In this conversation, I sit down with Sam Nebel, co-founder of Good Wipes, to unpack his journey from identifying a simple everyday need to building a bold, disruptive CPG brand. Sam opens up about the realities of fundraising, the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, and the long-term mindset required to grow a consumer product company. His candid stories and practical insights make this a must-listen for anyone navigating (or dreaming about) the world of startups.

We talk about:

• How a personal need sparked the idea behind Good Wipes
• Why building a CPG brand requires patience, resilience, and a long game
• The truth about fundraising—timelines, myths, and what founders should expect
• How to approach investor relationships as true partnerships
• Why early wins matter and how to celebrate them
• Navigating rejection and staying grounded in your mission
• The power of field marketing and unexpected opportunities
• When founders should actually start fundraising

If you're an aspiring founder, a CPG enthusiast, or simply curious about what it takes to grow a brand from the ground up, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I sit down with investor and CPG veteran Melissa Facchina to explore her path from working in her dad's juice manufacturing business to founding Siddhi Capital and becoming a leading voice in the consumer packaged goods space. Melissa shares how hands-on operational experience shaped her investing philosophy and why strong founder–investor relationships matter more than ever.

We talk about:

• Melissa’s early start in the juice industry and transition from consulting to investing
• Why she launched Siddhi Capital to bring real operational support to emerging brands
• The shift from “growth at all costs” to building resilient, durable businesses
• Challenges and opportunities in today’s competitive beverage market
• Trends like keto and plant-based—and why product quality can make or break them
• How investors must be willing to admit when they don't have the answers and collaborate with entrepreneurs

Whether you’re a founder, investor, or CPG enthusiast, you’ll walk away with practical insights on navigating today’s evolving consumer landscape.

In this conversation, Jason Burke interviews Mike Fata, an accomplished entrepreneur and investor, discussing his journey from being a 300-pound teenager to a successful business leader. They explore the importance of health and wellness in entrepreneurship, the investor's perspective on business growth, and the intricacies of valuation and pitch decks. Mike shares valuable insights on how to navigate the fundraising process, emphasizing the need for clarity in revenue reporting and the significance of building relationships with investors before seeking capital. The discussion highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle for entrepreneurs and the need for a structured approach to fundraising.

Takeaways

• Mike Fata's journey began with a personal health transformation.
• Building a business takes time; it's a marathon, not a sprint.
• Health and wellness are crucial for sustained entrepreneurial success.
• Investors prefer entrepreneurs who are in it for the long haul.
• Valuation is complex and depends on various market factors.
• Pitch decks should be simple and to the point.
• Networking with investors before needing capital is essential.
• Understanding net revenue is critical for entrepreneurs.
• Investing in products you believe in can lead to better outcomes.
• A structured fundraising process can alleviate distractions from running a business.