The Compass Rose Podcast

Chomps: From $6,500 to America's Fastest-Growing Snack Brand

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali, Co-founders and Co-CEOs of Chomps, the fastest-growing food brand in the U.S. From humble beginnings to over $500 million in retail sales, Pete and Rashid have built a brand redefining the snacking industry with high-quality, healthy, and delicious meat snacks. What I love about this conversation is how Pete and Rashid dive into the lessons they've learned, the mistakes they've made, and the strategies that have fueled their success. Whether you're a founder, a business leader, or someone passionate about entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable takeaways.
Key Moments in This Episode:
Building from Scratch: How Pete and Rashid leveraged their complementary skills and a deep understanding of their customers to build a loyal community around Chomps.
Focus on Brand Awareness: Why keeping brand awareness ahead of distribution has been their key to scaling successfully while maintaining customer loyalty.
Lessons in Resilience: How bootstrapping through challenges—like raising $1 million in a weekend to fund a Trader Joe's order—helped them grow sustainably.
Innovation with Simplicity: The power of focusing on a core product lineup while introducing customer-driven innovations like pantry packs to meet evolving needs.
The Chompian Culture: How Pete and Rashid maintain their original values and foster a strong company culture, even as their team and operations scale rapidly.
Join us in listening to this insightful episode where Pete and Rashid share the secrets behind Chomps' incredible growth and their mission to create a better-for-you brand that resonates with consumers. Let's dive into their journey and learn how to build a purpose-driven and wildly successful business. Enjoy the show! For more on Chomps, visit their website. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand a rating and review. Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify. Your support helps us bring you more content like this!
Today's Sponsors:
Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/ Compass Rose Ventures can help your CPG brand increase customer lifetime value, expand into the U.S. market, create an omnipresent omnichannel footprint, optimize customer journeys, build brand communities, and more. Visit the link above to learn more.

Goode Health - Building a 360° Health Platform for Consumers

From Big Nutrition to Personalized Wellness
Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, speaks with Mike Glick, Co-founder and CEO of Goode Health. Mike shares his journey from large-scale nutrition to creating a cutting-edge personalized superfood brand.
The Goode Health Mission
Mike's passion for nutrition and his dedication to empowering people to improve their health are clear throughout the conversation. He explains how Goode Health integrates technology, data, and smart design to turn daily routines into sustainable healthy habits.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
Mike's transition from Abbott Nutrition to launching Goode Health and his focus on personalized wellness.
The science of superfoods and the role of polyphenols and clean ingredients in health-focused products.
The importance of personalization using wearables, biomarkers, and technology to enhance nutrition strategies.
How Goode Health supports trends like GLP-1 use and nutrient-dense diets.
The emphasis on retention strategies from day one, using tools like journals and recipe guides.
Why Personalization Matters
Mike discusses the significance of personalization in health. Goode Health's data-driven approach is designed to help users build sustainable wellness habits that fit their unique needs.
Learn More About Goode Health
Discover more about Goode Health and its innovative approach by visiting https://www.goodehealth.com/. Learn how they're revolutionizing nutrition with technology and personalization.
Support the Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review for The Story of a Brand Show. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support allows us to bring more inspiring content.
Acknowledgments to Our Sponsors
Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/. They help brands optimize journeys, expand markets, and build communities. Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story. Book a 30-minute consultation and receive a personalized influencer strategy plan.

Mend - Closing the Gap Between Healing and Nutrition

Transforming Healthcare with Nutrition
Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, hosts Eziah Syed, Co-founder and CEO of MEND, in this episode. They discuss Eziah's inspiring journey and mission to revolutionize healthcare through nutrition.
The Vision Behind MEND
Eziah shares personal stories that sparked his passion for creating a brand focused on holistic healing. He explains how MEND combines clinical nutrition with behavioral science to impact patients, athletes, and the healthcare sector positively.
Key Challenges in Healthcare
The conversation highlights challenges like prevention gaps and the need for better tools for doctors to improve outcomes. Eziah also discusses balancing innovation with execution and the role of micro-habits in personal wellness.
Key Highlights
The personal story behind MEND’s mission to revolutionize healing.
How MEND’s clinical-grade products accelerate patient recovery.
The role of nutrition in filling gaps in traditional medicine.
Balancing innovation with operational focus in startups.
The importance of micro-habits for wellness and resilience.
Learn More About MEND
To explore MEND’s groundbreaking work, visit MEND. Discover how they are reshaping healthcare through nutrition.
Support the Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review for The Story of a Brand Show. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us create more inspiring content.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/. They specialize in enhancing customer lifetime value and building omnichannel strategies. Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story. Schedule a 30-minute consulting session and receive a personalized influencer strategy plan.

Strategic Brand Investments - From Ideas to Action: Mastering Brand Execution

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, speaks with Eric Malka, Co-founder of The Art of Shaving and leader of Strategic Brand Investments.
From Small Business to Iconic Brand
Eric shares his journey of building a globally recognized brand. His insights into intellectual property, grit, and execution offer practical lessons for entrepreneurs and brand leaders.
Lessons on Brand Building and Customer Engagement
Eric emphasizes creating long-term brand value by protecting intellectual property and staying connected to customer needs. He explains how using retail stores as "customer labs" helped him better understand his audience and refine his brand strategies.
Key Moments from the Podcast
The value of intellectual property in building lasting brand equity.
Turning great ideas into actionable steps with flawless execution.
How resilience and grit help overcome entrepreneurial challenges.
Insights gained from using a retail store as a testing ground for customer feedback.
The balance between prudence and risk-taking in entrepreneurship.
Advice for Entrepreneurs
Eric provides actionable advice for navigating the challenges of scaling a business. He stresses the importance of execution and understanding the difference between being cautious and overly risk-averse.
Learn More About Strategic Brand Investments
To explore Eric’s new initiatives, visit Strategic Brand Investments. For his book, “On the Razor's Edge: The Story of The Art of Shaving,” head to Amazon.
Support the Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review for The Story of a Brand Show. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us create more insightful content.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/. Schedule a complimentary consultation for expert guidance. Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story. Book a demo for a free three-month trial to streamline operations and boost conversions.

Good Clean Love - Unlocking the Secrets of Vaginal Health and Wellness

Today, Rose Hamilton, founder of Compass Rose Ventures, speaks with Wendy Strgar, the founder of Good Clean Love. Wendy shares her passion for women’s wellness and offers fresh insights into vaginal health.
The Link Between Vaginal Health and Wellness
Wendy explains how vaginal health connects to overall well-being. She highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced vaginal microbiome and discusses the challenges many women face in getting accurate diagnoses and proper care.
The Story Behind Good Clean Love
Wendy shares the inspiration that led to founding Good Clean Love. She describes how the brand’s innovative products are helping women live healthier lives and improve their daily wellness.
Key Highlights from the Episode
The role of the vaginal microbiome in supporting overall health.
Common misdiagnoses in vaginal health and ways to address them.
How Good Clean Love creates safer and more effective women’s health products.
The groundbreaking work of Vaginal Biome Science, a spin-off company founded by Wendy.
Wendy’s tips for consumer brands aiming to support women’s wellness.
Making a Difference in Women’s Health
Wendy discusses the innovative steps her company is taking to improve diagnostics and create effective treatments for women. Her journey highlights the need for better education and resources in this important area of health.
Learn More
For additional information, visit Good Clean Love and Vaginal Biome Science. These platforms provide resources and products to improve women’s health.
Support the Podcast
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review for The Story of a Brand Show. You can also follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us share more valuable content.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/. Get expert CPG advice with a complimentary session. Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story. Schedule a demo for a free three-month trial and streamline your brand’s operations.

Supergut - The Science of Gut Health: Building a Healthier You

In this exciting podcast episode, Rose Hamilton, founder of Compass Rose Ventures, hosts Marc Washington. Marc is the founder and CEO of Supergut, a company changing lives with gut health-focused nutrition.
Marc's Personal Journey and Supergut's Mission
Marc opens up about his personal loss that inspired him to create Supergut. His mission is to develop functional, science-backed products that promote gut health, control appetite, and support overall metabolic health.
From Executive to Entrepreneur
Marc shares his transition from a successful health and wellness executive to a driven entrepreneur. He highlights the challenges and successes of creating a brand that combines functionality with great taste.
The Science Behind Gut Health
The podcast dives into the link between gut health and hormones like GLP-1, which control satiety. Marc explains how Supergut's prebiotic-packed products naturally enhance gut function without the need for pharmaceuticals.
Key Moments in the Episode
Marc's personal story of loss and his passion for gut health.
The science of prebiotics and their role in improving metabolism.
Opportunities created by the "Ozempic era" to educate consumers about GLP-1 hormones.
Making Supergut convenient and delicious for long-term use.
Advice for entrepreneurs on resilience and building impactful brands.
Learn More About Supergut
For more information, visit Supergut's website. Discover how functional nutrition can transform your health.
Support the Podcast
If you loved this episode, leave a review for The Story of a Brand Show. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support helps us continue creating valuable content!
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/. They help brands improve customer retention, expand globally, and build omnichannel strategies. Augmentum Media - Influencer Marketing for Consumer Brands: https://www.augmentum-media.com/story. Get a free influencer strategy session when you mention this podcast.

A Bar Above - Elevating the Art of Cocktails with AI

In this episode of The Story of a Brand Show, host Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, interviews Julia Tunstall, the Co-founder and CEO of A Bar Above.
 
Julia shares her fascinating journey of building a company dedicated to the art of cocktails, from the early days of education and content creation to the successful launch of their premium barware line.
 
Throughout the conversation, Julia offers valuable insights into entrepreneurship, innovation, and the strategic use of AI in business.
 
Julia and her husband, Chris, started A Bar Above with a passion for craft cocktails and a mission to make high-quality bartending education accessible to everyone. Their story is one of perseverance, creativity, and community engagement. Julia's experience and wisdom inspire listeners and provide practical advice for navigating the challenges of building a brand.
 
Highlights from the Episode:
 
- The Genesis of A Bar Above: How Julia and Chris turned their passion for cocktails into a thriving business offering education, social media content, and premium barware.
 
- Chris's Journey: From a craps dealer in Vegas to a craft bartender and co-founder of A Bar Above, Chris's unique path and dedication to the craft of bartending.
 
- Community and Partnerships: The importance of community engagement and strategic partnerships in growing a brand.
 
- Innovative Use of AI: Julia's creative approach to integrating AI into their workflow, from generating product designs to enhancing team collaboration.
 
- Product Development: The role of AI in brainstorming and iterating new product designs for A Bar Above's premium barware line.
 
- Balancing Work and Family: Julia's insights on managing a growing business and a family, including the benefits of having a supportive partner and involving their children in the business.
 
Join us as we explore Julia Tunstall's journey with A Bar Above and gain valuable insights into entrepreneurship, innovation, and the art of cocktails.
 
Don't miss this engaging and informative episode filled with practical advice and inspiring stories. Listen now and elevate your understanding of what it takes to build a successful brand in the ever-evolving world of business.
For more on A Bar Above, visit:  https://abarabove.com/
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review. Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.
 
Your support helps us bring you more content like this!
 
*
 
Today’s Sponsors:
 
Compass Rose Ventures - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/contact/
 
Compass Rose Ventures 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗣𝗚 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 – Increase the lifetime value of customers, Expand into the US market, Create an omnipresent & omnichannel footprint, Optimize customer journeys, or Build brand communities and more. Visit link above.
 
Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story
 
Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link.

Antelope - Building a Resilient and Sustainable Pet CPG Brand

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, interviews Wendy Wen, Founder and CEO of Antelope, and explores the strategic approach behind the company's success in acquiring and scaling natural pet CPG brands.
 
Wendy Wen shares valuable insights on building a resilient and sustainable business in the competitive pet market.
 
Key Points Covered:
 
* Strategic Acquisitions and Quality Control:
 
* Navigating Market Challenges:
 
* Traits of Successful Founders:
 
* Sustainable Growth Strategies:
 
* Organizational Growth and Remote Work:
 
* Personal Well-Being and Self-Care:
 
* Investment and Financial Strategies:
 
* Entrepreneurial Insights:
 
* Happiness and Personal Growth:
 
Join us as we unpack the various elements that contributed to Antelope's success and gain insights into building a brand that resonates with consumers while fostering sustainable and innovative practices in the Pet industry.
For more on Antelope, visit:  https://www.antelopepets.com/
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review. Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.
 
Your support helps us bring you more content like this!
 
*
 
Today’s Sponsors:
 
Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/
 
Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link.
 
Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story
 
Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link.

OKOKO Cosmétiques Inc - A Formula For Each Skin Type

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, dives deep into the inspiring journey of Oyéta Kokoroko, the founder of OKOKO Cosmétiques, who transformed her personal struggles with acne into a flourishing natural skincare brand.
 
We explore how she navigated the beauty industry without prior experience, leveraging unique products, strategic marketing, and community support to build her brand.
 
Key themes:
 
* Founder’s Inspiration and Brand Creation
* Growth Strategies
* Marketing and Customer Engagement
* Brand Building and Storytelling
* Sustainability and Innovation
* Mentorship and Community
* Global Expansion
 
Join us as we unpack the various elements that contributed to OKOKO Cosmétiques' success and gain insights into building a brand that resonates with consumers while fostering sustainable and innovative practices in the beauty industry.
For more on OKOKO Cosmétiques Inc., visit: https://okokocosmetiques.com/
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review. Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.
 
Your support helps us bring you more content like this!
 
*
 
Today’s Sponsors:
 
Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/
 
Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link.
 
Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story
 
Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link.

Afia - Transport Your Tastebuds to the Eastern Mediterranean

In this episode, Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures, dives into the heartwarming and motivating story of Farrah Moussallati Sibai, Co-founder and President of Afia Foods.
 
With no background in the food industry, Farrah embarked on a journey driven by personal challenges and a profound desire to make a difference. From humble beginnings at Texas farmers markets to a successful retail launch, her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, strategic thinking, and a commitment to values.
 
Farrah Moussallati Sibai’s journey with Afia Foods is more than just a business success story; it’s a narrative about overcoming adversity, embracing community, and remaining steadfast to one’s values.  Through her experiences, listeners can find inspiration, practical advice, and the motivation to pursue their dreams, no matter the industry or starting point.
 
Join us for another deep dive into the stories of entrepreneurs making a difference in their communities and the world.
 
For more on Afia Foods, visit: https://afiafoods.com/
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand a rating and review. Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.
 
Your support helps us bring you more content like this!
 
*
 
Today’s Sponsors:
 
Compass Rose - Advisor for CPG Brands: https://compassroseventures.com/ramon/
 
Compass Rose is offering “no-cost” CPG advice exclusively for the Founders and CEOs featured on The Story of a Brand Show and listeners. The calendar is limited, so book your one-on-one call (a $500 Value) with the Compass Rose team today. Visit using our unique link.
 
Shopline - An All-in-One Commerce Solution for Brands: https://www.us.shopline.com/story
 
Shopline is offering a complimentary three-month trial when you schedule a demo. Seamlessly manage multi-channel sales, create user-friendly websites, and drive conversions with targeted marketing. Ready to streamline operations and accelerate your business? Visit our unique link.