From corporate finance to frozen dessert innovator, this episode explores the journey of Nicole Cardone, co-founder of Fruitful Brands, including Sorbabes and Fudgy Pop. Nicole shares her knowledge of entrepreneurship, sparked by a serendipitous encounter with overripe peaches at a farmers market. With a blend of adventurous spirit and business acumen, she and her co-founder, Chef Deborah Gorman, embarked on a mission to take on the frozen dessert category. Discover the highs and lows of building a brand from scratch, from selling hand-packed mason jars at local markets to navigating a strategic partnership with a global ice cream manufacturer. Nicole candidly discusses the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining independence, including the pivotal decision to part ways with their corporate partner and weather the storm of COVID-19 disruptions. In this interview-style podcast with Gary Nowacki, learn how Sorbabes bounced back from adversity, leveraging their experience to launch new brands and expand to nationwide distribution. Nicole offers advice from her hands-on experience into the intricacies of product innovation in the frozen dessert industry and the importance of strategic partnerships in driving growth. Watch this episode to gain entrepreneurial wisdom, actionable advice, and a glimpse into the innovative world of Fruitful Brands. ----more---- Takeaways Starting a business requires perseverance and the ability to navigate challenges.Partnerships with larger corporations can provide support and guidance, but also come with their own challenges.Being nimble and making strategic decisions is crucial for growth and success.Innovation is important, but can be constrained by industry limitations.Following your gut instincts and listening to advice from trusted sources is key.Enjoying the journey and staying positive is essential for long-term success.