Backstory & Beyond

Backstory & Beyond

Retail expert Ward Kampf sits down with trailblazing business leaders and disruptive founders to swap industry insights and uncover the real deal about some of the greatest cities in the world. With over thirty years of industry experience, Ward Kampf has developed some of the most impressive mixed-use assets in the country. Over the course of his career, he's identified and worked with business owners and entrepreneurs who are changing the game in their respective industries. Now, in Backstory & Beyond, Ward sits down with these change makers to share their stories and uncover the best practices that set them apart from their industry peers.

Episodes

January 22, 2025 30 mins
This week, Ward sits down with Nicole Trunfio, founder of BUMPSUIT, a fashion maternity brand that's disrupting the marketplace. They'll discuss the origins of the namesake garment, BUMPSUIT's entry into the world of brick-and-mortar, and the healing power of community — all that and more on this episode of Backstory and Beyond. Check out BUMPSUIT on their website and Instagram. Follow Nicole on Instagram. Learn more about Northwo...
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This week, Ward is back in Charlotte visiting Joe Haubenhofer, co-founder of Harriet's Hamburgers and the branding agency The Plaid Penguin. They'll discuss nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit, the value of using an emotional connection to differentiate in a crowded market, and the unique origins of America's favorite sandwich—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond. Check out Harriet's Hamburgers on their website ...
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This week, Ward heads to Charlotte to meet with European-Star-Award-winning brewer John Marrino, founder of The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. They'll discuss how four simple ingredients can create an incredible array of German-style beers, why competition shouldn't phase entrepreneurs, and how choosing the right tree can make or break a guest's experience—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond. Check out The Olde Meck...
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This week, Ward is in San Diego with Carol Roizen, co-founder of Parakeet Cafe, an eatery and juice bar with over a dozen locations across California. They'll discuss how a life-changing event started the journey to understand the intersection of food and health, why embracing change is essential for entrepreneurs, and what a cup of hot cocoa can teach us about business. All that and more on this episode of Backstory and Beyond. Ch...
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This week, Ward sits down with Charlotte-based stylist Erica Hanks, founder of SHOWROOM, a business dedicated to curating fashion collections for the working woman. They'll discuss how recognizing a gap in the market is the key to early success, why retail owners need to be working the store floor, and Erica's strategies for building a sustainable wardrobe—all that and more on this episode of Backstory and Beyond. Check out all tha...
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This week, Ward is in Dallas with restaurateur, food hall creator, and Front Burner Society founder Randy DeWitt. They'll discuss the necessity of pivoting with market changes, how innovation requires exploration, and how entertainment, experiences, and great food can combine to create a destination venue —all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond. Learn more about Randy's concepts. Learn more about Northwood Retail.
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This week, Ward is in Manhattan with Alex Faherty, co-founder of the family-led clothing brand Faherty. They'll discuss how a childhood dream became a global fashion brand, where to draw the line between inspiration and appropriation, and why a great retail experience starts with the front line—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond. Learn more about Faherty on Instagram or the website. Learn more about Northwood R...
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This week, Ward heads to Phoenix to chat with Lauren Bailey and Craig DeMarco, founders of Upward Projects, a restaurant group united around one simple mission — to make people feel good. They'll discuss how honest feedback can revolutionize a business and why unique is worth the extra effort. Plus, a surprise guest appearance from one of Ward's nearest and dearest — all that and more on this episode of Backstory and Beyond. Learn ...
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This week, Ward heads to Laguna Beach to check in with Gorjana and Jason Reidel, the power couple behind the jewelry brand gorjana. They'll discuss the unique challenges that come with being both business and life partners, making the move from online to brick and mortar, and using retail to build community and connections—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond. Find gorjana on Instagram or the website. Learn more ...
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This week, Ward is in Dallas with Kerri Davis, owner of Ellis Hill, one of the country’s most unique stores for luxury paper goods, personalized gifts, and custom home decor. They'll discuss treasure hunting for exceptional goods around the globe, how an intentional approach to growth can ensure success, and the importance of brick and mortar—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond. Find Ellis Hill on Instagram or t...
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This week, Ward travels to LA to visit with Francois Reihani, founder of La La Land Kind Cafe, coffee shops with a mission to support foster kids as they step into adulthood. They'll discuss the intersection between social-impact work and the business world as well as the value of kindness in today's divisive landscape—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond. Find Francois on Instagram or his website. Explore La La ...
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This week, Ward is in New York City with retail expert and Wall Street dynamo Dana Telsey, founder of Telsey Advisory Group, a leading research, trading, and banking firm focused on the consumer sector. They'll talk about the latest retail trends, the value of an on-the-ground perspective, grabbing market share, and how to create a perfect team with Dana's Pizza Test—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond. Find Dan...
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This week, Ward sits down with Susan Sarich, founder of SusieCakes, an all-American bakery serving up classic desserts. They'll discuss how a focus on hospitality creates lifelong customers, the unique challenges of starting a woman-led business, and the powerful combination of hard work and luck—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond. Find Susie on Instagram. Keep up with SusieCakes on Instagram or place an order ...
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This week, Ward sits down with Jake Stewart, head of business development at Entrupy, an AI tool that can instantly authenticate luxury accessories. They'll discuss the growing resale market, the subsequent increase in counterfeit goods, and the role of AI in the retail space—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond. Find Entrupy on Instagram and on their website. Learn more about Northwood Retail.
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This week, Ward is in Austin with Nina Berenato, founder of Nina Berenato Jewelry and creator of the viral TikTok sensation Permanent Bracelets. They'll discuss the importance of failure for any entrepreneur, how Nina has built a roster of celebrity clientele, and the hidden gems of one of America's fastest-growing cities—all that and more on this episode of Backstory & Beyond. Find Nina on Instagram, TikTok, or shop her collection...
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March 23, 2023 33 secs
With over 30 years of retail experience, Ward Kampf, president of Northwood Retail has a unique ability to forecast trends and identify the businesses that are changing the game. As he travels the country, he'll chat with entrepreneurs who are making waves in their industries. New episodes coming late Spring 2023. To learn more about Northwood Retail visit https://northwoodretail.com/
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