Hint CEO Kara Goldin On Embracing Risk and Opportunity
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Kara Goldin, CEO, and founder of Hint, may be known as the inventor of healthy, flavored water, but her roots are in the tech industry. She helped grow many ventures, starting with the early days of CNN to an Apple-spinoff marketing firm called 2Market to AOL. While Kara never thought of herself as an entrepreneur, working for entrepreneurs helped her see that it was exciting and kind of fun. She liked how these leaders never thought, "that's impossible." As you'll learn in the podcast, that mindset helped her overcome obstacles.
Kara knew she was a creator and a builder, but after years in the tech world, she wasn't sure what came next. During some time away, Kara decided to make some lifestyle changes to improve her health. Her curiosity about ingredients in diet soda led her down the path to creating Hint.
Discover why Kara Goldin is not afraid of failure. To her, every "no" is an opportunity to learn something. Every seemingly unsurmountable problem has an upside. She shared a story of Starbucks halting Hint sales when she had a full warehouse made and waiting. How did she overcome the setback? Listen to find out.
More episodes from The Jon Schultz Podcast: The Myth of Overnight Success
Nov 21, 2023
Ken Rohl: Building More Than a Brand, Building a Legacy
From suburban roots to an industry magnate, Ken Rohl's journey is aninspiring tapestry of determination and entrepreneurial flair. From his humble beginnings, where he embraced an outlook of perpetual learning and sought purpose in life as a young boy, to his immense success in the industry, his story is a testament to unwavering determination.
His early years, raised in an environment that championed both tenacity and ambition, were foundational to his entrepreneurial spirit. With a father who believed in self-reliance and instilled a work ethic in him and a mother who nurtured a can-do attitude, Ken's path to success was carved by deep familial values.
Ken's entry into the kitchen and bath industry was marked by fate when he introduced a unique pull-out kitchen faucet from Europe, showcasing his knack for spotting potential. His strategic approach to business growth was methodical, focusing initially on the Western US before branching out nationally. This careful expansion and a commitment to building relationships and an industry-wide reputation were pivotal to his brand's growth.
Despite challenges, like the unexpected termination of the significant KWC contract, Ken's resilience emerged front and center. His foresight in planning and an unwavering spirit turned potential setbacks into opportunities for renewal and diversification, solidifying the Rohl brand.
Ken's philosophy goes beyond just business. His emphasis on industry engagement, collaboration, and belief in "building the pie" for everyone has contributed immensely to the luxury kitchen and bath segment. Even in retirement, his journey continues. His dedication to sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience and involvement in community initiatives like local theaters and universities embodies his lifelong commitment to growth, learning, and giving back.
If you're captivated by stories of resilience, ingenuity, and enduring impact, you won't want to miss this episode featuring Ken Rohl. Listen as he discusses the secrets of his success, the lessons he's learned, and how he continues to shape both his industry and community. Trust us, it's a conversation you won't want to miss!
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Nov 7, 2023
Jenny Jing Zhu: A Tale of Grit, Growth, and Glory
Jenny Jing Zhu, the founder and CEO of Lush Décor and Triangle Home Fashions, is a remarkable entrepreneur who has achieved great success despite facing numerous challenges throughout her journey. Jenny's story begins in a remote village in China, where she grew up in rustic conditions without electricity or modern comforts. Despite these hardships, she exhibited determination and resourcefulness from an early age. At just six years old, she joined adults in manual labor to earn money for a treat she desired, showcasing her drive for financial independence.
Jenny's ambition led her to pursue a different path from her mother's aspirations for her to become a teacher. After reading an article about a woman who successfully started her own business, Jenny became inspired to become an entrepreneur herself. Her journey began by leaving her village for the city, overcoming opposition from her parents, and working various jobs to gain experience.
Eventually, Jenny landed in the United States, where she faced language and cultural barriers. She worked as a nanny and undertook various learning opportunities, eventually attending the Fashion Institute of Technology and delving into the world of home textiles and décor. In 2008, amidst a challenging economic climate, she founded Lush Decor Home, initially navigating a traditional business model before pivoting to an e-commerce approach, which set the stage for significant growth.
Jenny's business thrived through resilience, innovation, and adaptability, earning recognition and success. However, the journey was not without its struggles. Jenny experienced burnout and the loneliness that often accompanies entrepreneurship. Seeking guidance and connection, she joined groups like YPO and women's entrepreneur networks, finding solace in sharing experiences and learning from others.
Jenny's path wasn't without betrayals either, including a painful episode of being ousted from her own company by a partner she had initially trusted. This experience taught her valuable lessons about the importance of due diligence and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite these challenges, Jenny continued to grow and expand her business, eventually partnering with private equity investors to further its growth.
Throughout her journey, Jenny learned to view obstacles as opportunities and to turn adversity into strength. Her experiences taught her to face challenges head-on, finding ways to transform barriers into bridges. She emphasizes the importance of not letting fear of failure hinder progress and the need to surround oneself with supportive networks.
Immerse yourself in the remarkable tale of an entrepreneur who defied all odds, from her humble beginnings in a remote Chinese village to becoming the founder and CEO of Lush Decor Home and Triangle Home Fashions. Jenny Jing Zhu's story is one of grit, determination, and constant learning. Her ability to overcome cultural, financial, and personal obstacles showcases her resilience and serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs. Don't miss out – tune in now and be prepared to be inspired!
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Oct 24, 2023
Vic Rallo - A Journey Through Food, Business, and Hard Work
In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the inspiring journey of Vic Rallo, a renowned chef, restaurant owner, television personality, and author. Vic's love for food and unwavering work ethic has guided him through various roles in the culinary world, all while building an empire of successful restaurants.
Vic was immersed in the restaurant business from a young age as his parents opened Molly's Fish Market in New Jersey. He vividly recalls butlering orders during a soft opening with his brother, which opened his eyes to the world of hospitality. Despite his parents' initial hopes for him to pursue a career in law, Vic's passion for food and hospitality was deeply rooted in his upbringing.
After completing law school, Vic delved further into the culinary industry. He worked in various roles in the restaurant, from bartending to catering, gaining invaluable insights into both food and people. With his father's mentorship and determination, he began shaping his own path within the culinary world.
Vic's journey took a pivotal turn when he ventured into television with his show "Eat Drink Italy with Vic Rallo." He took a unique approach by filming the show entirely in Italy, showcasing not only the delicious cuisine but also the wine, architecture, culture, and history that make Italy so captivating. The show's success helped him build his personal brand and further establish his reputation in the industry.
The podcast also delves into Vic's experiences navigating the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Vic and his team adapted their approach to support their community by offering delivery services and providing quality food despite the obstacles.
Vic emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and taking time for oneself. He shares his transformational journey from a high-energy lifestyle to prioritizing mental and physical well-being, recognizing that true success is built upon a strong foundation of health and sanity.
Throughout the episode, Vic's dedication to hard work, perseverance, and strong hospitality passion shines through. His story is a testament to the rewards that come from embracing challenges, staying true to one's values, and nurturing a deep connection to food, people, and oneself. Whether you're an aspiring chef, entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking motivation and insights, Vic Rallo's journey offers valuable lessons and inspiration.
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