15 Minutes of Genius

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Stewart is the president and founder of Next Level Summits.  

A blurb about them: The leaders in global strategic business summits specifically catered to the growing Food Industry. Offering high caliber one to one pre-scheduled focused private meetings, along with world class cutting edge conference programs, master classes, thought leader seminars, round table discussions, and Executive networking functions.

Natasha is a Silicon Valley publicist and biz dev executive always worked with consumer brands and tech companies.   

Her work experience started at the age of 17 as the youngest tv and radio reporter in Canada at CBC news. When she moved to San Jose, California circa 1995 she became the first radio DJ to broadcast live on the Internet. My career took a change into public relations becoming a power house publicist for entertainment and technology companies; her firm Soleil PR had several employees. After a long run as a Publicist she decided to venture as a digital producer hence, came along X-Men film composer Michael Kamen to help her produce her first digital project and sell it to Sony Pictures. Next was Hollywood's celeb screenwriting book author Syd Field for a story telling software program among others.  

Currently, Natasha is working on the Remake start-up which is a SAAS b2b and b2c mobile platform for food brands and the tv show.

Director of Sales turned food broker (taking new products to market, helping with all facets of the product life cycle from sourcing ingredients, to manufacturing, to sales, to delivery of products, to marketing.)   

Have worked with some of the top retailers and distributors including UNFI, KeHE, Vistar, Core-mark, NCD, Eby-Brown, C&S, Giant, The Fresh Market, Raley's, Publix, HEB, Wholefoods, Kroger and many more.   

Food and Beverage (Manufacturing, Purchasing and Inventory Control, Processes, Setup, Equipment, Training, Sales, Marketing, Pricing, Shipping) 

Sales Training Small Business (Start-up, Raising Capital, Business Plans, Coaching, Website, Social Media, Marketing) Social Media Content Posting 

Transportation Industry (DOT, Safety, Hazmat, Leasing or Purchasing Equipment, Rates, Recruiting, Training) Logistics (Warehouse Setup and Optimization, 

Purchasing and Inventory Control, Training and Safety)  

www.Shepherdsconsultinggroup.com

Mike is a self-made multi-millionaire serial-entrepreneur, a founder and CEO, a Forbes contributor, and now and forever — a “dedicated” angel investor. His areas of expertise: anywhere he can leverage his extensive entrepreneurial background and the network of people he knows to make sure his investments have every chance to win!   

With 25 years of experience connecting people and companies to the right partnerships, strategies, and opportunities that rapidly scale them into multi-million-dollar brands, Mike, now Managing Director of The LVE Group, actively invests his own capital in early stage and developed companies that have purpose, passion and heart.   

As an active and aggressive angel investment organization, The LVE Group, under Mike’s leadership, is seeking opportunities every day to help start-ups and small companies reach their potential.

After 8 years working in the private financial sector as a financial analyst for companies such as JPMorgan and Credit Suisse First Boston, Nicole is now the CEO & Co-Founder of a New York based craft sorbet company, Sorbabes Gourmet Sorbet.  

Sorbabes is the fist to market a craft sorbet with gourmet toppings mixed in and also first to market rich whole-nut based sorbets with texture to rival the finest artisanal ice creams. Sorbabes is on a mission to reinvent treats for today's modern consumer with a healthy insight. Rooted in sorbet, Sorbabes endeavors to lay a path primed for growth beyond the frozen dessert category.   

Nicole founded the Gourmet Sorbet Corporation with Executive Chef, Deborah Gorman, in 2012 and officially launched the Sorbabes brand in May 2013. Upon the initial launch, Sorbabes was sold wholesale exclusively to specialty retailers in the Hamptons region of Long Island, NY.

Pocket Latte is The Original Coffee Bar®   

We're naturally powered by 100% arabica coffee—no synthetic caffeine!  It's a latte in your pocket. Take these chocolate squares with you anywhere, and take a bite when you're feeling tired. One square = one coffee.  

Pocket Latte is a mother & son company, with a mission to support and empower single moms across the nation! Proudly Women-Owned & Asian-Owned.

Wild Tonic® Jun Kombucha Is A Unique Cousin Of Kombucha That Is Fermented With Honey Rather Than Sugar. It Will Delight Your Taste Buds!  

Holly is an experienced Founder with a demonstrated history of working in the food & beverages industry.

Cook Happy! There are more cooks in the kitchen than ever, and our mission is to help them feel joyful, confident, and creative. Their first product is a line of FRESH sauces in easy-squeezy, lightweight pouches (Did we mention they're also Vegan, Non-GMO, & Gluten-Free, with a few Keto flavors in the mix?)  

Find us in the refrigerated section at the store, because that's where fresh belongs.  

She is also a host on 'In The Sauce' with Heritage Radio. Heritage Radio Network is a non-profit platform for thought leaders and industry experts in food, drink, and agriculture.  They produce 35+ weekly radio shows that inspire and activate our diverse community of listeners.  Our shows are broadcast live from the backyard of Roberta’s, the iconic Brooklyn pizzeria.  They are also available as on-demand podcasts so our fans can listen to their favorite shows anytime, anywhere, for free.

Founded in 2012, CircleUp is a privately owned company on a mission to empower entrepreneurs with the funding and support that they need to thrive. Having facilitated investments for 500+ brands and counting, CircleUp uses their business technology platform, Helio, to increase the speed, quality, and objectivity of decision making in the private company landscape.   

Using a unique combination of data and machine learning technology, CircleUp makes it possible for underserved entrepreneurs to finally get the support they deserve. With a vast network of entrepreneurs, institutional investors, industry experts, and flexible financing solutions, CircleUp is shining a light on untapped human potential and transforming the world of private enterprise. For more information please visit: www.circleup.com.

ChipMonk is a specialty baking business that focuses on creating low-carb, no added sugar desserts. Their mission, which stems from our co-founder's experience reversing and controlling his Type II diabetes with a low carb diet, is to empower people through mindful nutrition. They use gluten free ingredients, nut-based flours, and sweeteners with low glycemic impact (friendly for diabetics). Our products are perfect anyone trying to cut sugar out of their life. They can be enjoyed as a coffee companion at breakfast, a mid-day snack without the sugar crash, or a sweet indulgence to reward yourself at the end of a long day.  

They are currently expanding our presence in the Houston area but also offer our products across the country via our e-commerce store at www.chipmonkbaking.com

At MUSH we make the most delicious ready to eat oats with natural ingredients to power you through whatever lies ahead. We soak oats in plant-based milk and never add anything artificial, ever.  

Oats with Benefits:

 Dairy Free | Good Fiber | Protein | Gluten Free   

MUSH is a People-First food company, which means we put human health at the center of everything we do. We believe that food's first job is to nourish us, that public health is a public good, and that food companies must hold themselves accountable for their outcomes.  

Female founded and owned we are based in River North in Chicago and are looking for outstanding talent.

This is a unique podcast interview.  Can you imagine:  Mariam Elghani, an aspiring entrepreneur, goes to Expo West in March of 2022, excited to network again, see people in person, and grow her business.  

After a 30 minute conversation with a man, he invites her to his hotel room.  She then gets scared and moves on, and that same day, another man tries to advance on her again verbally.  

This is downright sad and depressing that this type of behavior and activity is happening at a trade show of this caliber.  Mariam shares her story how she has been through this both recently and before and how she has maintained being a strong resilient woman even in the face of these terrible people.  

Please watch/listen and hear the full story, and discover that this unacceptable behavior is still happening right under our noses.

Actual Veggies is creating delicious, chef-crafted, fresh & refrigerated burgers that celebrate vegetables instead of trying to mask them.  

We're a team that believes in the power of real food and have set out to provide everyone with the most delicious and satisfying veggie burgers ever made. Actual Veggies' are committed to simple, clean ingredients and no scientific methods or processing. We're reducing environmental strain while also making tasty food options that are convenient and healthy too.  

Actual Veggies debut product line features always fresh, substantial, 1/4 lb. vegetarian burgers, made with only real vegetables, natural binding units, no preservatives, and no additives. Our first four burgers are vibrantly colored and showcase their farm fresh veggies by looking and tasting like works of art. No labs, just kitchens. They don't taste like meat because they're not trying to, and that's okay because, well, veggies are great too! We are just what our name says — actual veggies — and always will be. Backed by Big Idea Ventures, Actual Veggies was founded in March 2020, and is available directly on Hungry Roots, Imperfect Foods, Fresh Direct, and Sprouts locations nationwide.

For over 25 years Erwan who was joined by Alicia in 2003 have been working successfully with singles and couples, teaching their signature process – the Davon Method to hundreds of students in groups, retreats, and individual sessions and helping them create the relationships of their dreams.  

Erwan and Alicia have a unique approach to relationship coaching that combines their educational backgrounds in psychology and aspects of Zen Buddhism to provide a holistic method to effectively improve connection with the self and others  

Erwan studied psychology after a difficult childhood and an early introduction to therapeutic work. He went on to live and study in a Zen Monastery, direct a yoga ashram, and began teaching personal development at one of the world’s largest personal growth organizations. Erwan’s passion for helping and teaching people led him to found Erwan Davon Teachings in 1995, specifically to help people improve their relationships.  

Alicia Davon holds a Master’s degree in Integral Psychology with a focus on women’s romantic and sensual expression. She trained as a therapist before meeting Erwan and led numerous women’s groups devoted to female pleasure and life fulfillment from career to relationship. She met Erwan 15 years ago and started teaching with him soon after.  

Together, Erwan and Alicia developed The Pleasure Course, which has helped thousands achieve their ideal love lives. 

They provide a safe place to explore psychological inquiry, pleasure, and sexuality.  They have spent years perfecting their curriculum and techniques and are excited to share their expertise with newcomers so they can help improve chemistry, connection, communication, and passion in others’ lives!

Aura Bora is a sparkling water made from herbs, fruits, and flowers for earthly tastes and heavenly feelings.  Paul is an extremely passionate co-founder and was also aired on Shark Tank for Season 12, Episode 11 with the infamous "Wait, what did we agree to deal"

Matt Oscamou was at the fore-front of the CBD movement when it hit in 2018-2019, and with recent regulations such as the Farm Bill and retailers like Sprouts pushing CBD into their sets, there is a renewed excitement for CBD benefit forward products hitting the shelves.  

Hear his story of how he got into the CBD space, and what the future holds for this growing and innovative category.

Barry is an absolute legend.  He met Seth Goldman when he was a student of Barry's at Yale, and they ended up co-founding Honest Tea which was ultimately acquired by Coca-Cola.  

He then created Kombrewcha which has been fully backed by Anheuser-Busch.  In addition, he created Real Made Overnight Oats as an on-the-go offering for consumers who need a quick snack.  He also has a 32 year tenure as a professor at Yale, so he is basically a certified GENIUS in his own respect.  

He also recently released a business strategy book named 'Split The Pie' which is available on Amazon nationally.

Lin's story is nothing short of amazing.  She came to the United States for college in 2014, graduated within 2 years, and then started Yishi Foods in Chicago in 2019.   

Yishi means "ritual" in Chinese. It is a purpose-driven hot cereal brand inspired by delicious Asian flavors and "food as medicine" wisdom.   

Besides being a proud full-time entrepreneur, she's also an MBA student at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, grinding through homework on Sunday nights. Proud to be a C200 Woman in Business Award Winner from Booth.  

Prior to MBA, she worked at the Boston Consulting Group and helped Fortune 500 companies develop strategic initiatives in organization design and M&A.

Show lessKurtis Lee Thomas is the #1 international best-selling author of the book, THE WORLD IS YOURS, THE AWAKENING-The Secrets behind “The Secret”.    

He's a world-class keynote speaker and corporate mindfulness trainer whose spoken at the largest consciousness expos in the world, some of the top colleges, fortune 500 companies.   

Kurtis is a mindfulness mentor who focuses on awakening the best in people. He’s dedicated his career to the powerful communion mind and body by improving mental health, eradicating stress, and lifting spirits in the work place to improve creativity and productivity.    

He's been seen in photos with everyone from Oprah, Tony Robbins, Beyonce, Kayne West, Jessica Alba, Deepak Chopra, Sir Richard Branson, Snoop Dogg, and Steve Forbes, founder of Forbes Magazine.   

His mantra of “First you must LEARN, then you should EARN, so eventually you can RETURN”, led Kurtis to become:   

◊ Certified Life Coach   

◊ Certified Breathwork Facilitator   

◊ Certified Hypnotherapist    

◊ Certification in NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming practitioner)   

◊ Certified Reiki Master   

◊ Certified International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) fitness professional.   

Specialties: Corporate Mindfulness Training, Corporate Retreat Master, Speaking Engagements.

It's about focusing on what you can do with the one life you're given; not what you can’t.   

Matt Clifford co-founded the brand Barnana and led this to a successful stage, and decided he wants to pivot and focus on the bar category.  He meets Adam Bremen.  

Adam Bremen, the larger-than-life Co-Founder of CanDo (www.ketokrisp.com) -- maker of Keto Krisp protein bars -- has used a wheelchair his entire life for mobility, after being born with Cerebral Palsy. Being confined to a wheelchair, Adam has always had to go above and beyond to find ways to live an active, healthy lifestyle, which is what transpired in 2017, when he found the Keto lifestyle.   

Keto Krisp by CanDo is a line of low carb, low-sugar and optimal protein keto bars with a flavor-forward approach and steadfast commitment to clean, quality ingredients.   

With its mission as the driving force, CanDo propels its community forward to both seek better and do better. And it is this spirit that defines Adam and his team’s drive to make the best products they can to support our collective desired lives, health and willpower.   

Today, CanDo invites others to join the core tribe, whether Keto or not, and embody the CanDo spirit.   

To do, instead of dream. To decide to live the way they want.

Plant-based food CPG company addressing planetary and human health through uncompromisingly delicious food made with locally-sourced and up-cycled ingredients. Launching pancake & waffle mixes stacked with superfoods in 2021.

88 Acres makes seed-based foods with an ingredient philosophy rooted on the 88-acre farm that our founder Nicole grew up on. They create food that is good for your body, good for the planet, and good for your community without compromising on flavor, nutrition, or safety.   

All of the products are made in our dedicated Bakery free of peanuts, tree nuts, gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, and sesame.

Nekter Juice Bar was born in 2010 with the idea that “healthy” can be affordable, taste good, and feel good too.  They envisioned a place where people could ease into their days gently, instead of being jolted into wakefulness by processed sugars and artificial flavors. A sip of one of our natural, freshly-made juices, smoothies, acai bowls, or cold pressed juices puts a smile on your face, gives you steady energy (no crash and burn), and feeds your body with live nutrients and enzymes, versus unhealthy, refined sugars and fats.  The team opened the first Nekter in Costa Mesa, California, and have since shared the Nekter experience with our guests in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Texas. Regardless of how much we grow, they will never lose sight of our goal: to provide a healthy foundation for people to feel and live better.

This episode was literally taped right before their launch online and into retail so hear from the founders how they feel, what's going through their minds, and their go to market strategy to make their brand and product successful.

Antithesis Foods is a food technology company making better food ingredients through science. Their products are built from a novel processing technology that uses pulses to make deliciously crunchy, yet low calorie, high fiber, and high protein ingredients.

They are a team of food scientists who believe it should be easier (and tastier) to eat healthier.

JiMMYBAR! is the recognized leader in Functional snacks and has built a company that is on-trend, fun, innovative and meaningful.

We discuss in this interview how a veteran bar brand is re-inventing itself with keto pudding lines and highly functional bars.  Hear the good stuff and also the struggle of how Jim is surviving and thriving in a very competitive and saturated area.

There are motivational speakers and then there are dynamic change agents. Rachel is the latter.  She is brought into corporate events and seminars either virtually or in person to energize, ignite, connect and empower their leaders and teams. Having facilitated over 250 virtual learning experiences - keynotes, workshops and leadership trainings - since March 2020, She brings a refreshing, relatable and relevant approach to what I do. I'd love to connect with you!

French Squirrel is a plant-based, high protein, healthy treats for a mid-morning, mid-afternoon, pre-or post-workout snack.  Think of it as french-inspired, good-for-you snacking.

Sydney also heads up brand management at the premiere retailer EREWHON which is growing like wildfire in Southern CA with plans to expand more on a national level.

Hear her story on how she created the brand, how she uses french words for the product lines (which I think is funny and unique) and what she is learning about emerging brands everyday with EREWHON.

At Root'd they believe humans can live a healthy smile filled life, without the need to sacrifice their environment. So they made real drinkable vitamins for people who aren’t into choking down pills, and know chewing on sugar gummies isn’t the best alternative.  They also put it in packaging that contains less than 5% plastic, add some smiles, then give back 1% to the land to plant new trees, and 1% to the ocean to free her of plastic, aiding in our ultimate mission: To advance health in humans, while accelerating the repurpose of plastic and C02 on Earth.

VMG Partners ("VMG") is a private value firm work in building famous buyer brands. Since it was established in 2005, VMG has been at the cutting edge of purchaser items contributing, cooperating with pioneering organizations, originators and co-financial backers to convey a profundity of involvement to help develop, scale and plan organizations for exit.

Past capital, our worth added speculation approach uses our profound experience, key direction, and enthusiastic concentration to assist our accomplices with speeding up development, scale brand mindfulness, and accomplish their own meaning of achievement.

VMG Growth works personally with originators and heads of marked customer organizations, giving the assets and direction expected to move them to a higher level.

VMG Catalyst, as of late sent off, is committed to beginning phase tech-empowered customer items, administrations, encounters and commercial centers, just as the foundation and innovation stack that empower these organizations.

The VMG group is eager to band together with the up and coming age of imaginative, purchaser and tech-empowered business visionaries, assisting them with completely understanding their establishing vision and the maximum capacity of their brands

Dinesh made appearance on Shark Tank on October 22nd, 2021, specifically for Season 13 Episode 3. He acknowledged an arrangement from Lori Grenier for $500,000 for 15 % value stake in his organization. Dinesh and his organization incrEDIBLE eats has effectively taken out over 1.2M forks from landfills by making them palatable utensils.

The thought is splendid, rather than discarding your utensils, you EAT them and save the landfills from billions of plastic utensils tossed out each year. Partake in this incredible episode with a new Shark Tank graduated class!

The QueenBee is a honeybee byproduct-infused elixir shot. Royal jelly, raw honey, propolis, Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract, ginger, cayenne pepper, and turmeric are among the ingredients. All of our products are sourced from honeybee hives and high-quality vendors in a sustainable and fresh manner.

Raina is a true inspiration, as she is just out of college and already running her own company. She's also been authorized for a Whole Foods franchise on the East Coast!

VYBES are functional beverages that promote mental and physical well-being. They were the first CBD beverage brand to gain traction in the industry, selling out in retailers throughout Southern California, including EREWHON.

Each bottle in their core line contains 25 mg of hemp extract to help with anxiety and attention. They've also recently released adaptogen drinks with ashwaghanda, L-Theanine, and other highly useful substances for mood enhancement. Enjoy this rare interview while feeling the 'Vybe'!

Fight tiredness with delectable! Awake Chocolate, Adam's brand, was one of the first chocolate firms to integrate caffeine in its products. Each serving of these small bite-size sweets has 50 mg of caffeine (about 1/2 cup of coffee equivalent) and only 90 calories each mouthful.