Making the Brand with Billy Draper

On today's show, Billy talks to Jesse Horwitz and Ben Cogan, co-founders and co-CEOs of Hubble. Hubble Contacts is a subscription-based, direct-to-consumer contact lens business based in New York City. Jesse and Ben talk about how they got into the contact lens business, and differentiating in a competitive industry. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On today's show, Billy talks to Gabby Slome, co-founder and CXO of Ollie. Ollie is a high-end premium dog food company based in New York City. Gabby talks about her journey in getting into the pet business, the importance of (literal) word of mouth marketing, and the value of knowing what's in your dog food. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Making the Brand, Billy interviews Ben Clymer, Founder and CEO of Hodinkee. Hodinkee is a media business in the watch sector, as well as a trusted marketplace. Ben discusses his fascination with watches, building a central source of truth for the industry, and developing customer trust. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Making the Brand, Billy interviews Matt Meeker, Co-Founder and CEO of BarkBox. BarkBox is a monthly subscription box for dogs, including both treats and toys. Matt discusses his love for dogs and the power of data in the pet world. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Making the Brand, Billy interviews Heini Zachariassen, Founder of Vivino. Vivino is a mobile app and website working to democratize the overly complicated and opaque wine industry. Heini discusses his unconventional entrance into the wine world, and the powerful implications of being the source of truth for an entire industry. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Making the Brand, Billy interviews Joel Clark, Co-Founder and CEO of Kodiak Cakes. Kodiak Cakes is based in Park City, UT and is best known for their delicious pancake mix. Joel discusses selling his mom's pancake mix door-to-door, the power of perseverance in starting a business, and his experience on Shark Tank. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Making the Brand, Billy interviews Rosie O'Neill, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Sugarfina. Sugarfina is based in El Segundo, CA and was founded on the premise of 'candy for adults'. Rosie discusses starting a business with her then-boyfriend (now fiancee), and growing it to a $60m/year candy empire. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Making the Brand, Billy interviews Tyler Noyes, founder and CEO of Kalahari Biltong. Kalahari Biltong, based in Massachusetts, makes biltong, which is a thinly sliced, air-dried beef product - similar in texture to prosciutto. Tyler discusses his extreme athletic competitions, challenges in the early days of the business, and differentiating biltong from beef jerky. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Making the Brand, Billy interviews Zak Normandin, founder and CEO of Dirty Lemon. Dirty Lemon, based in New York and LA, is best known for their functional wellness beverages - consisting of ingredients like charcoal and dandelion. Zak discusses how he ended up starting a beverage company, his unique distribution model, and advice he has for future CPG entrepreneurs of the world. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Making the Brand, Billy interviews Dave Sands, founder of Grady's Cold Brew. Grady's, based in New York and Los Angeles, was one of the first cold brew coffee companies available on shelves. Dave discusses the complex user education involved in bringing a new category to market, and the idea that competition can actually be beneficial. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Making the Brand, Billy interviews Jake Kassan, founder and CEO of MVMT. MVMT, based in Los Angeles, is an online e-commerce company best known for their watches and sunglasses. Jake discusses starting the business on nothing but a credit card, crowdfunding on IndieGoGo, and growing and developing MVMT to what it is today. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Making the Brand, Billy interviews Karla Gallardo and Shilpa Shah, the co-founders of Cuyana. Cuyana, based in San Francisco, is an apparel and accessory brand best known for their purses and leather goods. Karla and Shilpa discuss the importance of an unwavering brand vision, and their brand identity: fewer, better things. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Making the Brand, Billy interviews Ariel Kaye, the founder and CEO of Parachute Home. Parachute, based in Venice Beach, CA, is a home goods brand best known for their sheets and towels. Ariel talks about the growing direct-to-consumer home goods market, and the truth behind thread count. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Making the Brand, Billy interviews Mickey Ashmore, the founder and CEO of Sabahs. Sabahs, based in the East Village in New York City, is a footwear brand best known for their unique leather Turkish slippers. Mickey talks about his customer obsession, the value of brick and mortar, and the work that goes into making a decent pair of shoes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of Making the Brand, Billy interviews Bobby Edwards, the founder and CEO of Squatty Potty. Squatty Potty, based outside of Salt Lake City, is a bathroom accessories business best known for their flagship product: a toilet stool. Bobby discusses taking on an unconventional category, his experience on Shark Tank, and the importance of a strong PR presence. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.