On This Episode : Caitlyn Chase, Ryan Blair, Courtney and Gordon Gould

At little while back Caitlyn Chase was developing a considerable reputation on the web for her blog entitled Caviar&Cashmere. The site covers the most extravagant lifestyle indulgences from the best yachts to the most decedent private island escapes. Caitlyn fill us in on just how difficult it can be to start a company with your daughter, how they made it work, and what you can learn from their mistakes!


We all have our own "skeletons in the closet," and most of us have a hard time thinking we can start a company because of our tarnished past. This is not the case as our guest explains. Ryan Blair‘s path to entrepreneurial success was anything but ordinary; he grew up in an LA gang, lived with a meth addicted father, landed in jail and dropped out of high school his freshman year, yet managed to transform his life. Ryan’s life was changed by a mentor that saw his potential despite his flaws. Mentoring at-risk youth has become Ryan’s greatest passion and he strives to give back by helping teens turn their lives around and become future entrepreneurs. For anyone struggling personally do not miss this uplifting interview!

Courtney Nicholas Gould, Co-founder & Co-CEO, SmartyPants Vitamins Courtney Nichols Gould has worked in, around and with startups almost her entire career. Having most recently served as COO of Clear, the first fast pass for airport security, from its inception through its successful launch and beyond, she previously served as interim CEO ofwww.wemix.com, president of Mail.com and still serves as an advisor, investor and board member for various stage start-ups. As co-founder and Co-CEO of SmartyPants Vitamins, Courtney has helped build the first omni channel vitamin brand from the ground up bringing the only truly nutrient dense line of gummy vitamins to health conscious people both on and offline. She is proud of the company’s commitment to make a matching 1-for-1 nutrient grant for every bottle SmartyPants sells through its partnership with Vitamin Angels.

Gordon Gould Co-founder and Co-CEO SmartyPants Vitamins, has worked in the digital media and internet industry for over 16 years. Gordon has co-founded several companies in the consumer social media space and was founding CEO of both Upoc.com, the world’s first mobile social network, and ThisNext.com, the largest independent social shopping platform. Gordon has worked closely with entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, technologists, content providers, marketers, non-profits, and consumers/users to help create compelling, useful services.
As co-founder and co-CEO of SmartyPants, he uses his experience with social media and social commerce to provide parents and growups with useful content, tools, and products that can help them best care for their and their family’s health. Gordon’s primary professional interest is in empowering people thru technology and in building a company that has a strong social mission, such as SmartyPants’ commitment to children’s health worldwide via partnerships with Vitamin Angels, charity:water and Turn the Tide.