ContenderCast with Justin Honaman
Welcome to the ContenderCast with Justin Honaman, a leadership and Consumer Industries entrepreneurship conversation centered on shining a light on bright ideas. The ContenderCast is the top global Consumer Industries entrepreneurship podcast. Justin is a digital commerce leader, author, communicator, and Consumer Products / Retail industry thought-leader based in Atlanta, Georgia. For additional information and guest access, visit contendercast.com. Every winner started as a contender!
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RENEWAL LOGISTICS :: FULLY INTEGRATED FULFILLMENT SOLUTION FOR THE FASHION & CPG INDUSTRIES
04/22/2024
RENEWAL LOGISTICS :: FULLY INTEGRATED FULFILLMENT SOLUTION FOR THE FASHION & CPG INDUSTRIES
Renewal Logistics provides fulfillment solutions tailored to accommodate each brand’s unique needs. Renewal streamlines the supply chain with customizable value-added services supporting direct-to-consumer, retail brick-n-mortar and ecommerce marketplaces routes to market. Founder and CEO Courtney Folk joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing CPG service brand!
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NEST :: RESPONSIBLE GROWTH & CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT OF THE ARTISAN & MAKER
04/14/2024
NEST :: RESPONSIBLE GROWTH & CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT OF THE ARTISAN & MAKER
Rebecca van Bergen is the Founder and Executive Director of Nest, a nonprofit supporting the responsible growth and creative engagement of the artisan and maker economy to build a world of greater gender equity and economic inclusion. Rebecca leads an organization that is partnering with brand leaders such as Etsy, Madewell, Patagonia, Target and West Elm to improve transparency, social wellbeing, and economic opportunity for handworkers which includes both artisans and less skilled manual laborers, often working from their homes. Nest’s comprehensive suite of artisan and maker programming reaches over 250,000 handworkers working across 1,500+ artisan businesses in 124 countries.
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MYNA SNACKS
04/08/2024
MYNA SNACKS
Lovers of snacks, devotees of quality food. This shared passion was met with an equally shared frustration that the snacks they loved the most often made them feel the worst. So the team at Myna Snacks set out on a journey to create the most craveable, poppable, feel-good snacks of all time. Real ingredients, sustainably sourced, vitamin D, no gluten, no GMOs, nothing artificial. Better snacks make Myna Snacks happy, so they made them to share with you. CEO and co-founder Darcey Macken joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing brand.
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GRINGUITA COOKIES
04/01/2024
GRINGUITA COOKIES
La Gringuita Cookies in Palm Beach County offers quarter pound gourmet cookies made with premium ingredients and handcrafted with lots of love. The frozen CookiDough, however, is what sets this business apart. Now you can bake these jumbo cookies in the comfort of your own home by purchasing the preformed frozen CookiDough balls. Founder and CEO Caroline McGinley joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing brand!
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PACKED PARTY!
03/25/2024
PACKED PARTY!
Packed Party is a lifestyle gifting brand that encourages customers to make everyday a party with its unique party packages and creative products both at a wholesale and direct to consumer level. Founder and CEO Jordan Jones joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing “party” brand!
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RIP TECHNOLOGIES :: ACCELERATING DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER BRAND GROWTH
03/18/2024
RIP TECHNOLOGIES :: ACCELERATING DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER BRAND GROWTH
As a 26-year-old entrepreneur, Ophir Rahimi owns and operates several e-commerce businesses. Ophir is the founder of Rip Technologies, a 40+ person e-commerce company based in Miami, Florida. They build and scale direct-to-consumer brands including Haus and Hues, The Carefree Bee, Artelo, and Daylight with an average of ~50% YoY growth last six years across marketplaces including Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, and Walmart. Ophir joins Justin to discuss building and launch D2C brands.
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THE CRAFTY CASK
03/11/2024
THE CRAFTY CASK
From the people, to the art and science of the craft itself, to unique approaches and industry innovations, to that delicious liquid in the bottle — if it’s related to craft alcohol and there’s an interesting story behind it, The Crafty Cask celebrates it. People don’t connect with products, they connect with people and stories. The Crafty Cask is here to tell the stories, introduce you to the people, draw you in, and get you excited about visiting or trying whatever it is that we’re sharing. The Crafty Cask does this to inspire you to travel and explore this amazing world through craft spirits, cider, wine, beer, and more. Founder Suzanne Henrickson joins Justin to discuss this beverage brand.
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NONASTE :: YOU SWEAT IT OUT. WE GET IT OUT.
03/04/2024
NONASTE :: YOU SWEAT IT OUT. WE GET IT OUT.
If you have an active lifestyle then you know there is no complete solution for solving all the gross things that come along with it (sweat, stank, funk, grime, dirt, bacteria, etc). At Nonaste (pronounced No Nasty), Nonaste handles all the dirty work with their best in class, high performance odor removing laundry detergents, Odor Eliminating Spray, hand sanitizer, Sanitizing Spray - Just spray and go! Founder and CEO Andy Voggenthaler joins Justin to discuss this no-nasty brand!
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KICKIT PAJAMAS
02/26/2024
KICKIT PAJAMAS
KickIt Pajamas is an idea born from co-founder Cindy Trice while she was undergoing chemotherapy treatments for cervical cancer. A dear friend gave her a cute pair of pajamas to wear while hospitalized. From the minute she put these pajamas on, Cindy felt put together and dressed as she pushed her IV pole in laps around the nurses’ station and welcomed visitors. In essence, she felt dignified and a little “normal” in a world where absolutely nothing felt normal. Thus, a brand was born. Cindy joins Justin to discuss launching and growing the brand. And check out their products here - .
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DOUGHLICIOUS :: THE LONDON DOUGH COMPANY
02/19/2024
DOUGHLICIOUS :: THE LONDON DOUGH COMPANY
Kathryn Bricken, Mum and now entrepreneur, has a passion for baking. From an early age she understood how food is more than fuel; it is a way of bringing people together and making magical memories. After moving to London, Kathryn became famous amongst her friends for baking the best American-style cookies using the finest natural ingredients. She was often asked to make extra dough so that her friends could bake cookies at home. In 2014 Kathryn decided to share her secret with the rest of the UK … Thus, Doughlicious was born. Every cookie dough flavour is 100% gluten-free thanks to their unique blend of gluten-free flours. There are also dairy-free, organic and vegan flavours. Everything is made with the finest ingredients and no artificial additives or preservatives. Kathryn joins Justin to discuss this doughy-delicious brand!
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TALLYWELL :: CREDIT SCORE OF HEALTH
02/12/2024
TALLYWELL :: CREDIT SCORE OF HEALTH
Tallywell is an AI-modeled health management app that empowers you to care for yourself and your loved ones with confidence. In the complex and expensive world of health care, we’re your first step toward clarity, understanding, and preparation. Every day, your Apple Watch collects data on the way you live and move. Tallywell puts that data to use, learning your habits and providing actionable insights to keep you in the driver seat of your family’s health. Live freely with the knowledge that you’re keeping yourself and your family on a path to better health. CEO Candice Paik joins Justin to discuss this new health tech app.
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CINGARI FAMILY SHOPRITE :: GROCERY AND MORE!
02/05/2024
CINGARI FAMILY SHOPRITE :: GROCERY AND MORE!
Tom Cingari Jr. is Vice President, Produce, Floral, and E-Commerce across all Cingari Family ShopRite locations. For the last 15 years, Tom has always focused on innovation. From making sure his departments feature the latest and freshest products, to bringing the stores into the digital age in his e-commerce role. Tom joins Justin to share the Cingari story – four generations in the business – and how retail is quickly evolving to meet the unique needs of the shopper.
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ANTONIO CARLO :: MARINARA SAUCES
01/29/2024
ANTONIO CARLO :: MARINARA SAUCES
It all began three generations ago in a small village, where Antonio Carlo is from, in Genoa, Italy. This is where his Nona perfected her idea of a homemade, all purpose “MARI-NAADA” sauce. Keeping with tradition, he’s been making this sauce for over 50 years and let me tell you something, this ain’t no ragoooo. It’s the real deal. You’re gonna love it. Buon appetito! Antonio joins Justin to discuss his growing line of marinara sauces!
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THE DELMONICO WAY :: SUBLIME ENTERTAINING & LEGENDARY RECIPES FROM THE RESTAURANT THAT MADE NEW YORK!
01/22/2024
THE DELMONICO WAY :: SUBLIME ENTERTAINING & LEGENDARY RECIPES FROM THE RESTAURANT THAT MADE NEW YORK!
Max Tucci is the Third Generation Partner and Global Brand Officer of Delmonico’s New York. Max is a 2023 IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals) Trailblazer Award Recipient, a Telly Award, Communicator Award, w3 Award, MUSE Award, and Davey Award winner. Coined a "Lifestyle Expert" from his appearances on America's Next Top Model with Tyra Banks. Max is the Bestselling Author of the Amazon #1 cookbook, 'The Delmonico Way; Sublime Entertaining and Legendary Recipes from the Restaurant that Made New York!' Published by Rizzoli. Finally, Max is the grandson of the legendary restaurateur, the late Oscar Tucci of the iconic Delmonico's Restaurant in downtown NYC. Max joins Justin to discuss the restaurant, the industry, and his book. Come hungry!
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BUBBLE GOODS :: THE MOST TRANSPARENT HEALTH FOOD MARKETPLACE
01/15/2024
BUBBLE GOODS :: THE MOST TRANSPARENT HEALTH FOOD MARKETPLACE
Bubble Goods is on a mission to redefine our food system. And at the same time, provide the most transparent health food marketplace. Today's food system is loaded with refined sugars, dyes, gums, and preservatives-- a function of mass distribution that has resulted in products that are cheaply made. Bubble Goods believes that the future of food is built from a community of independent makers who make real food. Founder Jessica Young joins Justin to discuss launching and growing this food brand marketplace.
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2024 RETAIL INDUSTRY PREVIEW :: NIKKI BAIRD
01/08/2024
2024 RETAIL INDUSTRY PREVIEW :: NIKKI BAIRD
Nikki Baird is the vice president of strategy at Aptos, a retail enterprise solution provider. She looks after the future of retail and retail technology and identifies their impacts on both retail and Aptos’ strategy and solutions. She has been a top global retail industry influencer for 20+ years, with a background in retail and technology, and a career spanning PwC, Forrester, independent retail and tech startups. Nikki joins Justin to discuss key retail trends expected in early 2024.
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2023 TOP 5 - POPPI :: IT’S TIME TO LOVE SODA AGAIN!
01/02/2024
2023 TOP 5 - POPPI :: IT’S TIME TO LOVE SODA AGAIN!
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Stephen and Allison and based in Austin, TX, poppi combines fresh fruit juice, apple cider vinegar, and inulin prebiotics for a deliciously refreshing, full-of-flavor soda with benefits. With the help of an investment on Shark Tank, poppi has gone from farmer's-market-favorite to sitting pretty on the shelves of thousands of retailers across the nation. Along the way, they’ve become beloved by many including Hailey Bieber, Kylie Jenner, Billie Eilish, Russell Westbrook, JLo, Olivia Munn, and more. Allison joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing beverage brand!
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2023 TOP 5 - LATE JULY SNACKS + NIXIE SPARKLING WATER
01/01/2024
2023 TOP 5 - LATE JULY SNACKS + NIXIE SPARKLING WATER
Nicole (Nikki) Dawes is the CEO and Founder of Nixie Sparking Water and also the Founder of Late July Organic Snacks. Founded in 2018, Nixie Sparkling Water is a brand that delivers exceptional taste without synthetic solvents, carriers or artificial preservatives. Founded in 2003, Late July Snacks offers tortilla chips and crackers made of organic, non-GMO ingredients that the whole family can enjoy. Nikki joins Justin to discuss launching and growing two successful CPG brands.
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2023 TOP 5 - CATALINA CRUNCH :: CEREAL, COOKIES, & SNACKS
12/31/2023
2023 TOP 5 - CATALINA CRUNCH :: CEREAL, COOKIES, & SNACKS
Like many kids, mainstream snacks and cereals were a memorable part of Krishna Kaliannan’s childhood. There’s nothing he loved more than chocolate puffs for breakfast or a delicious sandwich cookie dunked in a glass of cold milk. Unfortunately, when he turned 17, he was diagnosed with T1 diabetes and had to give up many of his favorite snacks since they are typically loaded with sugar and empty carbs. He started eating low carb to help manage his blood sugar, but the few healthy options available tasted like cardboard. He got fed up! He wanted delicious snacks that would satisfy my cravings but weren’t loaded with all the sugar and empty carbs. And thus, Catalina Crunch was born. Krishna joins Justin to discuss this innovative and fast-growing food brand!
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2023 TOP 5 - ENDANGERED SPECIES CHOCOLATE :: THIS CHOCOLATE DOES GOOD!
12/30/2023
2023 TOP 5 - ENDANGERED SPECIES CHOCOLATE :: THIS CHOCOLATE DOES GOOD!
Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Endangered Species Chocolate has been crafting premium chocolate for three decades. ESC is passionate about redeeming typical business practices into “doing good better” that leaves a positive and lasting ripple in their wake. They love the truly delicious product they create, and are on a mission to seed joy through abundant giving. By donating 10% of net profits to impactful organizations and initiatives, they can continue in their amazing work to improve our world every day. CEO Curt Vander Meer joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing and delicious brand!
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2023 TOP 5 - GENERATIVE AI AND THE ENTREPRENEUR!
12/29/2023
2023 TOP 5 - GENERATIVE AI AND THE ENTREPRENEUR!
Artificial Intelligence. Machine Learning. Generative AI. Deep Learning. What does it all mean?! And why should you as a founder or entrepreneur care? Michael Connor joins Justin to unpack all of this and more as related to the Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods start-up space.
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2023 TOP 5 - MARIMIX :: SNACK MIX
12/28/2023
2023 TOP 5 - MARIMIX :: SNACK MIX
Mari Fassett started mixing flavors when she was 12 and whipped up a bowl of peanut butter, syrup and melted butter to dip pretzels in while she watched cartoons. Today, she is proud to celebrate over 25 years making better-for-you, plant-based, gluten-free snack mixes. She believes today's consumer craves snacks that innovate with bold, adventurous flavor while still paying tribute to comfort-food traditions. Mari joins Justin to discuss this growing brand!
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THE LITTLEOAK COMPANY :: BABY FORMULA
12/20/2023
THE LITTLEOAK COMPANY :: BABY FORMULA
The LittleOak Company is on a mission to create products that care equally for our little ones and the world they will grow into. They believe that nothing can prepare our children for the world more than the world itself. Nature, after all, is our greatest provider. This is why they fell in love with the natural benefits of fresh goat milk and use it in our range of toddler drinks. Founder Elke Pascoe joins Justin to discuss this growing baby formula brand!
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INSPIRO TEQUILA
12/04/2023
INSPIRO TEQUILA
Mara Smith, a former attorney in Chicago, started drinking tequila when she was looking for a clean, gluten-free spirit that fit into her active lifestyle. She and her friends enjoyed the versatile, carb-free and zero sugar spirit but they were not drawn to the traditional offerings. For years, Mara searched for a tequila brand that was additive-free with a look, taste and aroma that appealed to her and that she could share with her friends and family and proudly display on her bar. That perfect tequila simply did not exist, so she decided to create one. Mara joins Justin to discuss this growing alcoholic-beverage brand!
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REMEDY ORGANICS :: CRAVEABLE PLANT-BASED WELLNESS SHAKES
11/27/2023
REMEDY ORGANICS :: CRAVEABLE PLANT-BASED WELLNESS SHAKES
Remedy Organics was founded by Cindy Kasindorf, a holistic nutritionist who set out to create plant-based beverages that are deliciously protein-packed, superfood-charged, colored by food, and nutrient-dense. Her inspiration to create Remedy Organics began with her lifelong passion for health and wellness. Remedy Organics products aim to help you unleash your body’s natural healing power and live each day to the fullest. Cindy and her husband (and partner) Henry, join Justin to discuss this fast-growing beverage brand!
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EASTERN STANDARD PROVISIONS :: PRETZELS, WAFFLES & MORE
11/20/2023
EASTERN STANDARD PROVISIONS :: PRETZELS, WAFFLES & MORE
Eastern Standard Provisions delivers expertly crafted, one-of-a-kind artisanal soft pretzels and artfully blended flavored salts & sugars because life is just too short not to love every bite. Their Boston-based team, with deep roots throughout New England, is fiercely passionate in their pursuit of making the best soft pretzels on the planet. This stemmed from their mutual love for pretzels, and a realization that finding one on the market that lived up to expectations was nearly impossible. So, they decided to make it. And they now ship pretzels and waffles. Founder and CEO Bill Deacon joins Justin to discuss this delicious brand!
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GROCERY SHOPII :: SHOPPABLE RECIPE TECHNOLOGY, POWERED BY BRANDS
11/13/2023
GROCERY SHOPII :: SHOPPABLE RECIPE TECHNOLOGY, POWERED BY BRANDS
Katie Hotze is the CEO and Founder of Grocery Shopii. With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, data analytics, and business strategy, Katie was able to turn her frustration with grocery shopping into a nationally-recognized retail tech disrupter that’s rapidly expanding in North America. Prior, Katie worked in management and technology consulting, leading global marketing teams at Mercer and BearingPoint. She broke away from her corporate career in 2019 to start Grocery Shopii. Today, Katie is recognized as one of grocery tech’s leading innovators, including recognition as one of Retail Info Systems’ Top 10 Women in Grocery Tech. Katie joins Justin to talk tech + grocery!
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POPPI :: IT’S TIME TO LOVE SODA AGAIN!
11/06/2023
POPPI :: IT’S TIME TO LOVE SODA AGAIN!
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Stephen and Allison and based in Austin, TX, poppi combines fresh fruit juice, apple cider vinegar, and inulin prebiotics for a deliciously refreshing, full-of-flavor soda with benefits. With the help of an investment on Shark Tank, poppi has gone from farmer's-market-favorite to sitting pretty on the shelves of thousands of retailers across the nation. Along the way, they’ve become beloved by many including Hailey Bieber, Kylie Jenner, Billie Eilish, Russell Westbrook, JLo, Olivia Munn, and more. Allison joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing beverage brand!
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YUZUCO :: PREMIUM, COLD-PRESSED JAPANESE YUZU JUICE
10/30/2023
YUZUCO :: PREMIUM, COLD-PRESSED JAPANESE YUZU JUICE
Griffin Owens is the co-founder of YUZUCO (www.theyuzu.co), a Los Angeles-based emerging brand that sources and creates premium, accessible yuzu products for award-winning chefs and bartenders. His experience with Yuzu began casually over a sour citrus and candy obsession as a young child. It developed more formally in 2020, with the launch of his brand's yuzu-inspired candled, featured in in media on publications such as Snaxshot and Vogue and locally in LA boutiques, such as Lady White Co. Griffin joins Justin to discuss this new fast-growing brand.
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THE DAILY GRIND: HOW TO OPEN & RUN A COFFEE SHOP THAT MAKES MONEY
10/23/2023
THE DAILY GRIND: HOW TO OPEN & RUN A COFFEE SHOP THAT MAKES MONEY
Straight forward, independent, no-nonsense advice is not easy to find. This is a must-read book for every budding and existing coffee shop entrepreneur. Andrew & Claire Bowen opened their first franchised coffee shop in 2007, after leaving senior roles in retail and healthcare. Within eighteen months they had opened three outlets and had over £1m turnover. In 2011 they developed their own independent format, which they continue to run. They support coffee shop owners worldwide as founders of Café Success Hub. They join Justin to discuss coffee shops and more!
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