Founders in Full
Founders in Full is a podcast about what it really takes to build a business—from early ideas to the brand you see today.
Hosted by Dan Ritzke, marketing consultant and founder of Third Act Marketing, each episode features honest conversations with founders who’ve built successful companies on their own terms. Some run lean, scrappy teams. Others are scaling fast. But all of them have one thing in common: they invested in their brand and marketing to get there.
This isn’t about theory or hype. It’s about real founders making real decisions—defining their brand, reaching the right audience, and figuring out what actually works.
If you're building something of your own, you'll walk away with stories, strategies, and takeaways you can put to work.
Founders in Full
Episode 1: Rich Cohen - Elevate Packaging
In this episode of Founders in Full, I talk with Rich Cohen, founder of Elevate Packaging, one of the first companies in the world to focus exclusively on compostable packaging.
Rich shares how a sabbatical and a global backpacking trip led him to rethink the future of packaging—and ultimately build a business that's making a real environmental impact.
We dive into:
- How Rich bootstrapped a mission-driven business before “sustainability” was a buzzword
- The real (and often misunderstood) challenges of compostable packaging
- Why marketing and branding are critical in building trust with both businesses and consumers
- Lessons from 20+ years of staying committed to a clear, purpose-driven mission
If you're a founder, marketer, or anyone thinking about how to build a values-aligned brand, this episode is for you.
Learn more about Elevate Packaging: https://www.elevatepackaging.com
Connect with Rich on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-cohen-sustainable/
About Dan and Third Act Marketing:
I'm Dan Ritzke, founder of Third Act Marketing. I work with founders and growing businesses to help them get clear on their brand, build smart marketing strategies, and turn big ideas into real momentum.
If the conversations on Founders in Full got you thinking about your own marketing — your story, your positioning, your growth strategy — let’s connect.
👉 Learn more at: https://www.thirdactmarketing.com
👉 Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritzke
Want to be on the podcast — or know a Founder with a story to tell and insights to share?
Founders in Full features real, honest conversations with founders about the highs, lows, and lessons of building a business. If you’d be a great guest (or know someone with a story worth sharing), I’d love to hear from you.
👉 Nominate a guest or apply to be on the show at https://www.thirdactmarketing.com/podcast