This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose  and SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands In this episode, Ramon Vela interviews Brad Charron, CEO of ALOHA.  ALOHA is an employee-owned and operated company committed to making the healthiest, best-tasting plant-based protein products on the planet.  ALOHA’s product portfolio includes protein bars, drinks, and powders that taste as good as they are for you, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for nutrition.  USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free, Stevia & Sugar Alcohol-Free; all ALOHA products are sustainably sourced and thoughtfully packaged with deep respect for people and the environment. Below are the key takeaways from our conversation: * Brad shares his journey to joining ALOHA and the importance of gratitude in his leadership style.  * Discover how Brad turned struggling companies into success stories by concentrating on their core competencies. * Learn how Hawaiian culture inspires Brad’s business ethos, focusing on humility and community involvement. * Get inspired by ALOHA’s dedication to giving back and Brad’s personal commitment to nonprofit work. * Brad discusses ALOHA’s efforts to ensure its business is sustainable and accountable, with an array of certifications, such as B Corp, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free, Stevia & Sugar Alcohol-Free, backing its claims. * Hear about how ALOHA aligns its products with consumer needs, emphasizing the importance of organic, made-in-the-USA, and climate-neutral products, all while delivering nutritional value. * Explore ALOHA’s straightforward strategy to convey the true value of their health and wellness products to consumers. Join Ramon Vela for this inspiring conversation where we dive deep with Brad Sharon, the CEO of Aloha, a brand that’s not just making waves with its health-focused products but also setting a benchmark for sustainability and corporate responsibility.  Don’t forget to visit aloha.com to explore their range of healthy, sustainable products and learn more about their commitment to positive change. For more on ALOHA, visit: https://aloha.com/ Remember to follow The Story of a Brand Show for more conversations with industry leaders and to stay updated on the latest consumer products, brands, trends, retail, and beyond! * Today’s Sponsors: Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/ The Story of a Brand and Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link.   SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit using our unique link. 

This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose  and SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands In this episode, Ramon Vela interviews Ayeshah Abuelhiga, Founder & CEO of Mason Dixie Foods. Mason Dixie was created to provide fresh, fast, and affordable Southern comfort food to the masses.  Their original solution was perfecting the biscuit – making them with hormone-free dairy, real butter, and no preservatives. Through grassroots support, smart growth and investment, and growing demand, you can now find them nationwide. Below are the key takeaways from our conversation: * Ayeshah shares the genesis of Mason Dixie Foods and how a successful Kickstarter campaign for biscuits tapped into people's emotional connection with food and created a groundswell of demand. * The role of a mentor in Ayeshah’s journey, who saw her potential and helped to pave the way for her success. * Ayeshah opens up about the challenges of her upbringing and how they shaped her drive and approach to business. * Learn how Ayeshah leveraged community support and social media to amplify her business’s reach and create a loyal customer base. * Ayeshah discusses the challenges of resource scarcity, the importance of being flexible, and the perseverance required to scale a business and secure partnerships with major retailers. * She highlights how Mason Dixie Foods isn’t just a business but a positive force in the community, creating partnerships that extend its reach and ethos. * How Ayeshah’s approach goes beyond selling food; it’s about crafting an experience that resonates with the soul. Join Ramon Vela for this inspiring conversation with Ayeshah Abuelhiga, where we learn that the right mix of passion, resilience, and community support can lead to delicious success.  Don’t forget to check out Mason Dixie Foods and experience the comfort of their clean-label food firsthand! For more on Mason Dixie Foods, visit: https://masondixiefoods.com/ Remember to follow The Story of a Brand Show for more conversations with industry leaders and to stay updated on the latest consumer products, brands, trends, retail, and beyond! * Today’s Sponsors: Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/ The Story of a Brand and Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link.   SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit using our unique link.

This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose and SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands In this episode, we interview Andy Hunter, Founder and CEO of BookShop.org. Bookshop is an online bookstore that aims to financially support local, independent bookstores. Bookshop is also a BCorp - a corporation dedicated to the public good. By design, they give away over 80% of their profit margin to stores and affiliates of stores: publications, authors, and others who make up the thriving, inspirational culture around books! Below are the key takeaways from our conversation: * Andy’s passion for helping local bookstores thrive in the digital age through Bookshop.org. * He discussed how he struggled to secure investment and the need for champions like Morgan Entrekin who believe in an entrepreneur’s vision and abilities. * The importance of merging different disciplines and skills to create unique and impactful work in the business world. * A discussion on how artificial intelligence might reshape the job market and the ever-growing importance of critical thinking skills. * The struggle for small businesses to survive in the shadow of giants like Amazon and the detrimental effects of anti-competitive practices. * Overcoming the challenges of limited budgets and the ever-changing social media landscape to reach customers effectively. * How Bookshop.org’s model of connecting customers to local bookstores and handling logistics has led to profitability that supports the community. * The platform’s expansion through organic growth, media attention, and the power of storytelling. * The call for conscious consumerism that prioritizes community and local businesses. * Supporting local businesses as an act of community-building and resistance against market monopolies is important. * Encouragement for listeners to choose platforms that align with their values, like Bookshop.org. Call to Action: * Visit Bookshop.org to support your local bookstore. * Share the episode with friends and family to spread awareness about the importance of local bookstores. * Join the conversation on social media using #SupportLocalBookstores. Join Ramon Vela and Andy Hunter as we break down the inside story of Tonal on The Story of a Brand. For more on BookShop.org, visit: https://bookshop.org/ Remember to follow the show for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of business and wellness. * Today’s Sponsors: Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ Compass Rose works with founders and executive teams to help identify issues and opportunities and work with you to operationalize the brand so you can grow and scale profitably, raise funds, innovate, and more. Visit for more information.  SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit using our unique link. 

This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures  and SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands In this episode, Ramon Vela interviews Ian Yung, Senior VP of Revenue at Tonal. We take you on a journey through Ian’s career shift from the automotive industry to the cutting edge of fitness technology.  Below are the key takeaways from our conversation: * His transition from a traditional industry to a fast-paced tech environment and the lessons learned along the way. * How understanding your customer’s needs is pivotal in creating meaningful connections and successful business strategies. * Tonal’s digital weight training system and how Ian likens it to Apple’s ecosystem * How Tonal uses data to tailor resistance and provide a personalized workout experience. * Why resistance training is the cornerstone for long-term health management. * How Tonal is revolutionizing this space with data-driven insights. * How investing in one’s physical health early to reap benefits in later years. * How Tonal caters to performance-oriented individuals through its suite of features like data analytics, community support, scientific coaching, and personalized resistance training * And so much more! Join Ramon Vela and Ian Yung as we break down the inside story of Tonal on The Story of a Brand. For more on Tonal, visit: https://www.tonal.com/ Remember to follow the show for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of business and wellness. * Today’s Sponsors: Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ Compass Rose works with founders and executive teams to help identify issues and opportunities and work with you to operationalize the brand so you can grow and scale profitably, raise funds, innovate, and more. Visit for more information.  SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit using our unique link.

This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures  and SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands Today, host Ramon Vela interviews Rob Fried, CEO of ChromaDex and maker of Tru Niagen®.  ChromaDex is the global authority on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), focusing on the science of healthy aging.  The ChromaDex team, including world-renowned scientists, works with independent investigators from esteemed universities and research institutions around the globe to uncover the full potential of NAD+. A vital coenzyme found in every cell of the human body, NAD+ declines with age and exposure to other everyday stressors, making NAD+ a contributor to age-related changes in health and vitality.  ChromaDex is the innovator behind Tru Niagen®, its growing suite of clinically proven, top-selling NAD+ boosting supplements helping people transform the way they age worldwide.  Setting the benchmark as the gold standard in scientific rigor, quality, and transparency, Tru Niagen features patented nicotinamide riboside (NR), the most efficient and superior quality NAD+ boosting supplements available. Tru Niagen is backed by two Nobel Prize Winners, 30+ human clinical studies, and 300+ published scientific studies, and has been accepted by the world’s most rigorous regulatory bodies. Highlights: * His history in the entertainment business and producing movies * Business lessons, including his “Principles of Success: CHE and ACE” * What does Tru Niagen® do? * How NAD is vital for mitochondrial function and energy metabolism * The main ingredient in Tru Niagen® * Why NAD is fundamental to life * How Tru Niagen® enables the body to do what it's supposed to do * The applications for Tru Niagen® * When to take Tru Niagen® * Healthspan versus lifespan? * Vitamins versus Tru Niagen®? What gives your cells actual energy? * When do your NAD levels increase after taking Tru Niagen®? * Rob's personal experience with taking the supplement Tru Niagen® * What people are saying about Tru Niagen® * How to know if Tru Niagen® is working * And so much more…  Join Ramon Vela and Rob Fried as we break down the inside story of ChromaDex on The Story of a Brand. For more on ChromaDex, visit: https://www.chromadex.com/ For more information on Tru Niagen®, visit: https://www.truniagen.com/ Discount code: If you want to sample Tru Niagen 300mg 30 count subscription, you can get a 15% discount here. Simply use promo code: RAMON15   Or Click Here https://www.truniagen.com/truniagen-300mg/?utm_source=Story+of+a+Brand&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=Interview&utm_term=truniagen Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player. * Today’s Sponsors: SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link. 

This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures  and SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands Today, host Ramon Vela interviews Jason Ryder, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Oobli. Oobli makes seriously sweet proteins changing the world, one bite at a time.  Sweetness from protein—not sugar—is the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for! They’re good for your body and the planet, but their fantastic taste will keep you coming back. It’s gut-friendly, diabetic-friendly, all flavor, no compromise win we all deserve. Try their NEW Sweet Tea with only 7 grams of sugar—no weird stuff.  Highlights: * Jason's Gratitude Story * Climate, Food, and Health are joined at the hip * Jason’t Aha moment when he realized his mission in life * What are Sweet Proteins? * Why aren't more people using Sweet Proteins? * Why did you choose beverages, and what other products are coming? * Connecting the Climate to our sugar problem. * How can we solve problems across climate, food, and health when we're sick? * Are Sweet Proteins and your products diabetic-friendly? * Building a consumer-facing company has been more challenging than the science * A review of the sweet teas and chocolates available from Oobli * And so much more…  Join Ramon Vela and Jason Ryder as we break down the inside story of Oobli on The Story of a Brand. For more on Oobli, visit: https://oobli.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player. * Today’s Sponsors: SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link. 

This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures  and SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands Today, Ramon Vela interviews Gara Post, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of The NOW. The NOW, a new concept massage boutique, has quickly become LA's hottest new wellness destination for locals and globe-trotting influencers alike.  The NOW reinvents the way people think about and experience massages by creating a luxury service in an accessible and affordable manner in an inspiring environment. Highlights: * The NOW gives you the gift of presence * Live in the now is one of their brand truths * The origin story of The Now * The Now decides to Franchise * Opening their first location during the pandemic * Guest experience is critical, so you have to love people * Ramon: Testimonial about The NOW * Reconnect through the healing benefits of massage * Massages could help with emotional tension as well * Benefits of the Copper Brush * The NOW 5 Star experience * The Journey room and aha moment * How their partnerships build brand awareness. * How people can become a The NOW Franchise * And so much more…  Join Ramon Vela and Gara Post as we break down the inside story of The NOW on The Story of a Brand. For more on The NOW, visit: https://thenowmassage.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player. * Today’s Sponsors: SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link. 

This episode is brought to you by Compass Rose Ventures  and SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands Today, host Ramon Vela interviews Alice Zhang, Founder of myPocketCFO. myPocketCFO is the new intelligent finance management platform for growing eCommerce and omnichannel consumer brands.  It delivers real-time auto-bookkeeping, analytics, monthly reconciliation, and CFO advice all in one place.  Unlike traditional accounting firms that charge by the hour and deliver siloed services, myPocketCFO ingests all your transactional data daily to automatically generate financial statements that allow you to collaborate with business partners to make critical decisions at a straightforward subscription price. Highlights: * Her Gratitude Story * Why, if you don't understand the numbers, you're doomed * Jeff Bezos's quote on business cycles as waves * Economic Forecast for the 2024-2025 calendar year * Talking interest rates, commercial real estate refinancing, rolling recessions * Investor's Advice for Founders * For Founders, why it's time to focus on “value creation” * Value creation Explained * What is Accumulated Return or Discounted Cash Flow? * Cost of Capital and Resetting Your Thinking Around Resources * The Cost of Capital Concept Explained * Financial concepts and metrics startup brands should use to measure Value * Using Growth and "Traction" as Financial Metrics for Startups * Explaining the Efficiency of Capital and Marketing Efficiency Return * Why Numbers Should Carry Meaning for Founders * Your Financials Tell The Life Story of Your Brand * Founders should ask, “What does my ideal P&L look like? * Case Study: How you reverse engineer your P&L * And SO. MUCH. MORE Join Ramon Vela and Alice Zhang as we break down the inside story of myPocketCFO on The Story of a Brand. For more on myPocketCFO, visit: https://www.mypocketcfo.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player. * Today’s Sponsor: SARAL  - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link. 

This episode is brought to you by Tidio and SARAL - The Influencer OS Join host Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, as she sits down with Andrew Laudato, Chief Operating Officer of The Vitamin Shoppe, to discuss the fascinating evolution from a technologist to a retail leader.  In this episode, we’ll discover the innovative strategies The Vitamin Shoppe is employing to navigate the retail landscape amidst technological advances and evolving consumer behaviors. Key Themes: Customer-Centric Philosophy: * Andrew emphasizes the critical importance of always putting the customer first. * Discussion on adopting a multi-channel retail approach to serve customers where they are. Embracing Technological Partnerships: * Insight into The Vitamin Shop’s partnerships with Instacart and DoorDash to improve accessibility and convenience for customers. * Leveraging technology for efficient supply chain management. Education and Employee Training: * The company’s commitment to educating customers about its products. * Importance of thorough training for employees to maintain a consistent and knowledgeable shopping experience. Personalized Marketing and Data Privacy: * The balance between using customer data for personalized marketing and ensuring privacy and security. Sustainable and Quality-Focused Industry Practices: * Discussion on the vitamin industry’s focus on sustainability and quality. * How The Vitamin Shop aligns with environmentally conscious practices. Career Development Insights: * Andrew advises pursuing varied experiences and passions before settling into a career path. * Retail as a foundation for developing management and leadership skills. The Concept of Composable Commerce: * Explore The Vitamin Shop’s move towards “composable commerce” and its implications. * The challenges and uncertainties of long-term planning in a rapidly changing retail environment. Episode Highlights: * Andrew’s personal career journey and lessons learned transitioning from tech to retail. * How multi-channel retailing and online platforms are revolutionizing the shopping experience. * The importance of training and knowledge in empowering employees and satisfying customers. * A deep dive into how personalization and privacy intersect in modern marketing practices. * Insights into the future of retail and how to prepare for shifts in the industry. Call to Action:  Andrew Laudato encourages listeners to consider how technology and consumer habits shape a brand’s shopping experiences and the importance of sustainability and quality in product choices. Thank you for tuning in to our latest episode.  Remember to subscribe to “The Story of a Brand Show” on your favorite podcast player for more conversations with industry leaders and to stay updated on the latest trends in consumer brands, retail, and beyond! For more on The Vitamin Shoppe, visit: https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/ * Today’s Sponsors: Tidio - Customer Success Tool for Shopify Brands: http://www.tidio.com/story My listeners can start using Tidio AI chatbots for free and upgrade at any time with an exclusive 20% discount. See how Tidio helps your store grow. Visit my unique link.   SARAL - The Influencer OS for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link. 

This episode is brought to you by Tidio and SARAL. Today, Ramon Vela interviews Nigel Thomas, Founder of David to Goliath. A newsletter that documents his comeback from near suicide to building a 100,000 community in public and interviewing the best underdogs of this generation. Highlights: * Gratitude Story: 100,000 in revenue * Some people never accomplish their life's mission or goal * Nigel's mission & purpose * Life is About Constant Practice * Nigel: Struggling with a Purpose is how we find happiness - Part 1 * Nigel: Struggling with a Purpose is how we find happiness - Part 2 * Learning from others Who Have Experience * Why community is the solution to the problem * Overcoming your fears starts with gratitude * Running at 6 am to fight depression * Dark Knight Rises, making the jump away from fear, and why David to Goliath Newsletter exist * And so much more Join Ramon Vela and Nigel Thomas as we break down the inside story of David to Goliath on The Story of a Brand. For more on David to Goliath, visit: https://davidtogoliath.com/ Subscribe and listen to the podcast on all major apps. Search for “The Story of a Brand” on your favorite podcast player. * Today’s Sponsors: Tidio - Customer Success Tool for Shopify Brands: http://www.tidio.com/story My listeners can start using Tidio AI chatbots for free and upgrade at any time with an exclusive 20% discount. See how Tidio helps your store grow. Visit my unique link.   SARAL - Your Influencer Assistant Tool for Brands: http://storybrandoffer.com/ Claim an "exclusive onboarding" offer for the listeners of The Story of a Brand Show. The Saral Team will work directly with you and offer weekly check-ins and 1:1 consulting until you succeed. Visit my unique link.