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.

Join us on this episode of Braving Business as we dive into the world of innovation and entrepreneurship with Steve Greenberg, the tech and gadget guru known for his appearances on NBC's Today Show and his engaging game show "What The Heck Is That?" With a career spanning multiple media platforms, Steve shares his journey from a CBS news anchor to a freelance innovator, highlighting the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the ever-evolving media landscape.

Key Topics Covered:

The creation and impact of "What The Heck Is That?" and its role in spotlighting emerging inventors.

Steve's transition from traditional media roles to a dynamic freelance career.

The importance of embracing opportunities and the power of saying "yes" in business.

Strategies for navigating "dry" patches in an entrepreneurial journey.

Guest Background:

Steve Greenberg is an award-winning author and TV personality with a unique flair for showcasing innovative products. Known for his book "Gadget Nation" and his role as a judge at global innovation competitions, Steve brings a wealth of experience in identifying and promoting groundbreaking gadgets.

Main Insights:

Steve emphasizes the significance of persistence and the occasional need to "fake it til you make it." He shares personal anecdotes, including the challenges and rewards of freelance work, and the importance of maintaining confidence in one's abilities.

Actionable Takeaways:

Embrace the unpredictability of the entrepreneurial path and remain open to new opportunities.

Develop a strong personal brand to attract diverse work opportunities.

Cultivate resilience to overcome periods of uncertainty and leverage them for future success.

Tune in to discover how Steve Greenberg continues to innovate and inspire in the world of gadgets and beyond, offering valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business professionals navigating their own unique journeys.

Episode Title:

Episode Description:

In this vibrant episode of Braving Business, we’re joined by the multi-talented Keya Wingfield, a culinary powerhouse whose journey from Bombay to Virginia has been as flavorful as the dishes she creates. As the CEO of Keya's Snacks / Daksh Foods and the reigning champion of Food Network’s “Spring Baking Championship”, Keya shares her insights on blending culinary passion with entrepreneurial acumen.

Key Topics Covered:

- Culinary Entrepreneurship: Discover how Keya turned her love for food into a thriving business, creating unique products like "Bombay Chips" that blend her Indian heritage with American tastes.

- Resilience in Business: Learn how Keya has navigated the challenges of running a business for nearly 15 years, including her strategic pivots and collaborations with major brands like McDonald’s and Duke’s Mayonnaise.

- Cultural Integration: Keya discusses her mission to bring people and cultures together through food, and how this has shaped her business philosophy.

- Charitable Initiatives: Hear about her efforts in organizing a bake sale for COVID relief in India, exemplifying her commitment to giving back.

Main Insights:

- Keya’s journey highlights the importance of authenticity and cultural roots in creating a brand that resonates with diverse audiences.

- Her experience underscores the power of resilience and adaptability in overcoming business challenges.

Actionable Takeaways:

- Embrace Your Heritage: Leverage your unique background and experiences to create authentic products or services that stand out in the market.

- Strategic Partnerships: Seek collaborations that align with your brand values to expand your reach and impact.

- Community Engagement: Use your platform to support causes that matter to you, enhancing brand loyalty and societal impact.

Join us for an episode filled with rich insights and practical advice from a chef who’s as skilled in business as she is in the kitchen. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a creative looking to infuse your personal story into your professional journey, Keya’s experiences will inspire and guide you.

Join us on this episode of "Braving Business" as we dive into the world of global entrepreneurship and personal resilience with Saville Kellner, CEO of Lake Industries. From his beginnings in Cape Town, South Africa, to building a multinational manufacturing and distribution empire, Saville shares the strategies and mindset shifts that propelled his ventures to success over the past four decades.

Key topics include the growth of Lake Industries into a global powerhouse, the intricacies of running diverse companies like JLS Financial and Revenue Media Group, and the importance of adaptability in business. Saville opens up about his personal journey with Scleroderma, a condition he discovered through a friend, and how it has fueled his philanthropic efforts, including collaborations with The Johns Hopkins Hospital and organizing annual fundraising events.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into balancing business leadership with meaningful philanthropy, understanding the significance of resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges, and the power of leveraging networks for global impact.

Actionable Takeaways:

Discover the principles of building a sustainable and globally recognized business.

Learn how personal experiences can shape leadership styles and inspire philanthropic missions.

Understand the importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating both business and personal trials.

Gain practical advice on expanding your business network and influence across borders.

Tune in to hear Saville Kellner's inspiring story and learn how to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and impact. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or creative professional, this episode offers strategies to help you thrive in the face of adversity.

Learn more about Saville at www.lakeindustries.com and www.revenuemediagroup.com

In this exciting episode of "Braving Business," we sit down with Chef Joe Sasto and Sean Knecht, the innovative co-founders of Tantos!, to explore the dynamic intersection of culinary artistry and entrepreneurial prowess. Their collective journeys through entrepreneurialism and resilience leading them to launch and incredible product together is a story worth sharing.

Key Topics Covered:

Entrepreneurial Evolution: Discover both Sean and Joe's unique journeys as they found their way through focus, hurdles, pivots, and continued resilience.

Culinary Innovation: Unpack the inception of Tantos, the world's first puffed pasta chip, and the collaborative spark needed to launch.

Resilience and Adaptation: Learn how Sean and Joe navigated challenges and leveraged their passion for cooking to create a unique product in the competitive snack market.

Building Strategic Partnerships: Insights into forming successful collaborations with major brands and leveraging media exposure to fuel business growth.

Main Insights:

Sean and Joe share their unfiltered insights on staying resilient through entrepreneurial shifts, the importance of pursuing passion projects, and how to capitalize on unique ideas in niche markets. Their story is a testament to the power of embracing change and finding opportunities in unexpected places.

Actionable Takeaways:

1

Embrace Collaboration: Reach out to potential partners who complement your skillset and vision for innovative product development.

2

Leverage Media Exposure: Utilize platforms like social media to gain visibility and credibility for your brand.

3

Cultivate a Passion Project: Allow personal interests to guide business ventures, as passion can drive innovation and success.

Join us as Joe and Sean share their recipe for entrepreneurial success, blending creativity with strategic business acumen to inspire the next wave of purpose-driven leaders and innovators. Follow their journey on social media @seanknecht @chef.joe.sasto and @eattantos - discover how you can turn your culinary dreams into a thriving business reality.

In this compelling episode of Braving Business, we sit down with James Swanwick—esteemed alcohol-free coach, investor, entrepreneur, and former ESPN SportsCenter anchor—who is revolutionizing how high-performing professionals view alcohol consumption. As the creator and founder of Project 90, a neuroscience-based program boasting a remarkable 98% success rate in reducing alcohol consumption, James offers profound insights into the transformative power of an alcohol-free lifestyle. His upcoming book, CLEAR: How to Achieve Success Without Alcohol, launching March 18, 2025, promises to be a game-changer for entrepreneurs, executives, and health enthusiasts alike.

Key Topics Covered:

Alcohol-Free Wealth: Discover how cutting back on drinking can dramatically enhance your career, family life, and financial standing.

Breaking the Stigma: Learn why abandoning alcohol is becoming the ultimate status symbol among high performers.

The Neuroscience of Quitting Alcohol: Delve into the science behind Project 90's exceptional success rate, starkly contrasting with traditional methods like AA.

Main Insights:

James shares his journey from a high-profile media career to becoming a leading figure in the alcohol-free movement. His expertise, featured on popular podcasts like High Intensity Health and Lead On Purpose with James Laughlin, underscores the profound impact of ditching alcohol on personal and professional success.

Actionable Takeaways:

1

Reframe Your Perspective: Understand the hidden costs of alcohol on your productivity and health.

2

Adopt Science-Backed Strategies: Leverage neuroscience-based techniques to reduce alcohol consumption and boost clarity.

3

Embrace New Norms: Position yourself as a forward-thinking leader by making alcohol-free living a status symbol.

Tune in and discover how an alcohol-free lifestyle could be the key to unlocking your full potential in both business and life.

Connect with James:

www.jamesswanwick.com

IG: @jamesswanwick

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesswanwick

Contact us:

www.BravingBusiness.com - Co-Hosted by Tal Zlotnitsky & PJ Benoit