BRIANMAKELA
EDITOR’S LETTER
DARING TO DREAM VISIONARY !
DearReaders,
Disruptiveentrepreneurshipisthedrivingforcebehindgroundbreakinginnovationsand transformativechanges.Disruptiveentrepreneursstepintounchartedterritory,oftenaccompanied byriskanduncertainty Thesevisionaryleadersunderstandthatcalculatedrisksarenecessaryfor significantrewards.Byembracingrisk,theypositionthemselvestopioneerchangeandcapitalize onuntappedopportunities,redefiningindustriesandcreatingnewmarketsintheprocess.
Theimpactofdisruptiveentrepreneursinthetechnologysectorisparticularlyprofound.Their innovativeapproachesandrelentlesspursuitofexcellencearerevolutionizinghowwelive,work, andinteractwiththeworld.Theychallengethestatusquo,pushingtheboundariesofwhatis possibleandinspiringotherstofollowsuit.Aswenavigateaneradefinedbyrapidtechnological advancements,thecontributionsofthesetrailblazerscannotbeoverstated.
InthiseditionofMirrorReview,weareproudtopresent “The 10 Most Disruptive Entrepreneurs of 2024,” celebratingthosewhoareleadingthechargeinthistransformativeera.
OurcoverstoryfeaturesBrianMakela,CEOandFounderofBadIdeasLLC.AtBadIdeas, thebeliefinauthenticityisparamount.Thecompanycreatesproductsusinghigh-quality,real ingredients,craftedbyrealpeople,andbackedbyrealstories.Theybringtomarketproductsthat bigcompaniescan'torwon't.TheconceptofBadIdeaswassparkedbyMakela'sfriendand client,WillBlum,theCEOofBluebirdHardwater,whochallengedhimtoleadthecompany The name“BadIdeas”isaplayfulnodtotheirphilosophyofexecutingamazingideaswhereothers havefailed.
Theprofilesinthiseditionalsohighlightotherremarkabledisruptorswhoaremakingsignificant impactsacrossvariousindustries.NerminOsmanovic,PatrickHenry,LeilaCentner,andRoxana andFlorianRohdeareamongthevisionariesfeatured.Eachoftheseentrepreneursbringsa uniqueperspectiveandacommitmenttodrivingchangethroughinnovativesolutions.
Aswedelveintothestoriesandachievementsoftheseexceptionalindividuals,weinviteour readerstoexplorehowthesedisruptiveentrepreneursarereshapingthebusinesslandscape.
HappyReading!
Parag Ahire Project Editor
Mirror Review Media & Tech
C O V E R S T O R Y
CEO and Founder | Bad Ideas LLC
10 BRIAN MAKELA
BRIAN MAKELA
The Entrepreneur Behind the Break Throughs in Alcohol and Non-Alcoholic Beverages
KeyPoints
● BrianMakela’spassionforinnovative,high-qualityalcoholandnon-alcoholicbeverages developedinrecordtimeinspiredhimtocreatehisowncompany,FormulatedEthanolSolutions (FES)LLCin2019.
● Brian’s20-yearmanagement/technicalcareerinR&DwithCampbell'sSoup,Nestle,Diageo,and McCormicklaidthefoundationheneededtotakebeveragedevelopmentandcommercialization inready-to-drink(RTD)andready-to-service(RTS)tothenextlevel.
● Inlessthan5years,FEShashelpedclientsdevelopandcommercializeaward-winningspirit beverages.
IIfBrianMakelaknowsonethingtobetrue, it’sthis:Innovation,quality,andspeedarethe keystosuccessinthebeverageindustry The keyisahighlyskilledvirtualteamthroughout theworldthathecantapintoatamoment’s notice.
HeistheCEOandfounderofBadIdeas LLC,acompanythatdevelopsandmarkets novelandhigh-qualityspirits.Brianleverages hisverticalintegrationexpertise,technical analyticalskills,andabilitytosolveproblems mostcannot.
MirrorReviewrecentlyspokewithBrian,who saysthekeytodisruptionistobethefirst novelproducttomarket,nota“metoo.”He believesinleadingthewayininnovation ratherthanfollowingthecrowd.Thismindset hasbeeninstrumentalinhissuccessand continuestodrivehisapproachtobusiness.
MirrorReview:Tellusaboutyour backgroundandcareerjourney.We’re especiallyinterestedinyourpast professionalexperiences.
Brian:Bachelor’sdegreeinFoodScience fromPurdueUniversityandaMaster’sdegree inthesamefieldfromtheUniversityofIllinois atChampaign-Urbana.Ihave2patents.My professionaljourneybeganin1995withan internshipatCampbell’sSoupCompanyin Camden,NJ.Fromthere,Imovedonto Nestle,whereIspent10yearsinOperations andR&D,specificallyinConfectionery
MynextstopwasDiageo,whereIspent15 yearsintheirTechnicaldepartment.I eventuallyledtheLiquidResearch& ManufacturingTechnologyfunctionfortheir NorthAmericanbusiness.
In2019,IleftDiageoandfoundedmyfirst company,FormulatedEthanolSolutionsLLC.
Imanagedthiscompanyforfiveyears beforelaunchingmysecondventure,Bad IdeasLLC.DuringmytenureatFES,Ialso spentayearatFlavorsofNorthAmerica (FONA),leadingtheirbeveragealcohol flavorunit.
MirrorReview:“BadIdeasLLC”is certainlyunconventional.Couldyou pleasesharethestorybehindthename andthecompany’scorephilosophy?
Brian:AtBadIdeasLLC,webelievein authenticity Wecreateproductsusinghigh quality,realingredients,craftedbyreal people,andbackedbyrealstories.We createproductsthatbigcompaniescan’tor won’t.Whydowedowhatwedo?Because wecan,whereothershavefailed.
TheconceptofBadIdeaswassparkedby myfriendandclient,WillBlum,theCEO ofBluebirdHardwater.Hechallengedme toleadthecompany,andthenameisthe oppositeofwhatwedo,whichisamazing ideasplusexecution.
BadIdeasLLCisamixofexecutives, entrepreneurs,andtechnicalexperts specializinginbeverages.Wetransform breakthroughideasintotop-notchalcoholic andnon-alcoholicproducts.
Sinceourinceptionin2023,we’vecatered towell-fundedvisionaries,delivering qualityataspeedthatoutpaceslarger companiesbyafactorofnine.We’renot justinthebeveragebusiness;we’reinthe businessofmakingtheimpossiblepossible.
MirrorReview:Yourcompanyhasa reputationfordeliveringtop-tier productstohigh-profileclientsand celebrities.Couldyouelaborateonyour productsandservices?
Brian:Letmeillustratewithafewexamples. TakeViaCarotaCraftCocktails,forinstance. TheyrepresentthepinnacleofReady-ToServecocktails,havingwonover110awards injust12months.Thenthere’sBluebird Hardwater,awhite-spaceReady-To-Drink productthat’srapidlygainingpopularity acrossthecountry.Will,theCEO,andIhave apendingpatentfortheprocesswe developedtocreateit.
Mostofourclientsapproachuswitha problemthey'refacing.Typically,they’re high-net-worthindividualsorserial entrepreneurswho’vehitaroadblock.We helpthemfindasolution,andoncewedo, theyoftenengageBadIdeastocontinue innovatingontheirbehalf.
Often,theclientwalksinwithanideaand, withinafewweeks,walksoutwithaproduct readyformanufacturing.Wehandle everythingfromcommercializationto distribution.Additionally,weoffertechnical duediligenceforbrandacquisitions,rootcauseproblem-solving,anddataanalytics, andweconnectnon-beverageclientswith resourcesthatcanassistthem.
MirrorReview:Astheleaderofthe company,couldyoudescribeatypicalday inyourrole?Whatpartsofyourjobdo youfindmostfulfilling?
Brian:Mydaytypicallyinvolves networking,promotingthecompany,creating prototypesinourlab,andassistingpeoplein creatingtop-notchproducts.Themost rewardingaspectformeistheopportunityto helppeople,evenwiththesmallesttasks.
MirrorReview:Tellusaboutyourteam. Howdoyoufosteracultureofcreativity andinnovationwithinyourteamand organization?
Brian:Honestyisourforemostprinciple.My teamcomprisesseasonedprofessionalswho haveexcelledintheirfunctionalareasand canexecutenewideasatapacethatnoone elsecan.
We'realwaysbrainstormingnewconceptsand approaches,andbydoingthatwehitontrue consumerinsightsfromourpersonalexperience. Also,weusereal-lifeexamplesofwhat’s importanttous,ourfamily,andourfriendsto inspireourproducts.
MirrorReview:You’relaunchingfivenew productsthisweek,whichisquiteambitious! Couldyousharetherationalebehindthis disruptivestrategy?
Brian:Totrulydisruptthemarket,onemustbe thefirsttolaunch,nota“metoo”.Inthis competitivelandscape,ifyou’renotfirst,you’re last.
Overthepastfewweeks,ViaCarotaCraft CocktailsandBadIdeashavelaunchedtheirSpritz products.Noothercompanymatchesourlevelof quality,pace,andtaste.
MirrorReview:Whatarethebiggestchallenges youfacedinyourentrepreneurialjourney?
Brian:Buildingthevirtualinfrastructuretoenable high-qualityandfastproductionforlargeand smallvolumes. Weonlyusetop-notchfood scientists,ingredients,andco-manufacturers. That’swhathasenabledoursuccess.Weare nimblebecauseofthevirtualorganizationwehave inplace.
MirrorReview:Whatareyourplansforscaling upyourstart-up?Whatareyourshort-term andlong-termgoalsforyourcompany?Where doyouseeitin5years?
Brian:
Short-term:Marketingourservicestolarge beveragecompanieswhoneedinnovationand fast-to-marketproducts,smallcompanieswho don'thavetheresourcestobringinnovative productstomarket,andentrepreneurs,suchas celebritieswithnovelideaswhowanthigh-quality, healthybeverages.
Long-Term:Continuebuildingvirtualcompany infrastructurewithhigh-qualityco-manufacturers, developers,andtestingcapability Transferfrom technicalandmarketexpertisetotheteam.
Nothing Is Easy, Pay Attention And You Have To Grind It Out Because No One
COVER STORY
MirrorReview:Howdoyoumanagetohaveaperfect work-lifebalance?Whatareyourhobbies/interests beyondthecabin?
Brian:I’manavidmountainandfatbikingenthusiast, andIalsoenjoyusingPeloton.Healthandnutritionare otherareasI’mpassionateabout.Imaintainanactive lifestyle,workingout5-7timesaweekthroughamixof biking,swimming,running,andstrengthtraining.
Inmyview,balanceisamyth.You’reeithermoving forwardoryou’renot;there’snostandingstill.Thatsaid, mypriorities,inorder,areGod,self,family,andwork.
MirrorReview:Whatkeylessonshaveyoulearned throughoutyourcareerjourney?
Brian:WhatdidIlearn?Nothingiseasy,nevergiveup.
MirrorReview:Manyentrepreneurshesitatetotake risksorexploreunconventionalideas.Whatadvice wouldyouoffertothoseaspiringtobreakthemold?
Brian:Embracefearlessness.Don’tlettheopinionsof othersdictateyouractions.Thegreatestfreedomisnot caringwhatpeoplethinkofyou.Iwakeupevery morningandthinkaboutthepossibilitiesofeachday.No fear
The Greatest Freedom
Is Not Caring What People Think Of You
Management-AlesStrancar,CEO
URL-www.biaseparations.com
Founded-1998
Description-BIASeparationsofSloveniaspecializesin innovative,scalableCIM®monolithicchromatography columnsforeffectivebiomoleculepurification,aswell ascustomisedprocessdevelopmentandanalytics supportforbiopharmaceuticalandgenetherapy production.
Bad Ideas LLC
Management- BrianMakela,CEOandFounder
URL-www.badideasllc.com
Founded-2023
Description-BadIdeasLLC,asmallteamofseven executives,entrepreneurs,andtechnicalprofessionals whospecializeinbeverages,transformsinnovative conceptsintohigh-qualityalcoholicandnon-alcoholic products.Theybelieveingenuineness.Theymake productswithhigh-quality,authenticingredients,made byrealpeople,andbackedbytruetales
Centner Academy Duolingo
Management- LeilaCentner,Founder
URL-www.centneracademy.com
Founded-
2019
Description-TheAcademyprioritizesthedevelopment ofcriticalthinkingandproblem-solvingabilitiesoverfact recallandrotememorization Anexcellentexampleof thisistheirrenownedEntrepreneurshipProgram.
Management-LuisvonAhn,CEO
URL-www.duolingo.com
Founded-2011
Description-Duolingoisafunandusefulapplicationfor learninganewlanguage.Itisfreetouseandincludesa rangeoffeaturesthatmakeitbothfascinatingandeffective. TheDuolingoappprovidesclassesin38languages, includingHindi,English,Spanish,French,German, Chinese,Japanese,andKorean
Management- SoniaSyngal,CEO
URL-www.gapinc.com
Founded-
Description-GapInc.caterstodiverseneeds:OldNavy foraffordablefashion,Athletaempoweringwomen,Banana Republicfocusingonsustainableluxury,andGap promotingindividualityinresponsiblycraftedessentials, drivenbyaglobalteamcommittedtoinclusivityand sustainability. 1969 Gap Inc.
GroGuru
Management- PatrikHenry,PresidentandCEO
URL-www.groguru.com
Founded-2014
Description-GroGuruenablesfarmerstoincrease agriculturalproductivitywhileconservingscarceresources inasustainablemanner.GroGuruoffersasolutionthat enableswatermonitoringandmanagementthrough continuousrootzonemonitoringofcrops,aswellasan AI-basedrecommendationengineinthecloud
iProcess LLC
Management-RoxanaRohde&FlorianRohde,Founders
URL-www.iprocess-consulting.com
Founded-
2014
Description-iProcessofferstheabilities,know-how,and expertisetobesuccessfulineverythingfromprocessand strategydefinitionsforstart-upstocontemporaryandagile developmentandvalidationmethodsforexisting manufacturers
LotLinx
Management-LenShort,CEOandChairman
URL-www.lotlinx.com
Founded-2012
Description-LotLinxgivesautodealersandforwardthinkingOEMstheabilitytoautomatetheirretail inventorymerchandisingwithunmatchedprecisionby enablingacloud-basedlinkedlot Itismadeupof exceptionallytalentedpeoplewithyearsofspecialized experienceinavarietyofindustries
Mendaudio
Management-NerminOsmanovic,Founder
URL- www.mendaudio.com
Founded-2023
Description-Mendaudioisapioneeringforceinaudio technology,committedtoofferingcreativeand dependablepowersolutionsforartists Italsoprovides uniquelithium-ionbatterypackstomeetspecialneeds beyonditsusualofferings.
Utilities One
Management-SergheiBusmachiu,CEO
URL-www.utilitiesone.com
Founded-2016
Description-Itisatrustedpartnertosomeoftheworld's majortelecommunicationscorporations,electricandgas utilities,cellularcarriers,andtechnologydeployment firms.Theyhaveademonstratedtrackrecordof deliveringhigh-qualityinfrastructuresolutionsthatmatch theirclients'demands.
The Visionary Leader Revolutionizing Education and Empowering the Next Generation
Everygreateducationalleaderunderstandsthat
buildingacommunityrequirestheeffortof many.Theypossessanunquenchablethirstfor self-improvementandapassionforenhancingthelives ofothers.Theystrivetocultivatealoveforlearning, embracemistakes,andpushthemselvestobecome betterforthebenefitoftheworld.Theseleadersbelieve thatstudentsthrivewhentheyusetheirmindstosolve problems,createsolutions,andcollaboratewithpeers tomakeadifference.
Tocultivatefutureleaders,itiscriticalthateducation focusesondevelopingcriticalthinkingandproblemsolvingskillsratherthanjustmemorizingfacts.The futureofeducationrequiresleaderswhounderstand thatcultivatingdisciplineinchildreniscrucial.These leadersunderstandthatacommitmenttosupporting childrenwithtoolssuchasmindfulness,selfawareness,andself-regulationisnecessaryforthemto growintoemotionallyintelligentandresilientadults.
LeilaCentner(FounderofCentnerAcademy)isan exemplaryeducationalleaderwhoistransforming educationandempoweringthenextgeneration.Her visionaryapproachtoeducationisrevolutionizingthe wayweteach,learn,andgrowandismakingalasting impactonthelivesofcountlesschildren.
FromAdversitytoAmbition
Leila’sjourneytowardeducationalleadershipisrooted inhertumultuouschildhood.Growingupinarough neighborhoodwithoutafatherfigure,shewas surroundedbynegativeinfluences.Herfriendswere becomingpregnantatthirteen,andsheevengotchased homebyagangwithknivesonce.Itwasachallenging environment;however,itmotivatedhertostrivefor moreandtocreateabetterlifeforherselfandher family
Leila’sambitiontoimprovethingsforherselfand othersfueledherpassionforeducationalleadership. Whensearchingfortherighteducationalinstitution forherdaughter,shefoundthatnoschoolmether highstandardsforengaginginacademicsandthe holisticdevelopmentofchildren.Ratherthan settlingforless,Leiladecidedtocreateherown school,CentnerAcademy,aConsciousDiscipline schoolthatempowerschildrentobecomefuture leaders.
CentnerAcademy:RedefiningEducationfor FutureLeaderswithHeart
Leila’sbrainchild,CentnerAcademy,isa trailblazingeducationalinstitutionthatfocuseson buildingfutureleaderswithheart.Foundedin2019, CentnerAcademyislocatedinMiamiandhasthree campuses,withnewconstructionintheworksto furtherexpanditsreach.
TheAcademy’sapproachtoeducationiscenteredon developingcriticalthinkingandproblem-solving skillsoverrotememorizationandfactrecall.Their signatureEntrepreneurshipProgramisan excellentexampleofthis.Studentsexperiencethe entireprocessofbringingaserviceorproductto market,includingcreatingabusinessplan,makinga SharkTank-styleinvestmentpitch,andbringingthe productorservicetothepublicattheBeeHappy Marketplace.
CentnerAcademyisknownforitsforeignlanguage program,whichincludesHebrew,Mandarin, Spanish,Italian,andFrench.Theschoolalsohas competitiveLegoRoboticsandSpeech&Debate Teams,aswellasTennisandSoccerprograms.They haveauniquepartnershipwithCentner’slocal regenerativefarm,Regener8Farm&Retreat.
LEILA CENTNER FOUNDER
Moreover,theschoolprioritizes developingemotional intelligenceandresilienceinits students.AsaConscious Disciplineschoolthatfocuseson thedevelopmentofdiscipline withinthechild,Centner Academyiscommittedto providingtoolssuchas mindfulness,self-awareness,and self-regulationtosupporttheir students’growthinto emotionallyintelligentand resilientadults.
TheAcademy’sBrain Optimizationprogramis anotherstandoutfeature,with nutritiousandhealthyfoodanda physicaleducationprogramthat supportsneurodevelopment.The academicsareequallyrigorous
“At Centner Academy, our academic approach is designed to prepare our students for success in a rapidly changing world.”
andengaging,withacrosscurricularproject-basedlearning approachthatallowsstudentsto divedeeplyintotopicsofinterest whilemasteringessentialskills.
CreatingaThrivingLearning Community
LeilaseesherselfastheChief HappinessOfficerandfocuseson motivatingherteamandleading byexample,alwaysemphasizing theimportanceofkindness, compassion,andhumilityin everythingtheydo.AstheCEOof theschool,shetakesonavariety ofrolesandresponsibilities,allof whichareaimedatcreatinga thrivinglearningcommunity.Her toppriorityistoensurethateach student’sindividualneedsaremet,
whichsheachievesbyprovidinga broadrangeofacademicprograms andextracurricularactivitiesthat fostercriticalthinking,problemsolving,andcreativity
Leila’sapproachiscenteredon cultivatingfutureleaderswithhearts whocannavigatetheuncertainand ever-changingworldwithintegrity, grit,andagrowthmindset.Inaddition toshapingtheacademicprograms offeredbytheschool,Leilaalsotakes ahands-onapproachtocultivatinga cultureoflearningandgrowthwithin theinstitution.
“We have a strong culture of learning, growing, and problem-solving.” “If we model this for our students, we are successful!” addsLeila.
EducationfortheFuture
Leilaiswellawareoftheflawsinthe currenteducationsystemandthedire needforchange.Accordingtoher,the educationsystemwasdesignedfora differentera,anditnolongercatersto theneedsoftoday’sstudents.The traditionaldefinitionofsuccess, namelyfinishingcollegeandpursuing traditionaloccupations,isnolonger theonlyoption.Sheunderstandsthat happinessleadstosuccessratherthan theotherwayaround.
Inlightofthis,CentnerAcademyis focusingondevelopingskillsthatwill helpstudentsthriveinany circumstance.Emotionalintelligence, resilience,agrowthmindset,and criticalthinkingareemphasizedto helpstudentsbecomesuccessful regardlessofthechallengestheymay faceinthefuture.
Leilaunderstandsthattomakea positivechange,heracademyneedsto beagileandresponsive.Beingastartupinstitution,theycontinuously
“
“We empower our learners with research-backed learning strategies that foster problem -solving and critical-thinking skills.”
iterateandrespondtonewinformation toensurethattheeducationsystem theyprovideisrelevantandbeneficial tothestudents.
LivinglifetoFullest
Leilaisoftenaskedabouthowshe maintainsahealthywork-lifebalance. Inherresponse,shehighlightsher personalpassionforherworkandher commitmenttomaintainingher physicalandmentalhealth.Having spentyearsoptimizingherbrainand
health,Leilahasahighlevelofenergy comparedtotheaverageperson.This enableshertoworklonghours,asshe isdeeplycommittedtoherworkat CentnerAcademyandCentner Wellness&Spa.
Despiteherbusyschedule,Leilamakes timeforherhobbiesandinterests outsideofwork.Sheenjoysspending qualitytimewithherlovedones, exploringnewplacesandcultures,and throwingpartiestobringpeople together
Imaginebeingdelightedbyburgers,sausages,andnuggets resemblingtraditionalmeatsintaste,texture,andcooking,yetfully plant-based.Plant-basedmeatremainsrelativelyunfamiliartomost. Thesemeatalternativesarefashionedbyincorporatingproteins fromsourceslikesoy,peas,ormushrooms,skillfullymixedwith flavorsandtexturestoimitatemeat.Theyaren’tjusttastybutalso environmentallyfriendly,utilizingfewerresourcesandemittingless greenhousegas.Whetheryou’reavegetarian,vegan,orjustcurious, let’sembarkonajourneytoexploreplant-basedmeatbrands together.Lettheexplorationcommence!
AllAboutPlant-BasedMeat
Plant-basedmeatisafoodproductmadefromplantsthatis designedtomimicthetaste,texture,andappearanceofmeat.The ingredientsusedinplantmeatareasfollows:
● Soyprotein:Soyproteinisacompleteprotein,meaningit containsallnineessentialaminoacids.Itisalsoagood sourceoffiberandiron.
● Peaprotein:Peaproteinisanothercompleteproteinthat islowinfatandcalories.Itisalsoagoodsourceofiron andmagnesium.
● Wheatgluten:Wheatglutenisahigh-proteiningredient thatgivesplant-basedmeatitschewytexture.
● Vegetableoils:Vegetableoilsareusedtobindthe ingredientstogetherandgiveplant-basedmeatitsflavor andmoisture.
● Otheringredients:Otheringredientsthatmaybeusedin plant-basedmeatincludeherbs,spices,gums,and thickeners.
HowExactlyIsItMade
● Selectingingredients:Tomakeplantmeat,themost commoningredientsaresoyprotein,peaprotein,wheat gluten,andvegetableoils.Otheringredientsthatmaybe usedincludeherbs,spices,gums,andthickeners.
● Preparation:Soyproteinandpeaproteinaretypically extractedfromthebeansandthenprocessedintoapowder. Wheatglutenismadebywashingwheatflouruntilthe starchisremoved,leavingbehindtheglutenprotein. Vegetableoilsareheatedandthencooledtoformaliquid.
● Formingthemeat:Oncetheingredientsareprepared, theyarecombinedandformedintothedesiredshape.This
canbedonebyusingavarietyof techniques,suchasextrusion, molding,orchopping.
● Cooking:Theplant-basedmeatis thencookedtogiveitthedesired textureandflavor Thiscanbedoneby frying,baking,orgrilling.
● Addingflavorsandcolors:Finally, flavorsandcolorsmaybeaddedto makeitmoreappealing.Thiscanbe donebyusingherbs,spices,natural flavors,orartificialcolors.
OtherProcedures
● Extrusion:Thisisaprocessof forcingtheingredientsthroughamold underpressure.
● Molding:Thisisaprocessofshaping theplant-basedmeatintothedesired shape.
● Chopping:Thisisaprocessof choppingthemeatintosmallpieces.
ListofPlant-basedMeatBrands
1.ImpossibleFoods
Founder:PatrickOBrown
Founded:2011
Headquarters:USA
OneofthebestcompaniesforsellingplantbasedmeatisImpossibleFoods.Someofthe popularproductsfromImpossibleFoods includetheImpossibleburger,Impossible sausage,Impossiblepork,Impossiblechicken nuggets,Impossiblebeef,Impossiblebreakfast sausagepatties,Impossiblemeatballs, Impossiblecreamybeefymac,andImpossible pizzatopping.
ImpossibleFoodsbelievesinqualityand considersjustifyingapremiumpricefora productnecessary Theyappealtoconscious consumerswillingtopayapremiumforecofriendlyoptionsbyusingtheangleof
sustainability.ImpossibleFoodspositionsitsproductsas cutting-edge,sustainable,andflavorfultocreatea perceptionofhighervalueinthemindsofconsumers.
TheirproductsaresoldintheUSA,Canada,HongKong, Kuwait,Macau,NewZealand,Oman,Singapore,UAE, andtheUK.Thecompanylooksforcountrieswithalarge populationandagrowingdemandforplant-basedfoods.
ImpossibleFoodshaspartneredwithanumberofhighprofilerestaurantsandfoodservicechains,suchasBurger King,WhiteCastle,andQdoba.Thecompanyrunsa varietyofadvertisingcampaigns,bothonlineandoffline. ImpossibleFoodsactivelyengagesconsumersand promotesitsproductsthroughsocialmedia.Additionally, thecompanyenliststhesupportofcelebritieslikeSerena WilliamsandJay-Ztopromoteitsproducts.Furthermore, thecompanyinvestsineducationandoutreachprogramsto educateconsumersaboutthebenefitsofplant-basedmeat.
2. Amy’sKitchenInc
Founder:AndyandRachelBerliner
Founded:1987 Headquarters:USA
ThepopularproductshereincludeOrganicBlackBeanand CheeseBurritos,OrganicVegetableLasagna,Organic RoastedVegetablePizza,OrganicTofuScramble,Organic LentilSoup,OrganicMacandCheese,OrganicVegetable Curry,OrganicEnchiladas,andOrganicBlackBeanVeggie Burgers.
Amy’sKitchenutilizesthefinestnaturalorganic ingredients,leadingthemtochoosehigherpricingfortheir food.Health-consciousindividualsmightembracethis approach.Amy’sKitchenhasearnedrecognitionfor craftingfoodthatalignswithenvironmentalsustainability andfairness,encouragingpeopletowillinglyinvestmore. Thisproductionmethodalsoentailselevatedexpenses.
ThecompanysellsitsproductsintheUSA,Canada,UK, Ireland,Germany,France,Italy,Spain,Netherlands, Belgium,Switzerland,Sweden,Denmark,Norway, Finland,Australia,NewZealand,Hongkong,Singapore, Japan,SouthKorea,Taiwan,Mexico,Brazil,Argentina, andChile.
Amy’sKitchenrunsavarietyofadvertisingcampaigns, bothonlineandoffline.Itactivelyusessocialmediato engagewithconsumersandpromoteitsproducts.Amy’s
Kitchenpartnerswithanumberofrestaurantsand foodservicechains,suchasWholeFoodsMarket andStarbucks.Thecompanyhostsavarietyof events,includingcookingdemonstrationsand productsamplings.Amy’sKitchenencourages customerstosharetheirexperienceswithits products.
3.BeyondMeat
Founder:EthanBrown
Founded:2009
Headquarters:USA
Themostpopularproductsofthecompanyinclude BeyondBurger,BeyondSausage,BeyondBeef, BeyondChickenStrips,andBeyondMeatballs. Thecompanyholdsthethirdpositiononthelistof themostpopularplant-basedmeatbrands.
BeyondMeataimstoofferitsproductsataprice pointthatcompeteswithtraditionalmeat,while alsoshowcasingthepremiumqualityofitsplantbasedalternatives.BeyondMeatemphasizedthe valueofitsproducts,highlightingfactorslike taste,healthbenefits,andsustainability They frequentlyfocusedonpromotingthehealth advantagesoftheirplant-basedproducts. Furthermore,theyhighlightedthepositive environmentalinfluenceofchoosingplant-based alternatives.Thecompanyoccasionallyprovided promotionalpricingordiscounts,particularly whenlaunchingnewproductsorattractingnew customers.
BeyondMeatsellsitsproductsinAustralia,China, HongKong,Indonesia,Japan,Malaysia,New Zealand,Philippines,Singapore,SouthKorea, Taiwan,Thailand,Austria,Belgium,Denmark, Finland,France,Germany,Ireland,Italy, Netherlands,Norway,Poland,Portugal,Spain, Sweden,Switzerland,UnitedKingdom,Canada, Mexico,UnitedStates,Argentina,Brazil,Chile, Colombia,Mexico,Peru,Israel,UnitedArab Emirates.
BeyondMeatrunsavarietyofadvertising campaigns,bothonlineandoffline.BeyondMeat activelyutilizessocialmediatoengagewith consumersandpromoteitsproducts.BeyondMeat haspartnershipswithseveralrestaurantsandfood
servicechains,includingBurgerKing,WhiteCastle,and Qdoba.BeyondMeathostsvariouseventssuchascooking demonstrationsandproductsamplings.Thecompany encouragescustomerstosharetheirexperienceswithits products.
4.MorningStarFarms
Founder:WillKeith
Founded:1975 Headquarters:USA
MorningStarFarmsChik’nNuggets,MorningStarFarms
BreakfastSausage,MorningStarFarmsBuffaloWings, MorningStarFarmsBaconStrips,andMorningStarFarms
GroundMeataresomeofthepopularplant-basedmeat productsinthecompany
MorningStarFarmsproducesaffordablypricedplant-based foodscomparedtoregularmeat,aimingtoprovideconsumers withasenseofvaluewhenoptingforhealthierchoices. LeveragingtheiraffiliationwiththelargerKelloggcompany, theyefficientlymanufacturedawidevarietyoffoodproducts, therebymaintainingcompetitiveprices.Theirdiverserangeof offeringscateredtovariousdietarypreferences,allowsthem tosatisfyawidearrayofconsumers.Theirfocusison assistingindividualsseekingtoreducemeatconsumption withoutentirelyeliminatingit,resultinginawallet-friendly andadaptablefoodselectionforthoseopentoexperimenting withnovelculinaryoptions.
ThecompanysellsitsproductsintheUSA,Canada,Mexico, Brazil,theUK,Germany,France,Italy,Spain,China, Japan, Ireland,Netherlands,Belgium,Germany,Chile,and Argentina.
MorningStarFarmspromotestasteandhealthbenefitsthrough TV,radio,andonlineadvertisements.Theyactivelyinteract onsocialmedia,employbannersandinteractivecontent,and offerdealsingrocerystores.Theyenhancecredibilityby participatingintastingeventsandpartnerships.Additionally, theirwebsiteeducatesvisitorsabouttheadvantagesofaplantbaseddiet.Thecompanyperiodicallyoffersdiscountsand participatesineventstoexpanditsreach.Theyalsomaintain communicationbysendingemailupdatestotheirconsumers.
5. BocaFoodsCompany
Founder:KraftHeinz
Founded:1994 Headquarters:USA
OriginalChik’nPatties,Chik’nNuggets, Crumbles,Chik’nStrips.SpicyChik’n pattiesaresomeofthemostpopularplantbasedmeatproductsbyBocaFoods.
BocaFoodssetspricesthatarecomparableto regularmeat,andtheirfoodhasearneda reputationforbeingtastyandhealthy.The supportofalargecompanyenabledthemto achievelowerproductioncosts.Theyoffera varietyoffoodoptionstailoredtodifferent diets,aimingtoattracthealth-conscious individuals.Toencouragepeopletotrytheir food,theyoccasionallyofferdiscounts. Additionally,theyhavedevelopedfood productsthatresemblefamiliarmeat,making thetransitioneasierforconsumers.In essence,BocaFoodsdiligentlymaintains affordability,offersdiversefoodchoices, prioritizeshealth,andstrivestoearn consumerapproval.
ThecompanysellsitsproductsintheUSA, Canada,Mexico,theUK,Germany, Australia,NewZealand,Singapore,Hong Kong,andTaiwan.
BocaFoodspromotesitstastyandhealthy foodthroughTV,radio,andonlineads.The companyengageswithitsaudienceon Facebook,Instagram,andTwitter.Store displaysandsignsexplainthebenefits,while samplesareprovidedinstores.Amplification ofreachhappensthroughpartnershipswith chefs,bloggers,anddoctors.Thewebsite emphasizesthehealthandeco-friendly aspects.BocaFoodsencouragestrialthrough occasionalcouponsanddiscounts.
Inaworldshiftingtowardsmoresustainable andhealth-consciouschoices,plant-based meatbrandshaveemergedaspioneersof innovationandchange.Withtheirdiverse offeringsandcommitmenttocreating delicious,eco-friendlyalternatives,these Plant-basedmeatbrandshavetransformed thewayweperceiveandconsumeprotein. They’venotonlyrevolutionizedourplates butalsopavedthewayforamoreethicaland planet-friendlyfuture.
NERMiN OSMANOViC
Pioneering a New Era in Portable Power for Musicians and Beyond
Ifyouareamusician,youknowhowfrustratingandtime-consumingit canbetosetupandteardownyourequipmentbeforeandafterevery show Youhavetodealwithtangledwires,bulkypowersupplies, unreliablebatteries,andnoisyinterference.Youwishtherewasabetter waytopoweryourpedals,amps,andinstruments,without compromisingyoursoundqualityandperformance.
That’sexactlywhatNerminOsmanovic,ahobbyistmusicianandan electricalengineer,wishedforwhenhefoundedMendaudio,a companythataimstosolvetheproblemofpoweringmusical equipment.HedecidedtoreplacethetraditionalDCpowercableswith arechargeable9Vbatterypackthatissafe,easytouse,andhasrealtimepowermonitoringhardwaredesign.Healsoarchitectedandbuilt productsthatempowermusicianstoperformanywhere,anytime,with high-qualitysoundandminimalhassle:theDCBatteryPacksandthe ACBatteryPack.
MirrorReviewrecentlyinterviewedNermin,whosays,“Ifsomething inlifeisannoyingyou,andyouhavetheskillstoremedyit,goforit!It probablyannoysotherpeopletoo–theseareyourcustomers!”
(ThefollowingQ&Ahasbeeneditedforlengthandclarity)
MirrorReview:PleasetellusthestorybehindMendaudio.What sparkedtheinitialidea,andwhatproblemwereyouaimingto solve?
Nermin:IstartedplayingTrumpetinamarchingbandwhenIwas6 andGuitarat13.I’veorganizedandplayedhundredsofshowsinmany countries.Oneofthebiggestchallengesformusiciansissettingupand tearingdownequipment.
Iusedtospendalotoftimestretchingandwrapping9VDCpower cablesformyguitarpedals.Thiswasrisky,asdancerscouldtripover them.IwantedtogetridoftheDCpowercablesandusebatterypacks instead.
KeyPoints:
● Afterexperiencingthebiggest challengesofbeingahobbyist musician,NerminOsmanovic foundedMendaudiotosolve theproblemofsettingupand tearingdownequipmentbefore andaftershows.
● NermindecidedtoreplaceDC powercableswitha rechargeable9Vbatterypack thatissafe,easytouse,and hasreal-timepowermonitoring hardwaredesign.
● Hearchitectedandbuilt severalproductsthatempower musicianstoperform anywhere,anytime,withhighqualitysoundandminimal hassle:theDCBatteryPacks andtheACBatteryPack.
Founder | Mendaudio
Photographer - Tuyen Thai
However,thebatterypacksItriedwerepoor.Theyhadpoor hardware,nopowermonitoring,andshortbatterylife.So,I decidedtobuildmyown9VDCbatterypackthatissafe, rechargeable,easy,performant,andwithreal-time monitoring.
Ialsofoundahugemarketformyproduct.Ireadthereport, whichsaidtherearethreemillionguitaristsintheUS,and theaccessoriesbusinessisover$500million.
InJanuary,IattendedtheNAMMtradeshow,whichisthe biggestmusictradeshowofitskind.I’vemadeamazing connectionswithprofessionalguitartechs,andmusicians whowerelookingforwire-freeportable9VDCBattery Packs.Manyprofessionalmusiciansconfirmedline-level andnoiseissuesonstagewhenperforminginSouth America,orinEurope.
Thiscementedmydeterminationtokeeponmakingand producingtheBatteryPacks.MyDCBatteryPackswillbe usedbyfamousartists,andIexpecttoannouncemoreinfo soononmywebsitewww.mendaudio.com.Iwouldliketo mention,thatinJanuary2024,Isoldmyfirst2devices!
MirrorReview:Youmentioneditwasyourdestinyto buildstandalonebatterypacks.Howdidyoudiscover yourpassionforelectronicsandbatteries?Whatwere thekeymomentsandchallengesinyourjourneyto success?
Nermin:IwasborninYugoslaviain1976.Myparents supportedmeandmybrotherintakingmusicclasses,soI playedtrumpetinthemarchingband.Myparentshadmany books,andIbrowsedvarioustopics,fromRenaissanceart andGreeklegendstologarithmictables.Theyneverpushed metochoosemyfuturebutencouragedmyinterests.
Iwasanexcellentstudentingrades1-4(4.0),butthenmy dadsurpriseduswithaCommodore64computer.Iwas excitedtotypeandtrytoloadgamesfromthetapedeck.I skippedschoolfordays.So,Igotlowergrades(3.0)in grades5-8.
ButIlearnedEnglishandDeutch.Iwrotesimpleprograms inBasic.Iwascuriousaboutelectronics.Idisassembled andre-assembledalmostalldevicesinourapartment.
Sometimes,theywouldn’tworkafterthat.Iwas obsessedwithtinycomponents,de-solderedthemfrom oldPCBs,andcategorizedtheminboxes.
Mymomwassurprisedtoseehundredsofcomponents classifiedbysize,shape,andcolor.Later,Ilearnedtheir names:resistors,capacitors,inductors,transistors, potentiometers,etc.IwantedtobuildPCBfromscratch, soIusedacidtoetchthecopperononeside.Thereisa burnmarkonthewindowfromspilledacid.
WhenIwas15,wehadawarinYugoslaviaafter Bosnia-Herzegovinabecameindependent.In1992-1995, Ilearnedtouseallresourcestoovercomeobstacles.I recoveredoldleadacidbatteries,drainedthesolution, cleanedtheinside,andfilledthemwithnewelectrolytes. Tomysurprise,Iwasabletorecoverthebatteryand utilizea12-voltsourcetopowerlightbulbs(automobile headlightbulbs)andmytapedeck.Whenthepowerwas out,Ilistenedtomusicandlearnedguitarsolosbyear, allduetohavingtheleadacidbatterybackup.
Then,ImadeanAC/DCchargeranddesignedand assembledaLeadAcidBatteryCharger.Ibuiltthe enclosuretoo.Itlookednice!Isoldthisdevice,and yearslater,Irealizeditwasmydestinytobuildbattery packs.
Ialsoexperimentedwithotherthings,likemakinga distortionwithaSonyWalkman(connectingguitar pickupstothetapehead),usingaboomboxasanamp, andbuildingapowersupplyforNeonLightswith12V DC.Bythen,Iwasinanelectro-technicalhighschool andmygradesimproved(4.0)forgrades11-12.
MirrorReview:Mendaudio’svisionisto“unlockthe fullpotentialofmusicians.”Howdoesyourproduct lineupcontributetothismissionandempower musicians?
Nermin:Icreatedtwoproductsformusicianstoperform anywhere,anytime,withhigh-qualitysoundandminimal hassle:theDCBatteryPacksandtheACBatteryPacks.
TheDCBatteryPackisaportable,safe,andreliable devicethatpowersguitarpedalswithoutACplugsor converters.Iteliminatesthenoiseandcablesthatcan ruinthesoundandstage.Italsoreducesthesetupand tear-downtime.Itworksanywhereintheworldandis idealfortravelingandperforminginternationally.Itlasts 20+yearsfortypicaluse.
If something in life is annoying you, and you have the skills to remedy it, go for it! It probably annoys other people too – these are your customers “
TheACBatteryPackisaninnovativedevicethatgenerates aperfectACwaveform,freeofnoise,whichcanpowerany stageequipment,suchasspeakers,mixers,microphones, andTVs.Itissuper-safe,controllable,independent, rechargeable,purehardware,andextensible.Ithasa transportmode,switches,chargers,monitoring,solar panels,anextensionport,andalonglifespan.Thefirst versionis125Wh,butIaimtobuilda1kWhsystemto powerthewholestagefor4hours.
ImadetheseproductsbecauseIwantedtoplaymusic anywhere,withoutthegridornoise.IneededACpowerfor myspeaker,mixer,microphone,andTVformyproject (www.nazband.com).Ibuiltitfromscratchtodesigna perfectACbatterypackthatisportableandeasy.
MirrorReview:YoufoundedMendaudiofromscratch. Howdidyounavigatetheearlystagesofgrowthand funding,andwhatweresomekeyturningpoints?
Nermin:Itwashardtobalancethetimeforstartinganew company.But,IknewIwassolvingarealissuefor musicians.IfIsolveditformyself,itwouldhelpothers.So, Ibuiltandtestednewprototypes(solderingbyhand)inreal life.Thiskeptmyconfidence.Iwasself-funded,soIdidnot needinvestors.Thisfreedmetodelivermyvisionofa productthatiseasy,safe,reliable,andpurehardware, withoutunnecessaryadditions.
Thefirsttaskwastofindthebestbatterycell.Ilearnedalot aboutLi-Ionchemistryandperformance,bought20+books onBatteriesandSystems,andwatchedonlineresearchon Li-IonCells,includingNASAdesign.Iorderedthetop3 cellmanufacturers(LG,Panasonic,Sony)andtestedthem. But,Ineededfullsafetytosellmydevices.So,Ilearned aboutthenewhardwaretechnology,“AdvancedSafety CircuitProtection”,andorderedsamples.Iwassurprised thatthecellsperformedwell,andhad1000cycles.Thecells areLi-IonhybridbyPanasonic,builtinJapan,withSafety CircuitsbySeiko,andtestedinFlorida.Ifoundmybattery cellsandmovedtothenextstage.
IrealizedthatearlyDC-DCBoostConverterdevices didnotworkwellforallpedalsduetoDCVoltage Rippleartifacts.Idecidedtobuildanewdesign.I workedwithengineersinvariouscountries(Spain, Turkey,andUSA)andtried3differentcircuitdesigns. IalsogotsamplesfromaPCBsupplierinArgentina.
Aftermonthsofdevelopmentandevaluation,Ifound thebestdesigninDCsignalqualityandpower delivery The2-celldesigncouldpower12pedalsat once!Thiswasamazing.Inoticedbetterguitarsound qualityandnonoiseissues.Mybatterydevices workedgreat,andIusedthemeverywhere,intheU.S. andSpain.Thecompactdesignwaseasytocarryon theplane.Igothelpwithenclosuredrilling,whichwas amanualprocess.Ihadthewoodentemplatesmadeby myconsultant,andIusedalaser-guideddrillpressto maketheperfectholesattheexactspotsfora professionalfinish.Thenextmilestonewasordering 100PCBsformypacks.Then,Iordered1000PCBs, tosellonAmazonWebstore.
IwantedtodesignaperfectACwaveformbattery pack,freeofnoise,portable,andeasyformymusic project.Iaimedtodesignasolutiontoplayanywhere, for2hours.IneededACpowerforaspeaker,amixer withamicrophone,andaTVformyvideo (www.nazband.com).So,IbuiltanACBatteryPack fromscratch.
Inthisdesign,IusedaPowerInverterandhandsolderedallotherelements.ACBatteryPackhada super-safeoperation,manualswitches,independentcelldesign,individualchargers,andreal-time monitoring.Italsoletsusersseehowdevicesare performedandanyissueslikeanimbalancedcellor dischargedsystem.
ACBatteryPackcanberechargedviaGrid,with independentchargingcircuitsforeachcell.Nebulais purehardware–nosoftware,instantpower-on,and safetytransportmode.Thefirstmodelis125Whand extensibleviaport.Iaimtobuilda1kWhsystemto powerafullstage,includinginstruments,amps, speakers,andlights.
Iwantallmydevices(DCandACpacks)tohave SolarPanelsforoff-gridcharging.IavoidBluetooth, Wifi,orothersoftwareelementstomaximize efficiencyandminimizedisruptions.Akeystonewas realizingmyDCPackswouldlast20+years.
Photographer - Tuyen Thai
MirrorReview:AsthefounderandPrincipal EngineerofMendaudio,whatarethemain challengesandjoysofyourwork?
Nermin:Ihandlemanytasksandroles,suchasmarket analysis,productdesign,prototypevalidation,engineer hiring,externalnegotiation,devicemanufacturing, reliabilitytesting,productpromotion,account application,andstakeholderengagement.
Iworkwithasmallteamoftwoconsultingengineers whoassistmewithvariousaspectsofproduct development,suchascircuitdesign,enclosuredrilling, partssoldering,andgeneralassemblypreparation.I keepapositiveattitudeandafriendlyappearanceto fosteragreatworkenvironment.
WhatIlovethemostaboutmyworkistheresearch anddevelopmentprocess,whereIturnmyideasinto realityandseethemdelightmycustomers.Ialsoenjoy interactingwithmanywonderfulpeoplealongtheway, especiallymusicianswhovaluemyproducts.
MirrorReview:Doyouhaveplanstoreachnew customersbeyondmusiciansandmusicenthusiasts?
Nermin:Yes,Idoplantoexpandmytargetmarketsin thefuture.Ihaveseveralideasforcreatingnew productsthatcanbenefitothersegmentsofcustomers whoneedreliableandportablepowersources.For example,Iplantodesignandbuildaseamlesspower extensionbatterypackforMacBookProthatcan providetrue12hoursofoperationinanyenvironment. Thiswouldbeidealforoutdoorfilmproduction professionalsandothervideo/audioproducerswho workoutdoors.
MirrorReview:Howdoyoubalanceyourworkand personallifeasthefounderofMendaudio?
Nermin:Inadditiontothefullworkloadduringthe workweek,onoccasionsIfindmyselfdoing somethingoverontheweekendiftherearedevicesto assembleorshipmenttobemadeoverseas.Ialso noticedthatIplayguitarsomewhatlessthanbefore. So,Itrytoremindmyselfthatitisimportanttotake thetimeforpersonalenjoyment.Itrytospendalotof timeinmybackyardwithourcatsandtrytotakewalks innaturewithmygirlfriend.Stayingcreative,and doingartsythingsisveryimportanttomaintain positiveoutcomes.
MirrorReview:Whatarethebiggestchallengesyou facedinyourcareerjourney,andhowdidyouovercome them?
Thebiggestchallengesinmy20-yearprofessional Nermin: careerwithsomeofthebiggestcompaniesintheworld havebeenagenerallackofunderstandingandfollowingof basicexcellenceprinciples:safety,transparency,andethics. Thisiswhy,workinginmyowncompany,Icanmaintain theseprincipleswithoutcompromise.
MirrorReview:Howdoyouinspireaspiring entrepreneurswhowanttomakeadifferenceinthe world?
Nermin:Ibelievethatifyouhaveaskillandapassionto solveaproblemthatannoysyouandothers,youshouldgo forit.That’showyoufindyourcustomersandyour purpose.Butbeforeyoustart,makesureyouhavea financialbackupsoyoudon’tdependonanyone.Andtrust yourgut,evenifothersdoubtyou.Butalsotestandrefine yoursolutionuntilitworksperfectly
Youwillfeelthesupportwhenyoumeetpeoplewholove yourproducts.That’swhatmotivatesmetokeepdoing whatIdo.Anddon’tbeafraidtogethelpfromothersin areasthatyoudon'tenjoy.Andalwaysfollowtheprinciples ofexcellence:safety,transparency,andethics.Iwishyoua wonderfuljourneyandsuccessinyourfutureendeavors.
MirrorReview:Couldyoupleasesharewithusany upcomingeventsthatyouarelookingforwardto?
Nermin:Ihavetwoexcitingeventscomingupinthenext fewmonths.InFebruary,IwilltraveltoDoha,Qatar,to participateintheWebSummit,aspartoftheAlphaStartup Program.Thisisagreatopportunityformetoshowcasemy DCBatteryPackandACBatteryPacktechnology,which areinnovativesolutionsforportablepower.Iwillalso networkwithindustryprofessionalsandpotentialinvestors.
Then,inMarch,IwillexhibittheACandDCBatteryPacks inAustin,Texas,aspartoftheSXSW2024CreativeExpo tradeshow.
Inaddition,Ihavesomegoodnewstoshare.Ihave receivedAmazonSellerapproval,includingTrademarkand Brandingapproval,andIexpecttohavethe9VDCBattery PacksavailableforpurchaseonAmazoninMarch2024. Thiswillmakeiteasierforcustomerstoaccessmy productsonline.
Luxury Fashion Top 7 and Their Legacy in 2024 Brands
“Elegance is not standing out, but being remembered.” Thisisexactlywhatluxuryfashionbrandsareallabout! This$104.5Billionindustryisaworldwheredesigners elevateyourstyleandsetastandardofsophisticationafter whichyouwillberememberednotjustappreciated.
Inthisblog,let’stakeajourneythroughthetopluxury fashionbrandsrulingtheindustryeversinceandeven today Theselabelsarereshapingthefashionindustrywith theirtouchofheritage.
The brands that not just make clothing but legacies! Are youreadytofeedyourcuriosityaboutthebrandsthatare onthelistandwhatsetsthemapartfromtherest?Let’s quicklygetstarted!
1. LouisVuitton
● Founder:LouisVuitton
● CurrentCEO:BernardArnault
● LaunchYear:1854
● Headquarters:Paris,France
● RecentAnnualRevenue:$93.243Billion
LouisVuittonisoneoftheleadingluxuryfashionbrands dominatingthefashionindustry.Indeed,LVsetsitsmarkas itcombinestraditionandinnovationinitsdesigns. Especiallythisbrandisbestknownforitsextraordinary craftsmanship.Everystitchintheproductsaysaboutthe legacyofitsqualityandgivesyouafeelofluxury!
BackthenVuittonhimselfreformedfashionbyreplacing therounded-toppedtrunkswhichwerecommonatthattime withthecreationofflat-toppedtrunksmakingthemeasyto transportandstack.
Thebrandisgloballyrecognizedforitsleathergoods, exclusiveclothing,andclassicaccessoriesthatnevergoout ofstyle.LVisalwayssignificantlyimpactingfashionand culturebycollaboratingwithextraordinaryartistsand designerstostaytrue.
Today,theexclusivemonogramofLouisVuitton(LV)is notjustalogobutastatussymbol.LVhasneverfailedto maintainitsreputationastheleadingluxurybrandinthe industryforoveracenturynow
2. Dior
● Founder:ChristianDior
● CurrentCEO:DelphineArnault
● LaunchYear:1946
● Headquarters:Paris,France
● RecentAnnualRevenue:$ 92.29Billion
Firstly,weallknowDiormakesits markasoneoftheluxuryfashion brandsthatcelebratewomen.The brandisknownforitstouchof eleganceandluxuryinitsclothes. ChristianDiorgainedfameby reshapingthefashionbackthenwith his‘NewLook’whichmadesmaller waistandfullerskirts.
Inadditiontoclothes,thebrandisalso knowngloballyforitsamazingluxury perfumes.Dior’sJ’adorescentis simplymindblowing.Also,inthe brand’sinnovation,wegettoseea combinationofclassicstylesand trendsofmoderntoday
Indeed,Diorisalwaysthefavoriteone forallwalkingtheredcarpet.Having creativedirectors,Diorkeeps surprisingtheworldwithitsnewand excitingfashioncollections.
3. CocoChanel
● Founder:Gabrielle‘Coco’ Chanel
● CurrentCEO:LeenaNair
● LaunchYear: 1913
● Headquarters:London, UnitedKingdom
● RecentAnnualRevenue:$ 19.4Billion
CocoChanel!Indeed,theluxurybrand thatredefinedfashionforwomenwith comfortableyetsmartclothing.The brandispopularforthe‘LittleBlack Dress’andthe‘ClassicChanelSuit’ Theirdesignshavenotonlybecomea statusfactorovertheyearsbutalsoa symbolofuniversalelegance.
Thebrand’smostcreativeinnovation infashionisthereplacementofthe
corsetswithstylishclothingthatalsogavethem freedomofmovement.ThedesignsbyCoco Chanelwerenotonlytheresultofherboldlifestyle butalsotheinfluenceofherconnectionwiththe artistsofhertimes.Thereforethismadethebranda culturalicon.
Undoubtedly,theymakesomeofthebest fragrancesintheworld!Weallknowthattheir special‘ChanelNo.5’,createdintheyear1921is notonlypopularbutruleseverylady’sheart.This perfumeleavesyouwithanessenceof sophisticationearningyoualltheattention.
Therefore,eventodaythisluxurybrandfollowsthe visionofitsfounderwiththesamecreativityand innovationafterthefounderofthebrandislong gone.Moreover,thismakesitoneoftheleading luxuryfashionbrandsintheworld.
4. Hermès
● Founder:ThierryHermès
● CurrentCEO:AxelDumas
● LaunchYear: 1837
● Headquarters:Paris,France
● RecentAnnualRevenue:$14.35Billion
FirstlyHermèsstartedthefashionjourneyby makingbridlesandharnessesofhighquality The brandiswell-knownforitsremarkable craftsmanship!Especiallytheproductsmadeof leather
Undoubtedly,Hermèsbeingthefirsttointroducea zipperinFrance,madeahugedifferenceinthe worldoffashionanduseability.Importantly,this brandisexclusivelyknownworldwideforits luxuryproductslike‘BirkinBags’.Aboveall, Hermèsisafamily-ownedbrandthatneverfailsto ensureconsistentproductqualityandkeepupwith itsheritage.
Inadditiontogreatleatherproducts,thisluxury brandalsooffersperfumes,silkscarves,andreadyto-weargarments.Youcanstillexperiencethelove theyhavetowardsthebrand’sheritageanddeep rootsinthelogowhichhasaducalcarriagewith horse.Thisbrandissuccessfulinmaintainingits reputationovertimeandthereforeisconsidered oneofthebestluxuryfashionbrandsintheworld.
5. Gucci
● Founder:GuccioGucci
● CurrentCEO:Jean-François Palus
● LaunchYear:1921
● Headquarters:Florence,Italy
● RecentAnnualRevenue:$7.1 Billion
Gucciistheresultofitsfounder’s inspirationfromtheelegancehesaw aroundwhileworkingasaliftboyin London’sSavoyHotel.Gucci,starting itsjourneyfocusingonmakingleather goodsofhighqualityshowsusallthe excellenceofItaliancraftsmanship.
Moreover,thislegendarybrandcame intothelimelightafterintroducingits classicbamboohandlehandbagandits legendarygreen-red-greenstripewhich hasbecomeitsidentityinthemarket.Its interlockingGGlogohasbecomea statussymboltoday
Also,thebrandhasbeenapartofpop culture!Mayitbeinmusicormovies, weallknowthisbrand'ssignificanceis waybeyondthefashionindustry
Gucci’sabilitytoreinventitselfwhile notforgettingitsrootsisthereason behindthebrand’sextraordinary existencetoday.
6. Prada
● Founder:MarioPrada
● CurrentCEO:AndreaGuerra
● LaunchYear:1913
● Headquarters:Milan,Italy
● RecentAnnualRevenue:$ 4.50Billion
MarioandhisbrotherMartinoPradagot startedwithasmallshopsellingleathermadegoods.Injust6yearstheshop becamesofamousthateventheItalian RoyalHousebecametheirclientfor theirimpressiveproductsofhighquality.
Importantly,todayPradaisoneofthe luxuryfashionbrandsintheworld.It standsoutfromthecrowdbecauseits productsarenotjustfancyand luxuriousbutalsofunctional.The brandispassingdownthegenerations andthereforeMiucciaPrada,Mario’s granddaughteraddsherowntouchof luxuryandsophisticationtothebrand.
TodayPradadoesnotjustlimititselfto fashionbutisalsoasymbolofstylewe experienceeveninmoviesandmusic. Tothisdayweseetheglobalpresence ofthebrandwellknownnotonlyfor itsluxurioustouchbutalsoforits ‘PradaGreen’.
7. Burberry
● Founder:ThomasBurberry
● CurrentCEO:Jonathan Akeroyd
● LaunchYear:1856
● Headquarters:London, UnitedKingdom
● RecentAnnualRevenue:$ 3.88Billion
Burberryisknownforitssmart innovationsinfashionlike‘gabardine’ in1979,afabricthatisstrongand waterproofbutisalsobreathable.And, itsiconictrenchcoatsareworthall attention!Thisbrandalsogets‘royal
warrants’toshowtheapprovalofthe qualityandroyallovetowardsthe products.
ThepatternofBurberry’schecksisstill rulingtheindustry.Moreover, celebritiesusuallyusethisbrandin theirmovies,music,etcmakingita culturalsymbolandoneofthewellknownluxuryfashionbrands.
Additionally,thebrandalsomade gearsforoutgoingandadventurous peoplelikeaviators.TodayBurberryis knowngloballyandisachoiceof manylikeus.
EndNote
Asweconcludeourjourneythrough thetopluxuryfashionbrandsinthe world,werealizeluxuryclothingisnot justapieceoffashionbutaclassyway oflife!
Well,mayyoubeanexpertfashionista orjustgettingtoknowaboutluxury styles,thereisalwayssomething specialaboutluxurybrands.Withouta doubt,theeleganceofitwillhookyou forlife!
So,justenjoyyouruniquestyletoday andpamperyourselfwiththeloveof luxuryfashionthatyoudeserveinlife!
Entrepreneurswhobringdisruptiveinnovationface
manychallengesanddifficulties.Theyneedaclear visionandasolidcommitmenttotheirgoals.They mustendurehardshipsandsacrificeswithoutgivingupor losingsightoftheirpurpose.
PatrickHenry,PresidentandCEOofGroGuru,isonesuch entrepreneur.HeleadsanexcitingAgTechcompanythataims totransformthewaywegrowcropsbyusinganinnovativeIoT systemforprecisionirrigationandsoilmonitoringand management.Hebelievesthatwaterandfoodarethemost strategicresourcesforhumanityandthatweneedtogrowthem sustainablyandefficiently
Patrickhasarichanddiversebackgroundinthetechindustry BeforeGroGuru,heheldtheCEOrolesatQuestFusion, EntropicCommunications,PictosTechnologies,andLinCom Wireless.Henryalsoworkedasaseniorexecutiveatseveral high-profileSiliconValleytechcompanies,includingAMD, LSILogic,andC-CubeMicrosystems.Heraisedover$200 millioninequityfinancingforhiscompaniesanddirectly participatedinover$2billionofM&Atransactionsinhis career
Patrick'sachievementshavenotgoneunnoticed.Hehas receivednumerousawardsandaccolades,suchasthe2008 ErnstandYoungEntrepreneuroftheYear,theSanDiegoDaily Transcript2008TopInfluentials,andthe2011SanDiego BusinessJournalMostAdmiredCEO.Hehasalsomentored otherentrepreneursthroughhisinvolvementatEvoNexusand Chairman’sRoundtable.
Patrickisnotonlyasuccessfulentrepreneurbutalsoacritically acclaimedauthor.Hisbook, PLAN COMMIT WIN: 90 Days to Creating a Fundable Startup, haswonseveralawardsandbeen onbest-sellerlists.
MirrorReviewrecentlyinterviewedHenry,whosays“Thereis nothingmorestrategicthanwaterandfood.Wecannotlive withoutthem.”“Weneedtogrowthefoodinsuchawaythat wedonotdestroytheplanetintheprocess.Thisisabout sustainabilityandbeinggoodstewardsofscarceresources.”
(ThefollowingQ&Ahasbeeneditedforlengthandclarity.)
MirrorReview:ThefoundingstoryofGroGuruisunique, withthecombinationofexpertiseinwireless communicationandsensortechnologiesforagriculture. Couldyousharesomespecificchallengesandtheneedfora solutionthatledtotheinceptionofGroGuru?
Patrick:GroGuruwasfoundedin2014.Itwasthe resultoftwopathscomingtogether.Ourfounder, FarooqAnjum,Ph.D.,wasasystemengineering directoratastartupfocusedonwirelesscommunication forwhatisnowknownastheInternetofThings(IoT).
Hewashavingtroublegrowingthingsinhisgardenand waslookingforasolution.Herealizedthatweneedto haveenoughfreshwatertodrinkandgrowcrops,and enoughnutritiousfoodtofeedtheplanet.Therefore,he metanotherofourco-founders,JeffCampbell,Ph.D., whohadover20yearsofexperiencedevelopingsensor technologiesforcommercialagriculture.
However,oneafternoon,Jeffwasinacornfieldkneedeepinmud,workingtoremoveasoilsensor.He thoughttohimself,“Theremustbeabetterway!” Consequently,JeffandFarooqjoinedforceswithmeto haveGroGurufocusonsolutionsaddressingthemost criticalissuesontheplanet.
MirrorReview:Therapidpaybackperiodofless thanonegrowingseasonisadvantageousfor farmers.HowdoesGroGuruworkwithfarmersto ensuretheyexperiencethisquickreturnontheir investment,andwhatsupportsystemsareinplaceto addressanypotentialchallengesduring implementation?
Patrick: Weknowthatanysolutionweselltofarmers needstobeeasytoimplementanduse,reliable, supportedbyatrustedadvisornetwork,deliverasolid ROI(returnoninvestment),andhavearapidpayback period.Therefore,wemakesurethatGroGuru’s solutionsmeetallthesecriteria.
Ourendcustomersarefarmers.Theyaresmart,hardworking,tech-savvy,business-minded,andpractical. Farmingishard.Makingmoneyishard.GroGuru’s solutionshelpfarmersincreasecropyieldandusewater andotherscarceresourcesmoreefficientlyand sustainably
GroGurudoescontinuousrootzonemonitoringanduses artificialintelligence,orAI,inthecloudtomake recommendationstofarmersaboutwhenandhowmuch toirrigateforoptimalresults.TheuseoftheGroGuru systemcanimprovelong-termsoilhealthandhelp monitorandoptimizeregenerativeagricultureand sustainabilitypractices.
GroGuru’s PATRICKHENRY on Cultivating Innovation
Transforming Agriculture with IoT Precision
KeyPoints:
●PatrickHenryisaserialentrepreneurwhohasbeenCEOoffivedifferentcompanieswith multipleexits,includinganIPOonNASDAQwitha$1billionvaluation.
●Hiscompany,GroGuru,helpsfarmersincreasecropyieldandmoreefficientlyusewaterand otherscarceresourcessustainably.
●Patricksaysdisruptiveinnovationisa10X:a10timesimprovementinperformanceora10X reductionincost,totalcostofownership,orsomecombinationofthis.
Asaresult,oursolutionstypicallyprovidefarmerswitha1020percentincreaseincropyieldanda10-20percentsavings oninputcosts,includingwater.Farmerstypicallygeta6-8X ROI(returnoninvestment)everyyearfromusingGroGuru. Thepaybackperiodislessthanonegrowingseason.
MirrorReview:Theanalogyofmanagingdifferently when“buildinghouses”versuswhenthe“houseison fire”isintriguing.Couldyousharesomeexamplesofhow youadaptedyourmanagementstylebasedonthe circumstances,andhowtheseadaptationscontributeto thesuccessofGroGuru?
Patrick:BeingtheCEOofastartupmeansyouareincharge offinance,marketing,sales,operations,andhuman resources.Youarealsothechief‘bottlewasher’andhead 'cheerleader'.Youhavetosetthestrategyanddirectionofthe companyanddriveoperationalexcellenceontheright prioritiestoachievethevision.
However,whenyouhaveanexpertteamwithashared vision,likewehaveatGroGuru,collaborationisthebest approach.Buttheremustbeafinaldecisionmaker Especiallyatfast-movingtechcompanies,notmakinga decisioncanbeworsethanmakingadecisionandthen course-correctingalongtheway.Therefore,havingabias towardactionisessential,andanalysisparalysiscanbe deadly
Iammoreinterestedinsettinggoalsbasedonwhatneedsto beaccomplished,andlettingtheteamdecidehowto accomplishthegoals.Ihavebeenfortunatetohave exceptionallytalentedandspecializedmenandwomenon mymanagementteamsovertheyears.
Moreover,whenateamhassharedvaluesofexecution excellence,customerfocus,integrity,tenacity,patience, perseverance,andservantleadership,thingstendtoworkout. Gettingtherightpeopleontheteamwhohavetheright marketdomain,andtechnical,andbusinessexpertiseiskey.
MirrorReview:Hiringnotjustforskillsetbutforvalues isaninterestingapproach.Couldyousharesomeinsights intothespecificvaluesthatareprioritizedwhenhiring forGroGuru,andhowthesevaluesalignwiththe company’smissionandculture?
Patrick:Havingasharedvisionisessentialforculture.We valueintegrity,workethic,commitmenttoexcellence, customerfocus,collaboration,mutualrespect,perseverance, andafocusonthebigpicturewhileworkingonthedetails.
OurleadershipteamisdedicatedtothesuccessofGroGuru. Wehaveasharedvisionandseewhatwearedoingas importantforfarmersandtheplanet.Ittakestimetobuilda greatcompany,andtheGroGuruteamisexperiencedand skilledinwhatittakes.
GroGuruhasassembledateamofexpertswiththeright business,technical,andmarketdomainexpertisetobuilda businessintheagriculturemarket.Therequiredbusiness expertiseincludespartnershipdevelopment,marketchannel development,complexsalesstrategy,andproduct positioning.
Technicalexpertiseincludeswirelesscommunication, software,hardware,systemengineering,electronics manufacturing,datascience,andcropscience.Theteamalso hassignificantexperienceinmarketingandsellingto farmers.
MirrorReview:Whatarethebiggestchallengesyou facedinyourentrepreneurialjourney,andhowdidyou overcomethem?
Patrick:OneofthebiggestchallengesIfacedwastakinga companypubliconNASDAQduringthebeginningofthe financialcrisisinDecember2007.
Then,Ihadtorunapubliccompanyandnavigateallthe challengesduringthesubsequent18months.However,I managedtodrivethecompanytoa$1.2billionvaluation aftertradingclosetoourcashbalanceinthefirstquarterof 2009.
MirrorReview:Whatareyourplansforscalingup GroGuru,andwhatareyoumostexcitedaboutin2024?
Patrick:GroGuruisonapathtorevolutionizethe agricultureindustry.Wewanttoprovideasolutionthatdoes abetterjobofcontrollingthecropandthefieldprocesses anddeliversanautomatedsolutionforwatermanagement.
However,wearenotjustfocusedontechnology development.Wealsodevelopecosystempartnershipsto leverageotherbest-in-classtechnologies.GroGuruhasa patentedwirelessundergroundsystem,WUGS,which enablesthepermanentinstallationofsoilsensors,thus providingcontinuouslong-termsoildataattherootzoneof thecrop.
Moreover,GroGuruhascombinedcropscienceanddata scienceinthecloud,anditsAIengineprovidesanexpert
agronomistinthecloudtomake recommendationstofarmers.GroGuru haspartnersthatprovideweather forecasts,rainfall,as-appliedinformation fromtheirrigationsystem,cropmodels, andwhole-farmmanagementsystems. GroGuruhasalsodevelopedkeymarket channelpartnershipsinitstargetmarkets.
MirrorReview:Howdoyouachievea perfectwork-lifebalance?Whatare yourhobbiesandinterestsoutsideof work?
Patrick:Ihavebeenrunningtech companiesforover20yearsandtech businessesaspartofbiggercompanies beforethat.Iamveryefficient.Iintegrate mylifeandbusiness,andasastartup CEO,Ineedtobealwaysavailable, flexible,adaptive,andfocused. Therefore,Ibalancemylifeby integratingmyworkandpersonal activities.Evenonvacations,whenItake them,Iamstillreadyforcriticalthings andemergencies.
Moreover,Iliketoworkoutalmostevery day,pray/meditate/readdaily,plana weekaheadandadayahead,keepupon emails/texts/communications,andlisten tocustomers.Ienjoyplayinggolf,tennis, andsnowskiing.Ilovehangingoutwith friendsandmyadultkids.Lifeisgood.
MirrorReview:Whatadvicewould yougivetoaspiringentrepreneurswho wanttofollowinyourfootstepsand makeadifferenceintheworld?
Patrick:Myadviceistolistenand involveothersinthedecision-making process,evenifitslowsyoudownabit. Buildingasharedvisioniskey.
However,youstillneedtohaveabias towardaction,butnotgettoofaraheadof theteam.Otherwise,itwillbehardfor themtoseewhereyouaregoing,why youaregoingthere,andwhywhatthey aredoingiscritical.
Solutions must solve a big problem that is very painful for your target customers, and they need to be reliable and easy for customers to implement and use. “
TOP 10
‘Renewable energy often tracks records of being more efficient than non-renewable energy!’Indeed,renewable energycompaniesareworkinghardtofillthegapfora betterandsustainablefuture.
Renewable Energy Companies are like heroic best buddies for our planet! It’salwaysbettertolookuptothenatural resourcesofenergyourplanetisblessedwithratherthan relyingonthenon-renewableenergysourcesthatmay exhaustwithaccessuse.And,todayinthisblog,youwill learnaboutsomeofthetoprenewableenergycompanies.
Didyouknow?Themarketsizeoftherenewableenergy industryasof2024isUSD1,142.36billion.And,itis forecastedtoreachUSD2,202.90billionin2032! Interestingright?Ofcourse,itis!Thesebusinesstitansare markingtheirpresencewithgreatinnovativeideasfor residentialandcommercialprojects.
So,let’squicklystartexploringthesecompaniesandtheir visionstobuildasustainableandcleanerfuturefor generationstocome.
ServicesforResidentialandCommercialProjectsby RenewableEnergyCompaniesin2024!
ResidentialProjects:Thesecompaniesareenablingpeople tomaketheircleanenergyrightintheirhomes.The companiesarehelpingpeoplewithvariousprojectslike puttingsolarpanelsontheirroofs,settingupsmall windmillsintheirbackyards,andmanymore.It’slike havingaminipowerstationthatdoesn’tmakeanysmoke pollutingtheenvironment.
CommercialProjects:Thesecompaniesareserving businessesbysavingtheirhard-earnedmoneyonheavy powerbillsandturningtowardbeingfriendswiththe environmentatthesametime.Theyarehelpingbigbusiness placeslikefactories,stores,andofficestousecleanenergy.
Whetherforahouseorahugebuilding,theserenewable energycompanieswillalwayshelpyoutousecleanenergy. Well,isn’tthisgoodforourplanet?Ofcourse,itisan awesomethingtodo!
RenewableEnergyCompaniesforResidentialProjects
1.AlgonquinPower&Utilities
●CEO:ChrisHuskilson
●Industry:EnergyBusiness
●RecentAnnualRevenue:$2.69B
●MarketCapital:$4.49B
●Headquarters:Oakville,Canada
●YearOfEstablishment:1988
AlgonquinPower&Utilitiesisacompanyknownfor providingthepublicwithcleanenergyandwaterinavery safeandcost-effectivemanner.Theyareworkinghardon solvingwater-relatedissuesinasustainableway.
Thiscompanydealswiththesupplyingofrenewable energieslikesolarfacilitiesandwindprojectsfor residentialandcommercialpurposes.Interestingly,theyare continuouslyimprovingtofocusonlyonthedomains relatedtoutilities.
Thecompanyissellingitsrenewableenergybusinessnot onlytomakemoneybutwiththeintentiontofocusona bettertomorrowaswell.Theirservicesreacharound1 millionhappycustomerstothisday Whatmakesthem standoutfromthecrowdisthattheyuniquelyfocuson regulatedutilitieswhichtrulyhelpsinservingthetarget audiencebetterbymakingtheirbusinesseasilyreachable!
2.DAQONewEnergy
●CEO:Mr.XiangXu
●Industry:SolarPowerIndustry
●RecentAnnualRevenue:$415.3million
●MarketCapital:$1.26billion
●Headquarters:Shanghai,China
●YearOfEstablishment:2007
DAQONewEnergyisfamousformakinghigh-quality polysiliconthatismostlyusedinsolarpanels.The companymakespolysiliconmorecost-effectivethanmany othercompaniesoutthere.
Altogether,itiswell-knownasoneoftheworld’sgreatest companiesthatproducepolysiliconatthelowestcost. Indeed,thiswaythecompanynotonlyhelpsinlowering thecostofsolarenergybutalsomarksitsuniqueidentityin themarket.
Whilesolvingtheproblemofgoodqualitysolarpanelsthey arenotonlyeasyonyourpocketsbutarefairtothe environmentbecauseitiscleanenergy.DAQONewEnergy makesalotofpolysiliconabout205,000metrictonsofit! Thecompanyisalsoplanningtostartanewmassive productionplaceininnerMongoliatogivetheworldmore polysiliconsupplies.
3.CanadianSolar
●CEO:ShawnQu
●Industry:SolarPowerIndustry,RenewableEnergy, andPhotovoltaicsIndustry
●RecentAnnualRevenue:$7.6billion
●MarketCapital:$1.14billion
●Headquarters:Guelph,Canada
●YearOfEstablishment:2001
CanadianSolarisgenerallynotingitsplaceinthemarket formakingsolarpanelsandhelpingthecommonpeople makecleanenergyfromthesun.Well,thisisgreattosolve theenvironmentalproblemasitdoesnotpolluteour planet.Indeed,whatmakesthemdifferentfromtherestof thecompaniesinthemarket,istheirefficiencyinenergy storage.
CanadianSolargotahandsomeamountof$500millionas aninvestmentfromacompanycalled‘BlackRock’for their‘RecurrentEnergyproject’.Thecompanyalso shippedover30.7GWofsolarmodulesinayear Well, that’salot!Thecompanyhasamissiveprojectcalled‘eSTORAGE’.
Additionally,thismademoremoneyinonequarterthan thewholeofthepreviousyear Thecompanyisnotonly makingalotofsolarpanelsbutisalsoquicklyclimbing thestairstosuccessbystoringtheenergy Thisstored energyhelpsinusingsolarenergyevenwhenthesunisn’t shiningatitsbrightest.
4.DTEEnergyCompany
●CEO:JerryNorcia
●Industry:ElectricityandGasBusiness
●RecentAnnualRevenue:$12.21billion
●MarketCapital:$23.33billion
●Headquarters:Detroit,Michigan
●YearOfEstablishment:1996
DTEEnergyCompanyiswell-knownforprovidingclean energyservicesinelectricityandgas.Theyarealso workinghardonmakingenergythatdoesnotharmour planet.Thebrandattemptstomakeenergywithoutmaking theairdirty,asitwillberesourcefulforourbelovedearth.
Thereasonwhythiscompanydiffersfromothersis becauseDTEEnergyCompanyconcentratesonusing morecleanenergyandlesscoalthroughtheirprojects. And,theyhavebeendoingthisforalongtimenow!
Thecompanyhasalsowonawardslikethe“ENERGYSTAR ExcellenceinEnergyEfficiencyAward”in2022andthe “ENERGYSTARPartneroftheYearAward”in2024for beinggreatatsavingenergy Additionally,theyalsohavea programthathelpsinmakingcleanenergyfromsunand wind.AnothersectorcalledDTEgascompanyofthis prestigiouscompanyhasbeenprovidinggastopeoplefor175 yearsnow.
5.ExelonCorporation
●CEO:CalvinButler
●Industry:ElectricityBusiness
●RecentAnnualRevenue:$21.73billion
●MarketCapital:$37.55billion
●Headquarters:Chicago,Illinois
●YearOfEstablishment:2000
ExelonCorporationisoneofthebiggestcompaniesinthe USAtodeliverelectricity Thecompanyiswell-recognized forbeinggreatatkeepingthepoweronanddelivering electricitytoalotofpeople.
Theyareworkingonsolvingthereductioninenvironmental impacts.And,areconstantlyfunctioningfortheimprovement ofmakingcleanenergybetterandmoreaffordableforone andall.Additionally,thiscompanyalsousedtobethebiggest companyrunningpowerplantsin2022untiltheycameout withanewdedicatedcompanyforit.
ExelonCorporationhasservedaround10millioncustomers towhomtheyprovideelectricity.Thecompanystandsout fromothersasitisreallyhugeinsizeandcaninvestheavy amountsofmoneytoensureitkeepsprovidingpeoplewith qualitypowerinsafeandbetterways!
RenewableEnergyCompaniesforCommercialProjects
1.NextEraEnergy
●CEO:JohnW.Ketchum
●Industry:ElectricUtilitiesandEnergyIndustry
●RecentAnnualRevenue: $27.13billion
●MarketCapital:$153.95billion
●Headquarters:JunoBeach,Florida
●YearOfEstablishment:1984
NextEraEnergyistheworld’slargestelectricutilityholding companywhenitcomestotheaspectofitsmarket capitalization.Thecompanyisacknowledgedforitswindand solarprojects.
Well,thiscompanyisapowerfulparticipantinthesectorof cleanenergy.Itisalsoanimportantcontributortothe globalshifttowardssustainableandrenewableenergy sources.Thelabelofbeinganextraordinarytitancompared toothersisbecauseNextEraEnergyisbeyondbeingthe world’slargestgeneratorofrenewableenergy!Apartfrom producingenergyfromthesunandthewind,itisalsoa leadingcompanyprovidingsolutionsforbatterystorage.
Indeed,itsremarkableinvestmentsintheinfrastructureand technologyofrenewableenergysetitapartfromthe competition.Undoubtedly,NextEraEnergyisrankedNo.1 intheenergysectorforitsqualitieslikeinnovation,the rightuseofcorporatesupportintheindustry,and remarkablepeoplemanagement.
Additionally,thecompanyishandlingthechallengesof globalclimaticchangebysupplyingcleanandsustainable energysolutions.Itdesirestoreduceourrelianceonfossil fuelsandcarbonemissionsbyitscontributiontothefuture witheco-friendlyenergy
2.BrookfieldRenewablePartners
●CEO:ConnorTeskey
●Industry:RenewablePowerIndustry
●RecentAnnualRevenue:$1,095million
●MarketCapital:$7.54billion
●Headquarters:Toronto,Ontario,Canada
●YearOfEstablishment:2011
BrookfieldRenewablePartnersiswell-recognizedfor operatingoneoftheworld’slargestpubliclytraded renewablepowerplatforms.Ithasaremarkableamountof installedcapacityforrenewableenergyandanoteworthy developmentpipeline.Thecompanyistakingactionto reducecarbonemissionstocontributewholeheartedlyto solvingtheglobaldecarbonizationoftheenergysupply
Itisalsomanagingtheclimatechangeproblemsby deliveringcleanenergysolutionsforasustainable tomorrow.Thiscompanydealswithrenewableenergy relatingtohydroelectric,solar,wind,andstoragefacilities acrossEurope,Asia,NorthAmerica,andSouthAmerica. Thecompanyhasadevelopmentpipelineof134,400 Megawattsofrenewablepowerassets.
BrookfieldRenewablePartnersfocusesonrenewable power,haseffectiverakinginthemarket,andhasa remarkableglobalreach,allofwhichmakeituniquefrom others.Additionally,theabilitytodelivercleansolutionsof
large-scaletopartnerslikeMicrosoftisworthappreciating.
3.FirstSolar
●CEO:MarkWidmar
●Industry:PhotovoltaicsIndustry
●RecentAnnualRevenue:$3.56billion
●MarketCapital: $20.54billion
●Headquarters:Tempe,Arizona
●YearOfEstablishment:1999
FirstSolarisaleadingproviderofcompletephotovoltaic (PV)solarsolutionsglobally!Thecompanyisfamousfor itsadvancedthinfilmsofphotovoltaic(PV).FirstSolaris addressingtheclimatechangeproblembydeliveringecofriendlysolarmodules.
FirstSolar’smodulesneedonly1-2%ofthesemiconductor materialgenerallyrequiredbythetraditionalcrystalline silicon(c-Si)tomakethesameamountofpower The companysupportsthetransitiontosustainableenergyanda greenfuture.
Itsuniquesemiconductorandstreamlinedprocessof manufacturingdeliverexceptionalqualityand trustworthinesssettingitapartfromtherestinthemarket. FirstSolaristheonlyUS-Headquateredcompanyamong theworld’stop10largestsolarmanufacturersnot manufacturinginChina.Thiscompanyhasthelargestsolar manufacturingfootprintintheWesternHemisphereof Ohio,US.
4.SolarEdgeTechnologies
●CEO:ZviLando
●Industry:RenewableEnergyIndustry
●RecentAnnualRevenue:$204.4million
●MarketCapital:$2.83billion
●Headquarters:Herzliya,Israel
●YearOfEstablishment:2006
SolarEdgeTechnologiesisoneoftherenewableenergy companiesknownforitsdevelopmentoftheDC-optimized invertersystem.Additionally,thecompanyisalsothefirst tocommercializethesepoweroptimizers.
Theseinvertersolutionsrevolutionizethewaypoweris harvestedandmanagedinphotovoltaicsystems.The companyisagloballeaderinprovidingsmartenergy solutions,withproductslikesolarinverters,energystorage
batteries,poweroptimizers,andmonitoringsystems. SolarEdgeTechnologieshasshippedover31.6GW+for itssystemglobally.
Thecompanyissolvingthechallengesofmaximizing energyproductionfromsolarresources.Itismoving innovationinelectricvehicle(EV)chargingsolutions andenergystorage.Thiscompany’sDC-optimized technologyandvastproductofferingprovidesolutions tobothresidentialandcommercialsectorsmakingit uniquefromtherestinthemarket.
5.ClearwayEnergy
●CEO:CraigCornelius
●Industry:RenewableEnergyIndustry
●RecentAnnualRevenue:$263million
●MarketCapital:$5.28billion
●Headquarters:Princeton,NewJersey, USA
●YearOfEstablishment:2018
ClearwayEnergyisoneofthelargestrenewableenergy companiesintheUSAknownforowning,developing, andoperatingthegrowthofcleanenergyprojects.The companyissolvingthechallengeofclimatechangeby extendinganaffordablesolutiontorenewableenergy
Thevastknowledgeacrossallaspectsofrenewable energycompanies,likeprojectdevelopment,
operations,finance,andcustomerservicehasmadeita leaderintherenewableenergysector.
Thecompanyisnotonlymovingforwardatagreatpace but,isalsospreadingitsportfolioinavastwaythatincludes someofthelargestwindandsolarprojectsintheUnited States.Theeco-friendlinessandhigh-efficiencynaturalgas generatingfacilitiesactasanextraassetofthecompany.
EndNote
Asweconcludeknowingthetoprenewableenergy companiesforresidential&commercialprojects,werealize theirimportanceinourlives.Well,let’snotforgetthatour choicesoftodaywillshapeourfutureoftomorrow!
Byencouragingthepracticesandsupportinginnovationsof thesecompanies,wearenotonlysteppingtowardsa sustainablefuturebutaremakingthisworldabetterplace forthecominggenerationsaswell.Theeffortsofthese companiesaretransformingtheenergysectorandmaking theirwaytoagreenfuture.
Neverunderestimatethepowerofagoodchoicefor sustainability,nomatterhowsmall,itmatters!So,allow yourselftostandbysustainabilitytodaybyembracingand supportingtheinnovativevisionsofthesecompanies.And, let’slightuptheworldwiththepoweroftheserenewable energycompanies!
“ Aspiring automotive leaders can achieve success by mastering system interactions, multi-system integration, and validation.”
&Roxana Rohde Florian Rohde
Driving Innovation in the Automotive Industry
RoxanaandFlorianRohdearethefoundersof iProcessLLC,aconsultingfirmthat specializesinhelpingautomotiveR&D executivesachievebettersoftwareandproductqualityby applyingprocessmodelssuchasAutomotiveSPICE. Roxana’sextensiveexperienceintheautomotiveindustry includesworkingwithleadingcarmanufacturerssuchas BMW,Audi,Fiat-Chrysler,Volkswagen,andMercedesBenz.Beforestartingthefirm,shewasasoftwarequality engineeratContinentalAutomotive,wheresheledcrossfunctionalteamsandimprovedcustomersatisfaction throughvarioustoolsandmethodologies.
Florian,ontheotherhand,hasabackgroundin mechatronicsengineeringandhasworkedwithwell-known automotivecompaniessuchasBosch,SiemensVDO,and NIO.However,themostsignificantpartofhiscareerishis roleasthefounder,manager,andfirstmemberofthe vehiclesoftwarevalidationteamatTeslaMotors.During histimeatTesla,heinventedthesoftware-definedvehicle andbuiltanend-to-endautomatedtestingpipelinethat allowedforhundredsofsoftwarereleasesovertheyears. Florian'sexperienceatTeslaiswhatsetshimapartinthe automotiveindustryandisoneofthedrivingforcesbehind hissuccessatiProcessLLC.
Co-founderswithComplementaryExpertiseand Responsibilities
As50/50partnersatiProcessLLC,RoxanaandFlorian shareresponsibilityfortheoverallsuccessofthecompany Whiletheirindividualtechnicalbackgroundsformthe foundationoftheirwork,theyalsorecognizethevalueof combiningtheirabilitiesandknowledgetotacklecuttingedgeprojects.
Roxana’skeyroleandresponsibilityasaco-founderliein utilizingherextensiveknowledgeandexperienceinthe automotivefieldtodrivesoftwareprogramimprovements andenhanceproductqualityforclients.Withherexpertise inqualitymanagementsystemssuchasAutomotiveSPICE, sheleadscross-functionalteamstoachievehighresultsand improvecustomersatisfaction.
Florian’skeyroleandresponsibility,ontheotherhand,isto facilitatethecreationandimplementationofdevelopment andvalidationstrategiesforclients.Asanexperienced engineerwithabackgroundinmechatronics,hebringsa uniqueperspectivetothetableandensuresthatclients receivecustomizedsolutionsthatprovidethemostvalue.
CreatingaMotivatingandInclusive WorkplaceCulture
RoxanaandFlorianareexperienced leaderswhounderstandtheimportance ofmotivatingandinspiringtheirteams toachievetheirgoalsandobjectives. Theyleadbyexampleandprovide tailoredguidancedependingonthe teamsize,experience,and understandingoftheindustry.Roxana andFlorianbelievethatthecookiecutterapproachdoesnotwork.Instead, theyworkcloselywiththeirteamsto identifythestrengthsandweaknesses ofeachmemberanddevelop customizedplansforsuccess.
Toensureapositiveandinclusive workplace,RoxanaandFlorian prioritizeopencommunicationand collaborationamongteammembers. Theyencouragetheirteamtoshare theirideasandperspectivesfreelyand arealwayswillingtolistenandprovide constructivefeedback.They understandthatdiversityandinclusion arecrucialtoasuccessfulteamand activelyworktocreateanenvironment thatvaluesandembracesdifferent backgrounds,experiences,and perspectives.
RoxanaandFlorianalsomakeaneffort torecognizeandcelebratetheirteam’s accomplishmentsandmilestones,both bigandsmall.Theyunderstandthe importanceofshowingappreciation andgivingcreditwherecreditisdue, whichhelpstobuildasenseofpride andownershipamongteammembers.
ChallengesofaFemaleConsultant inaMale-DominatedIndustry
Roxanamentionsthatshefaced challengesatthebeginningofher journey.Clientstriedtonegotiatewith hermoreonpricing,questionedher skillsandknowledgebeforeshecould
speak,andsometimeshiredhernotto followheradvice.Whilesheisnot sureifthesechallengesweregenderspecificorconsulting-specific,itis worthnotingthatthetechindustry,in general,hasbeenhistoricallymaledominated.Womenoftenface challengessuchasdiscrimination,bias, andalackofrepresentationin leadershippositions.Toovercome thesechallenges,Roxanachoseto focusonbeinganexcellentservice providerandhelpingherclients achievetheirbestresults.Shedidnot letanygender-specificorconsultingspecificchallengesdefineherorlimit hercapabilities.
KeyAdviceforAspiringAutomotive Leaders
FlorianandRoxanahavetwopiecesof adviceforaspiringleadersinthe automotiveindustry.Firstly,they recommendmasteringthe understandingofsysteminteractions andmulti-systemintegration,asthisis wherethecurrentchallengesand opportunitieslieintheindustry With
“I don’t like to put myself in any buckets; my goal is to be an excellent service provider and help my clients achieve their best results.”
-Roxana
theintegrationofmoreandmore complexsolutions,leaderswhocan navigatethesesysteminteractionsand ensuresuccessfulvalidationwillbe highlyvaluable.
Secondly,theyadvisethataspiring leadersneedtobepreparedforthe non-technicalaspectsofthebusiness whenfoundingandgrowinga company.Overheadtaskssuchas accounting,legal,tax,andHRcan consumeasignificantamountoftime andenergy,andit’simportanttobe preparedforthisreality.Additionally,it isessentialtobalancetechnical problem-solvingwithafocuson businessaspectstoensuresustainable growthandsuccess.
“The landscape of mobility is poised for transformation; much like the shift from traditional telephones to smartphones revolutionized the world of communication.”
DrivingTransformationToward Software-definedVehicles
RoxanaandFlorian’sgoalsforthe futureofiProcessaretobeadriving forceintheautomotiveindustry’s transformationtowardssoftwaredefinedvehicles.Theywantto continuetoprovidehigh-quality softwareprocessimprovementand trainingserviceswhilealsoexpanding theirportfoliotoincludefieldssuchas functionalsafetyandcybersecurity. Theyhopetobeattheforefrontof innovationintheindustryandhelp theirclientsachievethebestresultsby providingexpertiseinmulti-system integrationandvalidation. Additionally,theywanttocontinueto supportandempowerwomeninthe industryandmentorthenext generationofleaders.
iProcessLLC'sTailoredSolutions forStart-upsandEstablished Manufacturers
iProcessLLCisaleadingproviderof automotiveprocessimprovementand consultingservices.Foundedin2014, thecompanyhasevolvedtooffera widerangeofcutting-edgeservicesto supportbothstart-upsandestablished carmanufacturers.Withafocuson helpingclientsnavigatethechanging landscapeoftheautomotiveindustry, iProcessoffersflexibleandtailored solutionstomeettheuniqueneedsof eachclient.Fromprocessandstrategy definitionsforstart-upstomodernand agiledevelopmentandvalidation strategiesforestablished manufacturers,iProcesshastheskills, knowledge,andexperiencetodrive success.Thecompanypridesitselfon beingatranslatorofsorts,ableto speakthelanguageofbothstart-ups andbigtechandbringthemtogether formutuallybeneficialcollaborations.
-Florian
