The Harvest Growth Podcast

Hosted by Jon LaClare

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

306

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Listen to inspirational stories from successful inventors and entrepreneurs as our host, Jon LaClare, founder of Harvest Growth, leads interviews targeted at helping aspiring inventors and market-leading entrepreneurs alike. If you’d like to see how Harvest Growth can help grow your product business, click below.

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60 recent

October 26, 2026Episode 30532 min

How Video Marketing Helped BIONATAL Triple Its Business in One Year

How do you triple your business in one year while selling one of the highest-priced products in your category? In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Rashid Demchenko, co-founder of BIONATAL, to explore how product differentiation, premium positioning, and social media video helped accelerate his brand’s growth. Rashid shares how BIONATAL built its Ethiopian black seed oil business by giving customers clear reasons to pay more. From ingredient sourcing and production to answering detailed customer questions, he explains how deep product knowledge builds trust—and helps communicate the value behind a premium price. The conversation follows BIONATAL’s growth from early YouTube creator reviews to TikTok videos that reached millions of viewers. Rashid explains why short product comparisons have performed particularly well for his brand, how early adoption of TikTok Shop created opportunities, and why demonstrating a visible product difference can make your content more compelling. You’ll also hear how Rashid studies video performance across platforms, approaches ongoing content testing, and continues reaching new viewers through older videos. For founders looking to turn social media attention into product sales, this episode offers practical lessons in communicating value and adapting your video marketing strategy. In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we’ll cover: How social media video helped BIONATAL triple its business in one year Why premium pricing requires meaningful product differentiation How product knowledge and customer education build trust The role YouTube creators played in driving early sales How BIONATAL approached TikTok and TikTok Shop early Why concise product comparison videos perform well for the brand How reviewing analytics across platforms informs content decisions Why supplement brands need to approach product claims carefully The value of consistent publishing and a growing video library Want to learn more about BIONATAL? Visit BIONATAL.co to explore its black seed oil and other products. Do you have a brand you’d like to launch or scale? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales. Discover how our Perfect Launch Blueprint can help clarify your audience, messaging, offer, and marketing strategy before you invest heavily in advertising.

October 21, 2026Episode 30425 min

Does TV Advertising Still Work for Product Brands?

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare welcomes back inventors Salim Mitri and Joel Switzer to discuss how they turned two practical product ideas—Snug Plug and Cord Daddy—into successful licensing partnerships with a major As Seen on TV company. Salim and Joel introduce Cord Daddy, a new cable organization system featuring a patented cord-winding method and a built-in cord tester. They explain how designing a nearly turnkey product, protecting the intellectual property, and finding a partner whose existing portfolio complemented their invention helped them move from concept toward nationwide retail distribution. The conversation also explores how their earlier success with Snug Plug prepared them for this opportunity. After proving demand through Amazon, their website, digital advertising, and a successful television campaign, they attracted the attention of Ontel Products and secured a licensing agreement that expanded Snug Plug into retail stores. Salim and Joel share what inventors should accomplish before approaching a licensing or distribution partner, why the right partner can accelerate growth, and how television advertising now works alongside streaming platforms, paid social media, Amazon, and retail sales. If you have a product idea—or an established online business that is ready to enter retail—this episode offers practical guidance for preparing your product, proving demand, and finding a partner capable of taking it to the next level. In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover: How to prepare a product for licensing Why a turnkey product can lead to a faster launch and stronger licensing deal How Snug Plug’s television campaign attracted a major distribution partner Why proven online sales can strengthen your licensing pitch How to find a partner whose portfolio fits your product When to pitch retailers and distributors for a fourth-quarter launch How TV, streaming, social media, Amazon, and retail work together Why in-store placement can determine a product’s success What founders do after a licensing agreement is signed How persistence helps inventors bring their products to market Want to learn more about Salim and Joel’s products? Visit SnugPlugStore.com to explore Snug Plug or CordDaddyShop.com to learn more about Cord Daddy. Both products are also available on Amazon. Do you have a product you’d like to launch or scale? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate more than $2 billion in product sales.

October 19, 2026Episode 30332 min

Shark Tank Lessons for Building a Product That Lasts

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Adam Tash, CEO of GT Water Products, to explore how he is modernizing a family business built on more than 50 years of product innovation. Adam shares the remarkable origin of the Drain King, which his father invented in 1970 using a bicycle tube, a curling iron, and a hose fitting after repeatedly dealing with a clogged drain. That simple solution grew into a successful American-made product line that includes Drain King, the Master Plunger, and professional plumbing test plugs. After spending 20 years in television production—including several years working behind the scenes on Shark Tank—Adam returned to the family business and eventually took over after his father passed away. He explains how bringing an outsider’s perspective helped him eliminate obsolete inventory, improve efficiency, navigate a major culture shift, and grow the company’s cash reserves from six figures to seven figures. The conversation also explores how GT Water Products is adapting its marketing for today’s customers through Plumbing101.com and its interactive Find Your Fix experience. Adam explains why educational content, video, and visibility across search engines and AI platforms are becoming essential for established brands that previously relied on knowledgeable retail employees to recommend their products. Adam also shares what Shark Tank taught him about persistence, how he recovered from a $25,000 product-development mistake, and why flying airplanes helps him clear his mind and return to the business with greater focus. If you’re leading a family business, developing a new product, or trying to modernize an established brand without abandoning what made it successful, this episode offers practical lessons on innovation, execution, and preserving a meaningful legacy. In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover: How a recurring household problem inspired the original Drain King Why entrepreneurs should identify the problem before inventing the product What Adam learned while working behind the scenes on Shark Tank How to modernize a multigenerational family business Why outdated inventory and bulk purchasing can quietly drain resources How Adam improved efficiency and strengthened the company financially Why educational content is essential for search and AI-driven product discovery How Plumbing101.com helps customers solve common plumbing problems What a $25,000 product-development mistake taught Adam about perseverance How GT Water Products is expanding with the new Ugly Plug product line Why American manufacturing and inclusive employment remain central to the company How focus-intensive hobbies can improve creativity and business decision-making And so much more! Want to learn more about Adam and GT Water Products? Visit GTWaterProducts.com and Plumbing101.com to explore Drain King, the Master Plunger, professional plumbing products, and helpful DIY plumbing education. Do you have a product you’d like to launch or scale? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate more than $2 billion in product sales.

October 14, 2026Episode 30322 min

How to Sell Your eCommerce Business for Maximum Value

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Chris Bodnar, Managing Partner at Impact Advisors, to explain how eCommerce and consumer product business owners can prepare for a successful sale and maximize the value of everything they’ve built. Chris explains why exit planning should begin two to three years before a potential transaction. From reducing the company’s dependence on its founder to evaluating inventory, intellectual property, licensing agreements, and succession plans, he reveals the factors that can make a business more attractive to prospective buyers. The conversation also examines how the market has changed since the rise and decline of Amazon aggregators. Chris shares who is acquiring consumer brands today, why omnichannel revenue creates a stronger and more defensible business, and how buyers evaluate growth, profitability, margins, and future opportunities. If you own an eCommerce or consumer product company—even if selling is still years away—this episode will help you start building a more valuable, transferable, and buyer-ready business today. In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover: Why business owners should begin exit planning two to three years in advance How founder dependence can prevent a company from being sellable What buyers examine when evaluating a consumer product business Why inventory, intellectual property, leases, and licensing agreements matter What caused the Amazon aggregator boom—and why the model struggled Who is acquiring eCommerce and consumer product brands today Why omnichannel brands are generally more attractive to buyers How to balance revenue growth with sustainable profitability The importance of maintaining the founder’s influence and brand identity after a sale How early preparation can help maximize the value of your eventual exit Want to connect with Chris? Visit OfImpactAdvisors.com to learn more about Impact Advisors, explore previous transactions, or schedule a conversation with Chris. Do you have a product or brand you’d like to launch or scale? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate more than $2 billion in product sales.

October 12, 2026Episode 30227 min

Big-Brand Experience, Startup Budget: How The Root Project Competes With Giants

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Patrick Harriman and Lucrecia Jovel, co-founders of The Root Project, to explore how they applied years of big-brand beauty and agency experience to building a premium hair care startup with a lean team and a limited budget. Patrick and Lucrecia share how The Root Project simplifies complicated hair care routines through scalp-focused products designed to support the entire hair ecosystem from root to tip. They explain why they developed every formula from scratch, replaced the water commonly found in hair products with aloe leaf juice, and created sensorial experiences that make customers look forward to using the products. Beyond product development, the conversation explores the realities of transitioning from established companies to entrepreneurship. Patrick and Lucrecia discuss learning to account for every dollar, abandoning ideas when the market tells them something different, and accepting that founders will never feel completely prepared before launching. They also reveal how public relations helped The Root Project establish credibility, why founders need a compelling story in addition to an exceptional product, and what it takes to keep pitching when most editors and publications say no. If you’re launching a beauty brand, developing a consumer product, or trying to compete against larger companies without their budgets, this episode offers an honest look at building something exceptional while learning and adapting along the way. In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover: How big-brand experience can give startups a competitive advantage Why The Root Project formulates its hair care products from scratch How scalp-focused ingredients support healthier-looking hair from root to tip Why small brands must account for every marketing dollar How founders can recognize mistakes and pivot more quickly Why an exceptional product still needs a compelling brand story How PR can build credibility for an emerging consumer brand Why founders should stay closely connected to customer feedback The importance of launching before everything feels perfect Want to learn more about The Root Project? Visit TheRootProject.com , follow @simplerootine on Instagram, or search for The Root Project on Amazon. Do you have a product or brand you’d like to launch or grow? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how the Perfect Launch Blueprint can uncover the right audience, messaging, offer, and marketing strategy before you spend heavily on media.

October 7, 2026Episode 30125 min

From Retail Crisis to Ecommerce Growth: Lessons from Two Unlikely Brands

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Kim Castellano, founder of Fashion First Aid and Fun Delivery, to explore how she built two very different product brands—and adapted when a major sales channel failed. Kim began Fashion First Aid with a simple solution to a problem she faced herself: disposable underarm shields that helped protect her clothes. Nordstrom picked up the product, and she went on to develop more practical fashion accessories. Years later, a catalog retailer went bankrupt after placing its largest orders yet, leaving her without the payment she had counted on. Kim put her remaining inventory on Amazon, where sales gave the business a second life. Today, Kim runs a small team selling primarily through ecommerce and third-party fulfillment. She shares how improved images, titles, and search terms helped revive a slow-selling product on Amazon—and how a creator’s simple TikTok video sparked a rush of orders for one of Fun Delivery’s prank products. Her experience shows why good products still need clear presentation, the right channel, and consistent content. In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover: How Kim turned a personal frustration into her first retail product What a retailer’s bankruptcy taught her about adapting a product business Why she shifted from retail and her own warehouse toward ecommerce fulfillment How small changes to an Amazon listing helped a product gain traction What one TikTok creator revealed about showing a product in action Why consistent content matters more than posting one video and moving on Want to explore Kim’s products? Visit FashionFirstAid.com for practical clothing solutions or fun.delivery for pranks and gifts. Have a product you’d like to launch or grow? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team can help you find the right audience, message, and marketing strategy.

October 5, 2026Episode 27329 min

From Product Idea to Viral Success: The Crown Quality Products Story

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, J on LaClare sits down with Robert Watson, founder of Crown Quality Products, to share the story behind one of the most unique premium hair care brands in the market. Robert explains how his journey began with a simple but powerful product idea: a better hairbrush designed to solve a real grooming problem. After struggling to manufacture the product in America, he traveled to China, faced repeated rejection, and eventually found a supplier willing to take a chance on his vision. That persistence helped launch Crown Quality Products and turn a once-unusual curved brush design into a premium product trusted by loyal customers, celebrities, and barbers alike. The conversation dives into Robert’s commitment to making every product unique, useful, and high quality. From curved wave brushes and handleless Caesar brushes to beard durags, pomades, duster bags, and new product launches, Robert shares how customer feedback has shaped many of the brand’s most successful ideas. Jon and Robert also discuss the power of beta testing, building an engaged email list, creating products that naturally inspire word-of-mouth, and why viral marketing often starts with a product that is truly different. Robert also shares valuable lessons on decisiveness, trusting your intuition, bringing the right people into your business, and even “fasting from complaining” as a mindset shift for personal and entrepreneurial growth. In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover: How Robert Watson turned a simple product idea into Crown Quality Products Why persistence was critical when manufacturing seemed impossible How customer feedback helped shape the brand’s best-selling products Why premium products can succeed even in low-cost categories How beta testing helps improve new products before launch The story behind the Beard Durag and its viral success Why product uniqueness can drive organic sharing and word-of-mouth The importance of decisiveness when opportunities appear How mindset, intuition, and discipline influence business growth And so much more! If you’re building a product brand, launching a new invention, or trying to stand out in a crowded category, this episode offers a powerful reminder that quality, persistence, and customer connection can turn a simple idea into a lasting business. Want to connect with Robert? Visit CrownQualityProducts.com or search for Crown Quality Products on Amazon to explore their brushes, beard durags, pomades, and other premium grooming products. Do you have a brand you’d like to launch or scale? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

September 30, 2026Episode 30021 min

Email Marketing Strategies That Turn Subscribers Into Repeat Customers

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Melissa Donohoe, founder of Send It Team, to break down the email marketing strategies that help direct-to-consumer brands convert more subscribers, build stronger customer relationships, and generate repeat sales. Melissa explains why an email list is one of the few marketing assets a brand truly owns—and why relying entirely on platforms like Amazon, Meta, or organic social can put growth at risk. She shares how brands can use email not just to sell, but to create meaningful connections through customer-informed messaging, helpful content, and a brand voice that feels personal rather than promotional. The conversation covers the highest-impact places to start, including welcome flows and cart-abandonment emails, along with the importance of measuring engagement—not only revenue. Melissa also shares practical advice for improving deliverability, using transactional emails strategically, growing a higher-quality list, and leveraging partnerships when paid traffic is limited. In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover: Why your email list is one of your most valuable owned marketing assets How welcome and cart-abandonment flows can create fast returns Why selling in every email hurts engagement and customer trust How to use customer language to create more effective email copy What email deliverability really means—and how to evaluate it How transactional emails can improve the customer experience and drive action The best ways to build a list of high-value, engaged subscribers Why partnerships can help emerging brands grow without a major ad budget How to balance promotional offers with relationship-building content If you’re launching or scaling an eCommerce brand, this episode offers a practical framework for turning email marketing into a dependable growth and retention channel. Want to connect with Melissa? Visit Send It Team . Do you have a brand you’d like to launch or scale? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

September 28, 2026Episode 29932 min

From Oprah’s Favorite Things to $9 Million: How PopSmith Built a Breakout Brand

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Tal Moore, founder and CEO of PopSmith, to break down how a premium stovetop popcorn brand went from a new product concept to a rapidly growing direct-to-consumer business approaching $9 million in annual revenue. Tal shares the behind-the-scenes story of developing PopSmith’s premium stovetop popcorn popper, including nearly three years of branding, engineering, product development, and testing before launch. He also reveals how one cold LinkedIn message eventually landed PopSmith on Oprah’s Favorite Things — an opportunity that caused the company to sell seven months of inventory in less than three weeks and opened the door to additional national media exposure. The conversation also dives deep into the marketing strategies driving PopSmith’s continued growth. Tal explains how the company rebuilt its Meta advertising strategy after initially spending nearly 50% of revenue on ads, why creative testing and customer-focused messaging matter so much, and how PopSmith uses direct customer feedback to guide everything from new products to new colorways. You’ll also learn how equity crowdfunding can give loyal customers the opportunity to become actual investors in the brands they support. In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover: How PopSmith developed a premium stovetop popcorn product from the ground up How a cold LinkedIn message helped PopSmith land on Oprah’s Favorite Things How national television exposure generated major sales growth The difference between traditional crowdfunding and equity crowdfunding How PopSmith is using its community to help fund future growth Why scaling Meta Ads too quickly can burn through your marketing budget How creative testing helped PopSmith dramatically improve advertising efficiency The three messaging pillars driving PopSmith’s marketing Why owning your customer relationship matters for direct-to-consumer brands How customer surveys can guide smarter product development decisions Why founders should plan for more time and capital than they think they’ll need And so much more! Want to learn more about Tal and PopSmith? Visit PopSmith.com to explore the PopSmith stovetop popcorn popper and its growing line of popcorn products. To learn more about PopSmith’s equity crowdfunding campaign, visit InvestInPopSmith.com . To be a guest on our next episode of the podcast, contact us today! Do you have a product or brand that you’d like to launch or grow? Harvest Growth has helped launch and scale hundreds of consumer brands totaling more than $2 billion in revenue. Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation with our team today!

September 23, 2026Episode 29834 min

Millions of Views on a Small Budget: Mudplugz’s Product Launch Strategy

What do you do when your product solves a real problem, but your advertising isn’t generating the growth you need? For Kevin Cost, founder of Mudplugz, the breakthrough came from an influencer demonstration that helped turn an unfamiliar product into something homeowners around the world wanted to try. In this episode of The Harvest Growth Podcast, host J on LaClare sits down with Kevin to explore how a Christmas Eve idea became an innovative drywall repair product and a growing business. A finish carpenter by trade, Kevin taught himself CAD and 3D printing, turned his kitchen into a product development lab, and brought Mudplugz from concept to first sale in roughly one year. When his early Meta and Google advertising efforts fell short, Kevin found traction through creators who understood the frustration his product solved. One launch video generated approximately 40,000 views in its first 30 minutes, eventually reached millions, and brought in orders from around the world. Kevin shares why authentic product demonstrations, trusted creators, and personal relationships became central to his influencer marketing approach. Kevin also opens up about nine years in recovery from alcoholism and how he uses his businesses to create opportunities for others rebuilding their lives. His story offers practical lessons in product development, marketing on a limited budget, and building a business with purpose. In this episode, you’ll discover: How Kevin developed a new consumer product without prior experience in CAD or 3D printing. What made an influencer launch video generate millions of views and international orders. Why showing a product solving a familiar frustration can help turn attention into sales. How genuine creator relationships helped Mudplugz gain exposure on a limited marketing budget. What Jon’s experience working with Billy Mays reveals about persuasive product demonstrations. How Kevin creates work opportunities for people in recovery while growing his business. The spending lessons Kevin carried from his carpentry business into his product launch. Visit Mudplugz.com to learn more about Kevin’s drywall repair solution, or search for Mudplugz on Amazon. Explore the brand’s social media to see the product demonstrations discussed in this episode. Ready to launch your product or grow your brand? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn about the Perfect Launch Blueprint, a process designed to clarify your audience, messaging, offer, and marketing strategy before you invest in media. Subscribe to The Harvest Growth Podcast for more founder interviews and practical strategies for product launches, video marketing, and business growth.

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