— A Northwood Retail Podcast —
Backstory
Beginnings
Short Business Origin Stories, Big Takeaways
Listen and be inspired by the incredible stories of homegrown creators, movers, and shakers, who are making their mark with meaningful missions, fresh fashions, and next-level sips and bites. Snag pearls of wisdom from visionary founders and leaders.
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Backstory Beginnings – Susan Sarich with SusieCakes
1 July 2022 4:16 amFounder and CEO Susan talks about growing up in Chicago, spending time with her immigrant grandmothers, creating a business model that supports women, having a progressive career, and persevering while facing financial roadblocks at the start.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Visit Website
Backstory Beginnings – Annika Meller + Olivia Gentin with ANINE BING
1 July 2022 4:15 amCo-Founder and CSO Annika and COO Olivia discuss the brand’s 10-year journey, the timeless aesthetic of their products, along with the importance of building trust in your team, setting goals, and identifying milestones.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Visit Website
Backstory Beginnings - Jim “Jimbo” Someck with Jimbo’s
1 July 2022 4:14 amFounder and President Jimbo shares how caring for his staff and his community involvement has made his business more financially viable, how organic foods can be life-changing, and his mission of being a good steward of the environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Visit Website
Backstory Beginnings – Erica Hanks with SHOWROOM
1 July 2022 4:13 amOwner Erica talks about the need for stylish women’s workwear that doesn’t look like a suit for a banker, how her digital website boasts inclusivity for all women, and how success is a slow burn.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Visit Website
Backstory Beginnings – Flint Beamon with Barkin’ Creek Dog Kitchen & Bath
1 July 2022 4:12 amCo-Founder and COO Flint shares his own personal journey of rescuing his pup Bea and nursing her back to health using wholesome homecooked meals, how dogs are their clients, and how providing nutritional food improves dogs’ quality of life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Visit Website
Backstory Beginnings – Nina Berenato with Nina Berenato Jewelry
1 July 2022 4:11 amOwner and Designer Nina shares her passion for the creative process, her struggles in the early years, working with celebrity clients, and the need for a mentor to serve as a guide through the process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Visit Website
Backstory Beginnings – Bruce Champeau with Room & Board
1 July 2022 4:01 amPresident and COO Bruce talks about enhancing customers’ lives by providing a quality product to create a home that they love, sustainability to protect the planet, determining your niche in business, and continuing to challenge yourself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings - Matt Levin of REFUGE
1 July 2022 4:02 amOwner Matt Levin talks about creating an East-Coast-inspired restaurant on the West Coast, building a loyal team, promoting from within, being involved in the community, and staying balanced.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings – Paul Henry with Houndstooth Coffee
1 July 2022 4:03 amCo-Owner Paul talks about coffee being a part of everyone’s life, their approach to diversity in hiring, and their pride in providing a warm hospitable space to be.
Backstory Beginnings – Kellie Stoll + Brandon Stoll with Parlor’s Handcrafted Ice Creams
1 July 2022 4:04 amCo-Owners Kellie and Brandon discuss their commitment to consistency, quality, and a warm customer service experience, the brand overcoming roadblocks with a switch to packaged pints, and the perseverance to never give up on your dreams.
Backstory Beginnings – Amir Mortazavi with Vitalyc Medspa
1 July 2022 4:05 amFounder and CEO Amir talks about his inspiration to create Vitlayc Medspa after a dermatologist appointment, the art of mastering your craft, and treating each client as if they’re your only client.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings – Joey Ng + Kin Fong with Palette Tea Garden
1 July 2022 4:06 amManaging Partners Joey and Kin talk about their family legacy beginning in 1996, their recent visit to China to study modern techniques, how tastes have evolved in China, and touching the local community with Chinese culture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings – Dave Robb with La Tela Pizzeria
1 July 2022 4:07 amChef and owner Dave shares how a summer trip to Italy inspired his love for food, wine, and culture. By reinventing an existing brand, Dave developed relationships with local farmers to support the community, encourage repeat customers, and grow employee development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings – Brian Berger with Mack Weldon
1 July 2022 4:08 amFounder Brian shares his start in creating a better way to buy socks and underwear, designing innovative products that are different than other brands, serving the community, and moving forward despite the obstacles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings – Andy Techmanski with FORLOH
1 July 2022 4:09 amFounder and CEO Andy talks about his lightbulb moment while hunting with his 4-year-old son, the core value of building products in the USA, capturing mountaineering, durability, and integrating new technologies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings – Brian Miller with Geppetto’s Toys
1 July 2022 4:10 amPresident Brian talks about growing up in a retail family, taking a leave of absence after the sudden passing of his father, focusing on growing their 300SF toy store into a successful collection of California stores, and loving putting smiles on kids’ faces.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings – Jeni Britton Bauer with Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
10 June 2021 11:36 pmFounder Jeni Britton Bauer shares the start of her ice cream shops, the intersection of art and entrepreneurship, consistency, and creating a Lord of the Rings fellowship. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Visit Website
Backstory Beginnings – Paul Hedrick with Tecovas
10 June 2021 11:39 pmFounder and CEO Paul Hedrick talks about building his boot brand after being rejected from business school, making big bets, and moving fast, all while being nice personSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Visit Website
Backstory Beginnings – Beth Gerstein with Brilliant Earth
10 June 2021 11:42 pmBrilliant Earth Co-Founder Beth Gerstein shares her responsibly sourced business approach that charted a new course in fine jewelry, along with the importance of waking up excited.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Visit Website
Backstory Beginnings – Ryan Kent with Mizzen + Main
10 June 2021 11:44 pmCEO Ryan Kent talks the start of the performance fabric menswear brand, being laughed out of tradeshows, being a first mover, a veteran, a hard worker, and the right hirer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Visit Website
Backstory Beginnings – Kerry Docherty with Faherty
10 June 2021 11:46 pmCo-Founder Kerry Docherty shares the start of the family-run clothing company in a story of joy, comfort, pride, sustainability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Visit Website
Backstory Beginnings – Steve Zhao with Sandbox VR
10 June 2021 11:59 pmSandbox VR Founder Steve Zhao talks about his immersive VR experiences, building games since being a boy, moving to Hong Kong, what to worry about in business, and great ideas with decent execution. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Visit Website
Backstory Beginnings - Greg Grovey with Kicking It
19 June 2021 9:49 pmFounder Greg Grovey talks about believing in your own vision, grinding toward your goals, and making memories for community members. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings – Loren Beadle with FortyEight Wine Bar
12 June 2021 9:21 pmFounder Loren Beadle describes starting his wine bars in retirement after an IPO, his passion for collecting, and his transition from sporting goods stores to footwear and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings – Rebecca Walter + Jeromy Hauser with Waxhaw Candle Co.
12 June 2021 9:20 pmFounders Rebecca Walter and Jeromy Hauser discuss their natural candle business, creating a judgement-free environment, and persevering to do what you set out to do.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings – Carlos Rodriguez with Gonza Tacos y Tequila
11 June 2021 2:26 amCo-Owner Carlos Rodriguez talks about his family-run, Mexican-Columbian restaurant, taking care of people, growing with the community, and creating opportunitiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings – Scott Hudson with Hege’s
11 June 2021 2:24 amScott Hudson speaks about his French, Low Country Bistro, the importance of camaraderie and community to make more than a career, and the need to be fluid like water. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings – Jason Carrier with The Dogwood
11 June 2021 2:23 amFounder Jason Carrier talks about opening the bar, creating a space to connect and let loose, showing everybody a great time, and serving the community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings – Elizabeth Lindberg with Studio 6
11 June 2021 2:21 amFounder Elizabeth Lindberg shares how she started up after a divorce, trailblazed bringing The Lagree Method Pilates to Texas, and how she advocates being brave not perfect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings – Daniel James with Las Olas
11 June 2021 2:19 amFounder Daniel James talks the start of his beachwear shops, surfing in Spain, surviving near bankruptcy, having a positive attitude, and being slow to hire but quick to fire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings – Joseph Ciolli with Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
11 June 2021 2:18 amCEO Joseph Ciolli talks about lessons learned while bringing NY-style pizza across the country and the importance of honesty, integrity, and community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings – Brittany Grignon with Sessions Pilates
11 June 2021 2:16 amFounder Brittany Grignon talks about expanding her reformer Pilates studios, having the nerve to take risks, and understanding the “why.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings – Chris Molnar with GOODLIFE
11 June 2021 2:15 amFounder and CEO Chris Molnar talks about his fashion experience starting his clothing brand, risk and entrepreneurial spirit, and fueling growth and sustainability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings – Palmer Fortune with Palmer’s Hot Chicken
11 June 2021 2:13 amPalmer’s Hot Chicken Founder Palmer Fortune speaks about the origin of his restaurant group, his inspiring path to sobriety, and the key experience that taught him people are what make a business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backstory Beginnings is a vision of and production by Northwood Retail. All brands featured have been tenants within Northwood Retail’s portfolio of shopping centers.