How Success Happens

Scott Simonelli is the Founder and CEO of Veritonic Inc., one of the industry’s leading audio research and analytics platforms that provides marketing intelligence for sound. Veritonic are the pioneers in online testing and optimization, helping marketers make data-driven decisions about websites and user experience when they are struggling for guidance. Scott was also Vice President Sales at Optimost and played an instrumental role in the company’s acquisition by HP.

Jomaree Pinkard is the CEO and Managing Director of Pronghorn, a stand-alone business established to cultivate the next generation of Black entrepreneurs, executive leaders and founders within the spirits industry through sustainable investment, incubation and recruitment. He is also the Chairman and Co-Founder of Hella Cocktail Co. an exciting brand of botanically inspired mixers and beverages that has exploded onto the cocktail and bartending scene.

Julia Hartz is the Co-Founder and CEO of Eventbrite, a global online self-service ticketing platform. Founding the company in 2006, Julia currently leads the vision, strategy, and growth of Eventbrite. She drove Eventbrite to become the world’s largest event technology company, known for its great workplace culture. Julia has been named one of Fortune’s 40 Under 40 business leaders, Inc’s 35 under 35, and Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs.

Harry Kargman is the Founder and CEO of Kargo, an advertising company that specializes in innovative mobile campaigns for the world’s biggest brands. Since its founding in 2003, Kargo has worked with The New York Times, Hearst, NBC, and more and was recognized in 2015 by Inc. as one of the top 500 fastest-growing companies in the US. In 2016, Harry was also named an EY Entrepreneur of the Year and currently holds more than 50 patents related to Kargo’s technology.

Sophia Amoruso is the founder of Nasty Gal, a women’s fashion company. Her New York Times best-selling autobiography, #GIRLBOSS, was adapted into a television series on Netflix in 2017. Sophia is also the founder and CEO of Business Class, a digital course for entrepreneurs looking to build successful businesses, and founder and General Partner of Trust Fund, a venture capital firm investing in early-stage consumer businesses.

Jack Belsito is one of the most prominent figures in the beverage industry. Jack was previously CEO of Snapple Beverage Group, Voss of Norway, and Health-Ade Kombucha. Under his leadership, VOSS became one of the fastest growing water businesses in the United States, with 32 consecutive quarters of growth. With over 30 years of experience, he was also President of Mott’s USA and RC Cola Company, and most recently Managing Partner at First Beverage Group.

Cameron Adams is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Canva, a free online collaborative graphic design platform. Canva currently has 110 million monthly active users in over 190 countries and has helped create more than 15 billion designs. As of 2021, Canva is now valued at $40 billion. Prior to co-founding Canva, Cameron worked with Lars and Jens Rasmussen, co-founders of Google Maps, to help design Google Wave.

Irving Fain is the CEO and Founder of Bowery Farming, a modern farming company focused on innovating and advancing agricultural practices. Bowery uses smart indoor growing environments to cultivate cleaner and better quality food and uses 95% less water than farmland. Irving and Bowery have raised over $500 million since its founding. Irving was previously CEO and Co-Founder of CrowdTwist, Inc., a loyalty and analytics platform that was acquired by Oracle in 2019.

Sebastien Kopp is the Co-Founder of Veja, one of the fastest growing shoe brands in the world. Founded in 2004, Veja promotes sustainability and transparency without marketing and advertising and is now found in over 60 countries. Incorporating materials such as Amazonian rubber, organic and Fair Trade cotton, and recycled plastic bottles, Sebastian and Veja look to transform the footwear space through better ecological practices.

Michael McFall is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of BIGGBY COFFEE, the third-largest coffee franchise in the United States with over 300 locations. Within the company, Mike has worked in every position from barista to Co-CEO since 1996. Michael is the author of Grind, a book for founders and entrepreneurs to elevate their business strategies. Mike shares more about his experience at BIGGBY COFFEE, building the foundation of a business, and the importance of patience with results.

Peter Shapiro is the founder of Dayglo Presents, a live music and media company. Named on the 2022 Billboard Power List, Peter is one of the biggest independent concert promoters in the music industry. He owns and operates the Brooklyn Bowl music venues and The Capitol Theatre and produced Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of the Grateful Dead. Peter is also the publisher of Relix magazine and chairman of HeadCount.

Anthony Scaramucci is the founder and managing partner of SkyBridge Capital, a global alternative investment firm specializing in hedge funds, digital assets, private equity, and more. Also known as The Mooch, Anthony also founded SALT, a global thought leadership and networking forum, and was briefly White House Communications Director. This episode is sponsored by Target Accelerators. Learn more here: https://entm.ag/targetaccelerators

Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip is the owner of The Miss Universe Organization and the CEO of JKN Global Group Public Company Limited. She is Asia’s first billionaire transwoman based in Thailand and the first woman to own The Miss Universe Organization in its 71-year history. For her accomplishments and influence in media and business, Anne has been named Women of the Year in 2022 by Bangkok Post and won the Manee Mekhala Award for the “Most Influential Person in the Thai Entertainment Industry.”

Denise Woodard is the Founder and CEO of Partake, a company that offers allergy-friendly, certified gluten-free, and non-GMO foods. Founded in 2016 when Denise’s daughter was diagnosed with food allergies, Partake looks to provide healthy and delicious options for those with food restrictions. Denise is the first Black woman to raise more than $1 million publicly for a CPG Food startup. This episode is sponsored by Target Accelerators. Learn more here: https://entm.ag/targetaccelerators

Special announcement! Our annual Franchise 500 list is out, providing you with the best opportunities to buy a business. Which is right for you? Entrepreneur magazine Jason Feifer explains what goes into the list, and how it can benefit you. Learn more at entrepreneur.com/franchise500

James and Alexa Hirschfeld are the co-founders of Paperless Post, a premium invitation and event management platform. The sibling duo founded the company in 2009, looking to reimagine the experience of sending and receiving invitations. With over 175 million users, Paperless Post has sent over half a billion invitations and partnered with designers including Ladurée, Oscar de la Renta, and Duro Olowu. James and Alexa have both been named in Forbes’ “30 under 30” list.

Uri Levine is the Co-Founder of Waze, one of the world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation applications. In 2013, Waze was acquired by Google for $1.1 billion and currently hosts over 140 million users. Uri was also an investor and board member of Moovit, a global public transit app acquired by Intel in 2020 for $1 billion. His new book, Fall in Love with the Problem, Not the Solution: A Handbook for Entrepreneurs, releases in January 2023.

Joana Vicente is the CEO of the Sundance Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting independent film and media artists. She was previously Executive Director and Co-Head of the Toronto International Film Festival. Joana has produced over 40 feature films which have received awards from The Cannes International Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, and more. She also co-founded HDNet Films which produced Academy Award-nominated Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room.

Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman is the CEO of the Lights Out Brand, an athletic performance line of clothing, shoes, and gear. Shawne played football professionally for the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills, retiring in 2013. He founded the Lights On Foundation as a freshman at the University of Maryland to help provide warm clothes to the communities in need. Shawne also co-founded Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, which showcases premier MMA events and streams exclusively on Fubo Sports Network.

Amy Friedrich, president of U.S. Insurance Solutions at Principal Financial Group, shares how owners can better manage their own wellness, and help employees too. This episode of How Success Happens is brought to you by Principal Financial Group. Discover insight to help support your employees and your business at principal.com/benefits. Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company®. Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC and/or independent broker/dealers. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392. ©2022 Principal Financial Services, Inc.

Alex Kinnier is the Co-Founder and CEO of Upside, a retail technology company that connects consumers with brick and mortar businesses to help communities thrive. Upside has given over $100 million in cash back to users and over $200 million in incremental profit to businesses. Alex began his career at Google, developing the agency display advertising team and leading the company’s acquisition of DoubleClick. He was Opower’s Senior VP of Product and Engineering and is now a partner at Builders VC.

Suzy Deering is the Global Chief Marketing Officer of Ford Motor Company, one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world. She was previously the Global Chief Marketing Officer of eBay and was listed on Business Insider’s “Top 50 Most Innovative CMOs in the World” two years in a row. She now leads Ford’s eCommerce and digital strategies while supporting the company’s vision to transform electric powered vehicles with Ford Blue and Ford Model e.

Candace Nelson is the Co-Founder of Sprinkles, the world’s first cupcake bakery and ATM. Founded in 2005, Sprinkles has sold more than 75 million cupcakes nationwide. Candace also founded Pizzana, a chain of Neo-Neopolitan restaurants, and CN2 Ventures, a venture studio that invests in young consumer businesses. In addition to entrepreneurship, Candace is executive producer and judge on Netflix’s “Sugar Rush” and judge on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.”

Dane Cook is a comedian and actor known for his comedy specials, stage presence, and observational humor. He has released five comedy specials and has appeared in movies such as “Good Luck Chuck,” “My Best Friend’s Girl,” and “Dan In Real Life.” He was the second comedian, to sell out Madison Square Garden. Cook’s upcoming comedy special, “Above It All,” was released this October via Moment, a digital platform for creators to develop unique ticketed experiences with audiences.

Jon Patricof is the CEO and Co-Founder of Athletes Unlimited, a new innovative network of professional sports leagues. Founded in 2020 with Jonathan Soros, Athletes Unlimited is committed to creating sports spaces from a player-led and player-driven perspective. Jon is a current board member of the Major League Soccer club, New York City FC, and was president from 2016 to 2018. He also previously was President and COO of Tribeca Enterprises, which operates the Tribeca Film Festival.

Emilia Fazzalari is the Co-Founder and CEO of Cincoro Tequila, a tequila brand co-owned by Emilia, Boston Celtics Co-Owner Wyc Grousbeck, Charlotte Hornets Owner Michael Jordan, Los Angeles Lakers Co-Owner Jeanie Buss, and Milwaukee Bucks Co-Owner Wes Edens. Since launching in 2019, Cincoro has sold over 1.5 million bottles. Emilia is currently a Trust board member of Boston Children’s Hospital and a board member of Giving Grousbeck Fazzalari along with her husband Wyc.

Jeanie Buss is the owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers, a 17-time championship-winning basketball team in the National Basketball Association. In 2020, Jeanie became the first female controlling owner to lead an NBA team to a championship title. Jeanie is also the co-owner of Women Of Wrestling (WOW), the only all-female wrestling organization. WOW, developed in partnership with GLOW creator David McLane, premiered in syndication on September 17.

Beth Wood, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Principal Financial Group, offers real-life resources and ideas for ensuring your business is here for the next generation of leadership. This episode of How Success Happens is brought to you by Principal Financial Group. Discover insight to help support your employees and your business at principal.com/benefits. Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company®. Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC and/or independent broker/dealers. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392. ©2022 Principal Financial Services, Inc.

Caspar Coppetti is the Co-Founder of On, a global sportswear brand focused on providing innovative footwear and apparel for running. Founding the company in 2010 with Olivier Bernhard, Coppetti helped develop On’s CloudTec technology which seeks to give On shoe wearers the perfect running sensation. On (NYSE: ONON) went public in 2021 and had net sales of $775 million. The company has been making moves towards becoming more sustainable, recently announcing its CleanCloud technology.

Hernan Lopez is the co-founder and chairperson of Danvas, a startup bringing digital art into the real world through museum-quality LED displays. Previously, Lopez was the founder and CEO of Wondery, a storytelling podcast network acquired by Amazon in 2021. Prior to founding Wondery, Hernan was President and CEO of Fox International Channels. He proudly chairs the Hernan Lopez Family Foundation and is also a founding Governor of The Podcast Academy, and a board member of the Latino Donor Collaborative.

Scott Simonelli is the Founder and CEO of Veritonic Inc., one of the industry’s leading audio research and analytics platforms that provides marketing intelligence for sound. Veritonic are the pioneers in online testing and optimization, helping marketers make data-driven decisions about websites and user experience when they are struggling for guidance. Scott was also Vice President Sales at Optimost and played an instrumental role in the company’s acquisition by HP.