The Unconventionals

Believe it or not, there can be such a thing as a “Good problem to have” in business. The highly popular fresh burger franchise b.good are finding themselves in these types situations lately as they continue to grow. Founded a decade ago in Boston with the mission to never be a "typical fast food joint," b.good always set out to make the best food possible made by people, not factories.

Now as they begin to expand to almost 50 locations across the east coast, PJA President Mike O'Toole sits with b.good Co-Founder and President Jon Olinto as they discuss the challenges of growing their business without losing focus on why they started the freshest fast food chain around. 

Direct download: The-Unconventionals-s2-e6-Bgood.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:30am EDT

When you think of a busy city a few images may come to mind. Bustling streets, busy shops, bumper to bumper traffic.But one thing you probably don’t picture is a green space and 55,000 sq ft farm sitting eight stories high. That's the scene at Higher Ground Farm here in Boston. We spoke with founders Courtney Hennessey and John Stoddard about their uniquely challenging journey to expand the "Green Scene" around the city and establish themselves within the restaurant community. In this fun and appetizing episode, we'll get our hands dirty with Courtney and John as they share -The structural and practical challenges of building a rooftop garden in the city -An inside look into the elite Boston restaurant scene and how they’re adapting to the ever-changing and demanding "food to table" market -Why it pays to be "Scrappy" Discover your inner green thumb and stream the latest episode of The Unconventionals in its entirety...And be sure to join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

Direct download: The-Unconventionals-s2-e5-HigherGroundFarm.mp3
Category:Business -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Sometimes all it takes is a simple unconventional question to change everything… Our friends at Warby Parker asked, “Why do eyeglasses have to cost $700?” The Dollar Shave Club wondered “Why do we pay top dollar for unnecessary shaving technology?” Which brings us to Unreal Candy, which was founded on a question we’ve all thought at one time or another: “Why does all the food we love the most have to be so bad for us?” Join us for an in-depth interview with Unreal Candy founders Michael and Nicky Bronner as we discuss - Their quest around the globe to find chefs to “Unjunk the world” - The intiative to question the standards of candy shelf life - How celebrities such as Matt Damon, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tom Brady all got involved in the cause Stream the latest episode of The Unconventionals with the folks who set out to change the way we think of “junk food”  in its entirety.

Direct download: The-Unconventionals-S2-e4-UNREALCandy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Pettis, CEO of the 3D printing company MakerBot. Imagine having the power to make creations in your mind's eye a reality - a reality you can hold in your own hands. I's not a plot from a new sci-fi film, it's the premise behind 3D printing powerhouse, Makerbot. Their desktop 3D printers have already completely changed the way creative professionals bridge the gap from vision to reality, and have been hailed on the cover of Wired Magazine as "The machine that will change the world." Founded in Brooklyn in 2009, CEO Bre Pettis and team have since harnessed the power of this futuristic technology in order to make it more widely available to those who simply love to just "make things." They've been featured in everything from The New York Times to The Colbert Report for being worldwide ambassadors of creativity. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLCp6fgHLQw

Direct download: the-unconventionals-s2-e3-makerbot.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00pm EDT

On this episode of The Unconventionals, host Mike O'Toole chats with Neil Blumenthal, cofounder of online eyewear retailer Warby Parker. Once labeled by GQ as "Netflix for glasses," Warby Parker has set out to change the perception that buying a pair of fashionable eyeglasses doesn't have to be a long-term and costly investment. In addition to a hearty entrepreneurial spirit and a start-up process with stories you'll have to hear to believe, Neil shares the true backbone of Warby Parker: Their dedication to giving back. Not only does Warby Parker aim to make fashionable eyewear affordable for the widest audience possible, they strive to give the gift of sight to those in need. This unconventional yet admirable tactic took the company to new heights of credibility and notoriety, and they're not done yet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-D7VPMgjv4

Direct download: the-unconventionals-s2-e2-warbyparker.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:00am EDT

On this episode of The Unconventionals, host Mike O'Toole sits down with Intel's Creative Director, David Haroldsen to discuss The Creators Project: Intel's unique way connecting the future of chip technology with today's modern artist. This revolutionary partnership between Intel and VICE media allows visionary artists using technology in innovative ways to push the boundaries of creative expression. By doing so, Intel is able to gather insights from those who place unusually heavy demands on technology and, ultimately, generate new ideas for future capabilities for their chips. Enjoying the music in this episode? It's a special composition brought to you by The Creators Project and Nick Zinner of Yeah Yeah Yeahs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fh9oyffQYd8

Direct download: the-unconventionals-s2-e1-Intel.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:30pm EDT

On this episode of The Unconventionals, host Mike O'Toole interviews Chief Marketing Officer Geoff Cottrill from Converse, about its innovative Brooklyn based recording studio - Rubber Tracks. For Converse, the sales of athletic shoes used to be very straightforward. Everyone wore Chuck Taylors. Over time the landscape for those shoes has become incredibly crowded, and looking at alternative ways to keep your brand top of mind is challenging. That's where Converse Rubber Tracks Studio comes into play. Rubber Tracks serves as a bridge between the Converse brand and young emerging bands, allowing them the opportunity to record their music in a high performance studio location - no cost and no strings attached.

Direct download: the-unconventionals-s1-e5-converse.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00pm EDT

1