Founders in Full
Founders in Full explores the future of family-focused solutions—from innovative tech startups to mission-driven services and products that help parents, caregivers, and families thrive.
Each episode features candid conversations with founders on what it really takes to start and scale: from customer research and product-market fit to brand positioning and marketing strategies that drive growth.
Whether you’re a family-focused founder, investor, or advocate, you’ll hear real stories and practical lessons on finding your ideal customer, crafting trust-building messaging, choosing the right channels, and prioritizing time and budget when every decision counts.
Hosted by Dan Ritzke—Fractional CMO and FamTech Marketing Consultant—Founders in Full shares the stories and insights of the people shaping the next generation of family-centered solutions.
Founders in Full
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/
Connect with me (Dan Ritzke):
I’m a Fractional CMO who helps FamTech companies position their brand, sharpen their messaging, create marketing strategies that drive growth, and oversee execution to make sure those plans turn into results.
👉 Visit my website: https://danritzke.com/
👉 Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ritzke/
Apply to be on the podcast or nominate a founder:
👉 Founders in Full: https://danritzke.com/podcast/