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EP26: Mark Boysen, Co-Founder & CEO of Naware | "We Smoke Weeds"

In this episode, Kasey Devine interviews Mark Boysen, founder of Naware, a company dedicated to revolutionizing weed control using steam technology. Mark shares the story behind the inception of Naware, detailing his frustrations with traditional weed control methods and how he pivoted from a different startup to focus on creating a safer, more effective solution. The conversation explores the importance of customer feedback, the challenges of product development, and the lessons learned along the way. Mark emphasizes the significance of embracing failure and iterating quickly to refine their product. He also discusses future aspirations for Naware and the importance of building connections within the community to drive the mission forward.
 
Takeaways
Mark Boysen is the founder of Naware, focused on innovative weed control.
Nawareaims to change weed control using steam technology.
The idea for Naware originated from personal frustrations with traditional weed control methods.
Customer feedback is crucial for product development and commercialization.
Mark emphasizes the importance of failing fast to refine the product.
The company is looking for lighthouse accounts to test their product.
There is a significant demand for safer, chemical-free weed control solutions.
Mark's journey highlights the challenges of hardware development and the need for precision.
The natural state of dirt is either grass or weeds, and grass is supposed to grow back after weeds are removed.
Building connections and networking is essential for startup success.
Keywords: Naware, weed control, steam technology, lawn care, innovation, entrepreneurship, AI, sustainability, product development, startup
Sound Bites
"We do smoke weeds."
"You really got to know what you're doing."
"The natural state of dirt isn't dirt."
"It's okay to fail."
"Your problems are getting smaller."
"Follow us, we welcome connections."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Naware and Mark Boysen
02:53 The Origin Story of Naware
06:16 From Frustration to Innovation: The Steam Solution
12:39 Commercializing the Idea: Feedback and Demand
18:19 Navigating Early Challenges and Customer Feedback
23:09 Future Aspirations and Product Development
27:13 Lessons Learned: Embracing Failure
30:06 Connecting with the Audience and Call to Action

EP25: Ashley Mooneyham & Jennie Lynch, Co-Founders of Momease Solutions | "Innovating Women's Health"

In this episode, Kasey Devine hosts Ashley Mooneyham and Jennie Lynch, co-founders of Momease Solutions, a startup focused on enhancing breastfeeding experiences through innovative breast pump accessories. They share their unique founding stories, the importance of networking, and the supportive startup ecosystem in Minnesota. The conversation emphasizes the significance of social capital over financial capital in entrepreneurship, the challenges of being a first-time founder, and the innovative solutions they are developing to address common breastfeeding challenges. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and an invitation for audience engagement.
 
Takeaways:
The success of Momease Solutions is rooted in teamwork and shared goals.
Networking and building relationships are crucial for startup success.
Pitch competitions can provide valuable exposure and funding opportunities.
Understanding customer pain points is essential for product development.
The Minnesota startup ecosystem is supportive and collaborative.
Social capital can be more important than financial capital in entrepreneurship.
Being a beginner in a new industry is an exciting opportunity for growth.
In-person meetings can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities.
Innovative solutions are needed to improve breastfeeding experiences.
Community support is vital for entrepreneurs navigating challenges.
 
Sound Bites
"Social capital is what's way more important."
"You can tunnel your way into new fields."
"You get to be a beginner again."
"No founder has all of the answers."
"You don't have to do it alone."
"We love connecting with people."
"We are raising capital."
Keywords: Momease Solutions, entrepreneurship, women's health, breastfeeding, startup ecosystem, social capital, networking, innovation, fundraising, Minnesota
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Momease Solutions
02:31 Founding Stories and Team Dynamics
06:26 The Journey of a First-Time Founder
10:43 Networking and Building Relationships
13:30 The Minnesota Startup Ecosystem
18:30 The Importance of Social Capital
22:51 Navigating New Industries
25:46 Innovative Solutions for Breastfeeding
29:10 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
34:16 Engagement and Support for Momease Solutions

EP24: Jason Buck, Co-Founder of ViaSight "Iteration > Pivoting"

Jason Buck shares his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the evolution of his startup from an idea for a smartphone app providing advanced driver assistance systems to a data analytics platform for roadways. He emphasizes the importance of customer feedback, the distinction between iteration and pivoting, and the personal challenges faced during the startup journey. Jason also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the need for early product-market fit validation.
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasontbuck/
 
Takeaways:
Jason Buck's journey illustrates the importance of adaptability in startups.
Customer feedback is crucial for product development and iteration.
The distinction between iteration and pivoting can shape a startup's success.
Personal motivation and co-founder support are vital in overcoming challenges.
Validating product-market fit early can prevent wasted resources.
The startup journey often involves unexpected twists and turns.
Building a product that meets real customer needs is essential.
Networking and collaboration can lead to new opportunities.
Understanding the competitive landscape is key to differentiation.
Success in startups often requires persistence and resilience.
titles
Navigating the Startup Landscape with Jason Buck
From Concept to Reality: Jason Buck's Entrepreneurial Journey
The Power of Customer Feedback in Startups
Sound Bites
"What do you need? Can we build that?"
"We're not reinventing the wheel."
"Iteration is a better term than pivot."
"If you're not iterating, you're dead."
"The startup journey is lonely."
"We're a three year overnight success."
Keywords: startup, entrepreneurship, customer feedback, data analytics, advanced driver assistance systems, iteration, pivoting, business strategy, technology, innovation
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jason Buck and His Journey
03:08 From Idea to Data Analytics Platform
11:01 The Importance of Customer Feedback
15:41 Iteration vs. Pivoting in Startups
21:25 Personal Challenges and Motivation in Entrepreneurship
24:19 Advice for Future Entrepreneurs

EP23: Michael Pyle, Founder of Challenge Everything Financial | "LinkedIn Strategy (& $FARTCOIN)"

Michael Pyle, a financial planner and LinkedIn influencer, discusses his journey in the financial services industry and the power of LinkedIn as a networking tool. Michael shares insights on building a community, the importance of vulnerability in content creation, and the impact of financial planning on individuals' lives. He emphasizes the need for genuine connections and the value of helping others navigate their financial journeys. The discussion also touches on the challenges of content creation and the significance of understanding one's audience.
 
Takeaways:
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking and community building.
Vulnerability in content can lead to deeper connections.
Salespeople often need financial guidance due to their unique challenges.
Formatting content for readability is crucial for engagement.
The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with personal growth.
Helping others with financial planning can be life-changing.
Content creation should focus on delivering value to the audience.
Building a tribe on LinkedIn can lead to meaningful relationships.
Imposter syndrome is common but can be overcome by focusing on value.
The financial planning industry can benefit from more authentic voices.
Keywords: LinkedIn, financial planning, community building, content creation, networking, sales, entrepreneurship, personal finance, vulnerability, social media
 
Sound Bites:
"LinkedIn is just a tool."
"Salespeople get a really bad rap."
"I want people to get solid help."
"I was a terrible student."
"I will be their biggest cheerleader."
"Nobody cares about your price."
"I always enjoy talking to you."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Michael Pyle
02:23 The Power of LinkedIn as a Tool
09:33 Michael's Journey in Financial Planning
15:26 Building a Community on LinkedIn
22:43 Content Creation and Engagement on LinkedIn
30:30 The Impact of Financial Planning
36:13 Reflections and Advice for Future Entrepreneurs

EP22: Janice Tam, Co-Founder & CEO of TrueToForm | "Revolutionizing Fit in Fashion"

Janice Tam, Co-Founder and CEO of TrueToForm, shares her journey in building a body scanning and fit prediction software platform for the apparel industry. She discusses the evolution of her startup, the challenges of technology development, and the importance of market validation. Janice emphasizes the need for capital efficiency and the impact of location on startup growth, highlighting the support from her community. She also reflects on lessons learned and future aspirations for TrueToForm.
 
https://www.truetoform.fit/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/janice-hy-tam/ 
 
Takeaways:
The idea for TrueToForm originated in business school.
Personal experiences with fit issues drove the passion for the startup.
The transition from hardware to software was crucial for scalability.
Building a capital-efficient startup is essential in today's market.
Market validation is key to understanding customer needs.
Community support can significantly impact startup growth.
Emotional runway is as important as cash runway for founders.
Feedback from users is vital for product improvement.
Location can influence networking opportunities and startup success.
The future of e-commerce is evolving with technology advancements.
Keywords: TrueToForm, Janice Tam, body scanning, fit prediction, apparel industry, startup journey, capital efficiency, technology development, market validation, community support
 
Sound Bites:
"There's so much variation in sizing from brand to brand."
"The purpose of a business is to make money."
"It's a very exciting time to be in this space of e-commerce."
"We were able to meet a lot of people quickly, get feedback quickly."
"We're leaving no stone left unturned, that's for sure."
"Keep in mind that there's two pieces of runway."
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to TrueToForm and Janice Tam's Journey
02:47 The Evolution of TrueToForm: From Idea to Execution
05:54 Understanding the Fit Problem in Fashion
08:49 Building a Capital Efficient Startup
12:14 Navigating the Challenges of Technology Development
15:10 The Importance of Market Validation
17:56 Expanding into Ready-to-Wear Market
21:03 The Impact of Location on Startup Growth
24:09 Community Support and Resources
26:50 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations

EP21: Anthony Dann, Founder & CEO of Biometrica Health | "From Dying to Building"

Kasey Devine interviews Anthony Dann, a healthcare entrepreneur, about his journey from studying entrepreneurship to building a healthcare startup focused on remote patient monitoring. They discuss the importance of personal branding, the challenges of raising funds, and the unique landscape of healthcare technology. Anthony shares insights on the need for preventative care and the role of data in improving patient outcomes, emphasizing the importance of adapting to market changes and the evolving expectations of healthcare consumers.
 
Takeaways
Anthony's journey from studying entrepreneurship to founding a healthcare startup.
The importance of personal branding in today's entrepreneurial landscape.
Challenges faced in raising funds for a startup.
The unique advantages and challenges of building a business in Minnesota.
The need for preventative care in the healthcare system.
How data can empower healthcare providers to make better decisions.
The evolving expectations of patients regarding healthcare technology.
The significance of adapting to market changes in entrepreneurship.
The role of location in accessing funding and talent.
The importance of connecting with the audience and gathering feedback.
Keywords: entrepreneurship, personal branding, healthcare technology, startup funding, patient care, preventative care, rural health, med tech, business growth, data-driven healthcare
 
Sound Bites
"I enjoy attention, but it's not about me."
"I had to admit that maybe we needed to change."
"It's about the company, not me."
"We have to focus on preventative care."
"It's a unique paradigm in American healthcare."
"The data is there to collect."
"We need to bridge the gap in rural health."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Anthony Dann
02:59 The Journey of Entrepreneurship
06:06 Personal Branding in the Startup World
09:00 Building a Healthcare Startup
11:59 Navigating the Funding Landscape
15:02 The Role of Location in Business
17:50 The Future of Healthcare Technology
20:46 Connecting Data to Patient Care
24:08 The Importance of Preventative Care
26:55 Engaging with the Audience
29:51 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

EP20: Summer Song, Founder Omi Live | "New Era in E-Commerce"

In this episode, Kasey Devine interviews Summer Song, founder of Omi Live, a life shopping platform for eco-friendly brands. Summer shares her journey as an introverted entrepreneur, the challenges she faced stepping out of her comfort zone, and her vision for helping other businesses grow. The conversation delves into the innovative concept of live shopping, its potential in the U.S. market, and the importance of community building for brand success. Summer also discusses the unique challenges female founders encounter in securing funding and gaining respect in the business world.
Takeaways
Summer emphasizes the importance of stepping out of comfort zones for personal and professional growth.
Building a network and community is crucial for entrepreneurs, especially those starting from scratch.
Live shopping combines entertainment with e-commerce, creating a unique shopping experience.
Summer's vision includes helping over 100 brands grow through her platform in the next five years.
The importance of focusing on existing resources rather than overthinking what is lacking.
Female founders often face unique challenges in gaining respect and funding in a male-dominated industry.
Community building requires more than just marketing; it involves creating genuine connections.
Summer's journey reflects the blend of comfort and discomfort in entrepreneurship.
The need for continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-evolving business landscape.
Engagement with eco-friendly brands is a priority for Omi Live, inviting collaboration and feedback.
Keywords: entrepreneurship, comfort zone, live shopping, eco-friendly brands, female founders, business growth, community building, marketing strategies, self-development, networking
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Summer Song and Omilife
01:56 Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
05:49 The Birth of Omilife and Live Shopping
09:35 Understanding Live Shopping
11:17 Vision for the Future
13:02 Upcoming Projects and Challenges
16:38 Introspection and Advice to Younger Self
19:44 How to Follow Summer's Journey
20:28 How Listeners Can Help

EP19: Andrea Zechmann, Founder & CEO of Levelrie | "Mastering Money & Reclaiming Creativity"

In this episode, Andrea Zechmann, Founder and CEO of Levelrie, shares her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of personal finance, creativity, and understanding the market. She discusses the challenges of starting a company, the significance of being resourceful, and her vision for revolutionizing women's fashion by creating an end-to-end experience similar to Spotify. Andrea encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace their journey and invest in themselves.
 
Takeaways:
The start of an entrepreneur's journey is often the hardest part.
Understanding personal finance is crucial for founders.
Being a good steward of money is essential for success.
Passion for your idea is key to long-term commitment.
Entrepreneurship is a superpower that everyone can harness.
Investing in yourself is the best investment you can make.
Creativity is vital in finding unique solutions as a founder.
Building connections is more valuable than climbing the corporate ladder.
The fashion industry is ripe for disruption and innovation.
Women often face unique challenges in fashion that need addressing.
Sound Bites
"You have to be a good steward of money."
"I think entrepreneurship is a superpower."
"I want to create the machine, not be a cog."
Keywords: entrepreneurship, startup, personal finance, women's fashion, business journey, innovation, creativity, leadership, founder mindset, e-commerce
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship
02:29 The Journey to Starting a Company
10:06Financial Foundations for Founders
12:39 Building the MVP and Customer Discovery
22:44 Vision for the Future of Fashion
28:27 The Superpower of Entrepreneurship

EP18: Katie Shahan, Founder & CEO of Yarlow | "Women Folk & The Garage"

In this conversation, Katie Shahan, a founder and entrepreneur, shares her journey from working in a small business to starting her own startup, Yarlow. Katie discusses the importance of networking, building confidence, and the challenges of entrepreneurship, especially for women in tech. Katie emphasizes the need for genuine connections and support systems, exemplified by her initiative, EmpowerHer, which fosters a community for female entrepreneurs. The conversation also delves into the innovative features of Yarlow, an app designed to help homeowners manage their properties effectively, and Katie's vision for its future.
 
Takeaways:
-Building a startup requires talking to customers, not just building in isolation.-Networking is crucial for building confidence and support in entrepreneurship.-EmpowerHer is a community for women entrepreneurs to connect and support each other.-Finding five reliable people in your network can significantly impact your entrepreneurial journey.-Yarlow aims to provide homeowners with essential maintenance tips and resources.-Transparency in business can lead to better customer relationships and feedback.-It's important to balance creativity with market needs in product development.-Engaging with your community can lead to unexpected opportunities and connections.-The app Yarlow is designed to help homeowners manage their properties effectively.-Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, but building a supportive network can alleviate that loneliness.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Katie Shahan01:22 Building a Startup: Lessons from the Garage07:14 The Importance of Networking11:01 EmpowerHer: Creating a Supportive Community17:22 Yarlow: The Homeowner's Companion23:15 The Journey of Entrepreneurship27:40 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
 

EP17: Sabrina Rucker, Co-Founder & CEO of StoryForge | "Workplace Culture & Creativity"

In this conversation, Kasey Devine interviews Sabrina Rucker, CEO and Co-Founder of Storyforge, a writing platform aimed at underrepresented new writers. Sabrina shares insights into the unique work culture at Storyforge, emphasizing authenticity, creativity, and support. She discusses the challenges of traditional publishing and the mission of Storyforge to provide a clear path for aspiring writers. The conversation highlights the importance of community, mental health, and the transformative power of storytelling.
 
Takeaways:
Sabrina Rucker is the CEO and co-founder of Storyforge.
Storyforge aims to support underrepresented new writers.
The work culture at Storyforge is intentionally non-corporate and creative.
Authenticity in the workplace fosters better ideas and collaboration.
Sabrina emphasizes the importance of mental health days for employees.
Storyforge provides a clear progress bar for writers to track their publishing journey.
The platform is designed to be inclusive and accessible for all writers.
Sabrina believes that culture is more important than strategy in a company.
Community engagement is crucial for the success of Storyforge.
Storyforge aims to revolutionize the traditional publishing process.
Sound Bites
"We have a crazy work culture."
"Culture eats strategy for breakfast."
"There's gotta be a better way."
"I would love to read them."
"I would love to see what you could do."
Keywords: Storyforge, workplace culture, creativity, publishing, underrepresented writers, authenticity, startup culture, community, mental health, storytelling
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Storyforge and Sabrina Rucker
02:32 Creating a Unique Work Culture
10:32 The Importance of Authenticity in Workplace Culture
21:31 The Vision and Mission of Storyforge
27:10 The Impact of Storytelling and Creativity