#115: Artisanal Food and Business Simplicity with Mark Josephson

Mark Josephson knows a thing or two about successful business. He's previously launched About.com and Bitly, and now he's paving the way for thriving culinary entrepreneurs through Castiron.

Mark's dropping all kinds of knowledge, from the need for businesses to focus on simplicity, how culinary artisans can be smarter about their pricing methods, and why decentralization is going to be a major factor in the world — just not in its current format.

Highlights of our conversation

  • Some of Mark’s biggest successes and why you can still learn plenty from a business that doesn’t survive. (3:28)

  • Where Mark got the idea for Castiron. (5:24)

  • Why food brings such joy to people — and how it creates the magic behind Castiron. (7:08)

  • Mark’s a big believer in simplicity. Here’s why understanding your customers is key to delivering a simple, effective product. (11:06)

  • The most surprising thing about running a business, especially during the pandemic. (13:56)

  • The evolution of the Internet and how technology can level the playing field. (16:21)

  • A few key challenges Mark sees people experiencing when starting artisanal food businesses. (18:22)

  • What Mark is most proud of. (20:06)

  • Why decentralization is going to be a major factor for us — but not necessarily in the form it’s currently in today. (22:55)

  • A sneak peek of what Castiron is working on for the rest of the year. (25:54)

  • The top three Bruce Springsteen songs. (26:53)

Where to find Mark Josephson

Learn more about Castiron at castiron.me.  

Follow Mark on Twitter.

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#116: How to Make Someone's Day with Howard H. Prager

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#114: Making Candy and Growing a Brand with Tamalitoz Owners Jack Bessulo and Dec Simmons