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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DEEBEE’S ORGANICS
07/22/2024
DEEBEE’S ORGANICS
As a mom, Dionne Laslo-Baker wanted to show her kids that real food can be delicious without adding malic acid, artificial colors, or artificial flavors. So she brought her PhD in Medical Science from the lab to the kitchen and created products she would be proud to give her own family. She also wanted to prove that business can be a force for good—helping to create a more colorful world filled with health, inclusivity, and joy. A world where everyone thrives, together. DeeBee’s Organics is a Certified B Corporation, their factory uses solar power, and they champion employees’ most loved causes through the DreamLauncher program. Dionne joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing brand!
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MING RIVER :: BAIJIU
07/15/2024
MING RIVER :: BAIJIU
Baijiu (pronounced bye-j’yo) means “white spirits” in Mandarin. It is a diverse drinks category that includes all traditional Chinese grain spirits. Most baijiu is distilled from sorghum, but it can also be made from other crops. The techniques deployed in baijiu production vary greatly by region and style, and different styles of baijiu can be as distinct as whiskey is to tequila. Baijiu is the world’s most popular liquor by volume. China’s National Statistics Bureau estimates that the country produces about 12.9 billion liters (3.4B gal) of baijiu annually. Put another way, there is more baijiu produced each year than the combined total of vodka and whisky—numbers two and three, respectively. Baijiu and Western spirits, broadly defined, are fundamentally different alcohols, which makes Chinese spirits an exciting new addition to the international spirits world. Co-founder Derek Sandhaus joins Justin to discuss this new exciting, up-and-coming alco-bev brand!
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TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE
07/08/2024
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE
Tropical Smoothie Cafe, also referred to as Tropical Smoothie, is a restaurant franchise in the United States that operates more than 1400 locations nationwide. Tropical Smoothie began as a smoothie shop in 1993 along the panhandle of Florida. Tropical Smoothie Franchise Development Corporation was founded in 1997 in Destin, Florida, and the first franchised store opened in 1998 in Tallahassee, Florida. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is currently headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. CEO Charles Watson joins Justin to discuss restaurant strategy, growth and delivering an exceptional customer experience!
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FRESH PRESS FARMS :: OLIVE OIL
07/01/2024
FRESH PRESS FARMS :: OLIVE OIL
Fresh Press Farms are the makers of homegrown, cold pressed cooking oils. Crafting oil like this means they capture the best of the olive...or peanut, pecan, or sunflower seed because they make those oils, too! CEO Frederic Lebourg joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing brand.
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CRISP POWER :: PROTEIN PRETZELS
06/24/2024
CRISP POWER :: PROTEIN PRETZELS
Crisp Power. Your go-to for functional food with just 6g of net carbs and a whopping 28g of plant based protein per pack [1.75oz (50g)]. It’s not just a snack; it’s a revolution! Gilad Zilberberg joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing, innovative snack brand!
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DAILY CRUNCH :: UNIQUELY CRUNCHY SPROUTED NUT SNACKS
06/17/2024
DAILY CRUNCH :: UNIQUELY CRUNCHY SPROUTED NUT SNACKS
It all started when Diane’s sister took a trip to India over 15 years ago, where she learned about the health and taste benefits of sprouted almonds. When you soak almonds in water for a long period of time, they “sprout”. The result is easier to digest + more nutrient dense + crunchier almonds! Inspired by these health benefits + the “sprouted-nut-crunch”, Diane began sprouting almonds and then dehydrating them, as opposed to roasting them, at home. She would then flavor them with real ingredients. She loved the way they tasted, and even more, the way they made her feel. She shared her sprouted snacks with friends and family members … who were always asking for more! Laurel, her niece and a healthy food lover with plentiful experience in marketing, fell in love with the snacks. Her interest was piqued. After doing some market research and going to Natural Products Expo West, Laurel and Diane realized sprouted snacks were truly unique from snacks already on the market. For the health-conscious consumer, a tasty + crunchy sprouted nut snack made with all real ingredients, no oil, and no added sugars would be a dream come true. Co-founder and CEO Laurel Orley joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing snack brand!
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THE LITTLEOAK COMPANY :: BABY FORMULA (PART 2)
06/10/2024
THE LITTLEOAK COMPANY :: BABY FORMULA (PART 2)
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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MOSHI :: SPARKLING BEVERAGES
06/03/2024
MOSHI :: SPARKLING BEVERAGES
NYC is widely considered one of the most diverse cities in the world, with people, music, and FOOD from all over! After several years of cooking in some of the top restaurants in the city, Founder Alton But noticed that the non-alcoholic beverage pairings could have been more inspiring. NYC has some of the best Asian cuisines outside of Asia, only for the meals to be paired with the same old sodas and soft drinks that every other restaurant in the city carries. Alton and his team made it their mission to change this; they launched Moshi, a beverage brand made with unique Asian ingredients to pair with the Asian cuisine we all know and love. Alton joins Justin to discuss this growing beverage brand!
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A SHARK ATE MY BAGEL :: THE STORY OF BANTAM BAGELS!
05/27/2024
A SHARK ATE MY BAGEL :: THE STORY OF BANTAM BAGELS!
Elyse and her husband and business partner, Nick, seemingly have done it all. Together, they faced the notorious Sharks of ABC’s Shark Tank, sold millions of bagels on live TV, invented multiple successful lines of frozen breakfast items, and built their company into a recognized national brand. But they have also faced challenge. In pursuit of their dream, Elyse and Nick spent seven days a week, 24 hours a day, bustling through financial struggles, rejections, pregnancies, births, miscarriages, crisscrossing the country, fighting tooth and nail for the survival of their company. And nearly every time they made a step towards success it was coupled by an equally sized calamity or failure. Elyse also just published "A Shark Ate My Bagel: How We Built Bantam Bagels, A Memoir." Elyse joins Justin to discuss launching, growing, and exiting a fast-growing bagel business.
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STAGE SEVEN TEQUILA
05/20/2024
STAGE SEVEN TEQUILA
Miles Marmo is a failed professional athlete turned marketing agency and brand owner. As the Co-Founder of Agency Squid and Stage Seven Tequila, he brings a wealth of consumer goods knowledge to every brand he develops. Prior to starting his own agency and tequila brand, he spent years at one of the leading RTD beverage brands in the US. As a trained strategist, Miles works to blend business acumen with creative expression. Miles joins Justin to discuss Consumer Goods and his new beverage brand!
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EVERGREEN :: BREAKFAST JUST GOT (WAY) BETTER WITH WAFFLES!
05/13/2024
EVERGREEN :: BREAKFAST JUST GOT (WAY) BETTER WITH WAFFLES!
With the arrival of her daughter in 2018, Emily Groden (Founder and CEO) knew she would not have as much time to cook. She needed a new go-to: something that was simple, tasty, and truly nourishing. But frozen waffles? Are they simple? Yes. Tasty? Definitely. Nourishing? Uh… no. It’s a classic tale of a mom, a mission, and a waffle maker. Cramming all the good stuff like fruits, veggies, nuts and spices into something that tastes as good as it makes you feel. A few years and a few hundred recipes later, flavor, protein, fiber, and a whole serving of fruits and veggies are together at last… in a toaster. Emily joins Justin to discuss this delicious and fast-growing brand!
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MOSS PURE :: LIVE MOSS WALLS & DECOR
05/09/2024
MOSS PURE :: LIVE MOSS WALLS & DECOR
Moss Pure was created during a startup competition at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in June 2020, where it won First Place Startup in Track 1B: Health, Energy, and Waste Management (MIT Lebanon Challenge). It then went on to participate in the United Nations Development Programme where it won Top 10 Startup in August 2020. While most moss wall companies use preserved moss that is no longer living, Moss Pure is the first and only live moss air filter and stress relief device. Their patent pending science extends the lifespan of live moss within our design without needing any watering, sunlight, or maintenance. All while being an aesthetically pleasing decor piece in your modern space. Founder Jamie Mitri joins Justin to discuss this “growing” company!
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AMANTE 1530 :: APERITIVO AMARO
05/06/2024
AMANTE 1530 :: APERITIVO AMARO
Amante, the Italian word for lover, is designed to stimulate the senses and inspire a life of passion. LA DELIZIOSA VITA, the delicious life. Hailing from the historic Il Palagio 1530 estate in Tuscany, this latest innovation in amaro offers a new take on an old classic; combining aromas of Italian citrus, ginger and honeysuckle to help you enjoy a unique bittersweet taste and a thoroughly delicious afternoon. Amante 1530 transports the art of Italian spirit-making into the 21st century, and heralds a new era of amaro. Amante 1530. The delicious life. CEO Ana Rosenstein joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing brand!
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NOOVO :: CAMPER VAN CONVERSIONS!
04/29/2024
NOOVO :: CAMPER VAN CONVERSIONS!
Based in Las Vegas, Noovo introduces two groundbreaking models in 2024: Noovo Lite and the innovative Noovo Plus, the ‘First Super High Roof Camper Van in the US. Designed for the evolving needs of remote workers, retirees, travel nurses, and adventurers, these vans represent our vision of seamless integration between life’s work and pleasures. These vans are ideal for full-time van living. Co-founder Paul Aubert joins Justin to discuss this moving brand!
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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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