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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Welcome to NULASTIN. They are a transformational beauty brand built on routine, results and longevity science. Their clinically proven, elastin replenishing formulas support healthier looking hair, visibly fuller lashes and brows and resilient skin. Your journey with NULASTIN goes beyond before and afters. It's about reaching confidence milestones that help you feel like you again. Award winning…
You deserve the best care for your child's health. At Dr. Noze Best they bring hospital-grade efficiency and safety right to your home with innovative healthcare products developed by a pediatric ENT that support a healthier, happier respiratory system for your baby. Christy Brown is the CEO of Dr. Noze Best. Under her leadership, the brand has scaled rapidly, expanding into major retailers like…
Waiakea® was founded in Hilo, Hawai'i in 2012 as the first Hawaiian volcanic water and triple bottom line premium water of its kind, adapting an unparalleled platform of healthy, sustainable, and ethical attributes and initiatives. Their mission is to provide healthy Hawaiian volcanic water with the blessing of indigenous kupuna and konohiki, while contributing to and promoting clean water access,…
Ron Friedman, PhD, is an award-winning psychologist who helps leaders build high-performing teams. He is the bestselling author of The Best Place to Work and Decoding Greatness. His new book, Superteams: The Science and Secrets of High-Performing Teams, reveals what the best teams do differently. Superteams reveals what the best teams do differently, based on the most comprehensive study of elite…
Made with real ingredients, 5 electrolytes, and a natural taste you'll love, Coco5 is perfect for at the gym, on the go—and even the morning after a long night out. Treat yourself to active hydration that's actually good. Real good. That's Coco5. Jim Reynolds joins Justin to discuss this high-growth brand!
Snakkidz was born out of a simple yet powerful eureka moment: Why should parents have to choose between a snack that's healthy and one that's fun and tasty? They decided it was high time to blend the best of both worlds into every bite, making snack time the highlight of the day, not just another hurdle to overcome. They are all about making 'healthy' the new 'happy' for snack time for kids and…
LensDirect is a family-owned, New York-based online retailer specializing in contact lenses, eyeglasses, and specialized lens replacements for existing frames. Operating for over 30 years, they offer major brand contacts, LensDirect branded eyewear, and a popular mail-in service that replaces old lenses with new prescriptions. CEO, Ryan Alovis joins Justin to share the LensDirect story!
Mark Rampolla built ZICO Coconut Water over nine years and sold it to Coca-Cola for over $200M. Then seven years later, bought it back. Now he's rebuilding it bigger than ever, going for $1B+, and documenting the entire process. Mark also leads GroundForce Capital, a $600M firm investing in companies like Liquid Death, Bobbie, and Humm Kombucha. And he's using this rebuilt operating…
Everbowl is a Southern California-based fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in customizable superfood bowls and smoothies aimed at promoting a healthy, "unevolved" lifestyle. Founded in 2016, it features fruit-based bases like acai, pitaya, and graviola topped with fresh fruit, granola, and nuts. Founder Jeff Fenster joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing brand!
Olowo-n'djo Tchala (Olo) is the founder of Alaffia, the fair-trade beauty brand he built for two decades. Olo joins Justin to discuss launching and growing this clean, green, fair-trade brand!
Jason Wong is the award-winning Founder and CEO of Paking Duck, a revolutionary packaging manufacturing company that's redefining how consumer brands bring products to market. Born in Hong Kong and immigrating to America at age 8, Jason combines his bicultural perspective with serial entrepreneurial success—starting his first business at age 14 and achieving his first major win at 23 with Doe…
When Clara Sieg was pregnant with her daughter, she became acutely aware of what she was putting in and on her body. She focused on avoiding toxins and plastics, and there seemed to be thoughtful alternatives in nearly every category - from food to personal care to home cleaning. But when it came to water, things got murky. She couldn't make sense of what was actually in tap water, and the more…
Boston-based American Vinegar Works is bringing artisanal vinegar back to the US, reviving a centuries-old fermentation process from the 1820s, transforming it into a modern craft brand that meets growing consumer demand for authentic, clean-label, premium pantry staples. The vinegar market is a $10.8B global industry, and specialty vinegars are among the fastest-growing categories, projected to…
Every goal that you're pursuing has two hidden numbers attached to it—a probability of success and a probability of failure. Whether you're trying to start a business, run a marathon, get a promotion, earn a pilot's license, grow a bumper crop of tomatoes, or sign an acting deal, these two percentages are always lurking in the shadows predicting what is going to happen. But most of us never think…
PeeSport is America's #1 Pee Bottle Company. They're making life easier and more fun for thousands of people. Their product is fun, useful, and life changing. Thousands of truckers, travelers, clinics, festival-goers, and adventurers trust PeeSport for relief on the go. But they are not just selling pee bottles, they are building something bigger. A brand that makes people laugh, that's all about…
Introducing the world's first AI-powered, fully automatic safe smart cooking system ( www.CookTopSafety.com ) and SensorAI – AI innovators specializing in predictive and preventative technology solutions. The CTS focus is on aging in place, multi-family and student housing, IoT connected kitchen and SaaS. Cooktop Safety (CTS) founder and CEO David Eby joins Justin to discuss innovation in tech and…
High Level, co-founded by Ashley Parker Angel and Bobby Klebanoff, is revolutionizing the wellness industry with a unique dual-business model. When the worlds of entertainment and medicine come together, something extraordinary happens. Ashley Parker Angel, known for his dynamic stage presence and transformation coaching, and Dr. David Rizik, a global leader in cardiovascular medicine, teamed up…
From concept to completion, creating the Desert Dwellers Flash Cards has been an enriching and fulfilling experience. These flash cards blend education and fine art, designed to captivate young minds and foster a love for the unique wildlife of the desert. Julie Bonner joins Justin to discuss how to best leverage creative design with consumer products!
Hala Shamas is the Founder and CEO of Sipsy, a discover-driven alcohol retail and e-commerce platform redefining how consumers discover and shop for spirits. With a background in digital growth and brand building, she has scaled Sipsy from a startup concept into a multi-channel business spanning brick-and-mortar retail, nationwide shipping, and tech-enabled e-commerce. Hala blends data-driven…
Josh Lipinski is the founder of the Breakwater Supply outdoor brand which is a digital-first ecommerce retailer that sells specialized waterproof backpacks, shoes, and other outdoor gear. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Josh worked for over 15 years in tech as a Software Engineer and Senior Manager in the Boston area. He currently leads all day-to-day operations of Breakwater Supply, which…
With decades of culinary experience, Chef Calvin Harris is on a mission to transform home cooking. He launched Spiced Up to tackle a common problem: the trade-off between convenience and taste. Chef Calvin understands that busy lives often lead to dining out or ordering in. Yet, he believes that home-cooked meals can be both healthy and incredibly flavorful. That's why he created Spiced Up…
At Maia, they believe that great yogurt is about more than just flavor—it's about texture. Their commitment to crafting the perfect yogurt results in a thick, creamy consistency that stands out from the rest. Each cup of Maia spends its final hours of production settling into its rich, velvety texture, right in the cup. For the ultimate experience, they recommend enjoying Maia's thick, creamy…
Founded by bartenders and used behind bars at five-star hotels, stadiums, resorts (and in your home!) Cheeky is a line of badass cocktail mixers designed to unleash your creativity. They believe everyone can be a mixologist with a bit of guidance and access to the best ingredients. So, they source the highest-quality raw materials, make non-alcoholic cocktail mixers to the specifications used in…
As a mom, business owner and woman on the go, Allyson Mandelbaum was faced with the eternal question, "How can I look cute, but still have dirty hair?" ...And that is how Shady Lady was born. Allyson loves wearing hats but could never find the perfect one. They were either too stiff, too big, had team names, or adorned with cheesy catch phrases. After a lot of unsuccessful searching, she came to…
An entrepreneur from head to toe, meet Brian Davis! Brian launched Fix-It-Sticks and Hollow Socks…and several others that didn't make it! He is always looking for writers, reviewers, buyers and more to help him spread the word and get socks and tools to customers who will LOVE them. Brian joins Justin to share his entrepreneurship stories – some that worked and some that did not – and the keys to…
Lori Pine, The Joy CEO, an award-winning Corporate VP turned Executive Life Coach and dynamic speaker. After years of working for corporate powerhouses such as Anheuser-Busch, The Coca-Cola Company, and Campbell's Soup Company, Lori now helps ambitious, high-performing women rewrite their old, worn-out story, dream bigger, and thrive. Her innate ability to clarify the problem and quickly assess…
They tasted real olive oil and wondered...why was this so different than everything at the grocery store? Why did this taste richer, smoother, and cleaner than anything we had tried before? Why was something this good, the same ingredient prized by ancient civilizations, so rare and hard to find? So they started looking for answers. And Oliva Dorado was born. Jeremy Sernick, founder of Oliva…
Amy's Kitchen, Inc., doing business as Amy's, is a family-owned, privately held American company based in Petaluma, California, that manufactures organic and non-GMO convenience and frozen foods. Founded in 1987 by Andy and Rachel Berliner, and incorporated in 1988, the company took its name from their daughter, Amy! Paul Schiefer, Amy's President, joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing,…
Twenty years ago, four friends met at Georgia Tech, each driven by a unique passion for innovation, creativity, and excellence. Their paths diverged after graduation, leading them into different industries, but their shared love for wine remained a constant. Reuniting two decades later, they decided to blend their diverse skills and experiences to create a wine brand that reflects their journey…
Sunday Lawn Care offers a subscription-based, personalized lawn care system that delivers eco-friendly products like fertilizers and grass seeds directly to consumers. It uses your location, climate, and soil test results to create a custom plan for your specific needs, aiming to provide a healthy lawn with fewer harsh chemicals. The service includes detailed instructions, and products are…
Born in 1928, Nan grew up on the Connecticut shoreline, where the salty sea air and small town charm forged her lifelong coastal spirit. A child of the Great Depression, Nan learned the fundamentals of resourceful cooking from her mother, who showed her how to create exciting meals from what grew in their garden. Eventually, Nan would hone her skills to recreate dishes from her travels around the…
Just Call Me Shirley invites you to the essence of the 60's era, where the clinking of glasses echoed through smoke-filled rooms with power suits and intriguing conversations. Their Original Shirley Temple Cocktail is a purposeful blend of classic charm and timeless sophistication. Inspired by the iconic Shirley Temple, their RTD 5% canned cocktail & NA collection elevates a classic experience to…
GoSpotCheck was born in the Mile High City, where a love for the outdoors, beer brewing, and the Broncos run deep. Their founders, Matt and Joey, were childhood friends, and Joey and Samantha met at DU in grad school. The three started GoSpotCheck in a garage together after graduating from Boulder Techstars in 2011. Their spirit lives on in their product, teams, and values. Cory Knopp joins Justin…
From toxins and harsh soaps to polluting plastics, oral care was long overdue for an upgrade. You don't need harsh ingredients for a healthy smile, so they said no to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), fluoride, parabens, GMOs, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives—forever. Meet Vladimir Vukicevic, co-founder and CEO of Better & Better. Justin and Vlad unpack bright and shiny toothpaste and oral…
Custom Neon™ offers stunning custom-made led neon signs worldwide. Their signs are handmade in the US, China and Australia and sold in over 60 countries to customers including some of the world's biggest brands. Founder and CEO Jake Munday joins Justin to discuss this bright and shining brand!
Top brands trust Passport. They help your DTC or marketplace business scale globally—whether you're shipping cross-border or fulfilling in-country to navigate de minimis and tariff changes, and maximize Q4 growth. Combining innovative technology, global logistics, and expert compliance, Passport delivers the right solutions for the right markets at every stage of global growth. Co-Founder and CEO…
At Distillery of Modern Art (DoMA), they celebrate the Art of the Spirit, distilling craft spirits that inspire community and connect people to what they love. Pour yourself a glass of their amaro, gin, vodka, or whiskey, and you'll notice that not only is the liquid inside the bottle exceptional, but each package features a unique print behind the label. The beauty and artistry in the label is a…
Eggs…Reinvented. Creating Simpler, Creamier Dairy-Free Foods from Nature's Perfect Protein. Oolie are egg experts who dared to dream differently. By reimagining what eggs could do, they created something extraordinary—deliciously creamy foods that are clean, protein-rich, and free from dairy and fillers. Their secret? They partner with small family farms, sourcing Free-Range eggs that would…
Kültee Kaviar™ is the redefined premium popping boba balls experience with a refreshing burst of natural flavor. At just 6mm or 9mm in size, these tiny boba balls deliver unique taste and texture that consumers are continually seeking, while adding irresistible, vibrant pops of colors. Nils Schaede, Director of Marketing at Zentis, joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing brand!
Are you creating value for your customers? How do you really know? Your customers choose to do business with your company based on the value you deliver to them. And the relationship investment you make in them. Former Coca-Cola and Microsoft exec Ira Gleser joins Justin to discuss how customer relationships – earning trust first with executives – drive long-term invested partnerships. Link to…
Erica Groussman is the founder and CEO of TRUBAR, a delicious vegan protein bar brand made of 100% plant-based ingredients and free of gluten, dairy, soy, sugar alcohols, or harmful seed oils. Founded in 2019, TRUBAR has seen over 100% YoY growth every year since its launch and will expand into 15,000+ new retail locations this year including their most recent last month in Targets nationwide!…
Meet Stacy Martin – the founder of Seahorse Snacks! She calls herself a seahorse because she chose to have her stomach removed due to an extremely rare genetic mutation (CDH1). Seahorses also don't have stomachs. Because she doesn't have a stomach, she has to eat frequently, like every two hours all day, every day. Because she eats so frequently, she often gets bored with eating the same thing…
Victoria Ha is the co-founder of Match My Makeup , the world's first scientifically and mathematically derived foundation shade matching platform. Match My Makeup's technology has been adopted around the world by major retail clients and cosmetics houses such as Net-a-Porter, Clarins and Harvey Nichols. Prior to launching Match My Makeup with her sister in 2012, Victoria was in Silicon Valley…
Tony Roma's is a full service, casual dining family restaurant where you can find premier BBQ ribs and steaks in locations across the world. With over 100 family restaurant locations on five continents, Tony Roma's is one of the most globally recognizable names in the industry. CEO, Mina Haque joins Justin to discuss this growing restaurant industry brand!
Tip Top helps you quickly fix behavior problems and bring the best out of your dog! They got started 15 years ago in Oklahoma and now have locations across the U.S. where they help people communicate better with their dogs. With the Tip Top Method of Dog Training, you can quickly gain the control you have always wanted while still having a happy, tail-wagging dog! Ryan Wimpey, the visionary…
Let's dive in! Deborah Hall is CEO and Co-Founder of DIVE Billboards, a company renowned for transforming digital out of home (DOOH) screens with real-time, human-curated and brand safe content. Under her leadership, alongside Co-Founder Michael Girgis, DIVE Billboards is bringing the best of mobile and social to DOOH. Deb joins Justin to discuss how DIVE curates and translates dynamic,…
Discover the unexpectedly craveable taste of Dixie Grace's Boiled Peanuts. Unique taste, layered in flavor and texture. Plant-based protein grown in the ground, not in a lab. Minimally processed with carefully curated ingredients. Beloved snack all around the world for centuries! Dixie joins Justin to discuss this delicious brand!
Asha Shivaji is an accomplished marketer, having collaborated with renowned global brands, such as Apple, Disney, Moet Hennessy, Estee Lauder, and Johnson & Johnson. Throughout her career, Asha has focused on revamping and modernizing marketing initiatives that captured the hearts and minds of consumers. Most recently, Asha led the marketing strategy for Google's Advanced Brand Acceleration Team…
WYNK was founded in 2020 by Casey Parzych, Angus Rittenburg, and Shawn Sheehan, three friends (a beverage manufacturer, mechanical engineer, and energy trader) looking for a new opportunity in the cannabis beverage market. Their challenge: find a way to dose the seltzer with THC legally, as current laws for dispensary distribution require dosing in the states where the drinks will be sold. Today,…
Trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle amidst changing diet trends and busy lifestyles can be overwhelming. In addition to being a wife and mother of three, Meredith Mann is a CPT and holistic nutrition and wellness consultant. She specializes in metabolisms, blood sugar, and emotional eating. Her happy place is her yoga mat and her kitchen, creating simple recipes that help balance blood sugar.…
