Top Performers Tap Flow (Without Even Knowing It)17:15 — Why Grinding Harder Doesn’t Lead to Breakthroughs19:00 — Neurochemicals Behind Flow: Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Anandamide22:30 — Cortisol, Choking, and Avoiding Burnout27:00 — How Loss of Autonomy Leads to Founder Burnout30:15 — Flow OS: A Neuroscience-Driven Path to Peak Productivity35:00 — Feedback Loops and Why Entrepreneurs Must Build Them39:00 — Why "Shoulding" Yourself Destroys Focus44:00 — Small Practical Changes to Start Tapping Flow Today49:00 — Final Advice from Dr. Heber: Focus, Freedom, and Flow53:00 — How to Connect with Dr. Heber and Explore Flow OS________________________________________Guest Information:Dr. Murray HeberFounder of MH Elevate | Creator of Flow OSWebsite: https://www.mh-elevate.comEmail: drheber@mh-elevate.comInstagram: @mh.elevate________________________________________Follow The Brand Blueprint:Website: https://www.thebrandblueprint.bizYouTube Channel: Subscribe HereSpotify: Listen HereInstagram: @brandblueprintpodcast________________________________________Like what you hear?✅ Subscribe✅ Leave a comment✅ Share this episode with a fellow founder or brand builder!
In this episode of The Brand Blueprint, host Dana Ammons speaks with Kirti Madhu, a trailblazing college founder and medical sciences major at Saint Louis University, who is transforming the way we think about addiction recovery and prevention.At just 21 years old, Kirti is building Safe Use Solutions, a wearable + app system that detects early signs of substance abuse and overdose. Her journey is personal, courageous, and deeply inspiring.✅ Learn how Kirti turned insight into invention✅ Why listening to real users changed her product✅ What founders can learn about building for impact✅ How incubators like CIC and SLU Launch accelerated her startup✅ Advice for students & first-time founders balancing it allTimestamps:00:00 – Welcome + Episode Intro02:00 – Meet Kirti: Coffee, Cities, and Organizing Like a Pro07:00 – Why She Chose Resilience as Her Entrepreneur Word10:00 – The Start of Her Journey: Teen Institute & PreventEd14:00 – Working with Incarcerated Women & Recovery Stories18:00 – The Birth of Safe Use Solutions22:00 – Pivoting the Product Based on Real-World Feedback28:00 – Partnerships, Prevention, and Access33:00 – Why CIC's Social Impact Cohort Matters35:00 – Kirti’s Advice to Young Founders37:00 – Final Thoughts & How to Connect with KirtiConnect with Kirti Madhu:🌐 https://safeusesolutions.org📧 kirti.madhu@slu.edu🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kirti-madhu
Join Dana Ammons on this episode of the Brand Blueprint Podcast as he dives into the vibrant world of branding and business strategy for women's professional hockey with special guest, Krista Kirth. Krista, a seasoned sports agent and branding strategist, discusses her impressive career, the evolution of the PWHL, and the unique challenges faced by female athletes in establishing their personal brands. Learn about the critical importance of creating a brand bible, navigating sponsorships authentically, and lessons that founders can glean from athletic branding strategies. Don't miss this in-depth conversation packed with insights on elevating your brand to the next level.00:00 Introduction to the Brand Blueprint00:54 Introducing Krista Kirth: Shaping Women's Hockey03:53 Rapid Fire Questions with Krista04:10 The Coffee vs. Tea Debate08:12 Hockey Memories and Misconceptions About Sports Agents13:47 The Importance of Athlete Branding24:07 Krista's Journey to Becoming a Sports Agent28:23 Pathways in Men's Hockey29:08 Challenges in Women's Hockey30:16 Formation of the PWHL31:51 Expansion and Growth of the PWHL33:05 Transitioning Focus to Women's Hockey38:27 Building Personal Brands for Athletes42:30 Managing Influences and Brand Integrity47:46 The Importance of a Brand Bible55:36 Krista's Services and Final Thoughts
In this episode of The Brand Blueprint Podcast, host Dana Ammons sits down with Chris Cubba, the Chief Revenue Officer at Snipp, a leader in customer loyalty programs and promotional strategies. Chris brings over a decade of expertise in scaling businesses, helping brands enhance their customer engagement and retention. His insights into loyalty programs, the role of data in shaping marketing strategies, and the power of digital technology in building strong customer relationships make this episode an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs and business leaders.Chris dives deep into how businesses can leverage loyalty programs to drive growth, increase customer lifetime value, and build meaningful, long-term relationships with their audience. The conversation also covers the evolution of customer expectations, how businesses can stay ahead of the curve with loyalty technology, and practical strategies for implementing a loyalty program that works for both large enterprises and small businesses. Additionally, Chris shares his perspective on the importance of data in shaping effective marketing strategies and his experiences working with some of the world's top brands.The episode also includes a rapid-fire segment, providing a fun and engaging glimpse into Chris’s personal preferences and inspirations.________________________________________Show Notes Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to The Brand Blueprint00:22 - Meet Chris Cubba: Chief Revenue Officer at Snipp01:15 - Rapid Fire Questions with Chris04:03 - Chris’s Journey into the World of Loyalty Programs08:45 - The Power of Loyalty Programs in Customer Retention16:20 - Data-Driven Strategies for Loyalty and Marketing Success24:18 - How Technology is Shaping the Future of Loyalty Programs30:12 - Leveraging Digital Tools for Customer Engagement38:22 - Scaling Loyalty Programs for Businesses of All Sizes42:37 - Advice for Entrepreneurs Looking to Implement Loyalty Programs47:03 - Building Meaningful Customer Relationships53:12 - Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts57:45 - Call to Action and Future Insights59:02 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of the Brand Blueprint Podcast, host Dana Ammons sits down with Jeremy Chow, the founder of Tactus Technologies, a company focused on making music accessible to the deaf community through innovative wearable technology. Jeremy takes us through his inspiring journey, starting with middle school guitar lessons in Beijing, followed by his studies in engineering at Northeastern University, where he developed the initial prototype for Tactus. He shares valuable insights into the importance of partnerships, community engagement, and continuous feedback in product development. The conversation also touches on the global market potential for accessible technology, as well as Jeremy's upcoming endeavors in Hong Kong's vibrant startup ecosystem. Listeners will learn the critical role of curiosity and collaboration in entrepreneurship, especially when innovating in unfamiliar spaces.00:00 – Introduction to the Brand Blueprint00:29 – Meet Jeremy Chow: Founder of Tactus Technologies01:45 – Rapid Fire Segment: Getting to Know Jeremy09:56 – Jeremy's Journey: From Engineering to Tactus14:34 – The Science of Music and Engineering19:26 – Developing Wearable Technology for the Deaf Community27:02 – The Importance of Passion in Entrepreneurship27:35 – Finding the Right Business Idea29:15 – From Idea to Prototype30:50 – Iterating with User Feedback32:30 – Engaging with the Deaf Community35:50 – Deciding to Commercialize38:52 – Understanding the Market Opportunity43:04 – Global and International Implications44:40 – The Entrepreneurial Journey and Future Plans46:38 – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs51:34 – Conclusion and Contact Information
In this episode of The Brand Blueprint Podcast, host Dana Ammons engages in a compelling discussion with Sheila Phicil, the founder of the Compass Project. Sheila’s initiative leverages AI and blockchain technologies to address healthcare inequities and drive social impact. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare operations, Sheila shares her journey from advocating for underserved communities to pioneering a project that provides tools and frameworks for innovators. The conversation explores the importance of understanding patients' lived experiences, using technology for data sovereignty, and creating sustainable solutions in healthcare. The episode also features a rapid-fire segment to get to know Sheila better, touching upon her personal preferences, inspirations, and the significance of mentorship.00:00 - Introduction to The Brand Blueprint00:22 - Meet Sheila Phicil: Founder of the Compass Project01:31 - Rapid Fire Questions with Sheila04:18 - Sheila's Journey and Inspirations11:28 - The Compass Project: Vision and Impact24:25 - Mentorship and Public Health Pivot34:08 - Impact of System Dynamics on Understanding Social Issues35:31 - Cultural Shock and Racism in Boston38:53 - Navigating Public Health and Technology47:31 - Introduction to the Compass Project48:31 - Challenges in Healthcare Startups53:23 - Leveraging Blockchain and AI for Patient-Centered Solutions57:22 - Engaging Patients in the Design Process01:03:31 - Call to Action and Future Plans01:07:35 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of The Brand Blueprint Podcast, Cataanda James interviews Joy Ogunneye, a leading brand strategist who has worked with major beauty companies like L'Oreal and Aveeno. Joy shares her journey from the corporate world into brand innovation and talks about what it takes to create a brand that connects with audiences and stays true to your values.Joy discusses the importance of understanding your “why,” and how this clarity leads to authenticity in both personal and business branding. She highlights how focusing on consumer needs and fostering real connections is key to building a brand that thrives.In this episode, you’ll learn:The Importance of Personal Branding: How understanding your "why" can guide your career and your brand's evolution.Knowing Your Audience: Why understanding your consumers' needs is the cornerstone of successful brand development.Building Your Business Brand: How to ensure that your brand stays authentic and connected to your personal values.You Are the Secret Sauce: How your unique perspective and style will make your brand stand out in a crowded market.Timestamps:• 00:00: Introduction• 00:14: Rapid Fire Questions with Joy Ogunneye• 01:28: Joy's Journey: From Banking to Beauty• 05:05: Discovering Her "Why"• 06:00: The Power of Personal Branding• 07:45: The Importance of Understanding Your Audience• 10:15: You Are the Secret Sauce• 12:20: How Joy Brings Joy and Authenticity to Her Work• 15:40: The Process Behind Building a Brand• 18:00: Parenting Lessons for Branding• 20:15: Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs• 25:30: How to Stand Out in Today’s Market• 28:15: Joy’s Advice on Leading with Purpose• 30:00: Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up
Learn how Oatley’s bold, authentic marketing strategy helped them dominate the plant-based milk market, and how Peloton’s marketing failure provides crucial lessons in audience understanding and crisis management.