Episodes

  • Scaling a Purpose-Driven Brand: Inside HoneyBug's Growth Journey

    Scaling a Purpose-Driven Brand: Inside HoneyBug's Growth Journey
    Jun 10 2025

    What if the secret to breakthrough supplier innovation isn't telling them what to make, but asking them to solve your problem instead?

    Building a brand that parents trust and kids love requires more than just great products—it takes thoughtful design, strategic partnerships, and an unboxing experience that creates lasting memories. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Jen Kennedy, founder and visionary behind HoneyBug, and Rachel Webb, the company's brilliant chief operating officer. Together, they share how they revolutionized family gifting by creating clean, effective, and thoughtfully designed products that solve real parenting pain points. Learn how they built lasting supplier relationships through Alibaba.com, developed their signature unboxing experience, and scaled from garage operations to a trusted marketplace featuring 500+ brands.

    Tune in to learn:

    • (00:00) The Parking Lot Epiphany: How HoneyBug Was Born
    • (07:01) Building a Scrappy, Authentic Team Culture
    • (10:57) The Packaging Experience as Product Strategy
    • (15:08) Axio AI Sourcing Advertisement
    • (16:37) Scaling Handcrafted Elements Through Smart Manufacturing
    • (21:20) Vetting Suppliers and Building Trust-Based Relationships
    • (30:28) Cash Flow Management: The Hidden Challenge of Rapid Growth
    • (35:22) Looking Ahead: Celebrating Every Occasion

    Jen Kennedy is the founder and visionary behind HoneyBug, a company revolutionizing family essentials and gifting with clean, effective, and thoughtfully designed products. Coming from a corporate background in the restaurant industry, Jen identified a gap in the market for curated, high-quality baby and toddler gifts that take the guesswork out of thoughtful giving. Under her leadership, HoneyBug has grown from a garage operation to a trusted marketplace featuring over 500 domestic and international brands.

    Rachel Webb serves as HoneyBug's Chief Operating Officer and logistical force, bringing her expertise in scaling operations and building supplier relationships. With a background in working with large-scale food suppliers, Rachel applies her process-oriented approach to help HoneyBug maintain quality standards while managing rapid growth and complex vendor relationships.

    Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

    • Finding OEM-Friendly Factories: Expert Tips from Serial Inventor Brian Fried
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    41 mins
  • Local Stock Unlocked: How U.S. Warehouses Can Complement Your Global Strategy

    Local Stock Unlocked: How U.S. Warehouses Can Complement Your Global Strategy
    May 27 2025

    Could catalog-based browsing transform how you discover new products for your business?

    Sourcing globally isn't just about finding the lowest prices—it's about building resilient supply chains and smart business relationships. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Justin Liu (https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinliu/), U.S. Country Manager for Alibaba.com, about helping U.S. businesses navigate unpredictable times through diversified sourcing strategies. Learn how today's retailers and manufacturers can leverage both international suppliers and emerging U.S. brands to build stronger distribution networks. Whether you're a small business scaling up or a retailer diversifying your inventory, Justin offers practical insights on everything from catalog-based discovery to local stock opportunities.

    Tune in to learn:

    • (00:00) Platform Strategy and Buyer Experience Focus
    • (01:22) Justin Liu's Role as U.S. Country Manager
    • (02:50) Challenges Facing Small Business Owners and Manufacturers
    • (05:38) Understanding Buyer Demands and Pain Points
    • (11:16) Retailer Needs vs Brand Builder Requirements
    • (15:13) Supply Chain Diversification and Tariff Strategies
    • (17:38) Local Stock Strategy and U.S. Brand Distribution
    • (23:41) Sales Channels and Platform Improvements
    • (29:10) Global Export Opportunities for U.S. Brands
    • (32:57) Future Forecasting and Business Focus Strategies

    Justin Liu is the U.S. Country Manager for Alibaba.com, where he leads initiatives to improve buyer experiences for American businesses while helping U.S.-based suppliers expand their global distribution networks. With over a decade of experience in B2B marketplace development, Justin focuses on connecting retailers, manufacturers, and brand owners with qualified suppliers worldwide while addressing the unique needs of American small businesses navigating supply chain challenges..

    Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

    • How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/how-to-simplify-your-sourcing-on-alibabacom-insights-from-ciara-cristo)
    • Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/kickstarter-confidential-insider-tips-from-the-ceo-live-at-cocreate)
    • Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/crowdfunding-success-secrets-launchbooms-strategies-for-product-ideati...
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    35 mins
  • Finding OEM-Friendly Factories: Expert Tips from Serial Inventor Brian Fried

    Finding OEM-Friendly Factories: Expert Tips from Serial Inventor Brian Fried
    May 14 2025

    How can you tell if an overseas factory is legitimate without visiting in person?

    Turning ideas into physical products isn't just about creativity—it's about strategic planning and finding the right manufacturing partners. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo talks with Brian Fried (@brianfriedinventor), serial inventor and Chief Inventor at Inventor Smart, about bridging the gap between great ideas and successful products. With 15 patents and 19 years coaching inventors, Brian reveals the common manufacturing misconceptions that keep great products from reaching the market and shares his proven system for vetting overseas factories without boarding a plane.

    Tune in to learn:

    • (00:00) Welcome and Introduction to Brian Fried
    • (03:45) Key Considerations When Vetting Manufacturers
    • (08:12) Building Strong Supplier Relationships Across Distances
    • (14:37) Scaling Production While Maintaining Quality
    • (19:58) Leveraging Technology for Better Manufacturing Partnerships
    • (24:43) Closing Thoughts and Resources

    Brian Fried is a serial inventor with 15 patents, an author of three books on inventing, and has appeared on QVC for three years. He runs the National Inventor Club and has created an app specifically for the inventor community. Brian helps inventors navigate the journey from concept to market through his coaching services at Inventor Smart and was recently named an Alibaba.com Ambassador.

    Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

    • How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
    • Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
    • Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

    Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty.
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    40 mins
  • Camera Struggles to Product Success: A YouTuber’s Lightbulb Moment

    Camera Struggles to Product Success: A YouTuber’s Lightbulb Moment
    Apr 29 2025
    In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Justin McClure, the creator behind The Mighty McClures and founder of QoS Ultra Light. Justin shares his inspiring journey from creating viral content to developing groundbreaking products. Learn how he overcame manufacturing hurdles, built lasting business relationships, sourced suppliers through Alibaba.com, and stayed true to his authentic brand. Whether you're a creator or entrepreneur, Justin offers practical, honest advice on persistence, partnership, and successfully bringing a vision to life.
    Tune in to learn:
    • How to leverage existing relationships and value to meaningful business partnerships
    • The critical role of industrial designers in transforming product ideas
    • Why patience and persistence are essential in product development
    • How to effectively vet and communicate with suppliers on Alibaba.com
    • The importance of separating ego from product development
    • How to build a scalable fulfillment strategy while maintaining quality control
    • Why small, consistent steps forward is more effective than seeking overnight success
    • The value of building a trusted supplier network through platforms like Alibaba.com
    • The importance of relationship-building in manufacturing and business development

    Justin McClure is a successful family content creator and product innovator, known for founding The Mighty McClures, one of social media's most prominent family channels with 15 million followers and 4 billion views. With a background in production and creative storytelling, Justin has successfully transitioned into product development with the creation of UltraLight, an innovative lighting solution for content creators. Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
    • How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
    • Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
    • Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

    Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty.

    B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
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    36 mins
  • IP Secrets Every Inventor Should Know with Carmine Denisco

    IP Secrets Every Inventor Should Know with Carmine Denisco
    Apr 16 2025
    In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Carmine Denisco, President of United Inventors Association, to unpack the real-world challenges of intellectual property protection. From filing provisional patents to building resilient manufacturing partnerships, they explore how inventors and entrepreneurs can protect their ideas without breaking the bank. Discover smart strategies and the benefits of staying “patent pending,” leveraging design patents, and why branding and product quality are just as critical as legal safeguards in today’s competitive marketplace.
    Tune in to learn:
    • How to time your patent applications to maximize protection and minimize costs
    • Why provisional patents are a cost-effective first step for protecting your idea
    • How to leverage design patents for faster, more practical protection against copycats
    • Why product quality and branding are as important as legal protection
    • How to work effectively with manufacturers while protecting your IP
    • The strategic value of staying in "patent pending" status
    • Why investing in multiple international patents may not be cost-effective

    Carmine Denisco is a successful Entrepreneur, Inventor, Author, Podcaster, Investor, and sought-after business startup consultant. Many of the products he has developed or aided in the design of over the years have sold in retail stores, TV shopping channels, online, and infomercials; some have gone on to be licensed by major corporations. Carmine is dedicated to helping inventors correctly navigate the invention and manufacturing process, giving each inventor their best shot at success. Entrepreneur Magazine picked Denisco as one of its top 5 emerging entrepreneurs.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
    • How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
    • Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
    • Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

    Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty.

    B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
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    39 mins
  • Beyond the Algorithm: Winning Strategies for Amazon Sellers

    Beyond the Algorithm: Winning Strategies for Amazon Sellers
    Apr 2 2025
    Success on Amazon isn’t just about great products—it’s about data-driven decisions and human-focused optimization. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Adriana Rangel, PickFu brand ambassador and Sellers Podcast en Español host, about avoiding costly mistakes as an Amazon seller. Learn the secrets of keyword research, multi-language listings, and why analytics should drive product selection. Whether you’re new or scaling up, this conversation delivers game-changing strategies for standing out in a competitive marketplace.
    Tune in to learn:
    • Why optimizing listings for both algorithms and human buyers is crucial for conversion success
    • The importance of targeting long-tail keywords for better ranking and cost-effective traffic generation
    • How to leverage multi-language optimization to tap into underserved markets, particularly Spanish-speaking audiences
    • Why building an off-Amazon presence through blogs and Google optimization is essential for long-term success
    • The strategic approach to expanding your product line by staying within related categories that serve your established audience
    • How to use free resources and community learning to overcome early setbacks and build a sustainable business
    • Why Amazon's built-in tools for international markets can provide early wins and valuable cash flow
    • The power of proper listing translation and keyword optimization to capture multilingual market share

    Adriana Rangel is a Brand Ambassador at PickFu and host of the "Sellers Podcast en Español" at Helium 10. She has seven years of experience in Amazon e-commerce and digital entrepreneurship. As a successful Amazon seller turned educator, she has built her expertise from hands-on experience launching and scaling products across international marketplaces. Known for her practical approach to e-commerce strategy, Adriana shares her knowledge through her YouTube channel, where she provides weekly tutorials on Amazon selling strategies, particularly focusing on cross-cultural market expansion and Spanish-language optimization. Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
    • How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
    • Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
    • Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

    Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty.

    B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
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    32 mins
  • AI-Driven E-Commerce: Kuo Zhang on Alibaba.com’s Vision

    AI-Driven E-Commerce: Kuo Zhang on Alibaba.com’s Vision
    Mar 19 2025
    In this special episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo sits down with Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, to explore how AI is revolutionizing global trade for small businesses. They discuss Alibaba’s AI-powered sourcing engine, Accio, and its role in enhancing search, communication, and business research. Kuo also shares insights on AI-generated content, strategic logistics partnerships, and Alibaba’s commitment to democratizing trade. Whether you're scaling internationally or optimizing sourcing, this episode delivers valuable takeaways for SMBs navigating global commerce.
    Join them as they discuss:
    • Kuo Zhang's Journey: From Directory to Digital Revolution
    • Breaking Down SMB Pain Points in Global Trade
    • Alibaba.com's Evolution into an AI-Powered Platform
    • Three Key AI Tools Transforming Global Commerce
    • Inside Accio: The World's First AI Sourcing Agent
    • How Accio's Business Research Powers Smart Decisions
    • Deep Search: Making Complex Product Sourcing Simple
    • AI Chatbots: Breaking Down Language Barriers
    • Local Stock Solutions: Faster Delivery for US Buyers
    • Game-Changing Partnership with Maersk for SMBs

    Kuo Zhang is the President of Alibaba.com, where he leads the strategic direction and digital transformation of one of the world's largest B2B E-commerce platforms. With a distinguished background at IBM Research and Microsoft and over 12 years at Alibaba, Zhang has been instrumental in revolutionizing global trade through digital innovation. Under his leadership, Alibaba.com has evolved from a traditional directory service to an AI-powered global trading platform connecting over 50 million SMBs worldwide. In this episode, Zhang shares invaluable insights on integrating AI in B2B commerce, including developing Accio, the world's first AI-powered sourcing engine, and strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Maersk. His vision for democratizing global trade and making it "easy to do business anywhere" has transformed how small businesses access international markets, making him a leading authority on the future of digital commerce.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
    • How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
    • Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
    • Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

    Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty.

    B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
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    41 mins
  • Inflation Fighting: Business payment options in 2025

    Inflation Fighting: Business payment options in 2025
    Mar 5 2025
    In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo sits down with Michael Spelfogel, Co-Founder and President of Cardless, and Yiran Li, Head of Customer Retention Strategy at Alibaba.com, to explore the evolving world of business financing. They discuss how small businesses can navigate inflation, leverage new credit solutions, and build strong business credit. From the Alibaba.com Business Edge credit card’s unique benefits to strategies for managing cash flow and supplier diversification, this episode offers actionable insights for business owners looking to scale.

    Join Michael and Yiran as they discuss:

    • The diverse landscape of business buyers on Alibaba.com
    • How traditional financing methods often fall short for small business owners
    • The introduction of the Alibaba.com Business Edge credit card and its unique benefits
    • The challenges of building business credit versus personal credit
    • Strategies for managing rising costs and tariffs through supplier diversification and flexible financing options

    Michael Spelfogel     is the Co-founder & President of Cardless, a digital-first financial technology company powering the Alibaba.com Business Edge credit card. With expertise in financial services and digital payments, he specializes in developing innovative credit solutions for modern businesses. His work focuses on making financial products more accessible and transparent for small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in the e-commerce space.

    Yiran Li is the Head of Customer Retention Strategy at Alibaba.com, where she focuses on ensuring smooth experiences for business buyers on the platform. With deep knowledge of B2B e-commerce and global trade, she specializes in developing solutions that help businesses optimize their sourcing and payment processes. Her expertise spans understanding diverse buyer needs, implementing flexible payment solutions, and creating protective measures for business transactions.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:
    • How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
    • Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
    • Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

    Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty.

    B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
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    33 mins