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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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.

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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.

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https://www.instagram.com/scotchboyz

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

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On this episode of You Don't Know What You Don't Know, Kamal interviews Bill Skeens, founder of Prairie City Bakery. Bill shares his entrepreneurial journey, which began in college when he sold peanuts, popcorn, and taffy apples to fellow students. After working for Sarah Lee, he decided to pursue his own venture and partnered with a friend to start Prairie City Bakery, facing early struggles with funding before finding success with their product, Muffin Tops.

Bill emphasizes key lessons learned along the way, including the importance of market need, the value of sales and marketing, and the necessity of having a supportive partner. He discusses the significance of identifying personal strengths and partnering with those who complement weaknesses, as well as the willingness to take risks, even leaving a secure job to follow one's passion.

The conversation also highlights the challenges of convincing consumers to try gourmet donuts and building a distribution network, as well as the critical role of competent employees in business success. Finally, Bill reflects on the careful planning involved in selling a company and the importance of unconditional love and support in both personal and professional relationships. Overall, the episode underscores the valuable lessons and successes in the world of entrepreneurship.

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https://www.instagram.com/prairiecitybakery/

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In this episode of You Don't Know What You Don't Know, Kamal interviews Dondre Anderson, owner of Symphony Chips, as they delve into themes of happiness, success, and entrepreneurship. Dondre shares his transition from engineering to launching his own business, emphasizing the vital role of relationships and personal growth in his journey.

They discuss the unique challenges faced in the food industry, the importance of targeting the right market, and the influence of unexpected sources like social media on entrepreneurial success. Dondre highlights that true happiness is defined beyond monetary success, linking it to personal connections and allies who help achieve goals.

The conversation also addresses the reality of entrepreneurship being a "feast or famine" experience and the necessity of understanding your audience's needs when building a brand. Finally, both Kamal and Dondre stress the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in both the IT field and the world of entrepreneurship.

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https://www.instagram.com/andersondondre/

https://www.instagram.com/symphonychips/following/

https://symphonychips.com/

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In this deliciously engaging episode, Kamal welcomes Andrew Whiting creator of Hot Drops Hot Sauce and a contestant on Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars, sharing behind-the-scenes insights and the intense challenges they faced. They open up about their deep-seated love for food and cooking, which is evident in every aspect of their conversation.

Andrew reveals the journey behind Hot Drops Hot Sauce, his passion for crafting unique and bold flavors, and the vision driving his brand. As they chat about their favorite cuisines and the cultural contexts that enrich their culinary experiences, they highlight how trying diverse dishes can broaden one's culinary horizons and deepen appreciation for global flavors.

The discussion also touches on the impact of being on a high-profile TV show, including the exposure it brings and how it can influence a brand like Hot Drops. They explore the stresses and emotional rollercoasters of cooking competitions and the ongoing challenges of entrepreneurship.

Additionally, they offer a thought-provoking analysis of Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree, reflecting on how personal experiences shape our interpretations of the book.

Join us for a flavorful journey through the culinary world, where passion, creativity, and perseverance come together in a vibrant discussion!

🎧 Tune in now for a taste of culinary passion and entrepreneurial insight!

Follow Andrew here:

https://www.instagram.com/thewhiting/

https://www.instagram.com/hotdropsauce/

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