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 Tim Swindle, co-founder of Paddle Smash, shares his journey from selling a venture-backed software startup to LinkedIn to building and scaling consumer products. He discusses launching the game Utter Nonsense (later acquired by PlayMonster) and how Paddle Smash evolved from a rough prototype into a viral outdoor game through a year of R&D. He highlights key growth strategies, including a DTC-first launch, early retail success, and leveraging social media (75M+ views). Tim also covers operational challenges like seasonality, manufacturing shifts from China to Vietnam, and fulfillment through Amazon and third-party logistics. Additional insights include navigating Shark Tank exposure, dealing with copycats, building a remote contractor team, and his core advice: focus on product quality and take action quickly. 

Steve Adams, founder of TiCK MiTT, a patented reusable microfiber mitt designed to quickly and safely remove ticks from people and pets, inspired by his family’s experiences with Lyme disease. Steve shares his entrepreneurial journey from early hustle and real estate to building a celebrity-home construction firm and then acquiring Magnolia Bakery, scaling it from one shop to 35–40 locations across 14 countries before selling amid the pandemic and partnership disputes. He explains how TiCK MiTT was developed with a tick scientist and product engineer, how trade shows and retail distribution accelerated growth, and how his daughter Olivia now runs the company as CEO. Steve recounts their Shark Tank experience, key lessons on failure, integrity, partnerships, and the impact of tariffs on CPG economics. 

Debbie Quintana, founder of Jocelyn & Company, shares how she transitioned from 12+ years in corporate security at Cisco to building a gourmet foods and corporate gifting brand during COVID. Starting with limited capital, she grew the business to $1M in 11 months and $5M in 2022 by leveraging her network, scaling B2B gifting (now 80% of revenue), and using platforms like Faire. Debbie discusses managing cash flow, running a lean team, integrating AI into gifting, and preparing to scale toward $10M. 

 Adam Myhoob, founder of Nuts On the Run. Adam shares his entrepreneurial journey, which began with a successful restaurant business in Vancouver, Canada. He details how he transitioned into the e-commerce space with Nuts On the Run, a brand that offers premium, small batch roasted nuts and snacks. Adam discusses his philosophy of never compromising on quality, his unique product flavors, and the strategies he used to grow his business, including sampling and diversification into wholesale and online sales.

 Anthony Coussa, the founder of DadBod apparel, a family-owned lifestyle brand based out of Northern California. Anthony discusses his journey into entrepreneurship, the inspiration behind DadBod Apparel, and how he successfully created a niche market focused on dads maintaining fitness, fashion, and health while embracing parenthood. He shares the initial challenges, the strategies used to build a community and grow the brand, and the importance of maintaining brand identity. Anthony also delves into the intricacies of marketing, distribution, and scaling the business. Tune in to learn valuable insights from Anthony's experience and discover practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. 

Emma Rose Cohen, the innovative CEO and founder of Final Straw, on Treptalks. In this insightful episode, Emma shares her journey from being a ski bum to becoming a leading entrepreneur in the sustainability movement. She discusses how Final Straw, the pioneering reusable and collapsible straw, launched on Kickstarter and raised $1.8 million shortly after. Emma dives deep into the strategies she used to build her successful business, the challenges of targeting single-use plastics, and the lessons she learned along the way. Discover how she managed initial production hurdles, navigated virality, and her thoughts on the future of sustainability.  

Alex Stanford, the founder of St. Belford, a company specializing in lifestyle planners and journals designed to help individuals prioritize self-care, build healthier habits, and achieve personal growth. Alex shares her entrepreneurial journey, including her motivation behind starting the business in 2017 following personal burnout, and the unique features of St. Belford planners that differentiate them from others in the market. She discusses the design and manufacturing processes, the challenges faced during the initial launch, and the strategies used to market the product successfully. Alex also highlights the company’s expansion into the U.S. market and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy profit margin. The episode delves deeply into the struggles and triumphs of running a seasonal e-commerce business focused on wellness and productivity.

Mai Tran, the founder of Cavology, a Canadian-based lifestyle brand specializing in fashionable and functional accessories for dogs and their owners. Mai shares her inspiring journey from practicing law to becoming an entrepreneur in the pet industry. She discusses the development and growth of her brand, the strategies and tactics used to build an audience and scale the business, and the challenges faced along the way

 Nathan Rothstein, founder of Project Repat. Nathan shares the story of how Project Repat started in 2012 to convert customers' memorable t-shirts into high-quality quilts. Discussing his entrepreneurial journey, Nathan reveals the initial inspiration, challenges faced, and strategies used to scale the business to an eight-figure enterprise. 

 Joanne Liscano, the Chief Executive Officer of On-Air Parking. Joanne shares her inspiring journey from working at American Airlines to becoming the CEO of a travel technology company. She discusses the challenges of balancing family life with a professional career and how she utilized her skills to climb the ranks within On-Air Parking. Joanne also talks about the company's innovative business model, their expansion plans, and the role of modern technologies like AI in their operations. 

Bob Healey, founder and inventor of GrillBlazer. Bob shares his fascinating journey from frustration with low-quality propane torches to creating the innovative Grill Gun. He discusses the challenges and strategies he employed to take his idea from concept to market. Bob explains the importance of hands-on design, navigating manufacturing hurdles, and leveraging Kickstarter for success. Tune in to learn how Bob turned his passion into a thriving business and created a new product category in culinary torches.

Arpit Aryan Gupta, the partner and new business development head of NG Apparels. Arpit shares insights about his journey as a fourth-generation entrepreneur in the textile industry. He discusses the history and evolution of NG Apparels, an India-based custom and sustainable clothing manufacturer utilizing ethical and fair trade practices. Gain valuable entrepreneurial lessons, understand the textile manufacturing process, and discover how NG Apparels stands out in a competitive market. If you're an entrepreneur or interested in the apparel industry, you won't want to miss this inspiring conversation.

Andy Sartori, the founder of MealPro. Andy shares his entrepreneurial journey, which began with a passion for healthy eating and evolved into a successful e-commerce business that delivers nutritious meals to busy professionals and individuals with specific dietary needs. He discusses the strategic challenges and steps he took, including vertical integration, leveraging constraints, and focusing on customer retention over aggressive marketing. Discover Andy's insights on maintaining quality, managing logistics across the nation, and his cautious approach to adopting new technologies.

John Roman, founder of BattlBox, a monthly subscription service offering handpicked outdoor survival gear. John shares his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the inception of BattlBox, the strategies and tactics used to grow the business, and the significant milestones along the way. He also discusses the challenges of operating a subscription model, the importance of content and influencer marketing, and the lessons learned from his business experiences. Tune in to discover insights on building a thriving e-commerce brand, the evolution of BattlBox, and tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Lindzi Shanks, co-founder of XO Marshmallow, a gourmet marshmallow e-commerce company based in Chicago. Lindzi shares the fascinating journey of starting XO Marshmallow with just $200 and growing it into a multi-million dollar business. She delves into how the idea for custom-flavored marshmallows was born, the power of social media in their success, and their innovative products. Lindzi also discusses the challenges of scaling a food business, the importance of having the right people, and her vision for the company’s future. Tune in for valuable insights and the inspiring story of entrepreneurship.