The Third Growth Option with Benno Duenkelsbuehler and Guests

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? Understanding the complexities of selling a business can be daunting for entrepreneurs, but this episode dives deep into M&A processes, from initial evaluations to closing the deal. With actionable insights and real-world success stories, this discussion illuminates the journey of preparing your business for sale. • Importance of understanding moti...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? This week's episode emphasizes the critical need for future-focused leadership in evolving business landscapes. Dev Patnaik discusses the pitfalls of present-centric thinking and offers practical strategies for balancing immediate tasks with future opportunities, underscoring that successful leaders look beyond the now to innovate and adapt. • Imp...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? Explore how AI is reshaping revenue growth strategies in this insightful conversation with Cliff Farrah, Accenture's Chief Strategy Officer for Corporate Strategy and Growth. Here’s what’s in store: AI and Human Expertise: Cliff shares his journey from initial skepticism about AI's impact on careers to recognizing its role as a complement to...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? In this episode, I sit down with design strategist Jonah Burlingame to tackle the art (and challenges) of executing successful strategies in digital product development. Here are the key takeaways: Strategy Execution is Tough: With only 56% of corporate strategies being successfully implemented, Jonah shares actionable advice on overcoming common pitfa...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? In this episode, sales and marketing expert Lisa DiCostanzo breaks down the transformation of the retail landscape, especially in the gift and home decor sectors, into a complex, multi-channel experience. Key insights include: - Omni-Channel Strategy: Retailers are merging online platforms with in-person events like trade shows to create seamless shopp...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? Greg Shugar’s story is one of bold moves, big lessons, and strategic pivots. From lawyer to entrepreneur, Greg turned his knack for neckties into Tie Bar, an e-commerce success story that topped its market before he sold it. In this episode, Greg shares the real highs and lows of balancing risk and security, diving into his journey from law to launchin...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? How do retailers juggle the complex world of multi-channel sales? In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving gift and home industry with Kim Leister, president of Simblist. We explore how old-school methods like trade shows and store visits have morphed into a blend of digital platforms like FAIR and Amazon. Kim shares her insights on the challeng...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? What does it take to build a soulful brand that resonates deeply with its community? In this episode of the Third Growth Officer podcast, we sit down with Nora  Napientek, the creative force behind the celebrated company, and Janice Christensen, the first employee and president, to uncover the secrets behind their incredible journey. From Nora’s memora...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? Are corporations doing enough to combat greenwashing?  We talk about the secrets of building sustainable, ethical supply chains in Bangladesh with textile designer Jackie Corlett. As a seasoned expert in the fair trade sector, she shares invaluable insights into sourcing artisanal fabrics and the importance of relationship-building between suppliers an...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? Get the inside scoop on mastering consumer research with Shehnaz Safiuddin, a pro in brand strategy and consumer insights. In this episode, we dig into how combining qualitative and quantitative methods can give you a sharper view of consumer behavior, helping you make smarter, more strategic business decisions. Shehnaz breaks down the nuts and bolts o...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? We sit down with Adam Baker, founder of SodaPup Dog Toys, to uncover the strategies that took his brand from concept to success.  Adam shares how his background with top brands like Nike and Under Armour informed his approach to building a customer-centric brand that resonates deeply with its audience. You'll learn how rapid product development an...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? Stephanie Stuckey shares the inspiring story of reviving her grandfather's iconic roadside chain, Stuckey's Corporation, in 2019. In this episode, we explore the challenges she faced and how she balanced honoring the past with innovative strategies to breathe new life into the beloved brand. You'll learn about the concept of "now-st...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? Anna-Maja Björkenvall, CEO of LXMI, shares transformative insights on how meaningful work can elevate both your business and your impact. Inspired by the late Laila Janna's philosophy of "give work versus do good," this conversation explores how businesses can uplift marginalized communities through dignified employment, connecting under...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? In this episode, we explore the crucial role of continuous innovation in business. Eric offers insights on balancing technology with human interaction to enhance customer experiences and highlights the importance of viewing sales channels from the customer's perspective. We also discuss generational differences in technology adoption and how leade...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? What if staying true to your childhood passions could create a successful, authentic brand? In our latest episode, we talk with Kira Karmazin, founder of Kira Grace, about building a strong brand identity. Kira's journey, from her childhood sketchbook to creating transformative clothing, is a masterclass in following one's inner vision. We di...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? Curious about how HomeSense, a TJ Maxx-owned chain, is poised to revolutionize the home goods market? We talk about the history of retail disruption, from the rise of discount stores in the 1950s to the seismic shifts brought about by the internet in the 1990s. Discover why the retail industry has often lagged behind new competitors and learn from exam...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? Are young people equipped to navigate the ever-changing job market? Join us as we explore the essential skills needed to thrive today. From underemployment to the gig economy, we break down why adaptability and emotional intelligence are must-haves. Moreover, we examine the critical role of personal finances, and understanding governmental processes in...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? Ever wondered how to turn a cold call into a gold mine? This episode is brimming with tactics for rekindling old customer flames and sparking new ones, as Austin Bunch shares his war stories from the front lines of 'focus calling'. He dissects the art of knowing your customer's history and the finesse required to master a sales script. A...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? How can a passion for sustainability fuel successful entrepreneurship? Seth Goldman and Spike Mendelsohn join us this week to share their inspiring journey with Eat the Change. From Spike's culinary heritage and his family's charitable background to Seth's transition from nonprofit activism, their stories are a masterclass in aligning yo...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? Ever wondered what happens when a mathematician turns his talents to the world of laundry and sustainable paper products? You get a riveting conversation with David Van Himbergen, the former Tide innovator and current CEO of Reel Paper, who sits down with me to recount a journey that's as much about crunching numbers as it is about cleaning clothe...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? When it comes to enduring brands in the beauty industry, few can boast the legacy and resilience of Frownies. The podcast episode with Helen Morrison offers an intimate glimpse into how a family's dedication to a simple wrinkle solution evolved into a viral sensation in the age of social media. The story begins with the inception of Frownies by Mo...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? When Melissa Allen's husband faced the harrowing ordeal of skin cancer, little did they know their dog would be the one to unearth the life-changing diagnosis. This spark ignited Melissa's mission to craft a sunscreen brand designed with both heart and health in mind. On the Third Growth Option podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Me...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? Ever wondered what it takes to leave the security of a full-time job for the rollercoaster world of entrepreneurship? David Gebhart, co-founder and president of Global Views, joins us to unfold the story of his transition from employee to entrepreneur and the inception of a business that has weathered nearly three decades of economic climates. With can...

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ?  Michelle discusses scaling a product-based business through personal investment and navigating venture capital for a tech venture. She emphasizes adaptability in the competitive tech startup landscape and explores ShopDot, a drop-shipping platform empowering, brick-and-mortar stores. Discover valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, nurturing a business....

Are you looking for a Third Growth Option ℠ ? When it comes to the entrepreneurial journey, the tale of Fortessa Tableware Solutions stands out as a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of culture in crafting a successful business. Scott Hamberger, founder of Fortessa, sat down to recount the story of the company's evolution from a modest garage start-up to a dominant player in...