In this episode, Kamal Grant talks with Erica Bethe Levin, founder of Globowl, a baby food brand focused on providing healthy and flavorful options for children. Erica shares her entrepreneurial journey, driven by her experience as a mother looking to offer better food choices for her kids. The discussion covers:

• Diverse Flavors: Erica highlights the importance of introducing varied flavors early to help prevent picky eating.
• Sustainable Packaging: The challenges of creating eco-friendly packaging that aligns with the brand’s commitment to children's health.
• Reality TV Impact: Her appearance on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars boosted brand visibility and opened up new opportunities.
• Relationship Building: Erica underscores the importance of cultivating strong connections within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
• Entrepreneurial Lessons: Insights on persistence, strategy, and the power of storytelling in building a successful brand.

This episode offers a look into Erica’s path from serial entrepreneur to baby food innovator, providing valuable lessons on brand building, resilience, and the importance of relationships in the CPG sector.

Follow Erica here:

https://www.instagram.com/ericabethe/

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https://www.instagram.com/sublimekamal/

https://www.instagram.com/sublimedoughnuts/

This show is brought to you by The Hopecast Network

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n this episode of You Don't Know What You Don't Know, host Kamal sits down with Neil Hudson, co-founder of the hot sauce brand Scotch Boyz, to explore Neil's entrepreneurial journey from Jamaica to establishing a successful business in the U.S. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of breaking into the competitive retail industry and the significance of media exposure in boosting brand recognition.

Neil shares the origin story of Scotch Boyz, which started from a barbecue competition in Jamaica, and the importance of maintaining consistent quality while actively seeking feedback. They discuss how building strong relationships with distributors has been crucial for scaling the business, especially in a highly competitive market. Neil also delves into the complexities of vertical integration and the need for stabilizing supply chains to ensure consistent product availability.

A reflective moment in the episode comes when they touch on the philosophical impact of capitalism, using The Giving Tree as a metaphor for the often one-sided exchange between small businesses and the larger economic forces they navigate. Neil also notes that feedback from friends isn't always helpful, as it might lack the critical honesty needed for growth.

The episode wraps up with Neil sharing future plans for Scotch Boyz, including expanding their product lines and growing their retail presence. It’s an insightful conversation that blends entrepreneurial lessons with deeper reflections on business and life.

Follow Neil Here:

https://www.instagram.com/scotchboyz

https://www.instagram.com/hudsonneil/

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This show is brought to you by The Hopecast Network

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On this episode of You Don't Know What You Don't Know, Kamal interviews Bill Skeens, founder of Prairie City Bakery. Bill shares his entrepreneurial journey, which began in college when he sold peanuts, popcorn, and taffy apples to fellow students. After working for Sarah Lee, he decided to pursue his own venture and partnered with a friend to start Prairie City Bakery, facing early struggles with funding before finding success with their product, Muffin Tops.

Bill emphasizes key lessons learned along the way, including the importance of market need, the value of sales and marketing, and the necessity of having a supportive partner. He discusses the significance of identifying personal strengths and partnering with those who complement weaknesses, as well as the willingness to take risks, even leaving a secure job to follow one's passion.

The conversation also highlights the challenges of convincing consumers to try gourmet donuts and building a distribution network, as well as the critical role of competent employees in business success. Finally, Bill reflects on the careful planning involved in selling a company and the importance of unconditional love and support in both personal and professional relationships. Overall, the episode underscores the valuable lessons and successes in the world of entrepreneurship.

Follow Bill here:

https://www.instagram.com/prairiecitybakery/

Follow Kamal Here:

https://www.instagram.com/sublimekamal/

https://www.instagram.com/sublimedoughnuts/

This show is brought to you by The Hopecast Network

https://www.instagram.com/hopecastnetwork/