Predicting The Turn W/ Dave Knox

Breakfast is a daily ritual, but for years, the options on US grocery store shelves were uninspiring—until Belgian Boys entered the scene. Led by Anouck Gotlib and her husband Greg, the brand has transformed the way Americans enjoy breakfast with authentic, European-inspired waffles and pancakes. In this interview, CEO Anouck Gotlib shares how Belgian Boys grew from a side hustle into a category-defining brand now found in 12,000 stores nationwide. I sat down with Anouck to discuss the challenges of scaling a food business, the strategic move from frozen to refrigerated aisles, and the lessons learned in building a beloved brand from the ground up.

Building a business around safer, non-toxic home goods isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. That belief drove Jordan Nathan to launch Caraway in 2019, starting with ceramic non-stick cookware as a healthier alternative to traditional Teflon-coated pans. Since then, the brand has expanded into bakeware, food storage, and other home essentials, all while staying true to its mission of eliminating toxic materials from everyday products.  I sat down with Nathan to learn how he’s scaling Caraway, navigating retail expansion, and ensuring the brand’s commitment to safety and design remains at the forefront.

In the rapidly evolving world of hospitality, technology and innovation are driving major shifts, and few understand this transformation better than Mathew Focht. As a co-founder of Emerging, a fund focused on tech-driven concepts in hospitality, Focht brings decades of expertise to the table. In this interview, he shares his insights on the future of "eatertainment," the evolving role of technology, and what it takes to identify and scale the next big idea in the experiential economy. I sat down with Focht to discuss how Emerging's strategic investments are shaping the future of hospitality and the key factors that drive success in this high-growth industry.

In a world where personalized experiences are increasingly central to consumer satisfaction, Ben McKean has built Hungryroot into a leader in the personalized grocery service industry. McKean, who founded the company in 2015, shares his journey from a traditional packaged food business to a cutting-edge, AI-driven platform that tailors grocery shopping to customers’ goals and preferences. In this interview, McKean discusses the pivotal moments that shaped Hungryroot’s success, the role of AI in revolutionizing food delivery, and his advice for entrepreneurs looking to disrupt industries.

From founding the controversial alcoholic beverage Four Loko to becoming a leading entrepreneur in the better-for-you space, Chris Hunter has navigated an unconventional path to success. Now at the helm of Koia, a brand known for its plant-based protein drinks, Hunter has applied his entrepreneurial spirit to a new industry focused on health and wellness. In this interview, Hunter reflects on the lessons learned from his past ventures and how his unique background has led him to launch another category defining brand.

As the spirits industry navigates shifting consumer trends and evolving market landscapes, staying agile has become essential for growth, even for a company that is 137 years old.  I sat down with Paul Basford, President of William Grant & Sons USA, to discuss how this family-owned, independent company famous for brands such as Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin, and Milagro Tequila has adapted to change. In our discussion, Basford talks about their data-driven approach to regional shifts, the company’s commitment to core brands, and strategies for cultivating a strong, future-focused team culture.

Coming out of COVID, the non-alcoholic beverage had incredible tailwinds, supported by plentiful venture capital and strong consumer demand. Boisson capitalized on these trends, quickly expanding to 11 retail stores across the country and placing themselves at the heart of the non-alc industry. Things came to a sudden stop as the retailer shut their doors and declared bankruptcy in early 2024. I sat down with Boisson founder Nick Bodkins for his first interview since this sudden closure. In the interview, Bodkins, opens up about his journey through bankruptcy, restructuring, and the hard-won lessons of entrepreneurship during trying times.

Functional mushrooms are transforming the wellness industry, and at the forefront of this movement is Four Sigmatic, founded by Tero Isokauppila. A 13th-generation farmer from Finland, Isokauppila has pioneered mushroom-based products that blend tradition with modern wellness needs, building Four Sigmatic into the number one mushroom coffee and protein brand on the market. I sat down with Tero to discuss the challenges and insights behind building a new category, the importance of resilience and focus in scaling a sustainable business, and his vision for Four Sigmatic's future.

In a world where luxury and technology intersect, few are pioneering the fusion as deftly as the founders of Bezel. I sat down with Quaid Walker, a tech veteran turned watch enthusiast, to discuss how his team is reshaping the high-end watch market by marrying cutting-edge technology with timeless craftsmanship. In this interview, Walker reveals the challenges they’ve overcome, their unique approach to blending digital and physical experiences, and the passion driving their innovation in a niche industry.

The allure of Mexican traditions meets modern innovation in the vibrant world of tepache, a drink with ancient roots and a fresh, contemporary twist. I sat down with Alex Matthews, founder of De La Calle, to discuss his journey from curiosity to creation, bringing the authentic flavors of Mexico to the U.S. market. We delve into the challenges of introducing tepache to American consumers, the evolution of the brand, and the strategic decisions driving its future growth.

What started as a serendipitous discovery on a remote island in Thailand has blossomed into a mission to revolutionize how the world relaxes.  I sat down with Joe Demin, co-founder and Chief Relaxation Officer at Yellow Leaf Hammocks, to learn about the inspiring journey behind the brand.  We discussed the company’s humble beginnings, the challenges of scaling a socially conscious business, and the innovative strategies that are bringing comfort into homes and beyond.

Founded on a mission of fierce love by Stephanie Boone, Wondercide has evolved over 15 years to offer plant-powered pest control solutions to help families to “protect their pack.” I sat down with Brad Locke, who joined the company in 2023 as President.  We discussed maintaining the brand's core values, navigating market expansions, and the strategic importance of self-manufacturing in ensuring product quality and innovation.

PepsiCo is transforming how we think about beverages, pushing boundaries beyond the bottle. Greg Lyons, Chief Marketing Officer of PepsiCo's Beverages North America Portfolio, shares his insights on driving this innovation. In this interview, Lyons discusses embracing a challenger mindset, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, and expanding into new categories like functional and enhanced beverages.

The story of Ember began with a simple observation over breakfast: cold scrambled eggs. Fueled by his background in thermal science engineering and a penchant for innovation, Ember Founder and Chairman Clay Alexander embarked on a mission to revolutionize the way people eat, drink, and live. I sat down with Clay to learn more about his journey launching the world’s first temperature-controlled coffee mug, the global expansion of the business in partnership with Starbucks and Apple, and why he believes so strongly in entrepreneurs protecting their ideas.

In a dynamic landscape where consumer brands navigate ever-evolving markets, Camino Partners has emerged as a beacon of innovation and collaboration. I sat down with Elle Lanning, President of Camino Partners and veteran of KIND Snacks, to discuss the firm’s pioneering approach to investing and incubating emerging brands. From leveraging operational experience to championing values-driven partnerships, Lanning shared what inspired Camino to take a differentiated approach to consumer investment, guided by a commitment to sustainable growth and strategic innovation.

In a landscape dominated by established brands, Nori emerged as a disruptor in the ironing industry.  Where others saw a commodity, Nori pioneered innovation where few dared to venture. I sat down with Nori CEO and Co-Founder, Courtney Toll, to delve into her journey from launching Nori despite investor skepticism to navigating the complexities of hardware manufacturing and retail distribution.

In the competitive landscape of direct-to-consumer brands, Sunday's innovative approach to lawn care is setting it apart. By focusing on a seamless end-to-end customer experience, Sunday has redefined how consumers interact with and care for their outdoor spaces. This strategy not only ensures high customer retention but also positions Sunday as a leader in integrating technology with traditional products. I sat down with Coulter Lewis, CEO and Founder of Sunday to learn more about how Sunday’s unique model is revolutionizing the lawn care industry.

From humble beginnings in a kitchen, Coconut Cult has become a pioneering brand in the world of functional foods. I sat down with the Coconut Cult leadership team including founder Noah Simon-Waddell and CEO Ari Raz to learn more about their journey. We discussed the challenges and opportunities of self-manufacturing, how they have fostered community engagement, and the plans for an upcoming brand refresh.

BODYARMOR has been disrupting the world of sports hydration since 2011. Founded by Mike Repole, the brand has witnessed a meteoric rise in the sports nutrition industry through game-changing innovation. Federico Muyshondt, CEO of BODYARMOR, took over leadership of the brand shortly after its acquisition by Coca-Cola. I sat down with Muyshondt to discuss their strategic focus on authenticity, the brand’s expansion into new categories and global markets, and their quest to live up to the Mamba Mentality that Kobe Bryant infused into the brand since its beginning as an early investor back in 2013.

Catalina Crunch has carved out a niche with its innovative approach to low-carb, high-fiber foods. Founded by Krishna Kaliannan, whose personal journey with type one diabetes sparked the creation of Catalina Crunch, the company has rapidly evolved from a passion project to a thriving business. I sat down with Kaliannan to learn more about the brand's trajectory, from its humble beginnings in cereal to its strategic expansion into new product categories and retail channels.