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Ben Hatch shares his journey from delivery driver to research and development team member at Crumble Cookies, revealing how he helped grow their social media presence from 15,000 to 2.3 million followers through authentic content creation.

• Started at Crumble Cookies in December 2017 as a delivery driver just three months after the company opened
• Worked his way up through management positions and helped open dozens of locations nationwide
• Created social media content that resonated with younger audiences while maintaining brand values
• Now works on the Research and Development team creating new cookie recipes and on the External Content team
• Has delivered cookies to celebrities like Guy Fieri and created special treats for the Kardashians
• Believes in taking risks and seizing opportunities rather than living with regret
• Emphasizes the importance of company culture as the "fourth C" alongside cookie quality, cleanliness, and customer service
• Uses a simple iPhone to create authentic content that connects with audiences better than overly-produced material
• Values positivity and believes putting out good energy will always return to you

Follow us on all listening platforms - Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, and iHeartRadio. Wherever you find your podcasts, come listen to the Authentic Podcast where we drop gems with amazing people from our community.

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Ever wonder what drives someone to build bridges between communities an ocean apart? Meet Blake Soifua, a young entrepreneur whose window washing business in Utah is funding sustainable development across the Pacific Islands.

Blake's journey is rooted in personal transformation. Growing up disconnected from his Samoan heritage in a predominantly white community, he was often labeled "plastic" - not authentically Polynesian. After a brief mission in Fiji cut short by COVID-19, Blake developed a burning desire to reconnect with Pacific Island cultures, learning multiple languages and building meaningful relationships across cultural divides.

What began as a simple desire to sponsor a temple trip for villagers in Fiji evolved into Projects Possible, a non-profit with an innovative funding model. By dedicating 10% of revenue from his window washing business Gleam, Blake ensures his organization isn't dependent on donations alone. His vision? Creating sustainable farms across Pacific Islands that produce thousands of meals annually while generating jobs through agritourism.

The technical aspects are equally impressive. Blake is developing software for transparent donation tracking and building a global marketplace platform connecting island producers directly with worldwide consumers. His upcoming pickleball tournament fundraiser in August aims to jumpstart the initiative, with plans to establish the first nurseries in Fiji by November.

Throughout our conversation, Blake shares profound insights about authentic leadership, overcoming the "crab mentality" that can hold communities back, and embracing an abundance mindset where everyone's success contributes to collective advancement. His story demonstrates how entrepreneurship becomes transformative when driven by genuine purpose rather than profit alone.

Ready to see what's possible when business meets social impact? Follow Blake's journey and discover how small businesses can create ripple effects of positive change across oceans. Subscribe now to hear more inspiring stories of authentic purpose and cultural connection.

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Elder TikTok joins us to discuss his journey as a Polynesian Mormon content creator and business owner who's built his platform on authentic representation and unapologetic faith. He shares how his career evolved from making videos for fun to becoming a voice for those who share his beliefs but aren't comfortable expressing them publicly.

• Started creating content after noticing the lack of Polynesian and Mormon representation online
• Inspired by early YouTube creator Ryan Higa as one of the first Polynesian content creators he discovered
• Believes in being completely authentic even when it leads to criticism from fellow church members
• Views his content as "being a voice for the voiceless" for those who share his perspectives
• Explains how his personal testimony coexists with church doctrine while maintaining his individual perspective
• Discusses the misconception that content creation is easy when it actually requires significant skill and dedication
• Reframes "setbacks" and "failures" as valuable experiences that redirect you to your true path
• Shares how his unsuccessful football career led him to discover his talent for digital content
• Defines authenticity as being "unapologetically true to what you believe, think, say or do"

Go ahead and listen to hear these gems. We're trying to hit a thousand or two thousand downloads a month and that's only possible through you. If you haven't already, subscribe and download so you can take some beautiful words of wisdom with you wherever you go.

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