Business Leaders of America Podcast

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Shekar Natarajan, the Founder and CEO of Orchestro.AI and one of the most innovative minds in supply chain transformation.

From humble beginnings in India, Shekar learned the values of hard work and integrity early on, lessons that have guided him throughout his career and shaped him into the leader he is today. He went on to hold transformative roles at iconic brands like Walmart, Target, Disney, and American Eagle, where he consistently redefined how businesses approach supply chain and logistics.

With over 150 patents and a bold mission to reduce waste and increase equity in logistics, Shekar founded Orchestro.AI to tackle some of the biggest challenges in the industry today. He has created an open logistics network that levels the playing field for smaller retailers and champions collaboration as a driving force for supply chain innovation. At the core of Orchestro’s vision is the philosophy of “Angels, Algorithms, and Access,” including his concept of “Angelic Intelligence,” which blends human insight with cutting-edge technology to create smarter, more ethical logistics solutions.

In this episode, we explore Shekar’s leadership journey, the inspiration behind Orchestro.AI, the future of AI in logistics, and how startups and established companies can remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder & CEO of Orchestro.AI, pioneering Vertical AI to optimize global supply chains

• Over 150 patents in supply chain and logistics innovation

• Former executive at Target, Walmart, Disney, American Eagle Outfitters, and PepsiCo, leading transformative supply chain, operations, and technology initiatives

• Advisor to multiple companies including Harry’s, CloudLeaf, Innit, and ZenDrive, guiding AI-driven supply chain strategies

• Scaled e-commerce operations from $50M to $10B, unlocking untapped opportunities and transforming inefficiencies into competitive advantages

• Visionary Award (2021)

• American Supply Chain Leadership Award (2021)

• Retail Innovator of the Year (2020)

How to connect with Shekar Natarajan

• https://www.shekarnatarajan.com/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/shekarnatarajan

• https://www.orchestro.ai/

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/orchestro-ai/

Show Notes

[1:32] Shekar reflects on growing up in India, sharing how the values of hard work and integrity he learned early on shaped the leader he is today.

[6:43] The common thread behind his success leading transformative work at major companies like Walmart, Target, and American Eagle.

[17:05] The inspiration behind Orchestro.ai and explains the key problems it’s solving in today’s logistics space.

[26:33] Creating an open logistics network has helped level the playing field for smaller retailers and why collaboration, not just competition, will drive the future of supply chain innovation.

[37:25] Shekar breaks down Orchestro’s mission of “Angels, Algorithms, and Access,” explaining the meaning behind each element and how his concept of “Angelic Intelligence” plays a central role.

[47:08] The potential risks to be mindful of as AI continues to evolve and impact industries.

[1:01:28] Where to follow Shekar’s work and learn more about Orchestro.ai.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by Marnie Schneider, CEO, author, philanthropist, and passionate advocate for sports, literacy, and community. As the granddaughter of former Philadelphia Eagles owner Leonard Tose and daughter of Susan Tose Spencer, the NFL’s first and only female GM, Marnie grew up surrounded by trailblazers and she’s continued that legacy in her own way.

Through her bestselling Football Freddie and Fumble the Dog series and her company Gameday in the USA, she’s pioneered the concept of “sports edutainment,” blending football, history, and culture to inspire kids across the country. She’s also President of the Women’s Division of the Global Pro Flag Football League, championing pay equity and visibility for female athletes.

In our conversation, we talk about the lessons she’s carried forward from her family’s NFL legacy, how she’s using storytelling to empower the next generation, and her vision for women in sports today and in the future.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Author & Founder of GameDay in the USA

• Combined education and entertainment for kids through sports with GameDay in the USA, pioneering the innovative concept and new category of “Sports Edutainment”
•      Creator of the Football Freddie and Fumble the Dog book series, teaching children about NFL teams, civic pride, and U.S. geography

• President of the Women’s Division of the Global Pro Flag Football League

• Granddaughter of Leonard Tose, former owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, and daughter of Susan Tose Spencer, the first and only female general manager in NFL history

• Host of Journey Through Sports and Life and Game On! X’s and O’s for Life

• Recognized advocate for youth literacy and sportsmanship, speaking at schools and community events nationwide

How to connect with Marnie Schneider

• https://www.marnieschneider.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/marnieschneider1/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnie-schneider-8246a22a/

• https://x.com/marnieschneidr

• Amazon.com : football freddie and fumble the dog

Show Notes

[2:27] Marnie reflects on growing up with her grandfather, former Eagles owner Leonard Tose, and her mother, Susan Tose Spencer, the NFL’s first and only female GM, sharing how their legacy shaped the person she is today.

[7:02] The values and philosophies she’s carried into her own ventures, inspired by her grandfather and mother’s bold impact on the NFL, and how she’s adapted them with her own unique twist.

[10:41] How her vision for combining education and entertainment for kids through sports evolved into the innovative concept of “Sports Edutainment.”

[20:35] What’s ahead for her and Gameday in the USA, offering a glimpse into upcoming projects and future plans.

[25:10] Marnie discusses her role as President of the Women’s Division of the Global Flag Football League and how she’s working to build a lasting legacy while keeping pay equity and visibility for women at the forefront.

[32:17] How co-hosting Journey Through Sports and Life podcast and creating the “Game On! X’s and O’s for Life” channel have shaped her views on leadership, storytelling, and the broader sports culture.

[38:21] How people can follow her work, connect with her, and bring Football Freddie and Fumble to their school, league, or community.

[39:44] Marnie offers advice to business leaders on carving their own path while honoring their roots and staying connected to where they came from.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Blaine Bishop, a 10-year NFL veteran, 4-time Pro Bowler, and 2-time All-Pro safety whose journey is a powerful testament to self-belief, grit, and preparation. From starting at a small Division II college to becoming one of the most respected defenders in the league, Blaine’s path is anything but conventional.

We dive into the mindset that fueled his rise to the top, the role his mentors and coaches played along the way, and what it was like to play, and get injured, on football’s biggest stage, the Super Bowl. Blaine also shares how he approached life after football with intention, building a career in broadcasting and media while still in the league.

Now the co-host of Cover Two with Blaine and Zach on 104.5 The Zone, he’s covering everything Titans and around the league. If you’ve ever felt underestimated or overlooked, this is a conversation that will leave you inspired to block out the noise and double down on your purpose.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Co-host of “Cover Two with Blaine and Zach” on 104.5 The Zone in Nashville

• 10-year NFL veteran, 4-time NFL Pro Bowler, and 2-time All-Pro selection

• Played in Super Bowl XXXIV as a key leader of the Titans defense

• Inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2025

• Inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame (2018)—first defensive player from the Titans/Oilers franchise to receive the honor

• Inducted into the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame (2017)

• Inducted into the Ball State University Athletics Hall of Fame (2003)

• Named to the NFL All‑Decade Team for the 1990s (Second Team, Safety)

How to connect with Blaine Bishop

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/Blaine-bishop-9a97a6a1/

• https://x.com/bbishop23

• https://www.instagram.com/Blainebishop23/

• https://www.1045thezone.com/Blaine-and-zach/

Show Notes

[2:44] Blaine shares how he went from a Division II school to a standout NFL career, and what internal drive and mindset helped him prove he belonged among the best.

[10:14] The impact his mother and key coaches had in shaping his work ethic, mindset, and resilience.

[18:12] What it was like to compete in the Super Bowl, how he mentally prepared for such a high-pressure moment, and the key lessons he took away about focus, composure, and leadership under intense scrutiny.

[24:16] The moment he got hurt in the Super Bowl, what he remembers right after the play.

[34:01] Blaine shares how he approached life after football differently than most, never tying his identity solely to being an athlete. He talks about preparing for a career in broadcasting and media even before retiring from the NFL.

[38:30] How listeners can reach out, follow Blaine’s work, and stay up to date with everything he’s involved in.

[39:08] Powerful advice to those who feel overlooked, encouraging them to trust their inner drive, block out the noise, and prove their worth through relentless effort and self-belief.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, we’re joined by Alex Feria, the CEO and Owner of Feria Financial, a rapidly growing mortgage brokerage serving clients across multiple states.

In this episode, Alex shares how he went from being a mortgage loan officer to building a dynamic, tech-forward company that’s helping people navigate the path to homeownership—especially in underserved communities. We dive into the team culture, systems, and leadership habits that drive his success, as well as how he leverages AI and virtual assistants to streamline operations and stay competitive.

We also talk about the importance of financial education, Alex’s passion for community impact, and his advice for entrepreneurs looking to build something meaningful from the ground up.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founded Feria Financial LLC, a multi-state financial brokerage

• Helped over 370 families in 2024 alone secure financing for homes and investments

• Hosts Sabroso con Feria, a podcast spotlighting local businesses and community leaders

• Specializes in traditional and non-traditional loan programs, including investment and bad credit financing

• Prioritizes financial education and transparency for first-time homebuyers and underserved communities

How to connect with Alex Feria

• https://www.feriafinancial.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/alexferia7/

• https://www.facebook.com/alexis.feria.71

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-feria-a1b8284b/

• https://www.instagram.com/feriafinancial/

• https://www.facebook.com/FeriaFinancial/

Show Notes

[1:16] Alex shares how his journey began as a mortgage loan officer and what ultimately inspired him to launch Feria Financial, now a thriving multi-state brokerage.

[2:27] The key factors behind Feria Financial’s impressive growth serving over 370 families in 2024 alone.

[7:02] The systems, habits, and team culture that drive Feria Financial’s reputation for fast and efficient loan closings.

[8:21] Leveraging AI and virtual assistants to streamline workflows, boost productivity, and stay ahead in a competitive lending market.

[12:01] How Feria Financial prioritizes financial education and builds trust, especially within underserved and first-time homebuyer communities, by focusing on transparency, personalized guidance, and community engagement.

[18:17] His vision for the future, including expansion into new markets and services, and what excites him most about the company’s continued growth and impact.

[20:16] Alex talks about Sabroso con Feria, his podcast focused on highlighting local businesses and leaders in his community.

[24:31] How listeners can connect directly and learn more about Feria Financial’s services, resources for homebuyers, and community initiatives.

[25:16] Advice for entrepreneurs looking to chase their dreams, sharing what to expect on the journey and practical guidance for success.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Herschorn, best-selling author, publisher, book marketing strategist, and founder of Big Impact Books.

From her roots as an award-winning journalist to helping business owners publish and promote books that elevate their influence, Melanie shares the personal story that led her to create a publishing model centered around empowerment and integrity.

We dig into the outdated myths around writing and publishing books, including the belief that simply publishing a book guarantees success. Melanie breaks down what it really takes to create a book that builds credibility, drives visibility, and fuels long-term business growth.

If you’ve ever thought about writing a book or want to turn your story into a powerful platform, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and actionable takeaways.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder of Big Impact Books, a publishing and marketing agency helping entrepreneurs turn their stories into authority-building assets.

• Award-winning journalist and former celebrity publicist with over 20 years of experience in media, branding, and storytelling across radio, print, and television.

• Best-selling author of Make a Big Impact with Your Book

• Sought-after international speaker and book marketing strategist

• Successfully helps clients leverage books to boost influence, land media opportunities, raise fees, and open new revenue streams

How to connect with Melanie Herschorn

• MeetMelanie.live

• https://yourbigimpactbook.com/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-herschorn/

• https://www.instagram.com/bigimpactbooks/

• https://www.facebook.com/melherschorn

Show Notes

[1:20] Melaine shares how her love for storytelling began in journalism and evolved into a mission to help business owners write, publish, and promote impactful books that elevate their brand and message.

[6:19] Opening up about a difficult experience with a predatory publisher and how that moment of adversity became the catalyst for launching Big Impact Books, a company built to empower authors and protect their vision.

[12:30] The common misconception that publishing a book alone guarantees success.

[17:51] The realities of self-publishing and why most books fail to gain traction. She shares how Big Impact Books is helping authors rise above the noise and the key steps business owners can take to ensure their book builds credibility, visibility, and authority.

[24:25] How to connect with Melanie and learn more about Big Impact Books

[25:59] How authors can thoughtfully incorporate AI into the writing and promotion process, what it can enhance, where it falls short, and what ethical boundaries to keep in mind.

[28:55] Practical advice for entrepreneurs ready to share their story, highlighting the first steps they should take to transform their ideas into a book that creates real impact.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Johnathan Grzybowski, the CMO and co-founder of Penji — a creative subscription platform that’s changing the way businesses access top-tier design talent.

From bootstrapping Penji into an Inc. 5000 company serving clients like Uber and Reebok, to building a remote team of elite creatives, Johnathan shares key lessons from his entrepreneurial journey.

We also dig into what makes Penji’s customer experience stand out in a crowded market, and how Johnathan’s content platforms like Dear Dads and Free Ideas are creating deeper connections beyond business.

If you’re an entrepreneur, creative leader, or just someone navigating growth, this conversation is packed with valuable perspective.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Co-founder and CMO of Penji, an Inc. 5000 company

• Built Penji from the ground up with no outside funding, serving thousands of clients worldwide, including brands like Reebok, Uber, Pep Boys, Kohl’s, and 1-800-Flowers.

• Developed an on-demand, unlimited design service that eliminates the need for hiring or long-term contracts, while leading a fully remote team comprised of the top 2% of creative talent.

• Host of two content platforms: Dear Dads, sharing fatherhood stories, and Free Ideas, offering daily business strategies

• Frequently featured speaker and guest on podcasts and events focused on entrepreneurship, branding, and leadership

• Recognized for championing accessibility in creative services and building strong, human-centered brand experiences

How to connect with Johnathan Grzybowski

• Email: johnathan@penji.co

• https://penji.co/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/grzybowskij/

• https://www.instagram.com/penji.co/

• https://www.instagram.com/grzybowskij/

• https://www.youtube.com/@dotpenji

• https://getfreeideas.com/

Show Notes

[1:31] Johnathan shares the origin story of Penji. What sparked the idea, how the early challenges shaped the company, and what it took to grow it into an Inc. 5000 brand serving clients like Reebok and Uber.

[7:23] We explore what it’s like managing a mostly remote team—how Johnathan leads from a distance, builds trust, and maintains a strong company culture

[9:20] Johnathan offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Penji operates, detailing the customer experience, creative workflow, and what sets their process apart in the world of on-demand design.

[16:39] Johnathan discusses his approach to attracting and retaining some of the top 2% of creative talent, and how he’s built a high-performance team culture that drives exceptional results.

[20:08] How Penji consistently delivers on its bold promise of unlimited design, without hiring hassles, long-term contracts, or missed deadlines, and the systems behind that reliability.

[22:41] Johnathan dives into the inspiration behind personal passion projects like Dear Dads and Free Ideas, and how they’ve allowed him to build deeper, more human connections beyond the business world.

[26:04] Johnathan reflects on the challenges of maintaining work-life balance as a new father, and how he’s learning to navigate the demands of entrepreneurship while being present for his growing family.

[30:54] How listeners can connect with him, learn more about Penji’s services, and explore his personal platforms like Dear Dads and Free Ideas.

[31:31] Advice to early-stage entrepreneurs on what it really takes to build something from the ground up and how to stay focused when the path gets tough.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Michael Cerdá, a visionary builder behind some of the most iconic digital products of our time. From launching Disney+ to over 100 million subscribers, to helping build the Apple Card and Marcus platform at Goldman Sachs, to transforming TelevisaUnivision into a global streaming powerhouse with Vix, Michael has consistently built category-defining products at massive scale.

We explore his earlier work at Facebook, and how each chapter taught him something different about culture, leadership, and execution. We dive into what it really takes to lead inside high-stakes environments, where bold ideas must be matched by world-class execution, and how emotional intelligence, cultural alignment, and purposeful leadership separate good teams from great ones.

If you’re looking to understand what it takes to build products and companies that truly last, this episode is a masterclass in doing just that.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Executive Product Advisor of Build Something, advising CEOs and executive teams on scaling products, teams, and company culture

• Scaled Disney+ from concept to over 100 million subscribers and $4B+ in revenue within three years

• Chief Product Officer at Goldman Sachs, overseeing Marcus platform growth to $43B+ in assets and co-developing the Apple Card

• Transformed TelevisaUnivision into a digital-first media company by launching Vix, reaching 50M+ monthly AVOD users and 10M SVOD subscribers, while driving $1B in annual streaming revenue through ad-supported and subscription models.

• Director of Product at Facebook, leading media product experiences across news, sports, and live streaming

• Head of Product at Vevo, where he drove exponential growth in user engagement

• Early innovation leader at MySpace and Ooma, transforming voice-over IP access and digital music discovery

• Author of Build Something: Building Products, Business & Culture

How to connect with Michael Cerda

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcerda/

• https://www.build-something.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/imcerdafied/?hl=en

• https://www.facebook.com/michaelcerda

• https://x.com/imcerdafied

Show Notes

[1:36] How Michael’s journey began, from early roles in sales to building transformative product experiences at powerhouse companies like Disney+, Goldman Sachs, Facebook, and Vevo and what shaped his unique path along the way.

[4:54] Reflecting on the challenges of stepping into Facebook’s youth-driven culture as an industry hire.

[9:55] Michael recalls a tense meeting with Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg, where he raised concerns about news content in the Facebook feed and how it could fuel echo chambers, putting the platform at the center of growing responsibility.

[16:55] Balancing bold innovation with disciplined execution, especially in high-stakes, fast-paced environments like media, finance, and tech.

[24:24] Unpacking why EQ-driven, authentic leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, especially in environments that favor speed, hierarchy, and rigid execution. He shares how emotional intelligence can be a superpower, but only when matched to the right culture.

[26:53] Sharing how even projects like “Super Fan”, which didn’t go as planned, still brought meaningful wins and lessons that contributed to his growth as a leader.

[32:23] Michael discusses what he’s building with Build Something, his new venture that focuses on guiding businesses forward. He reflects on the shift from being inside a company to supporting teams from the outside, and the unique challenges that come with that transition.

[40:09] How listeners can connect with Michael and pick up their copy of his book, Build Something.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Reginald “Reggie” Ward, founder of LEGAXY Life Coaching, a transformative platform dedicated to helping individuals uncover their purpose, elevate their performance, and live with impact. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and former professional football player, Reginald has spent over 35 years mentoring youth, guiding business leaders, and empowering underserved communities through leadership training and personal development.

We dive into the moment he knew his mission would be rooted in service, how his mother’s lessons on hard work shaped his life, and why he believes discovering your “X-Factor” is essential in today’s world. He also shares insight into his partnership with Ultrax, a next-generation performance intelligence platform helping coaches and athletes unlock elite-level performance through real-time data and insights.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder and CEO of LEGAXY Life Coaching, a global platform for personal development and leadership transformation.

• Strategic partner with Ultrax, a cutting-edge performance intelligence platform for athletes and coaches

• Author of The Power of “I”, an inspirational guide focused on identity, purpose, and service

• 35+ years of experience in coaching, mentorship, and leadership training

• Former wide receiver for the University of Notre Dame and professional football player for the Ottawa Rough Riders in the CFL

How to connect with Reggie Ward

• https://legaxylifecoaching.com/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachreggieward-/

• https://www.instagram.com/reggieward23

• https://www.tiktok.com/@coachreggieward?lang=en

• https://www.youtube.com/@TheInspirationalArchitect

• https://www.amazon.com/Power-Inspirational-Conquering-Challenges-Embracing/dp/1662833490

Show Notes

[1:27] Reggie shares the moment he realized his purpose after football would be rooted in service, and how his Mother helped shape that mission early in life.

[2:32] Reflecting the powerful life lessons passed down from his mother, and how their values continue to guide his approach to leadership, integrity, and hard work.

[4:21] The vision behind LEGAXY Life Coaching and how he helps individuals discover their unique “X-Factor”, the traits that set them apart and to live with purpose and impact.

[7:51] What led him to write The Power of “I” and unpacks a core lesson from the book around the connection between identity, inspiration, and living with purpose.

[11:36] The greatest gap in youth leadership today, particularly in underserved communities, and how his mentorship approach is designed to meet that need with intention and impact.

[13:50] Reggie discusses his partnership with Ultrax, a next-generation performance intelligence platform, and explains why he believes it’s a transformative tool for athletes and coaches looking to elevate performance through data-driven insights.

[15:58] Breaking down how Ultrax works, from the advanced technology that captures real-time performance metrics to how coaches and athletes can apply the data for personalized development, injury prevention, and elite-level training results.

[23:43] How listeners can get connected with Ultrax and the easiest way to get started if you’re an athlete, coach, or organization looking to level up performance through cutting-edge intelligence.

[29:03] How listeners can connect with Reggie personally, dive deeper into LEGAXY Life Coaching, and get a copy of his book The Power of “I”.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, I sit down with Kerim Kfuri, a seasoned global entrepreneur, supply chain strategist, and the President and CEO of The Atlas Network. With over 20 years of experience and more than $40 million in revenue generated in the last five years alone, Kerim has built a powerhouse in global mass production and logistics, offering full end-to-end solutions for companies around the world.

We explore Kerim’s journey from a background in finance and regulatory compliance to founding multiple ventures, including The Atlas Network, The Global Crosswalk SaaS platform, and The Supply & Demand Show podcast. He also shares how he’s partnered with business leaders, including Shark Tank’s Daymond John, to bring innovative ideas to life.

We dive into the biggest global supply chain risks companies face today, lessons learned from recent disruptions like COVID-19, and how AI and automation are reshaping the future of logistics. Kerim also shares powerful advice for entrepreneurs looking to break into the supply chain industry and why now is the perfect time to start.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• President and CEO of The Atlas Network, a global supply chain solutions provider that has generated over $40 million in revenue in the last 5 years.

• Founder and CEO of The Global Crosswalk, a SaaS platform for supply chain project lifecycle management

• Author of the best-selling book Supply Chain – The Ups and Downs

• Co-host of The Supply & Demand Show, a podcast featuring supply chain industry leaders

• Partnered with Daymond John from Shark Tank

• Recognized thought leader and educator in supply chain management who developed a 3-tier quality control system adopted by global production partners.

How to connect with Gregory Vetter

• https://kerimkfuri.com/

• https://supplychainupsanddowns.com/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerimkfuri/

• https://www.instagram.com/kerimkfuri

• https://theatlasnetwork.com/

Show Notes

[1:38] Brief extended intro on how Kerim got to where he is today.

[6:58] Bridging the cultural divide when doing business in other countries.

[8:54] Kerim breaks down today’s biggest global supply chain risks, including tariffs, and how companies can stay agile and resilient through smarter sourcing and strategy.

[18:47] Kerim shares key lessons businesses have learned from recent global supply chain disruptions, including COVID-19 and geopolitical tensions—and how those lessons are shaping future strategies.

[21:06] A look at how AI and automation are transforming supply chain management and how Kerim helps companies harness these technologies to boost efficiency and fuel growth.

[26:20] A key takeaway from his book Supply Chain – The Ups and Downs that every business leader should understand.

[30:08] Kerim shares how listeners can connect with him, learn more about the Atlas Group, and tune into his podcast The Supply & Demand Show.

[31:19] Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into the supply chain industry and why now is an ideal time to get started.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Gregory Vetter, the visionary entrepreneur who took his family’s lemon-garlic dressing from a Tupperware container in a Whole Foods parking lot to becoming the #1 organic salad dressing brand in the country with Tessemae’s. But this conversation isn’t just about business wins, it’s about grit, sacrifice, and rebuilding after everything falls apart.

Greg opens up about the resilience it took to bootstrap a brand from nothing, the brutal lessons learned when success crumbles, and how he used those lessons to build again, smarter and with greater purpose. From founding Alta Fresh Foods and launching clean-label vodka drinks to creating Tushees Portable Toilets, Greg shows us what it means to be a modern American entrepreneur: bold, scrappy, and unafraid to solve real problems with real solutions.

He also shares the mindset and daily habits that keep him grounded, the truth behind what it really takes to scale a brand, and how he’s now empowering the next generation of founders through the Home Grown Brand Accelerator.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Founder of Tessemae’s, the #1 organic salad dressing brand in the U.S.

• Co-founded Alta Fresh Foods, one of the top clean-label food suppliers in the U.S.

• Creator of Home Grown Brand Accelerator, a membership program for early-stage CPG entrepreneurs.

• Author of Undressed: The Unfiltered Story Of My Failed American Dream And How It Led To Success

• Featured in major media outlets including the Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, Fox News, CBS News, Food Network, Entrepreneur Magazine, Fox Business, and Forbes

• Named both an EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist and Inc. Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year, recognizing outstanding leadership and innovation.

• Founder of Quenchers, a ready-to-drink vodka beverage infused with electrolytes, and Tushees, a portable toilet and wipes company designed for on-the-go convenience—two innovative brands redefining wellness and practicality in everyday life.

How to connect with Gregory Vetter

• https://www.gregoryvetter.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/glvetter/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvetter/

• https://www.altafreshfoods.com/

• https://www.amazon.com/Undressed-Unfiltered-Failed-American-Success/dp/0960127704

Show Notes

[1:36] Greg reflects on the early days of Tessemae’s, sharing what sparked the idea to launch a clean-label food brand and the inspiration behind turning a family recipe into a national business.

[5:22] How the drive for survival, not success, shaped the early years of Tessemae’s, influencing everything from business decisions to company
culture during the brand’s foundational period.

[7:20] How resilience, faith, and a belief in his purpose helped him navigate the darkest moments and why he never doubted he’d come out
stronger on the other side.

[10:08] Why reading biographies of influential leaders and business figures helped him develop the habits, mindset, and discipline necessary for personal growth.

[12:56] Greg explains his belief that the future belongs to real brands solving real problems.

[16:20] The origin story of Home Grown, his platform for mentoring and equipping early-stage entrepreneurs.

[22:32] Greg opens up about his book Undressed: The Unfiltered Story of My Failed American Dream and How It Led to Success, diving into the raw lessons behind his journey and what he hopes readers will take away from it.

[27:30] How listeners can learn more about the Home Grown Brand Accelerator, pick up a copy of Undressed, and connect with him directly to follow his journey and upcoming ventures.

[28:21] The legacy Greg hopes to leave behind, not just as a founder of successful brands, but as a leader committed to empowering others, creating opportunities, and redefining what success looks like.

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