— 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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.         See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.
Northwood Retail

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.

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