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Carrie Morey had an early introduction to the food world courtesy of her mother, caterer extraordinaire, Callie White. The client favorite – Callie’s unique country ham biscuits. So in 2005, when Carrie convinced her mother to postpone retirement and start Callie’s Charleston Biscuits, devoted biscuit fans couldn’t have been happier. With seven different varieties of biscuits and retailers all over the country, Carrie never dreamed that success would taste so good – buttery good that is. Carrie has succeeded in building a business that works with balancing a growing family and can be passed down through generations. What was once a biscuit legendary in South Carolina has now become a favorite across America. Callie's Biscuits has appeared on the NBC Today Show and The Food Network’s hit television show Unwrapped. Carrie was chosen as one of Martha Stewarts’s “Dreamers into Doers”.   On Today's show Carrie will share: - Biggest business mistake - The 'Ah ha' moment that led you to launching your business - Greatest business decision - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs - Plus much more...

Annie Lawless, Co-Founder of Suja Juice and Certified Holistic Health Coach (CHHC), is a health and wellness guru, who embodies Suja’s underlying message that encourages people to live a long, beautiful life. She plays a key role at Suja, bringing years of experience and firsthand knowledge in holistic nutrition and well being to every aspect of the company. Annie developed a passion for health and nutrition as a teenager after years of managing her own food sensitivities. She saw her health vastly improve when she began juicing and following a modified organic diet. She later strengthened her knowledge for health and nutrition through her work as a yoga instructor and during her training at the Integrative Institute for Nutrition, where she spent time studying the health benefits of dietary and physical influences on the body and mind. She not only serves as a brand spokesperson, but also speaks regularly on the topics of juicing, natural health and wellness at some of the nation’s leading conferences and events, including TEDx. In 2014, Annie was honored by Forbes magazine as one of only 13 female founders on the magazine’s list of America’s Most Promising Companies. When not in the kitchen helping develop Suja’s latest juice recipe concepts, or on the road, Annie spearheads consumer education for Suja, including blogging on behalf of the brand and sharing her innovative recipe creations with Suja fans on the company’s social media platforms. On Today's show Annie will share: - How and why she got into juicing - How social media is helping Suja Juice expand their brand - How she and Eric found investors - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs - Plus much more...

An oh-so-simple idea: to make pasta using the finest ingredients possible for superior quality, nutrition, and most importantly, taste. Our name in Italian means “in the” because what goes inside the pasta is the trademark of our products. So what exactly is in our pasta? A unique, handcrafted mixture of produce, artisanal cheese, our signature wheat blend, and a profound respect for the freshness you find in Italy. We choose vegetables picked locally and in season whenever possible; roast, sauté or steam them for the best flavor, and complement them with creative and unexpected ingredients like specialty cheeses, fresh herbs, nuts and dried fruits. Then there’s our secret ingredient, a sustainable food movement, which is blended into each pillowy bite. Put it all together and you have a truly exceptional ravioli that’s good for you too. A notion worth chewing over-- indeed!       On Today's show Leigh & Rachel will share: - Personal Mission Statement: We take care in making our product from how its made to the ingredients we use to make it. We feel that it's important to share meal time with family and we do our part to create a nutritious product that you can be proud to serve to loved ones. We aim to help our customers embrace the values of the slow food movement by encouraging this together time with an emphasis on quality food. A delicious, wholesome bowl of Nella Pasta ravioli shared with loved ones, what could be better! - Biggest business mistake: We've had several instances where we should have trusted our gut instinct and we didn't. Often people will tell you how you have to run your business differently, adopt new technologies (vacuum packs), create new recipes (gluten free!), etc.. We've found that sometimes harping on these suggestions can only delay doing what you do best- your business! - Handling business stress and uncertainty: Map out options, use one another for a different view, or a martini or two?! - Greatest business decision that changed everything: Stepping away from every part of the business: first, hiring farmers market associates, next: help in the kitchen, and so on. Delegating tasks and allowing new talent to help you with your business allows you to grow. Letting go of control can be hard, but it allows you to focus on your greatest strengths. Or  The creation and innovative design of our packaging. We worked with a design team and local company to dream up very unique package for a freezer shelf. Traditionally, you will find plastic in all freezers and we decided to divert from that pack and create a more natural looking kraft box with a window to see the actual product instead of just a photo of the cooked product. We want people to see the product in its natural form because it's just as beautiful uncooked then it is plated and garnished on your dinner table. Today, our packaging along sells our product and we couldn't be happier with the decision made years ago while designing it and again, going with our gut! - Best Book For The Entrepreneurial Mindset It's not a book meant to be about entrepreneurship in any way, but we have both found after reading several books by Michael Pollan and Mark Bittman, we were encouraged to think about our food business as a larger picture-- one where we can make a difference and not just through taste! We were encouraged to seek out local, sustainable produce for our ravioli during our growing season and educate our customers about seasonality and making good food choices not just for health but the environment as well.  Also another quick little read for the sales minded folks is a book by Jeffrey Gitomer's called Little Red Book of Selling. It's a quick and short read that you can reference back to and re-read several times over. It's filled with principals and strategies that teach you how to sell and make sales forever. It's a great read for any entrepreneur because it not only teaches you about selling a product but also selling yourself and understanding why people buy. - Plus much more...

Autumn Martin is a proud 4th generation Washingtonian. She finds much inspiration in the natural elements found in the Pacific Northwest and is passionate about incorporating them into her creations—from innovative confections to the brand she’s created with Hot Cakes. Autumn founded Hot Cakes in 2008, selling the namesake, Take n Bake Molten Chocolate Cake in mason jars at Farmer’s Markets in Seattle. In May of 2012, she opened Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery, an artisan dessert and craft cocktail bar featuring creative, small-batch desserts and fine spirits, to rave reviews. In April of 2013, St. Martin’s Press released herfirst book, Malts & Milkshakes: 60 Recipes for frosty, creamy, frozen treats. Autumn has developed a devoted following over the years, and she is highly respected for her innovative flavor profiles and commitment to creating quality products. Hot Cakes was awarded “Best Dessert” at the NW Chocolate Festival for the last three years and was honored with a “Best New Dessert” nod from Seattle magazine. Most recently, her Pacific Coast Sea Salt Caramel Sauce became a Good Food Award finalist and her Molten Chocolate Cakes were featured on O magazine’s Wow list. Autumn is a graduate of the Culinary Arts Program at Edmonds Community College where she was honored as Student of the Year and now Distinguished Alumni. She worked at Seattle’s world-renowned Canlis restaurant from 2002 to 2004. In 2005, she devoted her life to chocolate and became the head chocolatier for Theo Chocolate where she created award-winning confections and chocolate bars for nearly 5 years. Autumn loves to rock climb, snowboard, surf, eat, love, and sleep.     On Today's show Autumn will share: - What’s Your Personal Mission Statement Be as honest as possible, be compassionate and kind to myself and listen to my gut. - Biggest Business Mistake Hiring family to help me build out the restaurant – it created so much stress, and I knew in the beginning it would turn out to be a mistake but I did it any way. Big, painful mistake that I could have done without. - How Do You Handle Business Stress and Uncertainty I wait. I try to not make any large decision on the fly, so I contemplate and talk it over with friends and colleagues and wait it out until it feels right. For stress - it’s an everyday learning process. I am trying to practice empathy and compassion as most stress is brought on by the actions of others and getting worked up over other peoples actions doesn’t serve me that well, so I am working on keeping calm and staying open and understanding to their position. - Greatest Business Decision That Changed Everything Going for it. I hemmed and hawed over whether or not to open a brick and mortar dessert restaurant and doing so has changed the game completely. We are successful and it feels good. Also, waiting for the right location and the right mix of investors. Having good people on my team makes all the difference in the world. Everybody is so supportive. - Best Book For The Entrepreneurial Mindset Well, I must say that I LOVE Atlas Shrugged. I don’t think it is at all about greed and just about capitalism, but about passionate builders (not just of structures) with visions and their path to living with truth and justice outside the sticky cobwebs of untruthful people. - Plus much more... Useful links: http://www.getyourhotcakes.com https://twitter.com/getyourhotcakes https://www.facebook.com/getyourhotcakes

Long before Kate Schade became a business owner and whole foods advocate, she was a self-proclaimed ski bum.  Tram Bars, Kate’s preliminary food source for on-the-go fun, were made on off-days in her kitchen.  In line at 7:00 a.m., Kate would catch first box at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, ski all day, then grab a quick shower before slinging Italian food in the evenings. All the while, her Tram Bar pocket-fuel satiated any nourishment needs.The Tram Bar recipe evolved over time (consistent with Kate’s cupboard availabilities) and with each tweaking, the recipe perfected itself. Kate continued her routine; sometimes tossing bars to gawking, hung-over friends in the tramline. Still, she ignored her friends’ suggestions of starting a viable Tram Bar business. “Too much work,” she confessed before dropping into a powder-filled couloir. After years of poking and prodding by her sometimes-hostile comrades, Kate bit the bullet and became an entrepreneur.  While still working her night job and spending summers managing farm workers at Cosmic Apple Gardens, a local CSA farm, she also dedicated her spare time to produce and sell the now famous Tram Bars. Kate’s time on the farm helped her adopt the conscious eating habits that shaped today’s organic bar recipes.     On Today's show Kate will share: - What’s Your Personal Mission Statement Personal – Personally, I strive to live true to my ethics, values and beliefs, and carry this into all areas of my life, including my business. As folks say, “It’s not what you do, but why you do it.” Whatever it may be, I’d like to make a difference in people’s life (be a good influence in whatever way I can), whether it be a good word, helping people when I can, or leading by example. Every new day is a day to better yourself. We are all human, and here to help each other get through what we call life in the best way we can. Read my blog, “Kate’s Way” which incorporates some of my beliefs. http://katesrealfood.com/blog/page/2/ Business – On the business side, I always thought that if I could create a great successful company, I’d be able to give back more to those things I believe in other than just what I was doing before the business started. And that brings us back to the roots of the company; inspired by outdoor play, and organic farming, Kate’s Real Food hopes to give back more to areas such as helping small organic farmers, and promoting outdoor play through trail building and similar efforts. - Biggest Business Mistake Well, certainly we all learn from our mistakes, and I feel I have learned a priceless amount of information by starting a company in the food industry. Mistakes can be costly for a small startup. That being said, I think my biggest mistake was not seeking consulting, and not networking enough with industry folks in the early stages of the business. There is a world of knowledge out there and people who want to help and share their experiences. As I learn, I am becoming one of those people! Small business is difficult and it’s really great to get or give help during the tough times. - How Do You Handle Business Stress and Uncertainty There are a few things I do currently to help combat these things. Stress really sucks, but as a start-up it seems inevitable. First and foremost, I get outside and exercise. It is a godsend. Luckily I live in the mountains, and can walk out my door in the morning and go for a run or a bike ride. It helps to relax, but also invigorate body and mind, it increases my productivity, and boosts my mood. I try to push the limits. The harder I exercise, the better I feel. Next. I try to talk to people. When there is uncertainty, anyone who can help give a little insight into the situation will help me feel at ease. Networking is so important, and a lot of people have gone through similar situations. Lastly, keep up your perseverance and you will surely get past the current stress and uncertainty until the next round of it comes on. Haha! - Greatest Business Decision That Changed Everything Starting this business! At first this was my third job for a little extra cash, and at one point I was either ready to throw in the towel, or just go for it. I decided I couldn’t let it go unless I gave it a good shot, so that’s what I did. I partnered with a self professed businessman who put in a little capital and I took it from there . . . - Best Book For The Entrepreneurial Mindset I resonate most with Let My People Go Surfing by Yvonne Choinard, and Raising the Bar by Gary Erickson. These are still 2 independently owned companies who do their best to stay true to their values, and have created an amazing company culture. I have a great amount of respect for them. There are always more books on my list, but finding the time for them can be another challenge. Other than that, sometimes an entrepreneur should read a little fantasy…just to get away from it all! - Plus much more...

A happy accident in my kitchen just about 3 years ago led to the launch of my natural ice cream company in March of 2013 and the early success of our flagship product, JC's Pie Pops, which is growing like crazy and gaining mainstream popularity every day in grocery stores.   On Today's show Jennifer will share: - What are your top 3 business tips for aspiring entrepreneurs 1) Ask for advice but ultimately trust your own instincts. 2) Don't ever lose your passion and enthusiasm. If you do, you're in the wrong business. 3) Be confident in yourself and your brand. If you don't trust yourself, no one else will. - What has been your biggest business mistake I don't believe in mistakes. I believe in lessons and opportunities for betterment. My biggest lesson was realizing that I can't do everything by myself. At some point your business becomes bigger than you and you have to relinquish some control, delegate and let others help. - What do you think is the difference between people who talk about starting businesses and those who actually do it Those who do it don't have time to talk about it!! - What has been greatest business decision you made that changed everything for the better Changing careers and spending almost all of my savings to start my brand. - Best book for the entrepreneurial mindset Truthfully, I'm not a huge believer in reading books about this kind of stuff. I believe in carving your own path and leaving the how-to books aside. - Plus much more...

Coming from a long history of sports and business.  Chris was a Division I full baseball scholarship recipient.  Playing and being involved around the minor and major  league baseball.   Received national accredited sports strength and conditioning certifications, and opened a training facility in Baltimore for, and upstate NY for athletes.   Later used his business degree to achieve a series 7, and 66 Financial Licenses and opened a Financial Planning Firm.  Modeled for various sports agencies, hosted a radio program in Baltimore MD,Ski patroller, avid mountain biker, back country snowboarder and is now also an athlete for BIC stand up paddle boards and surf boards.  Founded Vermont Peanut Butter in 2009 out of his kitchen.   On Today's show Chris will share: - What are your top 3 business tips for aspiring entrepreneurs Write your business plan thoughtfully.  When you think it is complete, write more, and turn over every “what if” scenario in your mind.   Be sure to have flexibility in your plan, as it may change monthly. - What has been your biggest business mistake Getting involved with investors too early.   I think everyone wants their business to go from 0-60 overnight, but being very cautious in whom you borrow from or allow to invest is important for the health and longevity of your business.   I could not have grown without some investment help, but like any good team, you must weed out the poor players before you have an all star lineup. - What do you think is the difference between people who talk about starting businesses and those who actually do it I have always said there are 97% naysayers and 3% doers.   If you look at all the successful people in the world they all have some common threads.   They think outside the box, they are not afraid of the word “No”, they do not let what others feel or say deter them, and they have a self motivating drive that is non learned..you are born with it.   I was told by my history teacher in 11th grade that I would not be able to attain a scholarship, as there are too many kids vying for the same thing out there.   That changed my life.   I never took no for an answer again, and that moment opened up my ability to simply go after my dreams. - What has been greatest business decision you made that changed everything for the better It was early on when I decided to start my own training center and work for myself.   I realized that hard work actually can not only bring you social rewards, but had a great economic impact.   The best decision I ever made, was designing, and implementing my own businesses. - Best book for the entrepreneurial mindset There are so many.   The only problem I see in these books are everyones different approach to success.   As I said the common threads are there, but the rest is purely suggestive and opinionated.   What works for a 6’1 handsome individual may not work for the kid who has never played a sport or had a date.  Equally what has worked for the person who was an honor student and excelled in music may not work for the varsity cheerleader.   I think books are fantastic as are their authors, but at the end of the day it is you and your drive that makes things work. - Plus much more...

I have a degree in Journalism and Political Science from UNC-CH and worked in marketing, business development and fundraising for 13 years. In 2004 I moved to Paris to study pastry at Le Cordon Bleu. Later, I earned a Professional Chocolatier certification from École Chocolat and worked in several San Francisco-area pastry kitchens, including Scharffen Berger chocolate’s Café Cacao. I opened Petit Philippe – a wine and chocolate retail store and tasting room – with my husband in December 2010. We launched Twenty Degrees Chocolates (a brand of Petit Philippe) at the same time; the chocolate kitchen is housed within Petit Philippe. I’m the executive chocolatier and oversee another chocolatier while also managing all administrative and business development responsibilities for the chocolate brand.       On Today's show Casey will share: - What’s Your Personal Mission Statement Never be afraid to try. Live with no regrets. - Biggest Business Mistake Not designing my chocolate kitchen appropriately to allow for growth and expansion of our product line. - How Do You Handle Business Stress and Uncertainty Trying to anticipate ups and downs in the flow/cycles of our business helps you feel more empowered during uncertain times. Planning for when retail is slower and creating new ways to generate revenue when walk-in traffic may be slow diminishes surprises and, thus, stress. Talking things out w/ my husband (who is also my business-partner), friends and others who understand and empathize with the demands of the business. Brainstorming ways to broaden our appeal, customer base, etc. with fellow business owners. Exercise and reading to take my mind off of work and family demands helps me manage stress. - Greatest Business Decision That Changed Everything The decision to launch our business in the first place! It was a dicey time to launch a new business – likely the height of the recession in late 2010 – and not everyone in our circle was completely confident in the timing and the choice to take such a big risk given we have young children. But we felt strongly, based on our research of the local market and our deeply held passions, that we could make the business work despite the less than optimal conditions of the economy at the time. - Best Book For The Entrepreneurial Mindset “Raising the Bar” by Gary Erickson, founder of Clif Bar. It’s an inspirational story of entrepreneurship that illustrates that you can do really well by also doing good… I love his products, I love his story and I love how he conducts business and creates a desirable workplace for his employees. - Plus much more...

In the investment world, Ellin Purdom is known to her clients as a Director of Client Services. But Ellin is also Catherine Hughes’ cousin and best friend. The two women grew up together in Piedmont and share memories of enjoying Catherine’s godmother’s hand-made toffee on holidays and special occasions. Ellin now lives in Marin County, California, and she and Catherine talk often, preferably over toffee. Not surprisingly, Ellin found the notion of publicizing Toffee Talk as irresistible as the candy itself. Thirty years experience in the investment advisory business have turned Ellin into a networker extraordinaire. She has deep roots in the Bay Area and loves meeting new people and helping them connect with others. Not surprisingly, Ellin has developed a passion for, and a great expertise in, marketing through social media. As Toffee Talk’s Director of Social Networking, Ellin uses Twitter, Facebook, Linked In and Google Plus to get the word out about Toffee Talk. Her efforts have gotten Toffee Talk featured in influential foodie blogs and on the Daily Grommet, One Kings Lane and Daily Gourmet online marketplaces. And whether she’s wearing her financial hat or her marketing one, Ellin chooses Toffee Talk for all her business gifts.     On Today's show Ellin will share: - What her top  business tips are for aspiring entrepreneurs - How social media has helped them expand their business - How they landed a sweet gig - GOOGLE! - How they started the business - Plus much more...

Tito Beveridge is a geophysicist with an unlikely path to becoming a famed micro distiller. In 1997, Tito fought for his right to open the first legal distillery in the state of Texas, a one-room shack that he hand-built himself. In his own rags-to-riches story, he has become the pioneer of the microdistillery industry in the U.S., and attained success through word-of-mouth and loyal followers. When Tito embarked on opening his own microdistillery he worked day and night in the one-room shack, cooking vodka and catching sleep whenever possible. In the fifteen years since, the original shack and original pot still is still standing -- in fact, and Tito uses it as his office! Many more pot stills have been added on, but the method remains the same. Tito still tastes every batch, making adjustments when necessary.   On Today's show Tito's will share: - His top 3 business tips for aspiring entrepreneurs - He shares his Aha moment - How Tony Robbins inspired him and helped him discover his passion - He shares how he found funding and distribution for his business when everyone turned him away - Plus much more...

Kit and Amanda started Tiny Pies three years ago at the farmer’s market and it’s grown by leaps and bound since. The idea for Tiny Pies came from Amanda’s son’s wanting to take pie in their lunch to school. Tiny Pies bakes seasonally and sources ingredients from local farmers (when available). Pies are baked fresh daily with natural ingredients. Tiny Pies will open its’ first brick and mortar store on March 24, 2014.   On Today's show Amanda and Kit will share: - What are your top 3 business tips for aspiring entrepreneurs Top tips: 1. Trust your gut, (2) be fearless, (3) have faith in yourself. - What has been your biggest business mistake Our biggest business mistake was spending too much money on promotional materials and marketing in the first year. - What do you think is the difference between people who talk about starting businesses and those who actually do it I’ve found for me, that the more I talk about an idea the more energy and momentum the idea loses, thus, I try to keep my vision for the company close to me …I don’t talk much about what we’re doing but instead I visualize it every day and keep focused on that vision. - What has been greatest business decision you made that changed everything for the better There are two business decisions that I feel changed everything fro the better. (1) Investing time in talking with others who are in the business and learning from them…avoiding the mistakes/missteps they made. (2) Investing money in our brand/ logo creation and website. - Plus much more...

LIVE Kombucha Soda is the pioneer of better tasting Kombucha, providing a raw organic Kombucha that is not an acquired taste. Our founder, Trevor Ross wanted his family to be healthy, particularly his father who was a soda addict—so he set out to brew a Kombucha that combines all of its raw benefits with the popular taste of soda…Mission Accomplished! All LIVE Kombucha Soda products are USDA Organic, non-GMO, vegan, gluten free and made with Fair Trade Certified ingredient LIVE Kombucha Soda began in Austin, Texas as one man's mission to improve the health of his family by crafting a kombucha that tastes like soda. Trevor Ross first experimented with small batches, tweaking spices and flavors until he got each one just right. His kombucha went above and beyond industry standards of quality and probiotic content using only the purest ingredients - always USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Fair-Trade, and 99% raw kombucha. Soon, friends and family were raving about the delicious taste and asking him to sell bottles of the brew. Trevor had already achieved great success with Boundless Nutrition with his yummy Oatmega Bars and Perfect Cookies, so he teamed up with his friends David Smith of Sweet Leaf Tea and Mario Mendias of My Fit Foods to share LIVE Kombucha Soda with the world. Now this raw, organic beverage has come on the market, much to the delight of soda and kombucha lovers alike. Try it! Your digestive tract will thank you. "We lost my sister Courtney to breast cancer several years ago, and our family was devastated. I funneled my grief into finding ways to help the rest of my family stay healthy. I had begun drinking Kombucha, but could not convince anyone else in my family to also drink it. I started experimenting to see if I could make it taste more appealing. At the same time, I was trying to figure out how to convince my father, who was a soda addict, to find a healthier beverage to consume. Lightbulb! I thought, instead of taking away his soda, what if I could just sub it out for kombucha that actually tasted like soda? Give it a try. My dad did, and he's been soda-free ever since.” – Trevor Ross, Founder and Brew Master   On Today's show Trevor will share: - What are your top 3 business tips for aspiring entrepreneurs Find someone who was successful in your industry, and find a way to get them as your mentor/business partner. Know the market Watch your cash  - What has been your biggest business mistake Bad Hires  - What do you think is the difference between people who talk about starting businesses and those who actually do it? Risk tolerance and faith. Faith that it is going to work and faith in yourself  - What has been greatest business decision you made that changed everything for the better? Finding good business partners, take advice from people who know the industry.  - Best books for the entrepreneurial mindset? The Tipping Point Malcom Gladwell Outliers – Malcom Gladwell The Four Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss - Plus much more...

David is a serial entrepreneur who has built several successful companies over the past three decades. The regional consumer financial services company Pawn X-Change that he founded in 1993 that grew to 45 stores and 50mm in revenue, was sold in 2008 for 70 million dollar. David founded the upscale service repair company Home Smart in 2000 and sold in 2003 with 3mm in revenues. David was incarcerated from 2003 -2007 for charges related to Pawn X-change business in 1993, and this is where he found the concept that was the basis for POP Gourmet, writing a business plan while in prison and launching in late 2010. POP! Gourmet now has 90 employees and 35% are transiting ex-cons giving them an opportunity to have a positive life.     On Today's show David will share: - What are your top 3 business tips for aspiring entrepreneurs Know your market better than competitors, be the absolute best at what you do, and never see barriers, only hurdles you can get over. - What has been your biggest business mistake Giving to much rope to employees that obviously aren’t in to win. - What do you think is the difference between people who talk about starting businesses and those who actually do it Listening to NO or CANT. -What has been greatest business decision you made that changed everything for the better Having integrity, the highest quality products and service period. -Best book for the entrepreneurial mindset “They Can Kill You But They Can’t Eat You” By Dawn Steele - Plus much more...

Madeline Haydon, MBA is a versatile professional with a passion for people, products with strong communication and self-motivation to take on new challenges. She is a sales and marketing professional with a successful 14 year career in the medical industry, spanning medical devices to blood center donor management. After focusing her career in the medical field and being dissatisfied for a healthy, quality non-dairy creamer for her coffee, she elected to begin a new career as a food entrepreneur.  Seeing a market opportunity for a more wholesome option to the portable dairy-free coffee creamer singles, she created nutpods; a delicious dairy-free creamer made from almonds and coconuts which are packaged in convenient, easy to use coffee pod singles that require NO refrigeration and is perfect for on the go! For more information, please visit www.nutpods.com   On Today's show Madeline will share: - What’s Your Personal Mission Statement To bring a better option for portable, dairy-free coffee creamers made from wholesome ingredients. - Biggest Business Mistake Be passionate about your business, but when you take the emotion away, there should be a solid, viable business opportunity left. - How Do You Handle Business Stress and Uncertainty An inner voice that is positive and respectful of the journey. The journey unfolds and I talk myself through the business stresses to see the positive of the situation or what I can learn from it. For example, my current production issues help assure me that it’s equally hard for my competitors to follow me. - Greatest Business Decision That Changed Everything Using Kickstarter as an indicator to test market demand/interest. - Best Book For The Entrepreneurial Mindset Launching New Ventures – Kathleen Allen - Plus much more...

Pacific Pickle Works is based in Santa Barbara, California and is committed to supporting local and sustainable agriculture by using locally grown produce for it's wide variety of pickled vegetable products - all of which use only natural ingredients and are hand packed here in Santa Barbara. The company was founded in 2010 by Santa Barbara native Bradley Bennett who had been making his spicy blend of pickles for friends and family for a decade before bringing them to market for the public to enjoy.  Bradley enjoys creating inventive new pickle recipes to add to the Pacific Pickle Works product line and today you can enjoy a wide variety of tastes including pickled asparagus, green beans, beets, carrots as well as the original spicy cucumbers. These products make terrific appetizers, drink garnishes, or are delicious just eaten straight from the jar!   On Today's show Brad will share: - What’s Your Personal Mission Statement Have fun and do everything with quality - Biggest Business Mistake Risking too much – need to balance steady growth with risk - How Do You Handle Business Stress and Uncertainty Manage growth at the rate you can handle. Don’t be in too much of a rush to where the risk will stress you out. - Greatest Business Decision That Changed Everything Saying ‘yes’ when presented with opportunity - Best Book For The Entrepreneurial Mindset Jack Welch – Straight From the Gut - Plus much more...

Sarah Wallace is a veteran marketer in the natural products industry, where she worked with companies such as Clif Bar (where she launched Luna Bar), Kashi, Bear Naked, Think Products, and PopChips.  In 2010 she started The Good Bean, Inc., and launched the first line of all-natural roasted chickpea snacks. Two years later she introduced The Good Bean’s Fruit & No-Nut Bar, the first chickpea-based nutrition bar. She brings her passion for innovation and making healthy food, and her experience creating strong natural brands to The Good Bean.   On Today's show Sarah will share: - Biggest Business Mistake - How Do You Handle Business Stress and Uncertainty - Greatest Business Decision That Changed Everything - Plus much more...

Emmy-winning journalist Cindy Morrison teaches everyone from network TV journalists to corporate CEOs how to strategically use social media to build brand loyalty, raving fans and their bottom line. Her social media savvy has been highlighted on national TV shows like FOX News, CBS’s “The Talk”, The Washington Post, The New York Post & The Huffington Post. Good Morning America’s Tory Johnson calls Cindy her favorite Social Media Strategist and they’ve spent two years together on the 2011 and 2012 National Spark and Hustle Tour to help women entrepreneurs across the country make more money. Cindy has helped create social media buzz at events from star-studded Hollywood fundraisers & red carpet events to national conferences.   On Today's show Cindy will share: - How to transition between corporate employee to entrepreneur - Why social media is so important for your business - Top 5 social media platforms for food entrepreneurs - Plus much more...

About 1 year after gradating college, I quite my management consulting job without a plan, just a strong feeling that I needed to be doing something I was more passionate about. Having traveled to organic tea estates in the Himalayan foothills as well as to every great speakeasy bar in NYC, I had the idea that maybe people would be interested in using premium cocktail mixers crafted from organic teas, local honey, and other fresh/organic ingredients. I made a video describing the idea, put it on Kickstarter, and since it funded Cocktail Crate has been my full time job.   On Today's show Alex will share: - What’s Your Personal Mission Statement The journey is the reward - Biggest Business Mistake Rather than 1 giant mistake, I typically do every little thing wrong the first time I try it, then get it right the second. - How Do You Handle Business Stress and Uncertainty It’s really important to build a network of other entrepreneurs to offer advice/complain about things with. - Greatest Business Decision That Changed Everything Not sure I’ve made that yet, although listening to my customers and cutting the size of the mixer bottle in half was pretty big. - Best Book For The Entrepreneurial Mindset Steve Job’s official biography - Plus much more...

Susan O'Brien’s story started on the island of Maui where she fell in love with Superfoods and the Raw Foods lifestyle.  For the devoted daughter, wife & mother of three boys, this new way of living seemed like a natural progression from her decade long yoga practice The origin of food is in her DNA given that her grandparents were farmers growing heirloom vegetables and fruits in the small East Texas town of Grand Saline.  Her uncle (whom she adored) would continue the family farming tradition growing citrus fruits near the Mexican border town of McAllen Texas where she frequently visited as a child and has fond memories of picking fresh fruits from the trees. College would take her to UT Austin where she studied design and was a regular customer at Whole Foods Market at the original location on Lamar.   Her design skills and professional career of designing clinical laboratories would serve her well as the owner of a food company specializing in the unique techniques of food dehydration rather than typical baking. Upon turning 40 years old, Susan wanted to explore ways in which she could look and feel better as a sort of birthday present to herself, so she adopted the raw foods lifestyle entirely for 9 months and as a result, never felt better.  She studied the popular raw food chefs of the time and even trained with the famed raw foods chef, Juliano Brotman, of Santa Monica. In Dallas, she would later turn her home and back cabana into a test kitchen for these raw creations vowing to make them taste better than what she could find on the market.  She wanted her Hail Merry snacks to not only be functional but they had to taste good as well.  She sold her products into a few local health food stores and quickly gained a devoted following of people who were also seeking better for you good tasting snacks made with pure ingredients.  Susan trained her children’s nanny Lorraine (who is now Hail Merry’s Chief Mixologist), how to prepare the food and package it all so that she could spend her time selling and marketing the brand.     On Today's show Susan will share: - What are your top 3 business tips for aspiring entrepreneurs  1.  Know your target customer REALLY WELL as you are creating your brand and also know your competition and how you are different. 2.  Surround yourself with people who compliment your talents and bring knowledge/experience to the table that you don't have. 3.  You will always need way more capital than you think – plan accordingly.  Companies go out of business in the first 18 months because they are not well capitalized. - What has been your biggest business mistake Expanding the brand into new markets with out the capital to properly support the marketing needed to launch brand and sustain sales. - What do you think is the difference between people who talk about starting businesses and those who actually do it  Fear of failure. - What has been greatest business decision you made that changed everything for the better  Taking on partners who could help me expand and grow so I could keep doing what I love which is sales, brand strategy and marketing. - Best book for the entrepreneurial mindset David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell.  Every business starts out small and there will always be larger companies your competing with for customers.  You have to know how to expose their weaknesses.  I like to say “you have to zig when they zag”.  Innovation in the market place usually comes out of the founder’s personal challenges/hardships and the deep rooted passion for making the world a better place. - Plus much more...

Kelly Costello is the owner and founder of Puppy Cake LLC and is a graduate of Grove City College with a degree in international business in 2007. After a year in the corporate world, Kelly started Puppy Cake LLC and has most notably appeared on season 3 of ABC's Shark Tank. Puppy Cake headquarters are located in Evans City, PA where Kelly currently lives with her two rescued terriers.     On Today's show Kelly will share: - What’s Your Personal Mission Statement My personal mission statement is to constantly grow and stretch myself as a business person (not allowing gender to influence or inhibit my growth) while maintaining my personal integrity. - Biggest Business Mistake I spent way to much money in the beginning. I was naïve and almost completely delusional about my business. My sales the first year were in the thousands while I spent nearly $20k that first year. It has taken a long time to get rid of all the debt I accumulated from the first 5 years. - How Do You Handle Business Stress and Uncertainty I often have an inner dialogue with myself. I will assess this situation for what it is. Perhaps its my fault that I am experiencing the stress. If I made a mistake, I analyze it, recognize it, forgive myself and move on. If the stress is a result of outside forces, I analize it, recognize the problems and can often commend myself for handling the situation well. For uncertainty, I love data and do my best to accurately predict sales numbers and changing trends, but I plan for the worst. - Greatest Business Decision That Changed Everything Best business decision I ever made was accepting the request to apply for shark tank. It has changed everything. - Best Book For The Entrepreneurial Mindset The E-Myth. Hands down. - Plus much more...