How I Built This with Guy Raz podcast

How I Built This with Guy Raz

Guy Raz interviews the world’s best-known entrepreneurs to learn how they built their iconic brands. In each episode, founders reveal deep, intimate moments of doubt and failure, and share insights on their eventual success. How I Built This is a master-class on innovation, creativity, leadership and how to navigate challenges of all kinds. New episodes release on Mondays and Thursdays. Listen to How I Built This on the Wondery App or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting [wondery.com/links/how-i-built-this] (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/wondery.com/links/how-i-built-this__;!!Iwwt!TPYC72r8s6g5pqTAymU1ff7EC87P552W_4_wwb1hYkwqLWwoiq0XxR27x2hcIAdeJRTr8YNlIUrHpA$) now. Get your How I Built This merch at [WonderyShop.com/HowIBuiltThis] (https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/wonderyshop.com/HowIBuiltThis__;!!Iwwt!TPYC72r8s6g5pqTAymU1ff7EC87P552W_4_wwb1hYkwqLWwoiq0XxR27x2hcIAdeJRTr8YPBl1-VVw$) .

Guy Raz interviews the world’s best-known entrepreneurs to learn how they built their iconic brands. In each episode, founders reveal deep, intimate moments of doubt and failure, and share insights on their eventual success. How I Built This is a master-class on innovation, creativity, leadership and how to navigate challenges of all kinds. New episodes release on Mondays and Thursdays. Listen to How I Built This on the Wondery App or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting [wondery.com/links/how-i-built-this] (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/wondery.com/links/how-i-built-this__;!!Iwwt!TPYC72r8s6g5pqTAymU1ff7EC87P552W_4_wwb1hYkwqLWwoiq0XxR27x2hcIAdeJRTr8YNlIUrHpA$) now. Get your How I Built This merch at [WonderyShop.com/HowIBuiltThis] (https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/wonderyshop.com/HowIBuiltThis__;!!Iwwt!TPYC72r8s6g5pqTAymU1ff7EC87P552W_4_wwb1hYkwqLWwoiq0XxR27x2hcIAdeJRTr8YPBl1-VVw$) .

 

#679

Athletic Brewing Company: Bill Shufelt

Bill Shufelt founded Athletic Brewing Company to re-invent non-alcoholic beer, but quickly learned that brewers didn’t want to make it, stores didn’t want to sell it, and potential customers didn’t want to buy it. The NA beer that already existed was outdated and foul-tasting, but Bill was convinced that if he could make a good-tasting brew, it would appeal to a growing cohort of people who wanted to enjoy beer without getting buzzed. For a while, Bill’s wife was the only person who supported him, but he eventually found an innovative brewer, and a winning strategy of sampling the beer at athletic events. Today, the company is valued at $800 million and Bill believes they’re just getting started. This episode was produced by J.C. Howard, with music by Ramtin Arablouei Edited by Neva Grant, with research help from Katherine Sypher. You can follow HIBT on [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/HowIBuiltThis) & [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/howibuiltthis) , and email us at [hibt@id.wondery.com] (mailto:hibt@id.wondery.com) . See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

18 Nov 2024

1 HR 04 MINS

1:04:23

18 Nov 2024


#678

Advice Line with Gary Hirshberg of Stonyfield

Stonyfield co-founder and former CEO Gary Hirshberg joins Guy on the Advice Line where they answer questions from three early-stage founders. Plus, Gary explains how a social mission can be a competitive advantage for a consumer product. First we meet Cate in Oregon, who’s trying to figure out the best way for her leather goods company to stop cow hides from going to waste. Then Jamie in Santa Barbara, whose gourmet vegan camping meals are speaking to a customer demographic she wasn’t expecting. And Dianna in the Bay Area, who’s ready to hire a right hand for her seeded cracker company but isn’t sure where to look. Thank you to the founders of Range Revolution, Poe & Co. Folk Foods, and Cult Crackers for being a part of our show. If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to hibt@id.wondery.com or call 1-800-433-1298. And be sure to listen to [Stonyfield’s founding story] (https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-stonyfield-yogurt-gary-hirshberg/) as told by Gary on the show in 2017. This episode was produced by Alex Cheng with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Cena Loffredo. You can follow HIBT on [X] (https://x.com/HowIBuiltThis) & [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/howibuiltthis/) and sign up for Guy’s free newsletter at [guyraz.com] (http://guyraz.com) . See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

14 Nov 2024

44 MINS

44:59

14 Nov 2024


#677

Listen Now - REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana

Behind the closed doors of government offices and military compounds, are hidden stories and buried secrets from the darkest corners of history. Each week, Luke Lamana, a Marine Corp Reconnaissance Veteran, pulls back the curtain on what once was classified information exposing the secrets and lies behind the world’s most powerful institutions. From the hitmakers at Wondery and Ballen Studios, we bring you REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana. The stories are real, and the secrets are shocking. Listen Now: [http://wondery.fm/REDACTED] (http://wondery.fm/REDACTED) See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

12 Nov 2024

06 MINS

06:56

12 Nov 2024


#676

Boll & Branch: Scott and Missy Tannen

Scott and Missy Tannen knew nothing about bed linens when they dreamed up the idea of launching a bedding company, but that didn’t stop them from setting ambitious goals: super soft sheets, 100% organic cotton, and a supply chain that was traceable from end to end. Thanks to an article in the Wall Street Journal and a $2 million advertising bet on The Howard Stern Show, Boll & Branch grew rapidly, but also faced crippling cash crunches, forcing the Tannens to scramble for loans and borrow against their own home. Today, Boll & Branch is one of the most popular luxury linen brands in the U.S., with over $200 million in revenue. This episode was researched and produced by Katherine Sypher, with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by Neva Grant. Our audio engineers were Robert Rodriguez and Gilly Moon. You can follow HIBT on [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/HowIBuiltThis?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor) & [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/howibuiltthis/?hl=en) , and email us at [hibt@id.wondery.com] (mailto:hibt@id.wondery.com) . See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

11 Nov 2024

1 HR 09 MINS

1:09:12

11 Nov 2024


#675

Advice Line with Brian Scudamore of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?

1-800-GOT-JUNK? founder and CEO Brian Scudamore joins Guy on the Advice Line where they answer questions from three early-stage founders. First we meet Theresa in Denver, who’s wondering if she should diversify her edible flower products or double down on a core offering. Then Jake in Los Angeles, who’s seeking clarity on his customizable skincare brand’s target customer. And Theo near Sacramento, who wants to nail a second attempt at drastically scaling up his live poultry sales company. Thank you to the founders of Flouwer Co., Notion Skincare, and Fox & Hen Fine Poultry Co. for being a part of our show. If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to hibt@id.wondery.com or call 1-800-433-1298. And be sure to listen to [1-800-GOT-JUNK?’s founding story] (https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-1-800-got-junk-brian-scudamore-2018/) as told by Brian on the show in 2017. This episode was produced by Carla Esteves with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Neal Rauch. You can follow HIBT on [X] (https://x.com/HowIBuiltThis) & [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/howibuiltthis/) and sign up for Guy’s free newsletter at [guyraz.com] (http://guyraz.com/) . See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

07 Nov 2024

46 MINS

46:35

07 Nov 2024


#674

BARK: Matt Meeker

When Matt Meeker started sharing a Brooklyn apartment with a Great Dane, he didn’t know it would inspire him to launch a multi-million dollar company. But, disappointed by what pet stores offered for big dogs like his, Matt co-founded BARK, a subscription service for dogs of all sizes. After launching in 2012, the brand expanded to include food, furnishings, and luxury charter flights, where dogs roam free about the cabin. Along the way, Matt applied critical lessons from his past startups, including a failed text-messaging company, and the social platform Meetup. This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz with music composed by Ramtin Arablouei. This episode was edited by Neva Grant, with research by Olivia Rockeman. Our audio engineers were Patrick Murray and Maggie Luthar. You can follow HIBT on Twitter & Instagram and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at guyraz.com. See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

04 Nov 2024

1 HR 06 MINS

1:06:09

04 Nov 2024


#673

Advice Line with Angie Hicks of Angi

Angie Hicks, founder of Angi (formerly Angie’s List), joins Guy on the Advice Line where they answer questions from three early-stage founders. First we meet Paige, a dirt bike rider in Southern California looking to expand her women’s motocross clothing brand into retail stores. Then Dianne from Massachusetts, who’s wondering how and when to bring on new leadership to help her grow her e-commerce homegoods business. And Keisha from Kansas City, who’s hoping to reach new customers for her online Spanish language learning program. Thank you to the founders of McRey Motocross Co., Weston Table, and Bridge the Gap Spanish for being a part of our show. If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to [hibt@id.wondery.com] (mailto:hibt@id.wondery.com) or call 1-800-433-1298. And be sure to listen to [Angi’s founding story] (https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-angies-list-angie-hicks/) as told by Angie on the show in 2016. This episode was produced by Chris Maccini with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Cena Loffredo. You can follow HIBT on [X] (https://twitter.com/HowIBuiltThis) & [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/howibuiltthis) and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at [guyraz.com] (http://guyraz.com/) . See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

31 Oct 2024

49 MINS

49:18

31 Oct 2024


#672

Black Diamond Equipment: Peter Metcalf

In 1989, after years of scaling some of the most challenging peaks in the world, Peter Metcalf took on a daunting new risk: resuscitating a bankrupt climbing-equipment company, and putting himself into deep debt to do so.From the defunct assets of Chouinard Equipment, Peter launched Black Diamond Equipment, and capitalized on the growing popularity of sport climbing to grow it into one of the most recognizable outdoor brands in the world. By the way, Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Chouinard Equipment, went on to build his next company, Patagonia, into an iconic outdoor apparel brand.It’s a great HIBT story, and you can listen to it [HERE] (https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-patagonia-yvon-chouinard) . This episode was produced by Josh Lash, with music by Ramtin Arablouei Edited by Neva Grant, with research help from Alex Cheng. You can follow HIBT on [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/HowIBuiltThis) & [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/howibuiltthis) , and email us at [hibt@id.wondery.com] (mailto:hibt@id.wondery.com) . See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

28 Oct 2024

54 MINS

54:36

28 Oct 2024


#671

What It Really Takes To Build a Food Business: Part 2

This is part two of our special series on building food businesses presented by Klaviyo. If you haven't heard part one from last week, go back and check it out. In that episode, three founders of three different food brands – Becca Millstein from Fishwife, Brian Rudolph from Banza, and Caue Suplicy from Barnana – shared how they got their start. Today, you’ll find out how these founders have grown their brands into category-defining businesses. You’ll hear about some challenging moments – and also strategic advice if you’re building your own business. This episode was produced by Alex Cheng with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was James Willetts. Our thanks to [Klaviyo] (https://www.klaviyo.com/) for sponsoring today’s episode. You can follow HIBT on [X] (https://twitter.com/HowIBuiltThis) & [ Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/howibuiltthis) and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at [guyraz.com] (http://guyraz.com/) . See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

25 Oct 2024

37 MINS

37:04

25 Oct 2024


#670

Advice Line with Michael Preysman of Everlane

Everlane co-founder and former CEO Michael Preysman joins Guy on the Advice Line where they answer questions from three early-stage founders. First we meet Todd in the Bay Area, who’s looking to spread the word about his pickleball apparel brand with a younger demographic.Then Anna in Sydney, who wonders if she should expand her eco-friendly kids clothing line to include adults. Then Pall in British Columbia, who wants to change how people think about reusable plastic containers. Thank you to the founders of KTCHN, Earthlings United and Mr. Lid for being part of our show. If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to hibt@id.wondery.com or call 1-800-433-1298. And be sure to listen to [Everlane’s founding story] (https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-everlane-michael-preysman/) as told by Michael on the show in 2023. This episode was produced by Kerry Thompson with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineers were Robert Rodriquez and Gilly Moon. You can follow HIBT on [X] (https://x.com/HowIBuiltThis) & [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/howibuiltthis/) and sign up for Guy’s free newsletter at [guyraz.com] (http://guyraz.com/) . See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

24 Oct 2024

49 MINS

49:48

24 Oct 2024


#669

21 Seeds: Kat Hantas

Kat Hantas turned her home hobby of infusing Tequila into a $160 million business. Her story began when her nightly glass of wine started to give her headaches, and her doctor recommended she replace it with a distilled spirit, like Blanco Tequila. To soften its harsh taste, Kat infused it with fruit and herbs, and began sharing it with appreciative fellow-moms. She eventually realized that hyper-targeting to moms was the perfect way to break into the male-dominated Tequila business. In 2018, she recruited her sister and a friend to launch 21 Seeds, and despite multiple challenges, their mom-strategy paid off. Just three years after launch, 21 Seeds sold for $160 million to Diageo, one of the largest alcoholic beverage companies in the world. This episode was produced by Carla Esteves with music composed by Ramtin Arablouei. This episode was edited by Neva Grant, with research by Olivia Rockeman. Our audio engineers were Robert Rodriguez and Gilly Moon. See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

21 Oct 2024

1 HR 06 MINS

1:06:22

21 Oct 2024


#668

What It Really Takes To Build a Food Business: Part 1

Innovation is a constant in the food industry. But it’s incredibly difficult to go from a tasty idea to an actual spot on the grocery store shelves. So if you have an idea for a food business, how do you turn it into reality? In this special two-episode series brought to you by Klaviyo, three founders share what it took to get their products on those shelves – and what it still takes today to keep their brands growing. This episode covers the journey from ideation to production and actual sales. Guy is joined by Becca Millstein from Fishwife, Brian Rudolph from Banza, and Caue Suplicy from Barnana. This episode was produced by Alex Cheng with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was James Willetts. Our thanks to [Klaviyo] (https://www.klaviyo.com/) for sponsoring today’s episode. You can follow HIBT on [ X] (https://twitter.com/HowIBuiltThis) & [ Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/howibuiltthis) and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at [ guyraz.com] (http://guyraz.com/) . See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

18 Oct 2024

36 MINS

36:16

18 Oct 2024


#667

Advice Line with Lara Merriken of LÄRABAR

LÄRABAR founder Lara Merriken joins Guy on the Advice Line, where they answer questions from three early-stage founders. Plus, Lara discusses her latest venture: a coaching service for entrepreneurs. First we meet Alison in Denver, who’s hoping to maintain her body care brand’s edge and authenticity as it expands to new retailers. Then Mariano in Miami, who’s wondering how to market his caffeinated gum to corporate buyers. And Lauretta on Long Island, a one-woman-show who’s looking to fundraise for her ginger tea brand. Thank you to the founders of Joy Breeders, Maax Brands, and Lauretta’s British Ginger T for being a part of our show. If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to hibt@id.wondery.com or call 1-800-433-1298. And be sure to listen to [LÄRABAR’s founding story] (https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-larabar-lara-merriken/) as told by Lara on the show in 2018. This episode was produced by Sam Paulson with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Neal Rauch. You can follow HIBT on [X] (https://x.com/HowIBuiltThis) & [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/howibuiltthis/) and sign up for Guy’s free newsletter at [guyraz.com] (http://guyraz.com/) . See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

17 Oct 2024

50 MINS

50:37

17 Oct 2024


#666

Viator: Rod Cuthbert

Clicking a button to book vacation tours might feel normal today, but Rod Cuthbert helped create that future through his company, Viator. Founded in the early days of the internet boom, Viator emerged almost by accident from a failed partnership with another company. As online booking grew, Rod correctly predicted that travel agents would become outmoded, and began working with local providers to help travelers book anything from skip-the-line tours of the Sistine Chapel to cooking lessons in a Thai kitchen. Viator was purchased in 2014 by Tripadvisor for $200 million–and remains a top virtual destination for anyone headed to a real one. This episode was produced by Devan Schwartz with music composed by Ramtin Arablouei. This episode was edited by Neva Grant, with research by Olivia Rockeman. Our audio engineers were Robert Rodriguez and Gilly Moon. You can follow HIBT on [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/HowIBuiltThis) & [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/howibuiltthis) and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at [guyraz.com] (http://guyraz.com/) . See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

14 Oct 2024

1 HR 09 MINS

1:09:10

14 Oct 2024


#665

Advice Line: Growing Beyond Your Niche

This week, Guy is joined by Fawn Weaver of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, Andrew Abraham of Orgain, and Brett Schulman of CAVA to give advice to three early-stage founders in this special “mashup” episode of the How I Built This Lab Advice Line. First, Oni from Fort Worth has developed a two-in-one game designed to strengthen relationships through deeper conversations. Then, Ken from Minneapolis whose vision for better eye health starts with dry-eye relief, without the drops. And finally, Adam in Tampa is looking to scale his ‘pet project’ into a nationwide photography business. Thank you to the founders of The WAMO Game, Tear Restore, and A Gold Photo for being a part of our show. If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to [hibt@id.wondery.com] (mailto:hibt@id.wondery.com) or call 1-800-433-1298. To hear our guests’ previous episodes: [Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey: Fawn Weaver] (https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-uncle-nearest-premium-whiskey-fawn-weaver/) | [Advice Line with Fawn Weaver] (https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-advice-line-with-fawn-weaver-of-uncle-nearest-premium-whiskey/) [Orgain: Andrew Abraham] (https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-orgain-andrew-abraham/) | [Advice Line with Andrew Abraham] (https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-advice-line-with-andrew-abraham-of-orgain) [CAVA: Ted Xenohristos and Brett Schulman] (https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-cava-ted-xenohristos-and-brett-schulman/) | [Advice Line with Brett Schulman] (https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-advice-line-with-brett-schulman-of-cava) This episode was produced by J.C. Howard with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Cena Loffredo. You can follow HIBT on [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/HowIBuiltThis) & [ Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/howibuiltthis) and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at [ guyraz.com] (http://guyraz.com/) . See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

10 Oct 2024

41 MINS

41:28

10 Oct 2024


#664

Paperless Post: James and Alexa Hirschfeld

In 2007, when James Hirschfeld got the idea to start an online invitation company, the first person he turned to for help was his older sister, Alexa. Together, they were inspired to create a brand that combined the ease of digital correspondence with the beauty of paper. Along the way, the founders faced myriad challenges: convincing investors that people would pay for virtual paper, settling on the right business model, and—worst of all-- the existential threat of Covid. 15 years after launch - Paperless Post has sent over 650 million invitations, and has even been parodied on Saturday Night Live. This episode was produced by Kerry Thompson with music composed by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by Neva Grant, with research by J.C Howard. Our engineers were Robert Rodriguez and James Willetts. You can follow HIBT on [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/HowIBuiltThis) & [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/howibuiltthis) and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at [guyraz.com] (http://guyraz.com/) . See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

07 Oct 2024

1 HR 06 MINS

1:06:25

07 Oct 2024


#663

Advice Line: Reaching New Customers

This week, Guy is joined by Leah Solivan of TaskRabbit, Scott and Ally Svenson of MOD Pizza, and Holly Thaggard of Supergoop! to answer questions about reaching new customers from three early-stage founders in this special “mashup” episode of the How I Built This Lab Advice Line. First, Erin from Alameda, California wants to introduce users to an online divorce platform so the legal process isn’t any harder than it has to be. Then, Kaveh in San Diego seeks to bring his olive oil beyond the farmers market and into kitchens nationwide. And finally, Erik from New Jersey offers on-the-go medical kits to make travel prep that much easier. Thank you to the founders of Hello Divorce, aficio22 and JetSet Meds for being a part of our show. If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to hibt@id.wondery.com or call 1-800-433-1298. To hear our guests’ previous episodes: [TaskRabbit: Leah Solivan] (https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-taskrabbit-leah-solivan/) | [Advice Line with Leah Solivan] (https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-advice-line-with-leah-solivan-of-taskrabbit) [MOD Pizza & Seattle Coffee Company: Scott and Ally Svenson] (https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-mod-pizza-amp-seattle-coffee-company-scott-and-ally-svenson/) | [Advice Line with Scott and Ally Svenson] (https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-advice-line-with-scott-and-ally-svenson-of-mod-pizza) [Supergoop!: Holly Thaggard] (https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-supergoop-holly-thaggard) | [Advice Line with Holly Thaggard] (https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-advice-line-with-holly-thaggard-of-supergoop) This episode was produced by Chris Maccini with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineers were Gilly Moon and Robert Rodriguez. You can follow HIBT on [ X] (https://twitter.com/HowIBuiltThis) & [ Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/howibuiltthis) and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at [ guyraz.com] (http://guyraz.com/) . See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

03 Oct 2024

38 MINS

38:24

03 Oct 2024


#662

Lily’s Sweets: Cynthia Tice

When it comes to launching a multi-million dollar brand, Cynthia Tice was a late bloomer. Nearly 60 and looking for a healthy way to satisfy her love of chocolate, she set out to make an indulgent, sugar-free version, sweetened with stevia. After some disastrous early recipes, Lily’s Sweets launched nationally in Whole Foods, with just four employees. Cynthia correctly predicted that a growing number of shoppers would willingly pay for healthier treats, and just ten years after launch, Lily’s Sweets caught the eye of Hershey’s, which acquired it for $425 million. This episode was produced by Sam Paulson with music composed by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by Neva Grant, with research by Katherine Sypher. Our engineers were Robert Rodriguez and Kwesi Lee. You can follow HIBT on [Twitter] (https://twitter.com/HowIBuiltThis) & [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/howibuiltthis) and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at [guyraz.com] (http://guyraz.com/) . See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

30 Sep 2024

1 HR 07 MINS

1:07:14

30 Sep 2024


#661

Advice Line with Vicky Tsai of Tatcha

Tatcha co-founder and former CEO Vicky Tsai joins Guy on the Advice Line, where they answer questions from three early-stage founders. Plus, Vicky explains her decision to briefly step back into, and then out of again, the CEO role. First we meet Jessica in Newport Beach, who’s wondering how to increase brand awareness for her handcrafted fine jewelry. Then Brittany in New York City, who’s looking to prioritize sales channels for her growing fem care brand. And Devon in Cleveland, who wants to generate buzz around the launch of her creative cake company. Thank you to the founders of Petit Anjou, Beia Beauty, and Mugsy Bakes for being a part of our show. If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to [hibt@id.wondery.com] (mailto:hibt@id.wondery.com) or call 1-800-433-1298. And be sure to listen to [Tatcha’s founding story] (https://www.npr.org/2020/07/10/889810099/tatcha-vicky-tsai) as told by Vicky on the show in 2020. This episode was produced by Katherine Sypher with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by John Isabella. Our audio engineer was Cena Loffredo. You can follow HIBT on [X] (https://x.com/HowIBuiltThis) & [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/howibuiltthis/) and sign up for Guy’s free newsletter at [guyraz.com] (http://guyraz.com/) . See Privacy Policy at [https://art19.com/privacy] (https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info] (https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info) . ... Read more

26 Sep 2024

48 MINS

48:27

26 Sep 2024