The Swell Pod
What does it take to create something that never existed before? What does it take to challenge the status quo? What does it take to change the world? Join us on our journey to find out.
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Episodes
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
In episode 009 of the Kiln.RoadTrip, created and produced by The Swell Pod, hosts Spencer McKeown and Josh Taylor interview Zach Olson, CEO of Treads, during their Kiln Road Trip. The discussion covers Zach's entrepreneurial background, the creation of Treads—an AI-powered car maintenance subscription service—and the company's expansion to 21 cities with plans for further growth. They touch on the challenges and technological innovations in the auto industry, as well as Zach's leadership style and the balance required in entrepreneurship.
About Zach Olson:
Zach Olson is the founder and CEO of Treads, a pioneering company revolutionizing the automotive industry with its innovative tire and maintenance subscription model. Before establishing Treads, Zach founded Bookly, an innovative software-enabled accounting service. Bookly's unique value proposition and success drew the attention of global giants, leading to its acquisition by KPMG in 2018.
About Treads:
Treads is an AI powered car maintenance subscription.
Treads Website: www.treads.app
Download the treads app:
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/treads-app/id1494159985
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=app.treads.treadsapp
Follow Zach Olson and Treads
Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/gettreads/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachrolson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettreads/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gettreads
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gettreads
Bullets:
The Kiln Road Trip (00:00:02) Introduction to the podcast episode and the Kiln Road Trip, including the sponsors and hosts.
Zach Olson's Background and Treads (00:01:06) Zach Olson discusses his background as a serial entrepreneur and the founding of Treads, an AI-powered car maintenance subscription.
Transition to Technology (00:02:10) Zach talks about his transition from skateboarding to technology and his infatuation with cloud-based technologies.
Treads Value Proposition (00:03:32) Zach explains the value proposition of Treads as an AI-powered car maintenance subscription and the services offered through the mobile app.
Challenges Faced by Treads (00:06:33) Zach discusses the economic and technological challenges faced by Treads in the car maintenance industry.
Treads Growth and Future Plans (00:07:54) Zach shares the growth of Treads and outlines the future roadmap for expanding the company to major cities.
Innovative Features of Treads (00:08:21) Zach highlights the innovative features of Treads, such as tread scanning and predictive maintenance leveraging AI.
Treads Subscription Model and User Benefits (00:09:47) Zach explains how Treads' subscription model simplifies car maintenance, saves money, and enhances the user experience.
Treads Headquarters and Remote Work (00:12:22) Zach discusses Treads' remote work culture and the role of Kiln as the company's home base for gatherings and meetings
Passion and Leadership Style (00:17:23) Zach emphasizes the importance of passion, problem-solving, and maintaining a balanced perspective in building a company. He also discusses his leadership style and vision for Treads
Conclusion and Call to Action (00:20:31) The hosts wrap up the interview with Zach Olson and encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast and follow the journey on social media.
Timestamps:
The Kiln Road Trip (00:00:02) Introduction to the podcast episode and the Kiln Road Trip, including the sponsors and hosts.
Zach Olson's Background and Treads (00:01:06) Zach Olson discusses his background as a serial entrepreneur and the founding of Treads, an AI-powered car maintenance subscription.
Transition to Technology (00:02:10) Zach talks about his transition from skateboarding to technology and his infatuation with cloud-based technologies.
Treads Value Proposition (00:03:32) Zach explains the value proposition of Treads as an AI-powered car maintenance subscription and the services offered through the mobile app.
Challenges Faced by Treads (00:06:33) Zach discusses the economic and technological challenges faced by Treads in the car maintenance industry.
Treads Growth and Future Plans (00:07:54) Zach shares the growth of Treads and outlines the future roadmap for expanding the company to major cities.
Innovative Features of Treads (00:08:21) Zach highlights the innovative features of Treads, such as tread scanning and predictive maintenance leveraging AI.
Treads Subscription Model and User Benefits (00:09:47) Zach explains how Treads' subscription model simplifies car maintenance, saves money, and enhances the user experience.
Treads Headquarters and Remote Work (00:12:22) Zach discusses Treads' remote work culture and the role of Kiln as the company's home base for gatherings and meetings.
Passion and Leadership Style (00:17:23) Zach emphasizes the importance of passion, problem-solving, and maintaining a balanced perspective in building a company. He also discusses his leadership style and vision for Treads.
Conclusion and Call to Action (00:20:31) The hosts wrap up the interview with Zach Olson and encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast and follow the journey on social media.
#SwellPod, #KilnRoadTrip, #Kiln, #MotorraCamperVans, #podcast, #interview, #innovation, #resilience, #communitybuilding, #passion, #purpose, #community, #diversity, #collaboration, #thoughtleadership, #parkcity, #Treads, #AIpoweredcarmaintenance, #subscription, #skateshop, #mobileapp, #carmaintenance, #pandemic, #consumerbehavior, #growth, #technology, #treadscanning, #predictivemaintenance, #zacholson
Monday Mar 18, 2024
Monday Mar 18, 2024
In episode 008 of the Kiln.RoadTrip, created and produced by The Swell Pod, hosts Spencer McKeown and Josh Taylor interview Jason Owen, CEO of Heliose, during their Kiln Road Trip. They discuss Heliose's ambitious goal to cut solar costs by 50% and speed up installation to within 72 hours post-sale. Owen highlights the issues of high sales commissions and dealer fees that inflate solar prices and outlines Heliose's strategy to overcome industry challenges, such as high interest rates and lack of regulation.
About Jason Owen:
Award-winning marketing executive, strategic leader, and data-driven growth expert, architecting strategies for $1B+ market cap companies and start-ups alike. Previously was the COO of Home Insurance.com, Business Unit CMO for Red Ventures, and GM of Credit.com before co-founding a fintech. Invested over $1B in performance media over the course of my career. Currently building Heliose to transform the way that residential solar is adopted in the US, helping to get the price down by 50% in the next 24 months.
Follow Jason:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrowen/
Instagram: @jasonrowen
About Heliose:
Heliose is accelerating America’s solar future. Aggregating consumers, lenders, and installers into the first real-time solar marketplace.
heliose.io
Bullets:
Interview with Jason Owen, CEO of Heliose
Mission of Heliose to reduce the price of solar in the US
Challenges in the residential solar industry
Efforts to streamline the process for consumers to purchase solar
Impact of high interest rates on solar
Lack of regulation in the industry
Technical challenges of implementing Heliose's solution
Size of the Heliose team
Timestamps:
The Kiln Road Trip (00:00:02) Introduction to the podcast episode and the purpose of the Kiln Road Trip, covering the journey and the challenge of interviewing 100 individuals across five states.
Interview with Jason Owen (00:00:53) Introduction to Jason Owen, CEO of Heliose, and his work in accelerating America's solar future.
Founding Heliose (00:01:31) Jason Owen's journey from co-founding Heliose to addressing the challenges in the residential solar ecosystem and the mission to reduce solar prices in the United States.
Identifying the Problems in Residential Solar (00:02:49) Discussion on the core problems affecting the price of solar in the United States, including sales commissions and financing fees.
Heliose's Role in the Solar Ecosystem (00:04:01) Explanation of Heliose's role in streamlining the process for consumers to purchase solar and driving down prices through competition and transparency.
Consumer Preferences and Digital-First Strategy (00:05:06) Addressing consumer preferences in purchasing solar and the digital-first strategy adopted by Heliose's.
Challenges Faced by Heliose's (00:07:19) Discussion on the challenges faced by Heliose's, including high-interest rates, industry regulation, and technical complexities.
Team and Expertise at Heliose (00:09:31) Insight into the size and expertise of the Helios team, emphasizing the talent and expertise of the members.
Transparency in the Solar Industry (00:10:11) The importance of transparency in the solar industry and the innovative approach adopted by Heliose.
Sponsorship and Partnerships (00:13:18) Acknowledgment of the partners and sponsors of the Kiln Road Trip, including Kiln, Motor Camper Vans, and Taurus.
Growth Potential of Solar Industry (00:17:10) Discussion on the growth potential of the solar industry and the possibility of a significant increase in solar installations in the United States.
The Growth Potential (00:18:42) Discussion on consumer behavior and potential growth in the solar industry.
Building Trust and Values (00:19:20) The importance of trust and core values in business, with a focus on consumer trust.
Improving Consumer Experience (00:20:21) Comparing consumer experiences in different industries and the need for improvement in the solar industry.
The Impact of Community (00:21:03) The positive impact of being part of a community on mental health and entrepreneurship.
Advice for Entrepreneurs (00:23:11) The significance of community and the challenges in starting a new business.
Stewardship and Responsibility (00:24:38) The responsibility of entrepreneurs to use capital wisely and focus on building rather than publicity.
#SwellPod, #KilnRoadTrip, #Kiln, #MotorraCamperVans, #podcast, #interview, #innovation, #resilience, #communitybuilding, #passion, #purpose, #community, #diversity, #collaboration, #thoughtleadership, #parkcity, #JasonOwen, #Heliose, #solarfuture, #residentialsolar, #sales, #executionstrategy,
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Friday Mar 15, 2024
In episode 007 of the Kiln.RoadTrip, created and produced by The Swell Pod, hosts Spencer McKeown and Josh Taylor interview Jackie Zehner, founder of SheMoney, during their Kiln Road Trip. Jacki, a former Goldman Sachs partner and financial feminist, discusses her dedication to aligning women with money and power. She highlights the emotional and traumatic aspects of financial management, especially for women, and emphasizes the importance of storytelling in her work. SheMoney, her platform, offers events and workshops to empower women financially, supported by strategic partnerships and the state of Utah.
Jacki Zehner describes herself as a financial feminist. The latest Global Gender Gap Report states that at the current rate of change, it will take over 135 years to reach gender parity, and for Jacki, that’s completely unacceptable. As the founder of ShePlace and SheMoney, she is bringing all her decades of experience championing for the advancement of women and girls under these new umbrellas. Jacki learned quite a lot about finance while working at Goldman Sachs, where at the age of 32, she became the youngest woman and first female trader to make partner. After leaving Goldman in 2002, Jacki spent almost a decade absorbing as much as she could about the wealth management industry, before diving into philanthropy full force, serving on many women focused non-profit boards, giving through her family foundation, and co-founding a global philanthropic network called Women Moving Millions whose over 330 members have collectively given over one billion dollars with a gender lens. Jacki is an active investor and champion of gender-lens investing more generally. She began writing about women and money in 2009 on her personal blog and other platforms, and now primarily publishes regular content as an Influencer on LinkedIn where she has a following of over 750,000. Jacki is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for her work, including being named by The Economist magazine as one of the top 50 Diversity Leaders in Public Life.
About SheMoney
A consultancy and content platform dedicated to women+, money & financial equity.
https://www.shemoney.com/
Follow Jacki Zehner and SheMoney:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacki-zehner/
Instagram:
@jackizehner
@thesheplace
TikTok: @jzehner
Twitter: JackiZehner
Bullets
Focus on women and financial equity
Purpose of SheMoney
Importance of storytelling in the community
Trauma associated with money
Implementing ideas and bringing them to practice
Business model and revenue sources for SheMoney
Support and partnerships for SheMoney
Timestamps:
The Kiln Road Trip (00:00:02) Introducing the journey across five states and the purpose of interviewing 100 pleasantly rebellious humans.
Jacki Zehner's Background (00:01:12) Jacki Zehner's introduction and her background in finance and philanthropy, leading to the founding of She Money.
She Money's Purpose (00:04:43) Jacki Zehner's explanation of the purpose of She Money and the importance of discussing money for women.
Storytelling and Community (00:07:04) The significance of storytelling and promoting the stories of women in the She Money community.
Money and Trauma (00:09:54) Discussion on the intersection of money and trauma, including personal, systemic, and cultural aspects.
Business Model and Revenue (00:16:00) Jacki Zehner's insights into the business model of SheMoney and its revenue sources.
Financial equity and diverse professional network (00:19:41) SheMoney's approach to diversity, inclusion, and financial equity in their professional network and strategic partnerships for revenue.
Revenue streams and future plans (00:20:39) Discussion on SheMoney's revenue sources, including sponsorships, merchandise, events, consulting, and future plans for courses, books, and media.
Philanthropic efforts and the seven money moves (00:21:38) SheMoney's focus on philanthropy, the seven money moves framework, and promoting intentional spending.
Supporting women-owned businesses (00:23:15) Initiative to support intentional, value-based spending and the importance of supporting women-owned businesses.
Experience in storytelling and making finance fun (00:25:23) Plans for incorporating storytelling and emotion into financial education and making finance more accessible and fun.
Acknowledgment of support from Kiln (00:26:17) Gratitude for the support received from Kiln and their role in hosting workshops and supporting the She Money community.
#SwellPod, #KilnRoadTrip, #Kiln, #MotorraCamperVans, #podcast, #interview, #innovation, #resilience, #communitybuilding, #passion, #purpose, #community, #diversity, #collaboration, #thoughtleadership, #parkcity, #financial equity, #women, #money, #genderequity, #womenentrepreneurs, #wealthmanagement, #philanthropy, #financialresources, #storytelling, #trauma,
Thursday Mar 14, 2024
Thursday Mar 14, 2024
In episode 006 of the Kiln.RoadTrip, created and produced by The Swell Pod, hosts Spencer McKeown and Josh Taylor interview Megan Recher and Haley Nelke from Place Collaborative, a firm dedicated to open-source, sustainable architecture and planning. They discuss their commitment to sharing knowledge and creating regenerative solutions, aiming to make the industry more resilient. They emphasize the importance of collaboration over competition, offering consultancy to other firms for sustainable projects. Both guests share personal backgrounds and their drive to integrate purpose into their work, despite the challenges they face. The episode highlights their vision for a more sustainable future and their efforts to build a community around shared, actionable knowledge for environmental betterment.
About Megan Recher:
Megan Recher, Principal at Place Collaborative, AIA, LEED BD+C, LFA, SEED AP
Megan is recognized for urban planning, architecture and policy projects which are adaptable to regional climate challenges. She conducts project charrettes connecting social, economic and environmental factors to advance resilience principles in the design and communities. Her strong focus on resilient and regenerative design strategies influences projects in a way that creates quality space while simultaneously increasing projects adaptability while reducing energy, water, waste, and cost.
Follow Megan Recher at:
Linkedin
Instagram @meganrecher
About Haley Nelke:
Hayley Nelke, Designer at Place Collaborative, LFA, SEED AP
Hayley has a strong background in Public Interest Design and Design Build through completing the certificate program with the Center for Public Interest Design alongside her architectural education. She spent time in eastern Montana, participating in rebuilding programs after wildfire events, and has hands on experience with material reuse design builds in Oregon. Hayley’s experience on projects from the tenant improvement scale to the urban planning scale as well as experience facilitating community engagement in design helps her adapt to any of the various project types at Place Collaborative.
Follow Haley Nelke at:
Linkedin
Instagram @highdeserthayley
About Place Collab:
Based in Park City, Utah, we’re focused on creating and sharing open-source solutions in all places. We consult with design teams, building owners and operators, planners, and policymakers. We are a majority woman-owned and operated company and benefit corporation that provides regenerative solutions. We are engaged in projects at the regional, community, and building scales.
placecollab.com
Bullets:
Mission to share knowledge and create regenerative and resilient solutions in architecture and planning
Challenges faced and strategies for overcoming them
Introduction to the Kiln Road Trip and its purpose
Discussion about the Kiln Road Trip and its journey across five states
Place Collaborative's focus on creating and sharing open-source solutions
Consultation with design teams, building owners, planners, and policymakers
Emphasis on regenerative solutions at regional, community, and building scales
Vision to make a better planet for everyone through resilient and regenerative strategies
Building a community and serving as consultants for other firms.
TimeStamps:
The Kiln Road Trip (00:00:02) Introduction to the podcast episode and the Kiln Road Trip, a 10-day journey across five states.
Introduction to Place Collaborative (00:00:53) Introduction to Megan Ricker and Haley from Place Collaborative, a place-based architecture and planning company.
Personal Backgrounds (00:02:17) Megan and Haley discuss their personal backgrounds and interests, including their childhood and hobbies.
Mission and Vision of Place Collaborative (00:04:17) Discussion about the mission of Place Collaborative to share knowledge and create regenerative and resilient solutions in the architecture and planning industry.
Challenges Faced and Strategies to Overcome (00:07:33) Discussion about the obstacles faced by Place Collaborative, including knowledge safeguarding and regulatory issues, and their strategies to overcome these challenges.
Educational and Sharing Strategies (00:11:04) Strategies employed by Place Collaborative to overcome challenges, including engaging city officials early in projects and sharing tools and resources for sustainable building practices.
Community Building and Future Vision (00:17:59) Discussion about the vision for the future, aiming for widespread implementation of resilient and regenerative strategies and the aspiration to build a community around sharing knowledge.
Big Conference Plans (00:18:54) Discussion about creating a future conference and sharing knowledge with other firms.
Kiln's Impact (00:19:23) The invaluable role of Kiln in providing flexible workspaces and fostering collaboration and inspiration.
Community Engagement (00:20:27) The positive community atmosphere at Kiln, including its dog-friendly environment and sense of belonging.
#SwellPod, #KilnRoadTrip, #Kiln, #MotorraCamperVans, #podcast, #interview, #innovation, #resilience, #communitybuilding, #passion, #purpose, #community, #diversity, #collaboration, #thoughtleadership, #parkcity, #placecollab, #opensource, #regenerativesolutions, #architecture, #sustainable,
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
In episode 005 of the Kiln.RoadTrip, created and produced by The Swell Pod, hosts Spencer McKeown and Josh Taylor interview Ryan Bedinghaus, the executive director of Hyperquake. They explore the significance of storytelling in branding, the necessity of understanding consumers, and the impact of effective communication in launching innovative ideas. Ryan shares his personal journey, emphasizing the influence of his upbringing and the crucial shift of moving to Utah, which taught him the value of connecting with people on an emotional level. The conversation delves into the art of refining one's story and the importance of networking to create movements that challenge the status quo.
About Ryan Bedinghaus:
As the Executive Director of our office in Park City, Ryan oversees new client relationships for Hyperquake. Early in his career, Ryan learned the power of a strong brand story and leveraging that story across all touch points. With 12+ years of experience, Ryan leverages this expertise to help entrepreneurs and/or executives realize the power of a cohesive story to scale their business and meet KPI's.
About Hyperquake:
Hyperquake is an independent strategy and design studio.
We build ambitious brands and experiences for those eager to activate a vision.
hyperquake.com
Follow Ryan Bedinghaus at:
Linkedin
Instagram @bedingrm
Bullet Points:
Importance of understanding the consumer
Refining one's own story
Power of communication in bringing innovative ideas to life
Ryan Bedinghaus' background and career journey
The impact of upbringing on work ethic and values
Moving out of comfort zone and learning to tell a compelling story
Advice for up-and-coming storytellers
Creating movements and challenging the status quo
Bringing innovative ideas to life and changing the world
The significance of communication and building relationships
TimeStamps:
The Kiln Road Trip (00:00:02) Introduction to the podcast episode and the Kiln Road Trip, covering the purpose and partnership details.
Introduction to Ryan Bedinghaus (00:00:58) Introducing Ryan Bedinghaus, the executive director of Hyperquake, and the focus of the interview for this episode.
Ryan Bedinghaus' Background (00:01:16) Ryan Bedinghaus discusses his background, upbringing, and entry into the branding world.
Consumer-Focused Storytelling (00:05:26) Ryan explains the importance of consumer-focused storytelling and understanding audience insights.
Customer Obsession (00:06:54) Discussion on the significance of customer obsession and the need for intimate conversations to understand consumer needs.
Testing and Data-Driven Decisions (00:08:36) The approach to creative testing, data-driven decision-making, and the importance of business outcomes.
Sponsors and Partners (00:10:29) Acknowledgment and promotion of the podcast's sponsors and partners, Kiln, Motor Camper Vans, and Taurus.
Advice for Storytellers (00:13:20) Ryan's advice for up-and-coming storytellers, emphasizing the importance of knowing one's own story and networking.
Defining Moment and Personal Growth (00:15:58) Ryan shares a defining moment in his personal and professional growth, focusing on moving out of his comfort zone and the importance of human connection.
Creating a Movement through Communication (00:17:51) Ryan emphasizes the role of communication in creating a movement, encouraging open dialogue and building trust with others.
Conclusion and Call to Action (00:18:49) Closing remarks, encouraging listeners to follow the podcast on various platforms and social media.
#SwellPod, #KilnRoadTrip, #ryanbedinghaus, #hyperquake, #storytelling, #communication, #parkcity, #Kiln, #MotorraCamperVans, #podcast, #interview, #innovation, #resilience, #communitybuilding, #passion, #purpose, #community, #diversity, #collaboration, #thoughtleadership
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
In episode 004 of the Kiln.RoadTrip, created and produced by The Swell Pod, hosts Spencer McKeown and Josh Taylor interview Carly Driscoll of Wasatch Back Media. Carly shares her journey from competitive water skier to digital marketing entrepreneur in Salt Lake City, focusing on skiing inclusivity. She discusses overcoming gender biases and her efforts to welcome women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ communities into skiing.
About Carly Driscoll:
A woman entrepreneur who has been focused on digital marketing for 10 years launched Wasatch Back Media in the midst of the pandemic in 2020. We are here to bring your brand to life through digital marketing strategy and execution. Now about to reach the end of our third successful year in business, we recently launched a sister company Wasatch Back Events that will focus on experiential marketing for corporate clients that also have a digital component.
About Wasatch Back Media:
Wasatch Back Media is a digital marketing consultancy based in Park City, Utah powered by Carly Driscoll—an industry veteran and leader.
We keep our clients up-to-speed and current in an ever-changing, sometimes turbulent digital landscape. Our primary area of expertise is digital strategy and execution. We bring your business to life through sophisticated, intentional, digital marketing strategy.
wasatchbackmedia.com
Contact Wasatch Back Media: info@wasatchbackmedia.com
Follow Carly Driscoll and Wasatch Back Media at:
Linkedin
Instagram @wasatchbackmedia
Bullets:
Interview with Carly Driscoll, owner of Wasatch Back Media
Carly's background and career in digital marketing
Efforts to promote inclusivity in the ski industry
Challenges faced as a woman-owned entrepreneur in the digital space
Passion project focusing on inclusivity in the ski industry
Support from the hosts for Carly's mission
Sponsor messages from Kiln, Motor Camper Vans, and Taurus
Insights into Carly's journey as an entrepreneur
Dedication to promoting inclusivity in the ski industry
TimeStamps:
Carly's Background (00:00:02) Carly's background and the challenge of the Kiln Road Trip.
Introduction to Carly Driscoll (00:00:58) Introduction to Carly Driscoll, owner of Wasatch Back Media.
Carly's Life Journey (00:01:31) Carly's life journey from a Midwestern girl to her professional water skiing career and transition to digital marketing.
Starting Wasatch Back Media (00:04:11) Carly's decision to start her own marketing firm and the challenges she faced as a woman entrepreneur.
Promoting Inclusivity in Skiing (00:11:18) Carly's efforts to promote inclusivity in the ski industry, including breaking down barriers for women and minority groups.
Importance of Representation in Skiing (00:18:59) The importance of representation in the skiing community and the need for inclusivity.
Challenges in Promoting Inclusivity (00:20:01) Challenges faced in promoting inclusivity in skiing, including the need to bridge gaps and address negative attitudes.
Conclusion (00:21:23) Carly's mission in the ski industry and the complexity of the inclusivity effort.
Carly's Business Offer (00:21:46) Carly discusses offering discounted services to women and LGBTQ+ owned businesses.
The Road Trip (00:22:40) Carly talks about the upcoming road trip and her excitement for it.
Partnership with Motor A Camper Vans (00:23:06) Carly explains the partnership with Motor A Camper Vans and the process of pitching the idea.
The Road Trip's Mission (00:24:13) Carly details the mission of the road trip, including raising money for the women's non-profit, SheJumps.
Tour Stops and Events (00:26:00) Carly discusses the planned stops at various resorts and the events for women.
Registration and Event Details (00:27:02) Carly explains the registration process and details of the paid events.
Challenges and Success (00:27:58) Carly reflects on the challenges and successes of the three-year journey to bring the initiative to life.
#SwellPod, #KilnRoadTrip, #CarlyDriscoll, #wasatchbackmedia, #parkcity, #Kiln, #MotorraCamperVans, #podcast, #interview, #innovation, #resilience, #communitybuilding, #passion, #purpose, #community, #diversity, #collaboration, #thoughtleadership, # digitalmarketingconsultancy, #BIPOC, #LGBTQ+, #skiing
Monday Mar 11, 2024
Monday Mar 11, 2024
In episode 003 of the Kiln.RoadTrip, created and produced by The Swell Pod, hosts Spencer McKeown and Josh Taylor interview Kevin Williams, founder of Mad Brains. Kevin Williams shares his entrepreneurial journey, from running dive boats to venturing into startups and AI. His current focus is on large language models (LLMs) and their potential to revolutionize business communication. Mad Brains, under InkWorks AI, combines LLMs with AI-enabled handwriting technology to create personalized, handwritten notes, blending high-tech with a personal touch. Williams discusses the democratization of technology and the cultural impact of personalized messaging.
About Kevin Williams:
Kevin Williams is a seasoned digital CEO, business coach, the founder of Inkworks.ai, and the principal consultant at MadBrains.ai. With a rich history as an operator for angel and venture-funded companies and as the CEO of several global direct-to-consumer brands, Kevin brings a wealth of experience to his current roles.Currently, Kevin wears multiple hats. As an executive performance and AI coach, he empowers leaders to leverage AI, helping them build mental frameworks for success. As a fractional Chief Revenue Officer and digital strategist, he guides businesses to optimize their revenue streams and digital presence.
As the Founder and CEO of Inkworks.ai, Kevin is revolutionizing the way businesses communicate with their customers. Inkworks.ai, using an innovative blend of technology and tradition, meticulously crafts personalized handwritten notes, adding warmth and authenticity to business relationships. The company delivers business communication on a grand scale without sacrificing the charm of the human touch, harnessing the power of personalization layered with automation. Kevin is also an active investor and advisor, providing strategic guidance to businesses and contributing to the growth of the tech ecosystem. His diverse experience, from leading global brands to pioneering in the AI space, positions him uniquely in the intersection of leadership, strategy, and technology. His work is driven by a passion for harnessing the power of AI to drive business growth and leadership success. Kevin has been featured in Inc. Magazine and on ABC’s Shark Tank and is frequently cited in the WSJ, FT and other publications.
About MadBrains.ai:
MadBrains.ai, your fractional CAO offers a wide range of LLM services to help businesses of all sizes improve their efficiency, effectiveness, and customer experience.
https://www.madbrains.ai/
Follow Kevin Williams at:
Linkedin
Bullets:
Kevin's background as an entrepreneur and involvement in startups
Move to Park City from Washington DC
Current focus on AI and personalized messaging
Large language models (LLM) and their potential impact
Integrating LLM into business operations
Mad Brains' use of LLM for personalized messaging and handwritten notes
Leveraging AI to reach underrepresented communities
Impact of AI in creating inclusive and personalized communication
TimeStamps:
The Kiln Road Trip (00:00:03) Introduction to the road trip challenge and purpose, covering the journey and interviews with 100 individuals.
Kevin Williams' Background (00:01:20) Kevin Williams discusses his background as an entrepreneur, his move to Park City, and his involvement in startups.
Entrepreneurial Ventures (00:03:15) Kevin shares his experiences with startups, including involvement in a water-powered brush company and a private equity-funded direct-to-consumer business.
The Secret Shark Tank Society (00:04:28) Discussion about a secret community of over 900 Shark Tank CEOs and their annual private conference in Las Vegas.
Kevin's Passion for AI (00:05:39) Kevin explains his passion for AI and large language models, and how it led to his focus on personalized messaging through his company, Mad Brains.
Understanding Large Language Models (00:07:43) Kevin provides a brief explanation of large language models and their potential to revolutionize human-computer interactions.
Advising Companies on LLM (00:09:26) Kevin advises companies to integrate LLM but emphasizes the need to understand its potential and limitations.
Personalized Messaging with AI (00:12:51) Kevin discusses his company, Ink WorksAI, and its use of AI to create personalized, handwritten messages for targeted marketing.
Durable Business with AI (00:15:12) Kevin explains how he sought a durable business model leveraging AI and found the opportunity in personalized, handwritten messaging.
The timestamp's title (time it starts) short description, with max 20 words, of what is covered in this topic.
AI and Human Touch in AI Development (00:16:56) Discussion about the human touch needed in AI development and potential impact on personalized messaging.
Challenges and Uncanny Valley of AI (00:17:41) Exploration of the challenges and potential uncanny valley effect in AI-generated content and customer interactions.
Creating a Movement and Advice for Entrepreneurs (00:19:24) Discussion about creating a movement around a new idea and advice for entrepreneurs and innovators.
Sponsors and Partners of the Kiln Road Trip (00:20:27) Promotion of the sponsors and partners, including Kiln, Motor Camper Vans, and Taurus.
Entrepreneurship and Agility of Thought (00:23:23) Insights into the challenges and agility required in entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of momentum and realism.
AI-Based Content and Leadership Frameworks (00:25:11) The speaker's venture into AI-based content creation and focus on leadership frameworks for business leaders.
Personal Connection and No Regrets (00:27:17) The value of personal connections and the speaker's reflection on a past decision regarding a business opportunity.
#SwellPod, #KilnRoadTrip, #KevinWilliams, #madbrains, #ai, #aiservices, #LLM, #parkcity, #democratizetech, #Kiln, #MotorraCamperVans, #podcast, #interview, #innovation, #resilience, #communitybuilding, #passion, #purpose, #community, #diversity, #collaboration, #thoughtleadership
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Friday Mar 08, 2024
In episode 002 of the Kiln.RoadTrip, created and produced by The Swell Pod, hosts Spencer McKeown and Josh Taylor interview Julian Castelli from Growth Elevated. They delve into Julian's extensive experience as a board director, operating partner, and executive coach. The conversation highlights the mission of Growth Elevated, which is to foster success among C-level tech executives through collaborative events, community forums, and thought leadership. Additionally, they discuss the annual Growth Elevated Ski and Tech Summit, an event that combines networking and skill development for tech leaders in a unique, engaging setting.
About Julian Castelli:
Julian is a dynamic tech executive and founder with over twenty years leading, advising and coaching high-growth technology companies. Julian has served in CEO, CFO and COO roles at companies ranging from Series A-D privately funded companies and as CFO of a public company. As an advisor, Julian has served on multiple Boards and as an executive coach to CEOs and all C-suite roles. Julian has also served Fortune 500 companies in a senior advisory capacity as a strategy consultant with McKinsey & Company and an investment banker with Goldman Sachs. Julian resides in Park City UT, where each year he hosts a Tech conference for C-level technology executives.
About Growth Elevated:
Growth Elevated is a community of C-Level tech execs dedicated to helping each other succeed through collaboration with events, community forums and thought leadership.
https://growthelevated.com/
Follow Julian Castelli at:
Linkedin
Instagram @jcastelli66
Bullets:
Julian's background and work at Growth Elevated
Growth Elevated's mission and activities
The annual Growth Elevated Ski and Tech Summit
TimeStamps:
The road trip and podcast (00:00:02) Introduction to the purpose and partners of the Kiln Road Trip podcast.
Introduction to Julian Castelli (00:00:53) Introduction of Julian Castelli, his role at Growth Elevated, and the annual Growth Elevated Ski and Tech Summit.
Julian's background and career (00:01:37) Julian's transition from corporate America to entrepreneurship and his current roles as an executive coach, investor, and advisor.
Julian's personal background (00:02:31) Julian's family background, including being a first-generation American with an international family.
Julian's coaching experience (00:02:52) Julian's experience coaching the Park City football team and the lessons learned from the season.
Creating a community for tech entrepreneurs (00:04:44) Julian's motivation for creating a community to help tech entrepreneurs and the challenges they face.
Growth Elevated Ski and Tech Summit (00:06:20) The organic evolution of the Growth Elevated Ski and Tech Summit, its purpose, and the value it provides to attendees.
Growth Elevated's focus and partnerships (00:08:51) Julian's primary focus on the Growth Elevated Ski and Tech Summit and his work with tech companies.
Community and event curation (00:10:44) The importance of bringing people together to address common challenges and the effectiveness of structured networking activities.
Balancing facilitation and natural interactions (00:12:27) The balance between facilitating connections and allowing natural interactions to occur during the ski trip.
Creating relationships within the community (00:15:38) The significance of building relationships within the community and the benefits of bringing team members to the event.
Practical strategies for community events (00:17:02) The practical use of stickers to facilitate meaningful conversations and connections during the event.
Challenges and Opportunities (00:17:31) Julian discusses the challenge of growing a community, learning about communities, and balancing organic growth with structure.
Advice for Entrepreneurs (00:20:00) Julian shares advice for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of community and allies in entrepreneurship and tech.
The Role of Kiln (00:25:42) Julian expresses his love for Kiln Park City, highlighting the energy, serendipitous connections, and the importance of engaging with a community.
Promoting the Growth Elevated Ski and Tech Summit (00:28:11) Julian invites entrepreneurs to attend the Growth Elevated Ski and Tech Summit and provides his LinkedIn for further information.
Inspirational Coaches (00:28:38) Julian admires John Wooden's coaching approach and the wholesome lessons he shared, highlighting the impact of Wooden's success and teachings.
Connecting to Previous Interview (00:29:09) The hosts connect the current interview to the previous one, promoting environmentally friendly back country skiers and snowboarders made with recycled plastic.
#SwellPod, #KilnRoadTrip, #MarkMann, #BackcountrySwell, #recycledplastic, #sustainableoutdoorproducts, #Kiln, #MotorraCamperVans, #podcast, #interview, #innovation, #resilience, #communitybuilding, #passion, #purpose, #community, #diversity, #boarddirector, #operatingpartner, #growthelevated, #collaboration, #thoughtleadership
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
In episode 001 of the Kiln.RoadTrip, created and produced by The Swell Pod, hosts Spencer McKeown and Josh Taylor interview Mark Mann, co-founder of Backcountry Swell. They discuss the company's innovative approach to creating sustainable outdoor products, made from 100% recycled plastics. Mark shares the company's mission to build a community around cleanups and environmental awareness, aiming to scale by involving more people in the cause. The conversation touches on the challenges of working with recycled materials and the company's commitment to environmental impact over ease of production. Mark also highlights the importance of having a strong "why" to drive forward with innovative, impactful work.
Mark Mann: It all started with a broken skateboard. From there it became about “how can we make high performance outdoor products that by them existing are helping solve a large scale problem.
Follow Mark Mann and The Backcountry Swell:
Linkedin
Instagram:
@thebackcountryswell
@markmann
TikTok:
@thebackcountryswell
Backcountry Swell: Outdoor Products made from 100% recycled plastic inspiring people to go outside. Shred sustainably. https://thebackcountryswell.com/
Bullets:
The Kiln Road Trip: a ten-day journey across five states interviewing 100 individuals embodying a pleasantly rebellious spirit
Uncovering truths about creating something new and challenging the status quo
Mark Mann, co-founder of Backcountry Swell, and his sustainable outdoor products
Origins of Backcountry Swell and working with recycled plastic
Challenges and triumphs in creating sustainable outdoor products
Mark Mann's vision for building a community around cleanups and collecting plastic
TimeStamps:
The kiln road trip (00:00:02) Introduction to the purpose of the road trip and the challenge to interview 100 individuals to uncover deep truths.
Interview with Mark Mann (00:00:53) Introduction of the first interviewee, Mark Mann, co-founder of Backcountry Swell, and his company's mission to create outdoor products from recycled plastic.
Mark Mann's background (00:01:43) Discussion about Mark's background, his passion for the outdoors, and his experience in various locations.
Starting Backcountry Swell (00:03:13) Mark's journey of starting Backcountry Swell, including the pivotal moment of melting plastic to fix a skateboard and the inspiration to repurpose plastic waste.
Challenges and perseverance (00:07:03) Mark's challenges in creating the first recycled skateboard, the process of experimentation, and the perseverance required to overcome obstacles.
Testing and feedback (00:12:40) The process of testing the recycled skateboards and receiving feedback from skateboarders at skate parks.
Pivoting the business (00:13:58) The realization of the limited market for recycled skateboards leading to a pivot in the business strategy.
Future vision for Backcountry Swell (00:15:24) Mark's vision for Backcountry Swell's expansion into backcountry snow sports and becoming a serious competitor in the industry.
Creating something new (00:16:48) Mark's insights on the mindset required to create something that has never existed before, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and acceptance of failure.
Backcountry Snowboarding Equipment (00:21:45) Discussion about backcountry snowboarding equipment including skins, foot pivots, and recycled plastic components.
Scaling the Use of Recycled Plastic (00:23:48) Exploring the scalability of using recycled plastic for products and building a community for cleanups and plastic collection.
Environmental Impact of Product Creation (00:25:56) The discussion about the environmental impact and community element in the creation of sustainable products using recycled plastic.
Community Building and Advice for Entrepreneurs (00:29:05) The importance of community building and the advice for entrepreneurs to find their "why" and pursue their goals.
Promotion and Plastic Meetups (00:32:12) Promotion of the backcountry swell and the anticipation of plastic meetups for community involvement in cleanups.
#SwellPod, #KilnRoadTrip, #MarkMann, #BackcountrySwell, #recycledplastic, #sustainableoutdoorproducts, #Kiln, #MotorraCamperVans, #podcast, #interview, #innovation, #resilience, #environmentalimpact, #communitybuilding, #missiondrivenbusiness, #passion, #purpose, #community, #diversity, #sustainablepractices
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
In this episode of the Kiln.RoadTrip, created and produced by The Swell Pod, hosts Spencer McKeown and Josh Taylor interview Kevin Deneen of Moterra Camper Vans and Carly Driscoll from Wasatch Back Media about the Nordica Connect Tour 2024. They discuss the tour's mission to empower women in the ski industry and the collaboration with Moterra Camper Vans. The tour will take a team of women across various US locations to promote community and raise funds for She Jumps. The guests highlight the importance of partnerships, branding, and shared goals in this initiative.
https://www.nordica.com/usa/en/connect-tour
gomoterra.com
wasatchbackmedia.com
Or reach out to Wasatch Back Media - info@wasatchbackmedia.com
Follow Kevin and Carly on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlydriscoll/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-deneen/
Follow Wasatch Back Media and Moterra on Instagram
@wasatchbackmedia
@moterra
Bullets:
Mission to build a community for women in the ski industry
Logistics of the tour
Goals of raising funds for the nonprofit organization She Jumps
Creating a welcoming space for women in the ski community
Importance of energy, openness, innovation, and collaboration in partnerships
Interview with Kevin Deneen and Carley Driscoll (00:01:08) Discussion about the Nordica Connect Tour 2024 and collaboration with Kiln Motor Camper Vans.
Meeting Kevin and Carley (00:01:49) The hosts welcome Kevin and Carley and discuss their presence at the Kiln Road Trip.
The Meeting in the Kitchen (00:02:49) Kevin and Carley recount the organic meeting in the kitchen at Kiln that led to their collaboration.
Nordica Connect Tour 2024 (00:05:19) Carley explains the purpose and goals of the Nordica Connect Tour 2024.
Partnership and Mission (00:07:57) Discussion about the partnership between Motor Camper Vans and Nordica, and their shared mission.
Success and Goals (00:10:47) Carley and Kevin discuss the success criteria and goals for the Nordica Connect Tour 2024.
Motera's Mission (00:12:23) Kevin explains Motera's mission and its alignment with the tour's objectives.
Experiential Marketing (00:15:18) Carley explains the experiential marketing approach and its potential impact on the business.
Tour Preparation (00:17:48) Discussion about the preparation and journey plan for the Nordica Connect Tour 2024.
Nordica Connect Tour 2024 (00:19:02) Detailed itinerary of the Nordica Connect Tour 2024, covering multiple locations and events.
Debates on Accommodation (00:20:32) Discussion about whether to stay in hotels or in the camper van during the tour.
Partnership Creation (00:22:00) Exploration of the process and elements required to establish a new partnership.
Innovation and Collaboration (00:25:36) Discussion on the importance of energy, openness, innovation, and collaboration in creating partnerships.
Brand Marketing and Shared Mission (00:27:19) Emphasis on the importance of solid branding, communication, and shared mission in partnerships.
Conclusion and Future Plans (00:27:28) Expressing gratitude, discussing follow-up plans, and inviting future collaborations.
#SwellPod, #KilnRoadTrip, #MarkMann, #BackcountrySwell, #Kiln, #MotorraCamperVans, #podcast, #interview, #innovation, #resilience, #communitybuilding, #passion, #purpose, #community, #diversity, #collaboration, #thoughtleadership, #nordica, #nordicaconnecttour2024, #kevindeneen, Carly Driscoll, #moterra, #shejumps