meghan holzhauer + jurrien swarts & stojo

we're creating space for the brains behind the brands we love, and asking good questions along the way. the result is a deep dive into the how and why of brand-building, from blueprints to launch day, customers as community and the detours in between. big lessons, easy listening.

In this episode of Read Receipt, we dive into the remarkable journey of Jurrien Swarts, co-founder and CEO of Stojo, a brand dedicated to eradicating disposable culture with innovative, collapsible, and reusable products. Jurrien’s path from a career in financial services to pioneering sustainable consumer goods is a testament to creativity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the environment. We’ll explore how his background in finance, combined with a passion for sustainability, led to the creation of Stojo, the challenges he faced, and his vision for the future. Join us as Jurrien shares pivotal moments, lessons learned, and what makes Stojo stand out in the eco-friendly product market.

Tune in to hear Jurrien's insights on entrepreneurship, the inspiration behind Stojo’s products, and the exciting plans ahead for the brand.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the conversation!
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The Show Notes

Summary:‍

Jurrien Swarts, co-founder and CEO of Stojo, shares his inspiring journey from a successful career in financial services to creating a revolutionary reusable product brand. Jurrien discusses his passion for sustainability, the experiences that shaped his vision, and the creation of Stojo. He highlights the importance of innovation, authenticity, and consumer connection in building his brand. The conversation explores the entrepreneurial lessons Jurrien has learned, the development of Stojo's unique products, and the future of the brand.‍

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Keywords:‍

reusable products, sustainability, entrepreneurship, financial services, consumer goods, brand building, innovation, consumer connection‍

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Takeaways:

1. Jurrien Swarts’ journey from financial services to founding Stojo is marked by innovation and determination.
2. Stojo integrates sustainability and design into its reusable products, emphasizing authenticity and consumer connection.
3. Jurrien's diverse experiences have significantly shaped his approach to business and product development.
4. Building a brand involves creating a strong connection with consumers and staying true to core values.
5. Stojo's commitment to innovation and quality is reflected in its unique products and storytelling.
6. Persistence and resourcefulness are essential for long-term success in the competitive eco-friendly product market.

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Sound Bites:

• "I started Stojo out of a passion for sustainability and a desire to create something unique in the industry."
• "Stojo’s products are inspired by my love for the environment and the challenge of reducing waste."
• "Building a brand is about staying true to your values and creating a strong connection with your audience."
• "I believe in following my intuition and staying committed to my vision, no matter what others say."
• "Reusable products are not just about convenience; they’re about creating a sustainable future for everyone."

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Chapters:

00:00 - Jurrien's Background and Journey-
Jurrien introduces himself and shares his journey from financial services to founding Stojo.

08:01 - The Inspiration Behind Stojo-
Jurrien discusses the personal and professional experiences that inspired him to create Stojo.

12:30 - Transition from Finance to Sustainable Entrepreneurship-
Jurrien explains his career shift and the lessons he learned along the way.

23:17 - Importance of Innovation and Consumer Connection-
The conversation delves into how innovation and consumer connection have shaped Stojo's brand identity.

25:30 - Challenges and Opportunities in the Reusable Product Industry-
Jurrien talks about the challenges and opportunities of building a reusable product brand and launching new products.

27:26 - Commitment to Quality and Sustainability-
Jurrien highlights Stojo's dedication to creating unique reusable products and promoting sustainability.

31:23 - Building a Strong Brand Identity-
The discussion explores the importance of staying true to core values and connecting with consumers.

36:02 - The Vision for Stojo-
Jurrien shares his vision for the future of Stojo and his goals for the brand.

47:37 - Persistence and Resourcefulness in Entrepreneurship-
Jurrien emphasizes the need for persistence and resourcefulness in achieving long-term success.

51:43 - Final Thoughts and Insights-
Jurrien wraps up the conversation with final thoughts and valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

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