Family Business – MaxPodcasting https://maxpodcasting.com Save time with your high-quality podcast Fri, 27 Mar 2026 03:48:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.5.18 https://maxpodcasting.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/cropped-MaxPodcasting_favicon_gold-32x32.png Family Business – MaxPodcasting https://maxpodcasting.com 32 32 Jess Loseke – Wild Business Growth Podcast #358: Midwest Barrel Co., Used Bourbon Barrels & Wine Barrels https://maxpodcasting.com/jess-loseke/ Thu, 26 Mar 2026 03:46:51 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=11546 Be unreasonable. That’s the story of this week’s Wild Business Growth podcast guest, Jess Loseke. Jess is the Co-Founder of Midwest Barrel Co. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast platforms, and watch on YouTube.

Episode 358: Jess Loseke – Midwest Barrel Co., Used Bourbon Barrels & Wine Barrels

Jess Loseke, the Co-Founder of Midwest Barrel Co., joins the show to share her journey from suffering a scary injury to building the top provider of premium used bourbon, whiskey, and wine barrels. Hear how to find your niche market, the best way to manage your inventory, how to make tough decisions as an entrepreneur, how to find that risk-taking ability you had at the beginning, and a lesson in barrel anatomy. This episode covers everything from bourbon barrels to bungholes. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • What was going through Jess’s mind when Ben was buying & selling so many items online
  • How did Jess turn Midwest Barrel Co. into a real company
  • What is a cooperage
  • Why did Midwest Barrel Co. move from Nebraska to Louisville, KY
  • Would Jess choose pickleball, pilates, or prosecco

Connect with Jess at MidwestBarrelCo.com, JessLoseke.com, on social media @JessLoseke & @TheBarrelGirl, and on LinkedIn.

Enjoy the shoooooow! Check out the show notes below for much more detail. You can also find the full transcript here.

Show Notes

SquadShot Jess Loseke
Jess!
  • The Midwest Barrel Co. Story
    • [5:08] How did Ben start Midwest Barrel Co.
    • [6:57] What was going through Jess’s mind when Ben was buying & selling so many items online
    • [8:22] Why did Jess join the business
    • [11:06] What markets do they sell used barrels to
    • [13:30] How did they find their niche market
    • [14:48] How did Jess turn Midwest Barrel Co. into a real company
    • [18:05] How do you stay efficient as you scale
    • [20:06] What’s the best way to manage your inventory
    • [22:40] What is a cooperage
    • [24:59] What is CapEx aka Capital Expenditure
    • [26:58] Why did Midwest Barrel Co. move from Nebraska to Louisville, KY
    • [30:35] How do you make tough decisions as an entrepreneur
    • [33:34] The Couples Therapist Couch by Shane Birkel
    • [34:24] The Wild Business Growth podcast is on YouTube! Subscribe @MaxBranstetter to watch full video interviews with Wild entrepreneurs like Jess every Friday
    • [34:25] Sign up for the Podcasting to the Max newsletter at MaxPodcasting.com/Newsletter and receive How to Edit Your Podcast in Audacity. It’s where podcasting meets entrepreneurship – and terrible puns
    • [34:27] Such an honor speaking at Podcast Movement ’23 in Denver! Sign up to grab the slides from my session at MaxPodcasting.com/PM23
Midwest Barrel Co.
Barrels on barrels. Literally
  • The Unusual: Pet Peeves, Quirks, and Weird Talents
    • [35:27] What’s a Quirk Jess has
    • [38:26] What’s a Weird Talent she has
    • [40:24] What’s her Biggest Pet Peeve
    • [42:00] Will work ethic always have value
  • Rapid-Fire Q&A
    • [49:05] What are Jess’s Final Thoughts
    • [49:37] Follow the Wild Business Growth podcast and tell a friend about the podcast. And show love (or roast me) by leaving 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify
    • [49:42] The Wild Business Growth podcast is on YouTube! Subscribe @MaxBranstetter to watch full video interviews with Wild entrepreneurs like Jess
    • [49:44] Check out the Wild Business Growth podcast on Goodpods, where you can see what your favorite people are listening to
    • [49:47] Connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter (aka X), and Threads @MaxBranstetter and TikTok @WildBusinessGrowth
    • [49:48] Save time with your high-quality podcast. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to bring your podcast to life and use it as a business-building tool
    • [49:52] Sign up for the Podcasting to the Max newsletter at MaxPodcasting.com/Newsletter and receive How to Edit Your Podcast in Audacity. It’s where podcasting meets entrepreneurship – and terrible puns
    • Theme music: Freestyle Percussion Magik – “Jungle Tribe” – provided by Jamendo
Jess Loseke - Wild Business Growth Podcast #358: Midwest Barrel Co., Used Bourbon Barrels & Wine Barrels

What is the Wild Business Growth podcast?

Wild ideas. Wild growth. Every Wednesday morning a new entrepreneur joins the Wild Business Growth podcast to share the wildly creative and unusual ways they grew their business – and teaches you how to do it, too. Hear the minds behind WordPress, Stacy’s Pita Chips, Drybar, NFL RedZone, Big Mouth Billy Bass, the voice of Bart Simpson, and more Wild stories. Hosted by Max Branstetter (that’s me), Founder and Podcast Producer at MaxPodcasting.

How do you start a podcast?

Interested in starting a professional-sounding and professional-looking podcast for your brand, but don’t want to deal with the time commitment of all those behind-the-scenes details? I’ve got you covered. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool.

Thanks for listening to Jess Loseke on the Wild Business Growth podcast. To hear more Wild stories like this one every Wednesday morning, follow the Wild Business Growth podcast and tell a friend about it. And buy a barrel for them. Until next time, Let your business Run Wild…and Bring on the Bongos!!

]]> Vy Nguyen – Wild Business Growth Podcast #355: Avocado Green Mattress, Top Organic Mattress https://maxpodcasting.com/vy-nguyen/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 02:16:00 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=11445 Focus on quality. That’s the story of this week’s Wild Business Growth podcast guest, Vy Nguyen. Vy is the Co-CEO of Avocado Green Mattress & Avocado Green Brands. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast platforms, and watch on YouTube.

Episode 355: Vy Nguyen – Avocado Green Mattress, Top Organic Mattress

Vy Nguyen, the Co-CEO of Avocado Green Mattress & Avocado Green Brands, joins the show to share his journey from growing up in his family furniture business to creating the top organic mattress. Hear how to offer a high-quality organic product, how to stand out as a brand, how to inspire repeat customers, how to take a 1-minute nap, and where to travel in Vietnam. This episode covers everything from furniture to pho. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • How hard is it to bag mattresses
  • What are the core pillars behind Avocado Green Mattress
  • Why does the story of Avocado Green Mattress resonate with consumers
  • How did Vy learn to juggle or semi-juggle
  • What’s a California King

Connect with Vy at AvocadoGreenMattress.com and on LinkedIn.

Enjoy the shoooooow! Check out the show notes below for much more detail. You can also find the full transcript here.

Show Notes

  • Intro & Family Furniture Business
    • [0:28] Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool
    • [0:38] Connect with Vy at AvocadoGreenMattress.com and on LinkedIn
    • [1:38] Love you, Dana!
    • [2:30] What foreshadowed Vy being in the mattress business
    • [2:45] What type of furniture business did his dad have
    • [3:12] How did Vy help out the business in high school
    • [3:28] How hard is it to bag mattresses
    • [4:00] Did people wear back braces lifting mattresses
    • [4:08] What opportunity did Vy see in the furniture industry
    • [6:35] What are the perks of keeping a big asset in the family
    • [7:14] What is Brentwood Home
SquadShot Vy Nguyen
Vy!
  • The Avocado Green Mattress Story
    • [8:54] What are the core pillars behind Avocado Green Mattress
    • [11:29] How do you offer a high-quality organic product
    • [13:52] How do you stand out as a brand
    • [16:17] How do you inspire repeat customers
    • [18:25] What should your priorities be as Co-CEO
    • [18:47] What are Rocks in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)
    • [19:38] How do you get better at finance
    • [21:56] What has Vy learned about marketing & creativity
    • [22:52] Why does the story of Avocado Green Mattress resonate with consumers
    • [23:43] The Wild Business Growth podcast is on YouTube! Subscribe @MaxBranstetter to watch full video interviews with Wild entrepreneurs like Vy every Friday
    • [23:45] Sign up for the Podcasting to the Max newsletter at MaxPodcasting.com/Newsletter and receive How to Edit Your Podcast in Audacity. It’s where podcasting meets entrepreneurship – and terrible puns
    • [23:46] Such an honor speaking at Podcast Movement ’23 in Denver! Sign up to grab the slides from my session at MaxPodcasting.com/PM23
Avocado Green Mattress
  • The Unusual: Weird Talents & Pet Peeves
  • Rapid-Fire Q&A
    • [34:54] What are Vy’s Final Thoughts
    • [35:21] Follow the Wild Business Growth podcast and tell a friend about the podcast. And show love (or roast me) by leaving 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify
    • [35:25] The Wild Business Growth podcast is on YouTube! Subscribe @MaxBranstetter to watch full video interviews with Wild entrepreneurs like Vy
    • [35:26] Check out the Wild Business Growth podcast on Goodpods, where you can see what your favorite people are listening to
    • [35:27] Connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter (aka X), and Threads @MaxBranstetter and TikTok @WildBusinessGrowth
    • [35:28] Save time with your high-quality podcast. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to bring your podcast to life and use it as a business-building tool
    • [35:31] Sign up for the Podcasting to the Max newsletter at MaxPodcasting.com/Newsletter and receive How to Edit Your Podcast in Audacity. It’s where podcasting meets entrepreneurship – and terrible puns
    • Theme music: Freestyle Percussion Magik – “Jungle Tribe” – provided by Jamendo
Vy Nguyen - Wild Business Growth Podcast #355: Avocado Green Mattress, Top Organic Mattress

What is the Wild Business Growth podcast?

Wild ideas. Wild growth. Every Wednesday morning a new entrepreneur joins the Wild Business Growth podcast to share the wildly creative and unusual ways they grew their business – and teaches you how to do it, too. Hear the minds behind WordPress, Stacy’s Pita Chips, Drybar, NFL RedZone, Big Mouth Billy Bass, the voice of Bart Simpson, and more Wild stories. Hosted by Max Branstetter (that’s me), Founder and Podcast Producer at MaxPodcasting.

How do you start a podcast?

Interested in starting a professional-sounding and professional-looking podcast for your brand, but don’t want to deal with the time commitment of all those behind-the-scenes details? I’ve got you covered. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool.

Thanks for listening to Vy Nguyen on the Wild Business Growth podcast. To hear more Wild stories like this one every Wednesday morning, follow the Wild Business Growth podcast and tell a friend about it. And buy them an Avocado Green Mattress. Until next time, Let your business Run Wild…and Bring on the Bongos!!

]]> Emma Weinberg – Wild Business Growth Podcast #350: Buttah https://maxpodcasting.com/emma-weinberg/ Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:37:00 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=11255 Cheers! It is here. The 8th Annual Thanksgiving Family Special. This time, our Wild Business Growth podcast guest is Emma Weinberg. Emma aka Emmy aka Em aka Emmalation 2025 is the Co-Founder of Buttah and Best Maid of Honor in History. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and your other favorite podcast platforms.

Episode 350: Emma Weinberg – Buttah

Emma Weinberg, the Co-Founder of Buttah and Best Maid of Honor in History, joins the show for a very special family edition during Thanksgiving week to be interviewed by her cousin’s husband, Max Branstetter. Hear how she met her husband Ben from across the pond, her manufacturing trips to Turkey, how she successfully teased Buttah’s first drop, the best memories from skiing in Stratton, and the New York vs. London Edition of Rapid-Fire Q&A. This episode covers everything from production runs to Marcell the Shell. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • When did Emma know Ben was her soulmate
  • How did Lou and Em decide what was in Buttah’s first drop
  • What will future Buttah drops look like
  • How do you learn to ski as an adult
  • Emma’s accent

Connect with Emma at ButtahLondon.com, on Instagram & TikTok @ButtahLondon, and on Instagram @EmmaGWein

Enjoy the shoooooow! Check out the show notes below for much more detail. You can also find the full transcript here.

Show Notes

  • Intro & Meeting Ben
    • [0:32] Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool
    • [0:37] Connect with Emma at ButtahLondon.com, on Instagram & TikTok @ButtahLondon, and on Instagram @EmmaGWein
    • [3:09] How did Emma meet her husband Ben
    • [3:27] Happy Anny, Emma & Ben!
    • [4:48] When did Emma know Ben was her soulmate
    • [5:38] How did Emma & Ben continue their romance
    • [6:25] How would Emma’s college self react if she knew she’d marry Ben
Emma Weinberg SquadShot
Emmy!
  • The Buttah Story
    • [7:43] Check out Buttah at ButtahLondon.com
    • [8:38] Where did the idea for Buttah come from
    • [9:05] Shoutout, Lou!
    • [10:45] What makes Lou a great business partner
    • [11:55] How did Lou and Em meet each other
    • [13:31] How did Lou and Em design the Buttah clothes & Buttah brand
    • [15:53] How were their manufacturing trips to Turkey
    • [19:29] Shoutout, Karen & Scott!
    • [20:38] How many production runs did it take for it to feel like Buttah
    • [21:38] How did they decide what was in Buttah’s first drop
    • [23:19] How long before the launch did they start Buttah’s Instagram
    • [25:18] How do you have a successful clothing brand launch
    • [26:24] It’s Bagels Collab
    • [27:47] UGC (User-Generated Content) post on TikTok
    • [27:56] How’s it make Emma feel to see people wearing Buttah clothes
    • [29:10] What will future Buttah drops look like
    • [30:19] The Wild Business Growth podcast is on YouTube! Subscribe @MaxBranstetter to watch full video interviews with Wild entrepreneurs like Emma
    • [30:20] Sign up for the Podcasting to the Max newsletter at MaxPodcasting.com/Newsletter and receive How to Edit Your Podcast in Audacity. It’s where podcasting meets entrepreneurship – and terrible puns
    • [30:22] Such an honor speaking at Podcast Movement ’23 in Denver! Sign up to grab the slides from my session at MaxPodcasting.com/PM23
Emma Weinberg MOH Buttah
G.M.O.H.O.A.T.
  • Inspiration & Creativity: Skiing in Stratton, Vermont & Dance
    • [30:58] Shoutout, Steve & Phyllis!
    • [31:09] What do Emmy’s childhood memories skiing in Stratton, Vermont mean to her
    • [32:24] How do you learn to ski as an adult
    • [34:04] What was the hand thing Emmy did when she was cold
    • [35:28] What does she love about dance
  • The Unusual: Pet Peeves, Quirks, and Weird Talents
  • Rapid-Fire Q&A: New York vs. London
    • [46:41] What are Emma’s Final Thoughts
    • [47:27] Follow the Wild Business Growth podcast and tell a friend about the podcast. And show love (or roast me) by leaving 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify
    • [47:38] The Wild Business Growth podcast is on YouTube! Subscribe @MaxBranstetter to watch full video interviews with Wild entrepreneurs like Emma
    • [47:42] Check out the Wild Business Growth podcast on Goodpods, where you can see what your favorite people are listening to
    • [47:45] Connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter (aka X), and Threads @MaxBranstetter and TikTok @WildBusinessGrowth
    • [47:47] Save time with your high-quality podcast. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to bring your podcast to life and use it as a business-building tool
    • [47:52] Sign up for the Podcasting to the Max newsletter at MaxPodcasting.com/Newsletter and receive How to Edit Your Podcast in Audacity. It’s where podcasting meets entrepreneurship – and terrible puns
    • Theme music: Freestyle Percussion Magik – “Jungle Tribe” – provided by Jamendo
Emma Weinberg - Wild Business Growth Podcast #350: Buttah

What is the Wild Business Growth podcast?

Wild ideas. Wild growth. Every Wednesday morning a new entrepreneur joins the Wild Business Growth podcast to share the wildly creative and unusual ways they grew their business – and teaches you how to do it, too. Hear the minds behind WordPress, Stacy’s Pita Chips, Drybar, NFL RedZone, Big Mouth Billy Bass, the voice of Bart Simpson, and more Wild stories. Hosted by Max Branstetter (that’s me), Founder and Podcast Producer at MaxPodcasting.

How do you start a podcast?

Interested in starting a professional-sounding and professional-looking podcast for your brand, but don’t want to deal with the time commitment of all those behind-the-scenes details? I’ve got you covered. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool.

Thanks for listening to Emma Weinberg on the Wild Business Growth podcast. To hear more Wild stories like this one every Wednesday morning, follow the Wild Business Growth podcast and tell a friend about it. Buy some Buttah. And have a Happy Thanksgiving! Until next time, Let your business Run Wild…and Bring on the Bongos!!

]]> Jamie Sonneville – Wild Business Growth Podcast #349: 5th-Generation Farmer, Agri-Trak https://maxpodcasting.com/jamie-sonneville/ Wed, 19 Nov 2025 02:59:00 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=11217 How do you like dem apples? That’s the story of this week’s Wild Business Growth podcast guest, Jamie Sonneville. Jamie is the Founder & CEO of Agri-Trak. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast platforms, and watch on YouTube.

Episode 349: Jamie Sonneville – 5th-Generation Farmer, Agri-Trak

Jamie Sonneville, the Founder & CEO of Agri-Trak, joins the show to share her journey from 5th-generation farmer to creating the farm labor tracking software. Hear what many people get wrong about farmers, what to do in your Pre-MVP stage, how to stop doing things the way you’ve always done them, The Apple Segment, and why Wegmans has such a diehard following. This episode covers everything from apple farming to gardening to voicemails. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • What’s it like being a 5th-generation farmer
  • Where did the idea for Agri-Trak come from
  • What was a tech breakthrough that moved Agri-Trak forward
  • WildTwist apples
  • How do you get better at time management

Connect with Jamie at Agri-Trak.com and on LinkedIn.

Enjoy the shoooooow! Check out the show notes below for much more detail. You can also find the full transcript here.

Show Notes

  • Intro & Being a 5th-Generation Farmer
    • [0:30] Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool
SquadShot Jamie Sonneville
Hello, Jamie!
  • The Agri-Trak Story
    • [6:34] What’s Jamie’s elevator pitch for Agri-Trak
    • [7:12] Where did the idea for Agri-Trak come from
    • [14:41] What was the Pre-MVP stage like for Agri-Trak (Pre-Minimum Viable Product)
    • [16:41] What was a tech breakthrough that moved Agri-Trak forward
    • [19:04] How do you sell SaaS products (Software as a Service)
    • [22:34] How do you stop doing things the way you’ve always done them
    • [25:02] The Wild Business Growth podcast is on YouTube! Subscribe @MaxBranstetter to watch full video interviews with Wild entrepreneurs like Jamie
    • [25:04] Sign up for the Podcasting to the Max newsletter at MaxPodcasting.com/Newsletter and receive How to Edit Your Podcast in Audacity. It’s where podcasting meets entrepreneurship – and terrible puns
    • [25:05] Such an honor speaking at Podcast Movement ’23 in Denver! Sign up to grab the slides from my session at MaxPodcasting.com/PM23
Agri-Trak
Agri-Trak in action
  • The Apple Segment
  • Rapid-Fire Q&A
    • [42:48] What are Jamie’s Final Thoughts
    • [43:37] Follow the Wild Business Growth podcast and tell a friend about the podcast. And show love (or roast me) by leaving 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify
    • [43:45] The Wild Business Growth podcast is on YouTube! Subscribe @MaxBranstetter to watch full video interviews with Wild entrepreneurs like Jamie
    • [43:48] Check out the Wild Business Growth podcast on Goodpods, where you can see what your favorite people are listening to
    • [43:50] Connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter (aka X), and Threads @MaxBranstetter and TikTok @WildBusinessGrowth
    • [43:52] Save time with your high-quality podcast. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to bring your podcast to life and use it as a business-building tool
    • [43:53] Sign up for the Podcasting to the Max newsletter at MaxPodcasting.com/Newsletter and receive How to Edit Your Podcast in Audacity. It’s where podcasting meets entrepreneurship – and terrible puns
    • Theme music: Freestyle Percussion Magik – “Jungle Tribe” – provided by Jamendo
Jamie Sonneville - Wild Business Growth Podcast #349: 5th-Generation Farmer, Agri-Trak

What is the Wild Business Growth podcast?

Wild ideas. Wild growth. Every Wednesday morning a new entrepreneur joins the Wild Business Growth podcast to share the wildly creative and unusual ways they grew their business – and teaches you how to do it, too. Hear the minds behind WordPress, Stacy’s Pita Chips, Drybar, NFL RedZone, Big Mouth Billy Bass, the voice of Bart Simpson, and more Wild stories. Hosted by Max Branstetter (that’s me), Founder and Podcast Producer at MaxPodcasting.

How do you start a podcast?

Interested in starting a professional-sounding and professional-looking podcast for your brand, but don’t want to deal with the time commitment of all those behind-the-scenes details? I’ve got you covered. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool.

Thanks for listening to Jamie Sonneville on the Wild Business Growth podcast. To hear more Wild stories like this one every Wednesday morning, follow the Wild Business Growth podcast and tell a friend about it. And eat some apples with them. Until next time, Let your business Run Wild…and Bring on the Bongos!!

]]> Christa Pitts – Wild Business Growth Podcast #347: The Elf on the Shelf, The Lumistella Company https://maxpodcasting.com/christa-pitts/ Wed, 05 Nov 2025 06:52:00 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=11135 Live by The Golden Rule. That’s the story of this week’s Wild Business Growth podcast guest, Christa Pitts. Christa is the Co-Founder & Co-CEO of The Lumistella Company. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast platforms, and watch on YouTube.

Episode 347: Christa Pitts – The Elf on the Shelf, The Lumistella Company

Christa Pitts, the Co-Founder & Co-CEO of The Lumistella Company, joins the show to share her journey from QVC host to creating The Elf on the Shelf. Hear how The Elf on the Shelf came to life, the moments that made it a hit, how to handle rejection as an entrepreneur, how she achieves work-life balance with her identical twin sister Co-CEO, and how to get better on camera. This episode covers everything from Jennifer Garner to the Six Thinking Hats. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • Where did the idea for The Elf on the Shelf come from
  • What was going through Christa’s mind when The Elf on the Shelf went viral
  • How do you build a great company culture
  • What’s it like having an identical twin
  • National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Connect with Christa at ElfOnTheShelf.com, Lumistella.com, ChristaPitts.com, ChandaBell.com, and on LinkedIn.

Enjoy the shoooooow! Check out the show notes below for much more detail. You can also find the full transcript here.

Show Notes

SquadShot Christa Pitts
The Christa Pitts!
The Elf on the Shelf
The Elf on the Shelf
Christa Pitts - Wild Business Growth Podcast #347: The Elf on the Shelf, The Lumistella Company

What is the Wild Business Growth podcast?

Wild ideas. Wild growth. Every Wednesday morning a new entrepreneur joins the Wild Business Growth podcast to share the wildly creative and unusual ways they grew their business – and teaches you how to do it, too. Hear the minds behind WordPress, Stacy’s Pita Chips, Drybar, NFL RedZone, Big Mouth Billy Bass, the voice of Bart Simpson, and more Wild stories. Hosted by Max Branstetter (that’s me), Founder and Podcast Producer at MaxPodcasting.

How do you start a podcast?

Interested in starting a professional-sounding and professional-looking podcast for your brand, but don’t want to deal with the time commitment of all those behind-the-scenes details? I’ve got you covered. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool.

Thanks for listening to Christa Pitts on the Wild Business Growth podcast. To hear more Wild stories like this one every Wednesday morning, follow the Wild Business Growth podcast and tell a friend about it. And hang out together with The Elf on the Shelf. Until next time, Let your business Run Wild…and Bring on the Bongos!!

]]> Jeff Perera – Wild Business Growth Podcast #337: Jeff’s Bagel Run, Crazy Bagel Flavors https://maxpodcasting.com/jeff-perera/ Wed, 30 Jul 2025 09:57:00 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=10759 Try it out. That’s the story of this week’s Wild Business Growth podcast guest, Jeff Perera. Jeff is the Co-Founder & Vice President of Jeff’s Bagel Run. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your other favorite podcast platforms, and watch on YouTube.

Episode 337: Jeff Perera – Jeff’s Bagel Run, Crazy Bagel Flavors

Jeff Perera, the Co-Founder & Vice President of Jeff’s Bagel Run, joins the show to share his journey from being laid off to creating the craziest bagel flavors in the world. Hear how to quickly learn a new skill, how to get used to change as an entrepreneur, how to experiment with new flavors, how to push your industry forward while honoring its past, and his dream bagel flavor. This episode covers everything from stuffing bagels to getting your hands stuck. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • How do you handle being laid off
  • What ingredients are in bagels
  • How do you scale your business
  • What’s the most random way Jeff’s found bagel inspiration
  • How do you stay in shape when eating bagels

Connect with Jeff at JeffsBagelRun.com, on social media @JeffsBagelRun, and their Jeff’s Bagel Run app.

Enjoy the shoooooow! Check out the show notes below for much more detail. You can also find the full transcript here.

Show Notes

  • Intro & Being Laid Off
    • [0:28] Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool
SquadShot
The Jeff from Jeff’s Bagel Run
  • The Jeff’s Bagel Run Story
    • [6:24] Where did the idea for Jeff’s Bagel Run come from
    • [7:45] How do you make bagels
    • [10:08] How quickly did Jeff learn to make bagels
    • [11:34] How did he learn to make bagels
    • [12:57] What ingredients are in bagels
    • [13:49] How important is water in the bagel-making process
    • [15:20] How do you scale your business
    • [21:20] How do you get used to change as an entrepreneur
    • [23:56] The Wild Business Growth podcast is on YouTube! Subscribe @MaxBranstetter to watch full video interviews with Wild entrepreneurs like Jeff
    • [23:57] Sign up for the Podcasting to the Max newsletter at MaxPodcasting.com/Newsletter and receive How to Edit Your Podcast in Audacity. It’s where podcasting meets entrepreneurship – and terrible puns
    • [23:59] Such an honor speaking at Podcast Movement ’23 in Denver! Sign up to grab the slides from my session at MaxPodcasting.com/PM23
Jeff's Bagel Run
YUM
  • Inspiration & Creativity: Differentiating Your Brand
    • [24:45] How do you experiment with new flavors
    • [27:35] What’s the most random way Jeff’s found bagel inspiration
    • [29:45] How do you create a fun company culture
    • [31:22] Where did the name Jeff’s Bagel Run come from
    • [32:52] How do you push your industry forward while respecting those who came before you
  • Rapid-Fire Q&A
    • [35:10] What’s an embarrassing story from building Jeff’s Bagel Run
    • [35:58] What’s a dream bagel flavor for Jeff’s Bagel Run
    • [37:32] What do iconic brands have in common
    • [38:33] How do you stay in shape when eating bagels
    • [39:34] Connect with Jeff at JeffsBagelRun.com, on social media @JeffsBagelRun, and their Jeff’s Bagel Run app
    • [40:13] What are Jeff’s Final Thoughts
    • [40:44] Follow the Wild Business Growth podcast and tell a friend about the podcast. And show love (or roast me) by leaving 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify
    • [40:55] The Wild Business Growth podcast is on YouTube! Subscribe @MaxBranstetter to watch full video interviews with Wild entrepreneurs like Jeff
    • [40:57] Check out the Wild Business Growth podcast on Goodpods, where you can see what your favorite people are listening to
    • [40:59] Connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter (aka X), and Threads @MaxBranstetter and TikTok @WildBusinessGrowth
    • [41:02] Save time with your high-quality podcast. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to bring your podcast to life and use it as a business-building tool
    • [41:07] Sign up for the Podcasting to the Max newsletter at MaxPodcasting.com/Newsletter and receive How to Edit Your Podcast in Audacity. It’s where podcasting meets entrepreneurship – and terrible puns
    • Theme music: Freestyle Percussion Magik – “Jungle Tribe” – provided by Jamendo
Jeff Perera - Wild Business Growth Podcast #337: Jeff's Bagel Run, Crazy Bagel Flavors

What is the Wild Business Growth podcast?

Wild ideas. Wild growth. Every Wednesday morning a new entrepreneur joins the Wild Business Growth podcast to share the wildly creative and unusual ways they grew their business – and teaches you how to do it, too. Hear the minds behind WordPress, Stacy’s Pita Chips, Drybar, NFL RedZone, Big Mouth Billy Bass, the voice of Bart Simpson, and more Wild stories. Hosted by Max Branstetter (that’s me), Founder and Podcast Producer at MaxPodcasting.

How do you start a podcast?

Interested in starting a professional-sounding and professional-looking podcast for your brand, but don’t want to deal with the time commitment of all those behind-the-scenes details? I’ve got you covered. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool.

Thanks for listening to Jeff Perera on the Wild Business Growth podcast. To hear more Wild stories like this one every Wednesday morning, follow the Wild Business Growth podcast and tell a friend about it. And go on a Jeff’s Bagel Run with them. Until next time, Let your business Run Wild…and Bring on the Bongos!!

]]> Dane Barnes – Wild Business Growth Podcast #310: Beach Shade Brothers, Shibumi Co-Founder https://maxpodcasting.com/dane-barnes/ Wed, 06 Nov 2024 06:59:00 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=9739 Keep your eye out for problems. That’s the story of this week’s Wild Business Growth podcast guest, Dane Barnes. Dane is the Co-Founder of Shibumi. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and your other favorite podcast platforms.

Episode 310: Dane Barnes – Beach Shade Brothers, Shibumi Co-Founder

Dane Barnes, the Co-Founder of Shibumi, joins the show to share his journey from learning from Adam Grant at UNC to creating The Original Wind Powered Beach Shade. Hear how to start a business with your sibling and/or best friend, how to prototype your product, the NASCAR Wind Tunnel that helped make Shibumi a success, how to keep your eye out for problems & solutions, and Dane’s favorite beaches in North Carolina. This episode covers everything from the beach to brothers. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • What did Dane learn from starting Optimize Hire
  • How many prototypes of the Shibumi Shade were there
  • What were some of the early insights about Shibumi
  • How did Dane learn to sew
  • Why did he create new colors for the Shibumi Shade
  • Sh-Boom
  • MTV Cribs
  • Prehistoric Art

Connect with Dane at ShibumiShade.com and on LinkedIn.

Enjoy the shoooooow! Check out the show notes below for much more detail. You can also find the full transcript here.

Show Notes

SquadShot Dane Barnes
A couple of B’s
  • The Shibumi Story
    • [25:33] Sign up for the Podcasting to the Max newsletter at MaxPodcasting.com/Newsletter and receive How to Edit Your Podcast in Audacity. It’s where podcasting meets entrepreneurship – and terrible puns
    • [26:18] Such an honor speaking at Podcast Movement ’23 in Denver! Sign up to grab the slides from my session at MaxPodcasting.com/PM23
Shibumi Shade
Alex Slater, Scott Barnes, and Dane Barnes under a Shibumi Shade
Dane Barnes - Wild Business Growth Podcast #310: Beach Shade Brothers, Shibumi Co-Founder

What is the Wild Business Growth podcast?

Wild ideas. Wild growth. Every Wednesday morning a new entrepreneur joins the Wild Business Growth podcast to share the wildly creative and unusual ways they grew their business – and teaches you how to do it, too. Hear the minds behind WordPress, Stacy’s Pita Chips, Drybar, NFL RedZone, Big Mouth Billy Bass, the voice of Bart Simpson, and more Wild stories. Hosted by Max Branstetter (that’s me), Founder and Podcast Producer at MaxPodcasting.

How do you start a podcast?

Interested in starting a professional-sounding and professional-looking podcast for your brand, but don’t want to deal with the time commitment of all those behind-the-scenes details? I’ve got you covered. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool.

Thanks for listening to Dane Barnes on the Wild Business Growth podcast. To hear more Wild stories like this one every Wednesday morning, follow the Wild Business Growth podcast and tell a friend about it. And Shibumi it up with them on a beautiful beach. Until next time, Let your business Run Wild…and Bring on the Bongos!!

]]> Hannah Redmond – Wild Business Growth Podcast #308: Care Package Customizer, Happy Box Co-Founder https://maxpodcasting.com/hannah-redmond/ Wed, 23 Oct 2024 07:21:00 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=9662 You never know what might inspire a new business. It could even be a breakup. That’s the story of this week’s Wild Business Growth podcast guest, Hannah Redmond. Hannah is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Happy Box. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and your other favorite podcast platforms.

Episode 308: Hannah Redmond – Care Package Customizer, Happy Box Co-Founder

Hannah Redmond, the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Happy Box, joins the show to share her journey from creating a breakup care package for her sister Ariel to building the one-stop shop for gifting with her. Hear the Valentine’s Day breakup that inspired Happy Box, how to build an eCommerce website, how to create your own fulfillment center, how to start a business with your sibling, and some fun facts about SNICKERS. This episode covers everything from gift boxes to Frank Sinatra. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • What makes a great care package
  • OH BOY MAX
  • What was the inflection point that turned Happy Box into a real business
  • How does Happy Box decide the care packages they offer
  • The Energizer Bunny
  • How is Happy Box able to do what they do
  • What does the Happy mean in Happy Box
  • Shoutout, Grandpa Henry!

Connect with Hannah at HappyBoxStore.com, on Instagram @HappyBox, and on LinkedIn.

Enjoy the shoooooow! Check out the show notes below for much more detail. You can also find the full transcript here.

Show Notes

SquadShot Hannah Redmond
Hi from across Hoboken!
Happy Box
Nothing Happier than Happy Box
  • Inspiration & Creativity: Working with a Sibling
    • [33:15] Co-FOUNDer Hannah Redmond
  • Rapid-Fire Q&A
    • [48:38] What are Hannah’s Final Thoughts
    • [49:56] Follow the Wild Business Growth podcast and tell a friend about the podcast. And show love (or roast me) by leaving 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify
    • [50:04] The Wild Business Growth podcast is on YouTube! Subscribe @MaxBranstetter to watch full video interviews with Wild entrepreneurs like Hannah
    • [50:14] Check out the Wild Business Growth podcast on Goodpods, where you can see what your favorite people are listening to
    • [50:15] Connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter (aka X), and Threads @MaxBranstetter and TikTok @WildBusinessGrowth
    • [50:16] Save time with your high-quality podcast. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to bring your podcast to life and use it as a business-building tool
    • [50:20] Sign up for the Podcasting to the Max newsletter at MaxPodcasting.com/Newsletter and receive How to Edit Your Podcast in Audacity. It’s where podcasting meets entrepreneurship – and terrible puns
    • Theme music: Freestyle Percussion Magik – “Jungle Tribe” – provided by Jamendo
Hannah Redmond - Wild Business Growth Podcast #308: Care Package Customizer, Happy Box Co-Founder

What is the Wild Business Growth podcast?

Wild ideas. Wild growth. Every Wednesday morning a new entrepreneur joins the Wild Business Growth podcast to share the wildly creative and unusual ways they grew their business – and teaches you how to do it, too. Hear the minds behind WordPress, Stacy’s Pita Chips, Drybar, NFL RedZone, Big Mouth Billy Bass, the voice of Bart Simpson, and more Wild stories. Hosted by Max Branstetter (that’s me), Founder and Podcast Producer at MaxPodcasting.

How do you start a podcast?

Interested in starting a professional-sounding and professional-looking podcast for your brand, but don’t want to deal with the time commitment of all those behind-the-scenes details? I’ve got you covered. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool.

Thanks for listening to Hannah Redmond on the Wild Business Growth podcast. To hear more Wild stories like this one every Wednesday morning, follow the Wild Business Growth podcast and tell a friend about it. And gift them a Happy Box. Until next time, Let your business Run Wild…and Bring on the Bongos!!

]]> Bryce Wuori – Wild Business Growth Podcast #273: Construction Meteorologist, Co-Founder of Pavewise https://maxpodcasting.com/bryce-wuori/ Wed, 07 Feb 2024 01:44:00 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=8311 How do you disrupt an industry with helpful technology? That’s the story of this week’s Wild Business Growth Podcast guest, Bryce Wuori. Bryce is the Co-Founder and CEO of Pavewise. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and your other favorite podcast platforms.

Episode 273: Bryce Wuori – Construction Meteorologist, Co-Founder of Pavewise

Bryce Wuori, the Co-Founder and CEO of Pavewise, joins the show to share his journey from growing up in a construction family to using technology to make asphalt paving more efficient than ever. Hear how to introduce something new to an industry, change consumer behavior, celebrate wins, the difference between supper and dinner, and the perks of living in North Dakota. This episode covers everything from asphalt to Badlands. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • What did Bryce’s family teach him about hard work
  • Where did the idea for Pavewise come from
  • How do you learn technology fast
  • What weather conditions are best for paving
  • How do you quiet down your mind to meditate
  • Supper vs. Dinner
  • Asphalt vs. Concrete
  • The Medora Musical

Connect with Bryce at PavewisePro.com and on LinkedIn.

Enjoy the shoooooow! Check out the show notes below for much more detail. You can also find the full transcript here.

Show Notes

SquadShot Bryce Wuori Pavewise
A couple Midwesterners
Pavewise Bryce Wuori
Pavewise in action
  • Rapid-Fire Q&A
    • [44:43] What are Bryce’s Final Thoughts
    • [45:37] Follow the Wild Business Growth Podcast and tell a friend about the podcast. And show love (or roast me) by leaving 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify
    • [46:00] Check out the Wild Business Growth Podcast on Goodpods, where you can see what your favorite people are listening to
    • [46:02] Connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter (aka X), and Threads @MaxBranstetter and TikTok @WildBusinessGrowth
    • [46:05] Save time with your high-quality podcast. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to bring your podcast to life and use it as a business-building tool
    • [46:10] Sign up for the Podcasting to the Max newsletter at MaxPodcasting.com/Newsletter and receive How to Edit Your Podcast in Audacity
    • Theme music: Freestyle Percussion Magik – “Jungle Tribe” – provided by Jamendo
Bryce Wuori - Wild Business Growth Podcast #273: Construction Meteorologist, Co-Founder of Pavewise

What is the Wild Business Growth Podcast?

Wild ideas. Wild growth. Every Wednesday morning a new entrepreneur joins the Wild Business Growth Podcast to share the wildly creative and unusual ways they grew their business – and teaches you how to do it, too. Hear the minds behind WordPress, Stacy’s Pita Chips, Drybar, NFL RedZone, Big Mouth Billy Bass, the voice of Bart Simpson, and more Wild stories. Hosted by Max Branstetter (that’s me), Founder and Podcast Producer at MaxPodcasting.

How do you start a podcast?

Interested in starting a professional-sounding podcast for your brand, but don’t want to deal with the time commitment of all those behind-the-scenes details? I’ve got you covered. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool.

Thanks for listening to Bryce Wuori on the Wild Business Growth Podcast. To hear more Wild stories like this one every Wednesday morning, follow the Wild Business Growth Podcast and tell a friend about it. And geek out about asphalt with them. Until next time, Let your business Run Wild…and Bring on the Bongos!!

]]> Gary Gottdiener – Wild Business Growth Podcast #262: The Sample Group https://maxpodcasting.com/gary-gottdiener/ Wed, 22 Nov 2023 02:39:00 +0000 https://maxpodcasting.com/?p=7947 Happy Thanksgiving! That means it’s time for the 6th Annual Thanksgiving Family Special of the Wild Business Growth Podcast. This time, I was honored to sit down with father-in-law, Gary Gottdiener, the Founder and President of The Sample Group. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and your other favorite podcast platforms.

Episode 262: Gary Gottdiener – The Sample Group

Gary Gottdiener, the Founder and President of The Sample Group and the best father-in-law of all time, joins the show for a very special family edition during Thanksgiving week to be interviewed by his son-in-law, Max Branstetter. Hear how to navigate the ups and downs as an entrepreneur, provide excellent customer service, manage a busy travel schedule for work, get good at multiple sports at once, and the Gary Gottdiener Signature Collection. This episode covers everything from windows to pickleball. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • What was the highlight of the wedding for Gary
  • How did he decide to pivot to the business world
  • When did he realize he wanted to start his own business
  • How did he start winning clients with The Sample Group
  • Did he ever think The Sample Group would grow and last over multiple decades
  • How do you stay connected to your family when traveling for work
  • Star Trek
  • Macallan 18

Connect with Gary at TheSampleGroup.com.

Enjoy the shoooooow! Check out the show notes below for much more detail. You can also find the full transcript here.

Show Notes

Gary Gottdiener - Wild Business Growth Podcast #262: The Sample Group
The scene of the crime!
  • The Sample Group Story
    • [12:54] When did Gary realize he wanted to start his own business
    • [13:53] Monopoly
    • [14:18] Shoutout, Pat Manente!
    • [14:32] Shoutout, Steve Gottdiener!
    • [14:42] Asheville, NC
    • [15:16] Where did the name The Sample Group come from
    • [16:12] Groucho Glasses
    • [16:15] How did Gary start winning clients with The Sample Group
    • [17:12] What are the biggest products and sectors for the company
    • [18:11] What clients does he work with
    • [18:24] Hunter Douglas, Armstrong
    • [18:55] IP (Intellectual Property), Trade Secrets, Patents
    • [19:13] How do you manufacture so many different materials
    • [20:00] When did Gary realize it was a successful business
    • [21:05] How do you navigate ups and downs as an entrepreneur
    • [21:44] Geez, Max
    • [21:50] How do you decide roles with your business partner
    • [23:22] Did Gary ever think The Sample Group would grow and last over multiple decades
    • [24:12] What’s led to the company’s growth over the years
    • [26:24] How do you provide excellent customer service
    • [27:03] Such an honor speaking at Podcast Movement ’23 in Denver! Sign up to grab the slides from my session at MaxPodcasting.com/PM23
  • Inspiration & Creativity
    • [32:53] Asheville Airport (AVL)
    • [33:28] United Airlines
    • [34:21] What does Gary love so much about playing sports
    • [36:08] How do you get good at multiple sports
    • [36:22] Bazinga
    • [37:18] What inspired Gary to become a Board Member
    • [37:51] Now he loves it!
    • [38:38] Not the tuna!
Gary Gottdiener - Wild Business Growth Podcast #262: The Sample Group
The moment I asked him to do the interview. Credit: Lara Rose Photography
Gary Gottdiener - Wild Business Growth Podcast #262: The Sample Group

What is the Wild Business Growth Podcast?

Wild ideas. Wild growth. Every Wednesday morning a new entrepreneur joins the Wild Business Growth Podcast to share the wildly creative and unusual ways they grew their business – and teaches you how to do it, too. Hear the minds behind WordPress, Stacy’s Pita Chips, Drybar, NFL RedZone, Big Mouth Billy Bass, the voice of Bart Simpson, and more Wild stories. Hosted by Max Branstetter (that’s me), Founder and Podcast Producer at MaxPodcasting.

How do you start a podcast?

Interested in starting a professional-sounding podcast for your brand, but don’t want to deal with the time commitment of all those behind-the-scenes details? I’ve got you covered. Email me at max@maxpodcasting.com to save time with your high-quality podcast and use it as a business-building tool.

Thanks for listening to Gary Gottdiener on the Wild Business Growth Podcast. To hear more Wild stories like this one every Wednesday morning, follow the Wild Business Growth Podcast and tell a family member about it. Until next time, Let your business Run Wild…and Bring on the Bongos!!

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