• Episode 168 - Why Startups Are like Flowers In the Desert...
    Jun 15 2026

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    A humorous exploration of my favorite analogy for the experience of growing a consumer brand, whether or not you make it onto the Skate Ramp. It's harsh out there.

    Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com

    Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com

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    3 mins
  • Episode167 - Forget the ‘A’ Players; How to Build a Better Team
    Jun 1 2026

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    Consider the unconventional org move as a scrappy founder. This episode briefly explains the mistake many high-growth founders make once they can hire a recruiting firm. Private equity has twisted much of the hiring ecosystem to suit itself, not you. Have a listen and LMK if you agree in the comments!

    Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com

    Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com

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    3 mins
  • Episode 166 - Filter Advice Like a Boss - Interview w/Michelle Razavi Pt. 2
    May 15 2026

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    This episode is part 2 of my interview with Michelle Razavi of Elavi protein brownies, where we delve deeper into the psychology of consumers who love her products AND the psychology of highly successful founders. The most important point she makes is the power of effective storytelling about your business to all manner of stakeholders, including the end consumer.


    Check out Michelle's brand - www.elavi.co


    Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com

    Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com

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    15 mins
  • Episode 165 - Rising Stars Series - Michelle Razavi of Elavi - Pt. 1
    May 1 2026

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    Elavi is the second brand in my Rising Stars Series. Michelle Razavi, Founder and CEO of Elavi Protein Brownies, joins for this two-part series. She tells the story of how she repeatedly adjusted their product mix to make their mission of clean, allergen-free protein take off. She had to kill off the original product line to keep focused on what was growing, which is never easy for new founders. In this episode, Michelle also makes a compelling case for a fitness background as a CPG founder. Can you guess why?


    Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com

    Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com

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    18 mins
  • Episode 164 - The Seven Traits of Skate Ramp Founders
    Apr 15 2026

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    In the final chapter of Ramping Your Brand, I walk readers through the crucial transformation every new founder must go through - Operator to Strategist to Leader. In some cases, this has happened in a matter of years, or the culture will probably break, bogging everyone down in slow or chaotic decisions. This episode explains the personal traits founders need to cultivate in order to accomplish this transition.

    Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com

    Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com

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    10 mins
  • Episode 163 - The Benchmark of Benchmarks
    Apr 1 2026

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    The most efficient Skate Ramp brands earn large amounts of money in small geographies. In this episode I explain how to measure this and why it’s so important to set such a high standard for an undercapitalized business early on. You have to listen to learn the benchmark. This is contained in my book, deliberately. Sort of.

    Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com

    Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com

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    10 mins
  • Episode 162 - The Staircase Trap - A Growth ‘Curve’ No One Wants
    Mar 15 2026

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    If your brand does not Ride the Ramp, it most likely attained nine-figure scale by stair-stepping its way upwards. Distribution gains with sustained, not growing velocity. In this episode, I explore what causes this and why you should get off the staircase as soon as possible if you want to sustain growth.

    Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com

    Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com

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    12 mins
  • Episode 161 - The Forgotten Variable That Destroys Marketing Efficiency
    Mar 1 2026

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    Marketers obsess with platform metrics, because these are the numbers they can tactically control the most. However, buried in every CPG product’s design are hidden sensory variables that work with or work against the efficiency of marketing. Let me explain in this episode.

    Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com

    Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com

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    13 mins