If your brand feels too small to matter, this blueprint shows why that might be your unfair advantage.

In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Mark Rampolla, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner at GroundForce Capital, who unpacks how a niche idea became a global category. Mark shares the strategy that took ZICO from yoga studios in NYC to nationwide shelves, the discipline behind constant pitching and fundraising, and why exits aren’t the finish line. He also discusses his new book on putting freedom first, and his work at Ground Force Capital (backer of brands like Liquid Death and Beyond Meat), helping founders scale both their companies and their lives.

Key Takeaways:

→ Why “inch-wide, mile-deep” focus beats broad launches for breakthrough CPG growth.

→ How pairing a product with a specific usage occasion (post-hot yoga) created early traction.

→ The surprising first hurdle: taste—and how “preach to the choir” accelerates momentum.

→ Fundraising reality: why you either get profitable fast or get great at raising—continuously.

→ The nine-year “overnight success” mindset and the decade-long horizon most wins require.

Mark Rampolla is Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner at GroundForce Capital (GFC), where he works closely with founders and teams to build impactful businesses. He has represented GFC on the boards of leading companies, including Vive Organic, OWYN, Liquid Death, Kinder Farms, Flying Embers, and ZICO Rising. Prior to GFC, Mark founded and served as CEO of ZICO Beverages, pioneering the coconut water category and growing the brand into a global leader before its acquisition by The Coca-Cola Company in 2013. Earlier in his career, he held senior management roles at International Paper, overseeing joint ventures across Latin America and the Caribbean. A Peace Corps alum, Mark has advised more than 100 CEOs, raised over $1B, and invested in 40+ social-impact startups. He is the author of High-Hanging Fruit and holds degrees from Marquette University and Duke University.

Connect With Mark:

Website: https://www.markrampolla.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markrampolla/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksrampolla/

Explore how strategic leadership, global legal expertise, and a forward-thinking mindset help companies navigate expansion, talent acquisition, and innovation in today’s fast-moving markets.

In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Dean Fealk, Northern California Co-Managing Partner at DLA Piper and WSJ Best-Selling Author, who has decades of experience guiding technology companies through global expansion, talent strategy, and market growth. A former international practitioner with work spanning East Asia and Northern California, Dean has advised top-tier clients like IBM, McDonald’s, and Pfizer, as well as contributing to civic organizations and three U.S. presidential campaigns. In this episode, he shares lessons on scaling businesses, leading diverse teams, and applying strategic legal and operational insight to real-world challenges.

Key Takeaways:

→ Strategies for helping companies expand into new markets with minimal friction.

→ Balancing global corporate standards with local flexibility for success.

→ The importance of hiring and empowering top talent in different regions.

→ Lessons from advising major multinational clients and navigating complex business environments.

→ Dean’s experience contributing to civic organizations and U.S. presidential campaigns.

Dean Fealk is the Northern California co-managing partner at global law firm DLA Piper and a recognized citizen statesperson tackling international issues at the intersection of business, politics, and security. With 25+ years advising multinational companies on over $40 billion in cross-border transactions, Dean brings unparalleled expertise on how geopolitics impacts business and economy. A Wall Street Journal bestselling author and Chief Influencer, his insights appear in Forbes, Fast Company, and The Atlantic. Dean serves on numerous international security organizations including the Halifax International Security Forum and co-founded Transatlantic West to strengthen Silicon Valley-Europe relations. His leadership in global diplomacy has earned him designations as a Fulbright Scholar, Eisenhower Fellow, and Council on Foreign Relations life member.

Connect With Dean:

Website: https://www.dlapiper.com/en-us

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dlapiper/

X: https://x.com/DLA_Piper

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DLAPiperGlobal/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dla-piper/

Discover the strategies, mindset shifts, and leadership lessons that help business owners turn complex tech challenges into scalable growth opportunities.

In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Ephraim Ebstein, CEO and Co-Founder of FIT Solutions, who has built two national companies from the ground up and now guides business leaders in leveraging technology for growth. Ephraim shares how he scaled his business to over 100 team members, integrated AI into operations, and maintained a culture across a geographically diverse organization. Listeners will learn actionable insights on leadership, scaling, and transforming tech headaches into powerful growth engines.

Key Takeaways:

→Strategies for integrating AI into business processes while keeping humans in the loop.

→ The inspiration behind founding Fit Solutions and building a world-class team.

→ Understanding the core services of Fit Solutions: IT, cybersecurity, and AI integration.

→ Lessons learned from key growth inflection points and overcoming personal limitations.

→ Why owners must step out of operational roles to scale effectively.

Ephraim Ebstein is a seasoned IT professional and entrepreneur based in San Diego, California, with a strong focus on cybersecurity and managed IT services. As the CEO and co-founder of both Socbox and FIT Solutions, he has led teams to deliver innovative, effective technology solutions that enhance productivity and security for businesses. Ephraim's extensive expertise encompasses a wide range of IT disciplines, including cloud computing, network security, and virtualization. His commitment to client satisfaction is evident in the high-quality, white-glove service approach he advocates. With a Bachelor's Degree in Management Information Systems from ITT Technical Institute, he combines technical knowledge with strategic leadership. Ephraim's vision centers on leveraging technology to make a significant impact on businesses, aiming to help 6,000 organizations achieve their goals. He is passionate about continuous learning and adapting to the ever-evolving tech landscape, ensuring his companies stay at the forefront of the industry.

Connect With Ephraim:

Website: https://fitsolutions.biz/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitsolutionsllc/

X: https://x.com/fitsolutionsIT

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FITSolutionsIT/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fit-solutions.biz/