In this inspiring episode OF "You Don't Know What You Don't Know" Kamal sits down with Myles Powell, founder of Myles Comfort Foods, to explore his remarkable journey from civil engineering to becoming a successful food entrepreneur. Myles shares the highs and lows of his path in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, offering invaluable insights for aspiring business owners and food enthusiasts alike.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation:

• From Barbecue Sauce to Mac & Cheese:
• Myles recounts his early challenges launching a barbecue sauce brand and how market research led him to pivot to mac and cheese, which ultimately became a standout product.
• Breaking into Retail:
• Myles details the step-by-step process of getting products onto retail shelves, including his partnership with Target, which emerged as an unexpected opportunity during the pandemic.
• He highlights the importance of persistence, networking, and understanding market demands to succeed in the competitive food industry.
• Lessons in Business Growth:
• From cash flow management to the importance of building a strong team, Myles shares candid reflections on navigating the complexities of growing a business.
• He emphasizes the need for effective marketing strategies to drive sales and maintain consumer interest.
• Entrepreneurship & Personal Growth:
• The conversation explores how entrepreneurship has shaped Myles’ perspective, encouraging adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the CPG industry, food entrepreneurship, or the transformative power of following your passion. Tune in to hear Myles’ inspirational story and discover what it takes to build a successful food brand from the ground up.

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Follow Myles here:

https://www.instagram.com/mylescomfortfoods/

https://www.mylescomfortfoods.com/store-locator

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In this episode, Kamal Grant talks with Erica Bethe Levin, founder of Globowl, a baby food brand focused on providing healthy and flavorful options for children. Erica shares her entrepreneurial journey, driven by her experience as a mother looking to offer better food choices for her kids. The discussion covers:

• Diverse Flavors: Erica highlights the importance of introducing varied flavors early to help prevent picky eating.
• Sustainable Packaging: The challenges of creating eco-friendly packaging that aligns with the brand’s commitment to children's health.
• Reality TV Impact: Her appearance on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars boosted brand visibility and opened up new opportunities.
• Relationship Building: Erica underscores the importance of cultivating strong connections within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
• Entrepreneurial Lessons: Insights on persistence, strategy, and the power of storytelling in building a successful brand.

This episode offers a look into Erica’s path from serial entrepreneur to baby food innovator, providing valuable lessons on brand building, resilience, and the importance of relationships in the CPG sector.

Follow Erica here:

https://www.instagram.com/ericabethe/

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n this episode of You Don't Know What You Don't Know, host Kamal sits down with Neil Hudson, co-founder of the hot sauce brand Scotch Boyz, to explore Neil's entrepreneurial journey from Jamaica to establishing a successful business in the U.S. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of breaking into the competitive retail industry and the significance of media exposure in boosting brand recognition.

Neil shares the origin story of Scotch Boyz, which started from a barbecue competition in Jamaica, and the importance of maintaining consistent quality while actively seeking feedback. They discuss how building strong relationships with distributors has been crucial for scaling the business, especially in a highly competitive market. Neil also delves into the complexities of vertical integration and the need for stabilizing supply chains to ensure consistent product availability.

A reflective moment in the episode comes when they touch on the philosophical impact of capitalism, using The Giving Tree as a metaphor for the often one-sided exchange between small businesses and the larger economic forces they navigate. Neil also notes that feedback from friends isn't always helpful, as it might lack the critical honesty needed for growth.

The episode wraps up with Neil sharing future plans for Scotch Boyz, including expanding their product lines and growing their retail presence. It’s an insightful conversation that blends entrepreneurial lessons with deeper reflections on business and life.

Follow Neil Here:

https://www.instagram.com/scotchboyz

https://www.instagram.com/hudsonneil/

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