Predicting the Turn is a podcast dedicated to equipping business leaders with the tools they need to navigate today’s ever-changing business landscape. Our host, Dave Knox, is a global thought leader in digital transformation, an international public speaker, and an award-winning author with experience in the worlds of both Fortune 500 companies and startups. Through this podcast, you will learn how to meet your industry's inevitable disruption head-on.
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Ken Ehrman spent 25 years putting tracking technology on forklifts, trailers, and rental cars. Then his niece's dog escaped an invisible fence and was hit by a car, and he realized the invisible fence was the last wired product left in the home. That tragedy became Halo, the GPS dog collar he calls the iPhone for dogs. In this episode, Ken sits down with Dave Knox to break down how Halo scaled to…
When Nima Fotovat and his three sisters launched Made Good in 2014, they made a bet that parents, kids, and classroom allergy rules could all be satisfied by the same snack. Twelve years later, Made Good is in tens of thousands of doors, manufactures everything in-house at roughly 500,000 square feet, and was just named the snack served on every Delta flight. In this conversation, Nima walks…
Tim Heitmann started Double Good as a 500-square-foot popcorn shop on Navy Pier in 1998 and grew it into a wholesale business that sold to Costco, QVC, and FTD. Then a handwritten letter from a fifth grader who had raised $300 for his band trip made Tim question everything. He walked away from wholesale and poured the company into a fundraising side business that was barely 5% of revenue. In this…
Will Nitze started IQBAR in 2018 to solve his own problem: long hours, a bad diet, daily brain fog. He designed the formulas for cognition, low net carb, low sugar, low glycemic. What he didn't know was that the rest of America was about to get obsessed with that exact macro profile for a completely different reason: weight loss. When keto took off, IQBAR was one of only three keto-compliant bars…
When there wasn’t enough fruit to make a juice business viable, Califia Farms co-founder Greg Steltenpohl looked out the window of his Central Valley factory and noticed something: demand for almond milk was quietly exploding. That pivot—from citrus to almonds—transformed a struggling startup into one of America’s leading plant-based beverage brands, with products in more than 20,000 stores…
Most grocery stores added “healthy” end caps; Thrive Market built a GLP-1 filterthat instantly rewrites your entire cart instead. In this conversation, Thrive Market’s Chief Marketing Officer Amina Pasha breaks down how strict EU-inspired ingredient bans, AI-generated smart carts, and a radically limited 7,000-item assortment are turning decision overload into trust and growth. For C-suites,…
When Lucy Postins started The Honest Kitchen in 2002, she didn't just launch a pet food company — she lobbied the FDA to create an entirely new standard for human-grade pet food. Two decades later, the brand she built is the leading human-grade pet food in North America, with a 50/50 revenue split between e-commerce and brick-and-mortar retail. CEO Will Lisman, who stepped in three years ago after…
Eric Skae was running Rao's — one of the most iconic pasta sauce brands in America — when his daughter told him she wanted to go somewhere else for her birthday. Not just anywhere: Carbone, the red-sauce Italian restaurant that had become the hottest reservation in New York. "It's the place for my generation," she told him. "I've already been to Rao's with you." Five years later, Skae has turned…
When Gene Oh studied abroad in Seoul as a Brown University senior, he discovered something that would change his career trajectory: jelly sticks that protect your health when drinking alcohol. These products dominate Korea's billion-dollar alcohol aid market, yet remain virtually unknown in the United States. As Co-Founders of day–guard, Oh and his partner Felix Lee are now bridging that gap,…
For decades, Keurig has been synonymous with convenient at-home coffee brewing, revolutionizing how millions of Americans start their day. Yet despite being a household name in coffee makers, the brand has never sold its own coffee—until now. Christine van den Broeck, Vice President, Keurig Brand Marketing at Keurig Dr Pepper, is leading the charge with the launch of Keurig Coffee Collective, a…
Blake Mycoskie built TOMS Shoes into a $650 million empire, pioneered the "buy-one-give-one" model that revolutionized social enterprise, and made over 40 of his first employees multimillionaires. Yet three years after selling the company to focus on family, he found himself in a dark place—depressed, isolated, and questioning whether financial success could ever feel like enough. Today, he's…
In an era when many consumer brands chased venture capital and rapid expansion, Andrew Benin, CEO and Co-Founder of Graza, took a different path. Since launching in 2022, his olive oil brand has become known for its distinctive squeeze bottle packaging and methodical approach to growth, prioritizing product quality and strategic partnerships over instant gratification. Benin's journey from cooking…
When most organic food brands faced pressure to sell to multinational corporations, Arjan Stephens and his family chose a different path. As President of Nature's Path Organic Foods , Stephens has helped steer the company his parents founded 40 years ago to become one of the last major independent organic brands in North America. Under his leadership, the company has not only resisted acquisition…
How can a century-old family tradition from Greece successfully disrupt the competitive U.S. snack aisle. I sat down with OLYRA President and CEO Yannis Varellas to discuss his fascinating journey transforming a fifth-generation flour mill into a modern consumer brand. He details his approach to market entry, the distinction between Amazon and D2C strategies, and how his vision started with a…
Ever wondered how a company goes from a single steam mop to a global empire of home and outdoor products? In this interview, SharkNinja's Chief Commercial Officer Neil Shah reveals the company's problem solving philosophy that fuels its rapid growth. He discusses how SharkNinja identifies consumer pain points, balances performance and value, and has evolved its retail and marketing strategies to…
How do you tackle a challenge as vast as closing America’s brain nutrition gap? Mark Brooks, CEO and co-founder of Brainiac Foods , is answering that question by creating everyday foods packed with the nutrients kids (and adults) need for brain health and development. In this interview, he shares the brand's science-first approach, its unique retail strategy, and the mission to make "brain food"…
Ever wondered if your bathroom routine could be a little more... luxurious? Charlie Siciak, co-founder of goodwipes is leading a charge to transform the traditionally unglamorous toilet paper category into a vibrant, beauty-inspired experience. In this interview, Charlie delves into goodwipes' unique brand-building strategies, innovative experiential activations like the Porta Palace, and the…
The journey from a booming pancake empire to a new venture in protein-packed pretzels is not straightforward, but for Cameron Smith, it's a path paved with intentional growth and invaluable lessons. In this interview, the co-founder of Kodiak Cakes and now founder of Kindling discusses his strategic approach to building a brand, disrupting categories, and the evolving landscape of health-conscious…
What began as a personal quest to drink less has blossomed into a pioneering force in the non-alcoholic beverage industry. In this interview, JW Wiseman, founder of Curious Elixirs, shares the decade-long journey of his brand, from kitchen experiments to navigating market shifts and shaping the future of social drinking. We sat down to discuss the evolution of his innovative elixirs, unique…
In a crowded beverage market dominated by sugary, traditional options, Halfday is carving a new path with its prebiotic-infused iced teas. I sat down with co-founder Mike Lombardo to hear the story behind the brand's creation and growth, starting from a personal health journey to a successful product on shelves nationwide. In this interview, we dive into Halfday’s origin story, its innovative…
Suja Life, once a pioneer in the cold-pressed juice industry, has undergone a significant transformation under the leadership of CEO Maria Stipp. Shifting from a single brand to a "house of brands," Suja has expanded its portfolio to include innovative products like Vive Organic wellness shots and Slice, a better-for-you soda. In this interview, Stipp shares insights on Suja's growth, the…
What if the secret to building a nationally recognized food brand started with nothing more than an ice cream scooper and a dream? That’s exactly how Chris Kirby, founder of Ithaca Hummus, turned a farmers market side hustle into one of the fastest-growing brands in the refrigerated dips category. In this interview, I sat down with Chris to discuss how he scaled from a tiny kitchen to national…
Breakfast is a daily ritual, but for years, the options on US grocery store shelves were uninspiring—until Belgian Boys entered the scene. Led by Anouck Gotlib and her husband Greg, the brand has transformed the way Americans enjoy breakfast with authentic, European-inspired waffles and pancakes. In this interview, CEO Anouck Gotlib shares how Belgian Boys grew from a side hustle into a…
Building a business around safer, non-toxic home goods isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. That belief drove Jordan Nathan to launch Caraway in 2019, starting with ceramic non-stick cookware as a healthier alternative to traditional Teflon-coated pans. Since then, the brand has expanded into bakeware, food storage, and other home essentials, all while staying true to its mission of eliminating…
In the rapidly evolving world of hospitality, technology and innovation are driving major shifts, and few understand this transformation better than Mathew Focht. As a co-founder of Emerging, a fund focused on tech-driven concepts in hospitality, Focht brings decades of expertise to the table. In this interview, he shares his insights on the future of "eatertainment," the evolving role of…
In a world where personalized experiences are increasingly central to consumer satisfaction, Ben McKean has built Hungryroot into a leader in the personalized grocery service industry. McKean, who founded the company in 2015, shares his journey from a traditional packaged food business to a cutting-edge, AI-driven platform that tailors grocery shopping to customers’ goals and preferences. In this…
From founding the controversial alcoholic beverage Four Loko to becoming a leading entrepreneur in the better-for-you space, Chris Hunter has navigated an unconventional path to success. Now at the helm of Koia, a brand known for its plant-based protein drinks, Hunter has applied his entrepreneurial spirit to a new industry focused on health and wellness. In this interview, Hunter reflects on the…
As the spirits industry navigates shifting consumer trends and evolving market landscapes, staying agile has become essential for growth, even for a company that is 137 years old. I sat down with Paul Basford, President of William Grant & Sons USA, to discuss how this family-owned, independent company famous for brands such as Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin, and Milagro Tequila has…
Coming out of COVID, the non-alcoholic beverage had incredible tailwinds, supported by plentiful venture capital and strong consumer demand. Boisson capitalized on these trends, quickly expanding to 11 retail stores across the country and placing themselves at the heart of the non-alc industry. Things came to a sudden stop as the retailer shut their doors and declared bankruptcy in early 2024. I…
Functional mushrooms are transforming the wellness industry, and at the forefront of this movement is Four Sigmatic, founded by Tero Isokauppila. A 13th-generation farmer from Finland, Isokauppila has pioneered mushroom-based products that blend tradition with modern wellness needs, building Four Sigmatic into the number one mushroom coffee and protein brand on the market. I sat down with Tero to…
In a world where luxury and technology intersect, few are pioneering the fusion as deftly as the founders of Bezel. I sat down with Quaid Walker, a tech veteran turned watch enthusiast, to discuss how his team is reshaping the high-end watch market by marrying cutting-edge technology with timeless craftsmanship. In this interview, Walker reveals the challenges they’ve overcome, their unique…
The allure of Mexican traditions meets modern innovation in the vibrant world of tepache, a drink with ancient roots and a fresh, contemporary twist. I sat down with Alex Matthews, founder of De La Calle, to discuss his journey from curiosity to creation, bringing the authentic flavors of Mexico to the U.S. market. We delve into the challenges of introducing tepache to American consumers, the…
What started as a serendipitous discovery on a remote island in Thailand has blossomed into a mission to revolutionize how the world relaxes. I sat down with Joe Demin, co-founder and Chief Relaxation Officer at Yellow Leaf Hammocks, to learn about the inspiring journey behind the brand. We discussed the company’s humble beginnings, the challenges of scaling a socially conscious business, and the…
Founded on a mission of fierce love by Stephanie Boone, Wondercide has evolved over 15 years to offer plant-powered pest control solutions to help families to “protect their pack.” I sat down with Brad Locke, who joined the company in 2023 as President. We discussed maintaining the brand's core values, navigating market expansions, and the strategic importance of self-manufacturing in ensuring…
PepsiCo is transforming how we think about beverages, pushing boundaries beyond the bottle. Greg Lyons, Chief Marketing Officer of PepsiCo's Beverages North America Portfolio, shares his insights on driving this innovation. In this interview, Lyons discusses embracing a challenger mindset, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, and expanding into new categories like functional and enhanced beverages.
The story of Ember began with a simple observation over breakfast: cold scrambled eggs. Fueled by his background in thermal science engineering and a penchant for innovation, Ember Founder and Chairman Clay Alexander embarked on a mission to revolutionize the way people eat, drink, and live. I sat down with Clay to learn more about his journey launching the world’s first temperature-controlled…
In a dynamic landscape where consumer brands navigate ever-evolving markets, Camino Partners has emerged as a beacon of innovation and collaboration. I sat down with Elle Lanning, President of Camino Partners and veteran of KIND Snacks, to discuss the firm’s pioneering approach to investing and incubating emerging brands. From leveraging operational experience to championing values-driven…
In a landscape dominated by established brands, Nori emerged as a disruptor in the ironing industry. Where others saw a commodity, Nori pioneered innovation where few dared to venture. I sat down with Nori CEO and Co-Founder, Courtney Toll, to delve into her journey from launching Nori despite investor skepticism to navigating the complexities of hardware manufacturing and retail distribution.
In the competitive landscape of direct-to-consumer brands, Sunday's innovative approach to lawn care is setting it apart. By focusing on a seamless end-to-end customer experience, Sunday has redefined how consumers interact with and care for their outdoor spaces. This strategy not only ensures high customer retention but also positions Sunday as a leader in integrating technology with traditional…
From humble beginnings in a kitchen, Coconut Cult has become a pioneering brand in the world of functional foods. I sat down with the Coconut Cult leadership team including founder Noah Simon-Waddell and CEO Ari Raz to learn more about their journey. We discussed the challenges and opportunities of self-manufacturing, how they have fostered community engagement, and the plans for an upcoming brand…
BODYARMOR has been disrupting the world of sports hydration since 2011. Founded by Mike Repole, the brand has witnessed a meteoric rise in the sports nutrition industry through game-changing innovation. Federico Muyshondt, CEO of BODYARMOR, took over leadership of the brand shortly after its acquisition by Coca-Cola. I sat down with Muyshondt to discuss their strategic focus on authenticity, the…
Catalina Crunch has carved out a niche with its innovative approach to low-carb, high-fiber foods. Founded by Krishna Kaliannan, whose personal journey with type one diabetes sparked the creation of Catalina Crunch, the company has rapidly evolved from a passion project to a thriving business. I sat down with Kaliannan to learn more about the brand's trajectory, from its humble beginnings in…
Cabinet Health is on a mission to reduce single-use plastic from healthcare. In just a few short years, they have found like-minded partners in major companies such as Target, CVS and McKesson. I sat down with Co-Founder and President Russell Gong to discuss the origins of the company and Cabinet Health's commitment to pioneering the next generation of sustainable healthcare products and services.
In the competitive landscape of the food industry, Red's has emerged as a beacon of innovation and quality in the frozen food sector. Founded by Mike Adair, Red's journey from homemade burritos to a beloved frozen food brand spans over 15 years of perseverance and dedication. I sat down with Adair to reflect on the company's humble beginnings, the evolution of its product portfolio, and the…
In a culinary landscape marked by innovation and a blending of cultures, MìLà, a modern Chinese food company, stands out as a beacon of success. From its humble beginnings as a restaurant in 2018 to its triumphant foray into the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) realm, MìLà's unique approach, guided by quality, accessibility, and a third-culture perspective, has captured the hearts and palates of a…
In the ever-evolving landscape of spirits, The Pathfinder Hemp and Root emerges as a groundbreaking non-alcoholic alternative, not merely mimicking traditional spirits but carving its own niche with a unique blend of bitterness, sweetness, and complexity. I sat down with Co-founder Chris Abbott to learn more about their journey through the inspiration, challenges, and strategic decisions that led…
Unlike many of her peers in Venture Capital and Private Equity, Melissa Facchina comes from a background in Operations with a focus on food and beverages. Today, Facchina is the Co-Managing Partner of Siddhi Capital, which was born from a joint venture between her operating firm, Siddhi Ops, and the family office of her co-founding partners Steven and Brian Finn. I sat down with Facchina for a…
DEUX has the lofty goal to offer a healthier alternative to iconic food brands like Nestle. I sat down with Sabeena Ladha, founder of DEUX, a better-for-you snack brand of edible cookie dough,donut holes and dessert spreads, to share her journey from extensive experience in big CPG, McKinsey, and venture capital to disrupting the consumer category. We discussed her strategic approach to product…
Soley is the fastest-growing natural fruit snack brand in the US and their unique approach saves 1.6 million pounds of fruit per year. I sat down with Solely's founder, Simon Sacal, to discuss this extraordinary journey from attempting a fat-free potato chip to pioneering a unique and sustainable vertical supply chain for disruptive fruit-based products. Sacal reflects on the challenges,…
Over the past five years, the collectibles world of sport and trading cards has seen a massive resurgence as a new generation of collectors have discovered the “Hobby”. This growth has led to innovative new business models like Loupe with box breaking and Goldin with auctions. But perhaps the biggest beneficiary has been Professional Sports Authenticator , better known as PSA, which authenticates…
