This CEO Turns Plastic into Profit: Streetside Confessions Edition w/ James Merrill

About this episode

Seb and James discuss the challenges and realities of building a sustainable business while walking the streets.

We welcome James Merrill, the visionary founder of StokedPlastics and the inventor of the award-winning StokedPlastic® blend. He is also the driving force behind Opolis, a mission-driven eyewear brand that builds premium frames using upcycled water bottles pulled directly from the ocean. Recorded live while walking on the street, this candid conversation pulls back the curtain on the "sweat and tears" reality of building a sustainable business from the ground up. Together, Seb and James explore the intersection of innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges of raising capital, navigating long sales cycles with major retailers like Burton and REI, and the vital importance of mental resilience for conscious leaders. Topics Discussed: The Reality of Startup Life Fundraising and Criticism The Opolis Mission Scaling Sustainability Mental Health and Letting Go Avoiding Burnout The Microplastics Crisis Fighting Greenwashing Purpose vs. Profit Innovating for the Mainstream Quantifiable Impact Connect with James on Instagram Connect with Opolis on Instagram Connect with Stoked Plastic on Instagram Connect with Sebastian on Instagram SebastianNaum.com

People in this episode

Host: Sebastian Naum Leon

Guest: James Merrill

Topics covered

• Sustainable Business
• Entrepreneurship
• Innovation
• Mental Resilience
• Fundraising
• Environmental Impact

Keywords

• sustainability
• startup life
• mental health
• greenwashing
• upcycling
• entrepreneurship
• fundraising

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: StokedPlastics, Opolis, Burton, REI

Products: StokedPlastic® blend

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