Purpose and profit can coexist. In fact, purpose-driven businesses often find greater success when they authentically connect their brand and mission with a cause that aligns with consumer vision. Brand on Purpose is an engaging new podcast focused on uncovering the untold stories of entrepreneurs and senior leaders who have discovered how to serve a greater good while building or transforming major brands.
Join host Aaron Kwittken, founder and CEO of PR and brand strategy agency KWT Global, as he speaks to innovative leaders who make it their brand’s mission to do well by doing good. Hear from those who recognize the power of purpose and inspire their companies to make an impact on local, national and global challenges each day.
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Recent Episodes
SEASON 2 • EPISODE 5
How an interaction with a gorilla led to gift baskets for babies and givebacks to the environment. A Conversation With Our Green House Founders Pam and Mike Davis.
Pam and Mike Davis, founders of Our Green House, join Aaron to talk about how the eco-friendly baby basket company works to both provide a gift for new parents and save the environment, elephants, gorillas and turtles all at the same time. Pam and Mike discuss the parenting fears that led to the creation of the company when their kids were young, how they prioritize being a family-first brand, and how the rising popularity of sustainability and environmentally-friendly products impacted the company. Listen in to hear about Pam’s close encounter with a gorilla on a trip to Africa that ultimately inspired the creation of the brand. Learn more about Our Green House on its website at www.ourgreenhouse.com and on social at @ourgreenhouse.
Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli, and Mathew Passy
SEASON 2 • EPISODE 4
It’s More Than Just Shoes. A Conversation with Deckers Brands’ Dave Powers.
Dave Powers, president & CEO of Deckers Brands, joins Aaron to talk about how the multi-billion-dollar global footwear and lifestyle company comprised of UGG, Koolaburra by UGG, HOKA ONE ONE, Teva and Sanuk, gives back to the community, the environment and its employees. From his prior experiences at Timberland and Converse, Dave learned the importance of creating an emotional connection through storytelling and how prioritizing the consumer and environment during all decision making creates a successful company. Listen closely to find out what Dave’s favorite shoe is and whether or not he has a favorite brand. Learn more about Deckers on its website at www.deckers.com, and each of the brands on Instagram at @UGG, @koolaburra, @hokaoneone, @teva and @Sanuk.
Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli, and Mathew Passy
SEASON 2 • EPISODE 3
Learn how Fracture is literally re-framing sustainability through art. A conversation with Fracture’s Abhi Lokesh.
Abhi Lokesh, co-founder and CEO of Fracture, joins Aaron to discuss how the photo-printing service is revolutionizing photo framing and motivating people to take their iPhone masterpieces to the wall. Abhi talks about how a trip to Swaziland inspired the creation of Fracture, why sustainability remains centerfold in Fracture’s business strategy, and the importance of being vulnerable and transparent with employees. Tune in to hear about the outcome of Abhi’s very first investor pitch – to his dad. Learn more about Fracture at Fractureme.com and on Instagram @fractureme, Twitter @FractureMe and Facebook @Fractureme.
Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli and Mathew Passy.
SEASON 2 • EPISODE 2
How sandwiches support first responders. A conversation with Firehouse Subs’ Don Fox
Don Fox, CEO of Firehouse Subs, joins Aaron to talk about how the sandwich restaurant gives back to first responders. Aaron and Don discuss how Don’s firing from Burger King was the best thing that could have happened to him, how franchisees perform better with increased focus on philanthropic pursuits, and the importance of making an authentic connection with charity, including which companies do it well (and which don’t). Stay tuned to find out which sub is Don’s favorite. Learn more about Firehouse Subs and the Public Safety Foundation at firehousesubs.com.
Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli, and Mathew Passy
season 2 · Episode 1
Can dogs be vegan? A conversation with Wild Earth’s Ryan Bethencourt
To kick off Season 2, Wild Earth CEO and Founder Ryan Bethencourt joins Aaron to talk about the plant-based pet food taking the industry by storm. Aaron and Ryan talk about what it was like to pitch on Shark Tank with no sales (and secure Mark Cuban’s investment), Ryan’s quest to make the world a better and more sustainable place for both people and animals, and whether or not pet food can be Kosher. Listen closely to find out what Ryan thinks about “judgey” vegans and his go-to Chipotle order. Learn more about Wild Earth at wildearth.com.
Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Katrina Waelchli, and Mathew Passy
season 1 · Episode 11
How one couple’s apparel is cleaning the oceans, treating arthritis, helping veterans, and curing cancer. A conversation with Gells’ Richard Perkin
Richard Perkin, Co-Founder of apparel company Gells, sits down with Aaron to discuss starting a business with his spouse, learning on the fly and their first “Oh s***” moments as entrepreneurs. Richard also shares key advice from his experiences developing authentic relationships with Gells’ partner charities. Listen closely to learn Richard’s secret to maintaining a healthy balance between Gells, family life, and a full-time job. Read more about Gells and their partner charities here.
Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Giovanna Pineda, Katrina Waelchli, Jake Honig, and Mathew Passy
Season 1 · Episode 10
People First, Creativity Second, Technology Third. A Conversation with WeTransfer’s Damian Bradfield
Damian Bradfield, President and Chief Marketing Officer of WeTransfer, joins Aaron to talk about WeTransfer’s growth from a file transfer service into a purpose-driven digital media company. Aaron and Damian discuss the social causes that WeTransfer promotes, cultural differences between the Netherlands and the U.S., and Damian’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Listen in to hear why Damian wants WeTransfer’s users to take a break from the internet – including WeTransfer. Follow Damian on Twitter @djbradfield, follow WeTransfer on Instagram @wetransfer, and read WeTransfer’s editorial page at wepresent.com.
Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Giovanna Pineda, Katrina Waelchli, Jake Honig, and Mathew Passy
Season 1 · Episode 9
Learn how to Swim to Save a Life. This Charity Raised Nearly $100 million to Directly Fund Therapies to Defeat Cancer. A Conversation with Swim Across America’s Rob Butcher and Pam Ryan from Goldman Sachs
Rob Butcher, Swim Across America CEO, and Pam Ryan, Swim Across America board chair and Goldman Sachs managing director, join Aaron to talk about how the organization wants to change the vernacular from “you have cancer” to “there is hope." They share stories about the organization’s very first swim and their most memorable event experiences, including Aaron’s impressive 10K swim this July across the Long Island Sound, and why corporate donations are worth more than just money.
Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Giovanna Pineda, Katrina Waelchli, Jake Honig, and Mathew Passy
Season 1 · Episode 8
What do Tesla, Lululemon, and Waste Management have in Common? A Conversation with Swell Investing’s Teresa Orsolini
Teresa Orsolini, Chief Marketing Officer of Swell Investing, joins Aaron to talk about the journey to build Swell Investing to be part of the growing $30 trillion impact investing industry…shortly before the company announced it would be ceasing operations on August 31, 2019. Aaron and Teresa discuss why she pivoted from a successful marketing career, how companies got included in (and booted from) Swell’s portfolios, and how she worked to bridge the gap between consumers and their investments. Tune in to find out which centenarian company you’ve never heard of was one of Teresa’s favorites on the platform and why Aaron felt this episode was still important to share, despite the recent news.
Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Giovanna Pineda, Katrina Waelchli, Jake Honig, and Mathew Passy
Season 1 · Episode 7
Keeping Arts Programs Alive with Used Instruments: A Conversation with Reverb’s David Kalt
David Kalt, CEO and founder of online instrument and music gear marketplace Reverb, joins Aaron to discuss the philanthropic venture Reverb Gives, separating the music from an artist when scandal hits, and turning a passion for music into a successful, profitable company that was recently acquired by Etsy for $275 million. Tune in to find out both David’s and Aaron’s walk-on songs and what artist David draws inspiration from daily.
Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Andrew Kameka, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Giovanna Pineda, Matt Szatkowski, Jake Honig, and Mathew Passy
Season 1 · Episode 6
Why eBay is donating $1 billion by 2021 w/ eBay’s Steve Wymer
Steve Wymer, Senior VP and Chief Communications Officer of eBay and chairman of the eBay Foundation, joins Aaron to discuss eBay’s worldwide impact. From empowering local business owners on a global scale to giving sellers the option to donate a portion of their profits, Steve explains how eBay is setting an example that all brands can follow. Tune in to hear how Steve feels about eBay garnering less public attention (and criticism) than some other big tech companies.
Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Andrew Kameka, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Giovanna Pineda, Matt Szatkowski, Jake Honig, and Mathew Passy
Season 1 · Episode 5
The Bank that Cares About Its Customers with Aspiration’s Andrei Cherny
Andrei Cherny, Co-Founder and CEO of Aspiration, joins Aaron to discuss the socially responsible banking company that constantly has people asking, “What’s the catch?” (Spoiler: there isn’t one.) Aaron and Andrei talk about everything from entrepreneurship and the 2016 election to Andrei’s favorite breakfast and Aspiration’s customer-friendly programs, including the “Pay What Is Fair” program. Listen in to find out why a majority of Aspiration customers pay for these services, despite no required fees.
Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Andrew Kameka, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Giovanna Pineda, Matt Szatkowski, Jake Honig, and Mathew Passy
Season 1 · Episode 4
How Care/of Makes Taking Your Vitamins Good For You and Our World w/ Care/of’s Craig Elbert
Craig Elbert, co-Founder and CEO of direct-to-consumer company Care/of, joins Aaron to discuss the personalized vitamin subscription service. Aaron and Craig talk about the best and worst parts of entrepreneurship, the improbable journey of making compostable packaging, and having a kid and starting a company at the same time. Hear what Craig has to say about the future of vitamins and why CBD vitamins are more likely to hit the market before a catch-all super-pill.
Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Andrew Kameka, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Giovanna Pineda, Matt Szatkowski, Jake Honig and Mathew Passy
Season 1 · Episode 3
From Surfer to Subscription Boxes w/ Coastal Co.’s Kevin Tighe
Kevin Tighe, Co-Founder and CEO of beach and surf apparel subscription box service Coastal Co., joins Aaron to discuss his life-changing trip to Hawaii, Coastal Co.’s partnership with Heal the Bay, and a mutual understanding of the dangers of sharks. Don’t miss Aaron’s marketing advice for how you can reuse the Coastal Co. boxes!
Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Andrew Kameka, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Giovanna Pineda, Matt Szatkowski, Jake Honig and Mathew Passy
season 1 · Episode 2
Racing to Help w/ IRONMAN’s Sarah Hartmann
Sarah Hartmann, Executive Director of the IRONMAN Foundation, joins Aaron to talk about the IRONMAN community’s responsiveness to emergencies and how her theater background helps her to thrive under pressure. Tune in to learn how new homes for hurricane victims can be built in just four days through the organization’s incredible programs.
Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Andrew Kameka, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Giovanna Pineda, Matt Szatkowski, Jake Honig and Mathew Passy
season 1 · Episode 1
Ride Sharing for a Reason w/ Lyft’s Mike Masserman
Mike Masserman, the head of global policy and first-ever head of social impact at Lyft, joins Aaron to discuss his experience in the Obama Administration, the impacts of their immigrant backgrounds, and the remarkable work Lyft is doing using transportation to make a meaningful impact in communities across the country. Listen in to find out how an autonomous electric car army is just one part of Lyft’s fight against climate change.
Production Credits: Aaron Kwittken, Jeff Maldonado, Andrew Kameka, Lindsay Hand, Ashley McGarry, Giovanna Pineda, Matt Szatkowski, Jake Honig and Mathew Passy