What happens when a chili-loving salesman and a bold, gardening nurse team up to turn a backyard hobby into a nationally recognized hot sauce brand?

In this episode of Braving Business, we sit down with Bobby McFadden and Aurea De Guzman, the co-founders of Grumpy Spice LLC, to explore their unlikely journey from growing peppers at home to collaborating with major brands and being featured on Hulu’s "Superhot: The Spicy World of Pepper People."

Bobby brings creativity, a love for gardening, and a sales background, while Aurea offers bold instincts, cultural richness, also avid in gardening and the compassion of a nurse—all of which blend into their dynamic approach to entrepreneurship. Their story is one of courage, naïve confidence, grit, and the power of saying yes—even without all the answers.

They share:

• How Grumpy Spice started from their backyards
• The pivotal moments that turned passion into a real business
• Lessons learned from partnerships, press, and the power of community
• The ups and downs of long-distance co-ownership
• How family, culture, and personal values shape their mission

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a dreamer, or someone who loves a good human story, this conversation will leave you inspired—and maybe craving something spicy.

Key Questions We Explore in This Episode:

• How did Grumpy Spice LLC begin, and what inspired this backyard-to-business transformation?
• What were the biggest hurdles early on, and how did each of you handle them differently?
• How did appearances in media and corporate partnerships change your perspective?
• How do your personal backgrounds (sales, nursing, antiques, gardening) shape your business approach?
• What’s it like to co-own a business while living in different states?
• How does community feedback influence your creative and business decisions?
• What keeps you going through setbacks—and what advice would you give to someone starting out?
• What’s next for Grumpy Spice?

Listen in for a spicy blend of grit, growth, and gratitude—served by two entrepreneurs who’ve truly braved the business world.

Join us on this episode of Braving Business as we delve into the world of politics, resilience, and leadership with Adam Kinzinger, a former U.S. Congressman and current senior political commentator at CNN. Known for his unwavering stance against the tide of misinformation and his commitment to democratic principles, Adam shares his journey from the halls of Congress to the forefront of a movement aimed at depolarizing American politics.

Key Topics Covered:

Adam's transition from a rising star in the Republican Party to a vocal critic of the MAGA movement.

Insights from his tenure on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack.

The founding of Country First and its mission to restore core democratic values.

The challenges and strategies of navigating political and personal pivots.

Guest Background:

Adam Kinzinger served as a U.S. representative from Illinois from 2011 to 2023. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard, he continues to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel. Adam's political career is marked by his courageous stand against voter fraud claims following the 2020 presidential election and his dedication to truth and accountability.

Main Insights:

The importance of conviction over ambition in leadership roles.

How to remain resilient in the face of political and social adversity.

The role of integrity and transparency in restoring public trust.

Actionable Takeaways:

Strategies for maintaining personal and professional integrity amidst external pressures.

Approaches to fostering bipartisan dialogue and reducing polarization.

Lessons on leading with courage and conviction, even when it means standing alone.

Tune in to explore how Adam Kinzinger's experiences can inspire business leaders and entrepreneurs to navigate their own challenges with resilience and integrity.

Join us for an illuminating episode of Braving Business as we dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Cody Grandadam, affectionately known as the "Flashlight Guy." As President of Promier Products, Cody has carved out a niche in the portable lighting industry with brands like LitezAll, Kodiak, Illumibrite, and Handsfree. From his early days mowing lawns to buy his first pair of Jordans, Cody's story is one of resilience, innovation, and strategic thinking.

Key Topics Covered:

Cody's entrepreneurial beginnings and the lessons learned from leveraging assets for financial growth.

The challenges of rebranding after a vendor trademarked his company name, costing him $250,000.

Overcoming operational hurdles, such as re-labeling products by hand in a rented LA warehouse.

Insights into the bootstrapped method and the importance of perseverance in entrepreneurship.

Guest Background:

Cody Grandadam's journey started in the 5th grade with a lawn mower and a dream. Now, as the head of Promier Products, he's a testament to the power of grit and adaptability. His story has been featured in the Chicago Journal, highlighting his path to success.

Main Insights:

Cody emphasizes that entrepreneurship is about enduring challenges and leveraging them as catalysts for growth. His experiences underscore the importance of strategic thinking and adaptability in business.

Actionable Takeaways:

Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.

Leverage assets to create cash flow and invest in your business.

Maintain resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges.

Tune in to discover how Cody's journey can inspire your own path to success. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to light your way forward.