Move over Eggo. In this episode, Emily Groden, founder of Evergreen Waffles, shares her journey from corporate lawyer to waffle entrepreneur. She delves into the evolution of Evergreen, a brand that began as a hobby in March 2020 and has rapidly grown to 3,500+ stores nationwide. Emily discusses the unique selling points of Evergreen’s frozen waffles, which pack a full serving of fruits and veggies without refined sugars or preservatives.

Hear about the development of their distinctive flavors like zucchini carrot cake and peanut butter banana bread, and the challenges she faced from early sales strategies to navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emily also touches on their marketing strategies, including a successful rebranding that boosted same-store sales by 62%.

Don't miss out on this insightful conversation - Tune in now!

What was covered:

• Emily's transition from corporate lawyer to entrepreneur
• Creating unique flavors and navigating early sales challenges
• How a rebrand led to +62% in same-store sales
• Manufacturing challenges and lessons
• Taking risks and shooting your shot with cold outreach

Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/

Emily Groden’s Links:

Website: https://eatevergreen.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatevergreen/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/eatevergreen

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eatevergreen

In this episode, Matt Butler, founder of Tally Tumbler and a 20-year Air Force veteran, shares his inspiring journey from military service to entrepreneurship. Matt takes us through the creation of his two successful products: Rollors, an outdoor lawn game with over 150,000 units sold, and the Tally Tumbler, a unique scorekeeping drink tumbler that has seen impressive growth, especially in the golf market.

Matt also dives into his innovative marketing strategies, including a hybrid sales model and targeted digital advertising, and discusses the challenges he's faced, such as inventory management and navigating changing consumer behavior. He offers insight into his future plans, including exploring US-based production to address supply chain issues and preparing for peak sales seasons.

What was covered:

• Matt Butler’s Transition from Air Force Veteran to Entrepreneur
• Product Success: 150,000 Units of Rollors Sold
• Launching a 2nd Successful Product Brand: The Tally Tumbler
• Hybrid Sales Model and Digital Advertising
• The Ups and Downs of Inventory Management
• Leveraging Trade Shows for Product Development and Networking
• US-Based Production for Supply Chain Optimization
• Analyzing Trends and Data

Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/

Matt Butler’s Links:

Website: https://www.tallytumbler.com/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tallytumbler/
Rollors: https://rollors.com/

In this episode, Leslie Danford, founder of Vitaminis, shares her journey of transitioning from a corporate career to launching her own vitamin supplement brand during the pandemic. Leslie discusses the development and unique aspects of Vitaminis' products, the challenges of starting up, the importance of feedback and iteration, her retail strategies, and her upcoming plans for Vitaminis.

Leslie also highlights her strategy for gaining traction in retail, with a particular focus on sampling at natural grocery stores and leveraging feedback to iterate on the product. The conversation also covers the importance of packaging, retail placement, and the potential for growth in different markets.

Listen now to see how Vitaminis is growing fast.

What was covered:

• Leslie Danford's career journey and transition from corporate to entrepreneurship
• Channel strategies and lessons learned
• The reality of organic social media
• The power of multiple marketing channels
• Retail as a growth driver
• The importance of sampling and using QR codes to build an email list
• The power of effective product placement

Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/

Leslie Danford’s Links:

Website: https://vitaminisbrand.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vitaminisbrand/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VitaminisBrand/

In this episode, Parker interviews Cody DeJardin, a brand builder, partner, and advisor to consumer brands, about his extensive experience in the industry. Cody shares his journey from starting a product company with his brother in college to working with Sackcloth and Ashes, a mission-driven company that donates a blanket to a homeless shelter for every blanket purchased.

They discuss the importance of meaningful storytelling, quality products, local impact, and engaging community. Cody elaborates on how Sackcloth and Ashes stands out in a crowded market by leveraging strategic collaborations and partnerships with various artists and brands. He also delves into the challenges of scaling too quickly and the shift towards gifting as a significant revenue driver for the company.

Listen in to learn about the evolution of brand building, effective marketing strategies, and the impact of prioritizing social good.

What was covered:

Introduction to Cody DeJardin and Sackcloth and Ashes

Founding of Sackcloth and Ashes

The Impact and Growth of Sackcloth and Ashes

Challenges and Successes in the Blanket Industry

Growing A Business with Collaborations and Partnerships

Spotlighting Artists and Their Stories

Gifting Strategies and Business Growth

Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/

Cody DeJardin Links:

Website: https://sackclothandashes.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sackclothxashes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sackclothxashes

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@sackclothxashes

Imagine a grill cleaning brush soaring to $3 million in pre-orders—how does that happen?

In this episode of the Uncommon Brands podcast, Parker Nash chats with Anthony Tranchida, CEO of Grill Rescue, to unravel the secrets of his meteoric success.

Anthony shares the journey from launching his innovative product on Kickstarter, where it raised an astounding $211,000 in just 30 days, to hitting $3 million in pre-orders shortly after its 2019 debut. Discover the marketing magic behind this feat, including the creation of high-quality video content, the strategic use of Facebook ads, and the surprising challenge of account bans.

Dive into Anthony's email marketing playbook, where he highlights the power of consistent communication, segmented customer lists, and fruitful email swaps with complementary brands. Learn about the evolution of Grill Rescue's product line, from the indestructible "Forever Sponge" to specialized grill brush versions, and how smart product bundling can boost average order value. Anthony wraps up the episode with actionable advice on ad creation, exploring AI for outreach, and enhancing email marketing initiatives.

Listen now.

What was covered:

Anthony Tranchida’s journey launching Grill Rescue

The success of the Kickstarter campaign, raising $211,000 and generating $3 million in pre-orders

Marketing strategies including high-quality video content, Facebook ads, and dealing with account bans

Importance of email marketing: regular communication, segmentation, and email swaps with complementary brands

Product development highlights, including the "Forever Sponge" and various grill brush versions

Strategies to enhance average order value through product bundling and managing stock levels

Action items for continuous ad creation, exploring new outreach methods with AI, and improving email marketing initiatives

Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/

Anthony Tranchida Links:

Website: https://grillrescue.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grillrescue/

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@grillrescue

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grillrescue/

Join Parker Nash in this first episode of the Uncommon Brands podcast, as he talks with Forrest Smith, the founder and CEO of Kineon. Forrest shares his journey from a tech startup expert and accomplished athlete to leading Kineon, a company dedicated to making red light therapy accessible and affordable.

Discover the secrets behind Kineon's cutting-edge wearable device, offering clinical-grade photobiomodulation technology at a price that won't hurt your wallet. Forrest also dives into the company’s vibrant community, their Facebook group, partnerships with pro sports teams, and their marketing tactics that have helped their company grow fast.

And as before they wrap up, Forrest reveals plans for new femtech products to address women's health issues and emphasizes the importance of staying true to company values and maintaining genuine customer connections.

Ready to listen? Tune in now.

Subscribe to the Uncommon Brands podcast for more inspiring stories and business insights.

What was covered:

• Forrest Smith's background in tech startups and sports
• Kineon's mission to enhance health and wellness with red light laser therapy
• Development of an affordable, wearable photobiomodulation device
• Building a community through a Facebook group
• Strategic partnerships with professional sports teams
• Authentic communication and marketing strategies
• Future plans for femtech products addressing women's health issues
• Importance of aligning with company values and maintaining customer connections

Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/

Forrest Smith Links:

Website:https://kineon.io/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kineon_labs

Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@Kineon

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Kineonlabs

Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@kineon_labs

Curious about how a simple idea can evolve into a thriving brand?

In this episode of the Uncommon Brands podcast, Parker Nash sits down with Lili Yeo, the co-founder and CEO of Guomi Kids, a brand that’s redefining organic clothing essentials for little ones. From humble beginnings making baby mittens with a friend to navigating wholesale and trade shows, Lili shares her rollercoaster journey of scaling a business and turning a Shark Tank feature into a growth spurt.

Discover how Lili navigated the early hurdles of direct-to-consumer sales, pivoted to wholesale, and tackled the challenges of scaling through trade shows. Dive into her insights on understanding consumer behavior, adapting to different generational preferences, and the twists and turns of managing growth, including the ever-changing dynamics of platforms like Amazon.

Lili’s story is a blend of innovation, persistence, and playful problem-solving, wrapped up with a commitment to sustainable growth and staying true to customer needs.

Ready to hear the full story? Tune in now.

What was covered:

• Lili Yeo’s journey from starting Guomi Kids with baby mittens at her kitchen table
• The critical role of understanding consumer behavior in product development
• Challenges and shifts from direct-to-consumer sales to wholesale and trade shows
• Strategies for effective distribution and adapting to generational preferences
• Overcoming obstacles with platforms like Amazon and managing digital marketing changes
• Rapid growth following a Shark Tank feature and expansion into multiple product categories
• Ongoing challenges with inventory management and fulfillment
• Commitment to core customer-focused principles and sustainable growth through partnerships

Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/

Lili Yeo Links:

Website:https://goumikids.com/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/goumikids/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Goumikids/

Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/gogoumikids/

Welcome to the Uncommon Brands podcast, where Parker Nash—former Nike insider and all-around brand-building aficionado—guides you through the wild world of extraordinary consumer brands. This is where you'll uncover the secrets behind the most daring, innovative, and downright uncommon brands that are shaking up the market. If you’re a DTC founder, entrepreneur, or someone who dreams of making waves in the business world, this podcast is your new best friend. Buckle up for unscripted conversations, unexpected insights, and a lightning round of fun that’ll make you rethink everything you know about branding.

What was covered:

- Parker Nash’s background at Nike and the surprising truth about how big brands achieve their success

- The power of clarity in customer messaging and the courage to be different

- What makes a brand "uncommon" and why you don’t need a billion-dollar budget to stand out

- Sneak peeks into upcoming episodes featuring diverse entrepreneurs and their unique journeys

Ready to take your brand from ordinary to extraordinary? Hit subscribe on the Uncommon Brands podcast today to dive into actionable insights and stories from the front lines of innovation. Got a brilliant brand story or a question for Parker? Drop us a message or leave a review with your thoughts. Let’s make branding magic together!

Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/