John Sampogna, Co-Founder and CEO of Wondersauce, has built one of the most respected digital agencies by recognizing opportunities for service expansion and staying hyper-focused on client needs. Founded on the principle of transparent communication and consistent delivery, Wondersauce has grown by incubating new services and scaling its offerings organically to meet market demands. In this episode of Turning Pro, John shares how Wondersauce has evolved from its early days to competing with top-tier agencies for major clients. He reflects on pivotal moments in his career, the challenges of scaling a service business, and his approach to maintaining personal fulfillment and work-life balance as a leader in the creative industry.

Ellis Fried, Vice President at Vanterra Ventures, made the leap from founding a health-focused snack brand to becoming an investor in the consumer health space. After studying economics at the University of Michigan and launching SMPL, Ellis shifted to venture capital. In this episode of Turning Pro, Ellis discusses his transition from founder to investor, offering insights into the skills required to succeed in both roles. He reflects on how his operational experience shapes his current work, supporting founders in sectors like branded products and digital health.

Colm Mackin, Co-Founder of Act+Acre, has redefined the hair wellness space by focusing on the often-overlooked importance of scalp health. Originally from Ireland, Colm and his wife, Helen Reavey, launched Act+Acre in 2019, pioneering a new approach to hair care that prioritizes nourishing and balancing the scalp. In this episode of Turning Pro, Colm shares how their innovative brand has grown from its inception to being featured in over 300 Sephora stores across the U.S. He also reflects on his journey from a 14-year career in law and corporate finance to becoming an entrepreneur in the beauty and wellness industry.