Predicting the Turn

The story of Ember began with a simple observation over breakfast: cold scrambled eggs. Fueled by his background in thermal science engineering and a penchant for innovation, Ember Founder and Chairman Clay Alexander embarked on a mission to revolutionize the way people eat, drink, and live. I sat down with Clay to learn more about his journey launching the world’s first temperature-controlled coffee mug, the global expansion of the business in partnership with Starbucks and Apple, and why he believes so strongly in entrepreneurs protecting their ideas.

The story of Ember began with a simple observation over breakfast: cold scrambled eggs. Fueled by his background in thermal science engineering and a penchant for innovation, Ember Founder and Chairman Clay Alexander embarked on a mission to revolutionize the way people eat, drink, and live. I sat down with Clay to learn more about his journey launching the world’s first temperature-controlled coffee mug, the global expansion of the business in partnership with Starbucks and Apple, and why he believes so strongly in entrepreneurs protecting their ideas.

From Scrambled Eggs to Global Success: The Story of Ember's Entrepreneurial Journey

From Scrambled Eggs to Global Success: The Story of Clay Alexander and Ember's Entrepreneurial Journey

As the spirits industry navigates shifting consumer trends and evolving market landscapes, staying agile has become essential for growth, even for a company that is 137 years old.&nbsp; I sat down with Paul Basford, President of William Grant &amp; Sons USA, to discuss how this family-owned, independent company famous for brands such as Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin, and Milagro Tequila has adapted to change. In our discussion, Basford talks about their data-driven approach to regional shifts, the company’s commitment to core brands, and strategies for cultivating a strong, future-focused team culture.

As the spirits industry navigates shifting consumer trends and evolving market landscapes, staying agile has become essential for growth, even for a company that is 137 years old.  I sat down with Paul Basford, President of William Grant and Sons USA, to discuss how this family-owned, independent company famous for brands such as  Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin, and Milagro Tequila has adapted to change. In our discussion, Basford talks about their data-driven approach to regional shifts, the company’s commitment to core brands, and strategies for cultivating a strong, future-focused team culture.

How a 137-Year-Old Company Stays on Top of Changing Consumer Trends

How William Grant and Sons, a 137-Year-Old Company, Stays on Top of Changing Consumer Trends

Coming out of COVID, the non-alcoholic beverage had incredible tailwinds, supported by plentiful venture capital and strong consumer demand. Boisson capitalized on these trends, quickly expanding to 11 retail stores across the country and placing themselves at the heart of the non-alc industry. Things came to a sudden stop as the retailer shut their doors and declared bankruptcy in early 2024. I sat down with Boisson founder Nick Bodkins for his first interview since this sudden closure. In the interview, Bodkins, opens up about his journey through bankruptcy, restructuring, and the hard-won lessons of entrepreneurship during trying times.

Nick Bodkins

Boisson

Coming out of COVID, the non-alcoholic beverage had incredible tailwinds, supported by plentiful venture capital and strong consumer demand.  Boisson capitalized on these trends, quickly expanding to 11 retail stores across the country and placing themselves at the heart of the non-alc industry.  Things came to a sudden stop as the retailer shut their doors and declared bankruptcy in early 2024.  I sat down with Boisson founder Nick Bodkins for his first interview since this sudden closure.  In the interview, Bodkins, opens up about his journey through bankruptcy, restructuring, and the hard-won lessons of entrepreneurship during trying times. 

Rising from the Ashes: How Boisson's Founder Hopes To Rebuild His Non-Alcoholic Beverage Brand After Bankruptcy

From founding the controversial alcoholic beverage Four Loko to becoming a leading entrepreneur in the better-for-you space, Chris Hunter has navigated an unconventional path to success. Now at the helm of Koia, a brand known for its plant-based protein drinks, Hunter has applied his entrepreneurial spirit to a new industry focused on health and wellness. In this interview, Hunter reflects on the lessons learned from his past ventures and how his unique background has led him to launch another category defining brand.

Chris Hunter

CEO, Koia

From founding the controversial alcoholic beverage Four Loko to becoming a leading entrepreneur in the better-for-you space, Chris Hunter has navigated an unconventional path to success. Now at the helm of Koia, a brand known for its plant-based protein drinks, Hunter has applied his entrepreneurial spirit to a new industry focused on health and wellness. In this interview, Hunter reflects on the lessons learned from his past ventures and how his unique background has led him to launch another category defining brand.

The Evolution of Protein: How Koia is Winning Over the Wellness Generation

The Evolution of Protein: How Koia and Chris Hunter Are Winning Over the Wellness Generation

Functional mushrooms are transforming the wellness industry, and at the forefront of this movement is Four Sigmatic, founded by Tero Isokauppila. A 13th-generation farmer from Finland, Isokauppila has pioneered mushroom-based products that blend tradition with modern wellness needs, building Four Sigmatic into the number one mushroom coffee and protein brand on the market. I sat down with Tero to discuss the challenges and insights behind building a new category, the importance of resilience and focus in scaling a sustainable business, and his vision for Four Sigmatic's future.

Tero Isokauppila

CEO / Founder

Functional mushrooms are transforming the wellness industry, and at the forefront of this movement is Four Sigmatic, founded by Tero Isokauppila. A 13th-generation farmer from Finland, Isokauppila has pioneered mushroom-based products that blend tradition with modern wellness needs, building Four Sigmatic into the number one mushroom coffee and protein brand on the market. I sat down with Tero to discuss the challenges and insights behind building a new category, the importance of resilience and focus in scaling a sustainable business, and his vision for Four Sigmatic's future.

How Four Sigmatic Pioneered Mushrooms into a Multi-Billion Dollar Category

In a world where luxury and technology intersect, few are pioneering the fusion as deftly as the founders of Bezel. I sat down with Quaid Walker, a tech veteran turned watch enthusiast, to discuss how his team is reshaping the high-end watch market by marrying cutting-edge technology with timeless craftsmanship. In this interview, Walker reveals the challenges they’ve overcome, their unique approach to blending digital and physical experiences, and the passion driving their innovation in a niche industry.

Quaid Walker

CEO & CoFounder, Bezel

In a world where luxury and technology intersect, few are pioneering the fusion as deftly as the founders of Bezel. I sat down with Quaid Walker, a tech veteran turned watch enthusiast, to discuss how his team is reshaping the high-end watch market by marrying cutting-edge technology with timeless craftsmanship. In this interview, Walker reveals the challenges they’ve overcome, their unique approach to blending digital and physical experiences, and the passion driving their innovation in a niche industry.

How Bezel Is Redefining The Luxury Watch Market Through Technology

"Dive into the luxury watch market with Quaid Walker, CEO of Bezel, on Predicting the Turn. Discover how Bezel is revolutionizing watch collecting with technology and authenticity."

The allure of Mexican traditions meets modern innovation in the vibrant world of tepache, a drink with ancient roots and a fresh, contemporary twist. I sat down with Alex Matthews, founder of De La Calle, to discuss his journey from curiosity to creation, bringing the authentic flavors of Mexico to the U.S. market. We delve into the challenges of introducing tepache to American consumers, the evolution of the brand, and the strategic decisions driving its future growth.

Alex Matthews

Founder, De La Calle

"Explore the fascinating journey of tepache from Mexico to the US market with De La Calle's CEO Alex Matthews on Predicting The Turn. Discover the modern take on this historic, gut-friendly drink."

Reviving Tradition, Innovating Modern Mexican Soda: The Tepache Tale with Alex Matthews of De La Calle

How De La Calle is Transforming Tepache into a Modern Mexican Soda

Dive into the world of tepache with De La Calle's CEO, Alex Matthews, and discover how this historic Mexican drink is revolutionizing the beverage industry on Predicting The Turn with Dave Knox.

Predicting the Turn is a podcast dedicated to equipping business leaders with the tools they need to navigate today’s ever-changing business landscape. Our host, Dave Knox, is a global thought leader in digital transformation, an international public speaker, and an award-winning author with experience in the worlds of both Fortune 500 companies and startups. Through this podcast, you will learn how to meet your industry's inevitable disruption head-on.

From Scrambled Eggs to Global Success: The Story of Ember's Entrepreneurial Journey

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