Invst Guru

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Brian Direen, the entrepreneurial force behind OGI Coffee, a company redefining how the world experiences cold coffee. From patented extraction techniques to world-first shelf-stable espresso minis, OGI Coffee is pioneering a new way to enjoy premium coffee anytime, anywhere.Brian shares how his global business background, combined with a moment of travel frustration, inspired a product built for today’s fast-paced, customization-obsessed coffee culture. You’ll hear how OGI’s zero-additive espresso minis deliver fresh-brewed flavor for up to nine months, why younger generations prefer cold coffee, and how the brand is using TikTok Shop, influencers, and premium natural retail to scale rapidly.We also dive into OGI’s equity crowdfunding strategy, their path to hitting $1M/month in revenue, and their long-term vision to build a $100M+ brand in one of the world’s fastest-growing beverage categories.In This Episode:• The invention of shelf-stable cold espresso minis• Why cold coffee dominates for Gen Z and Millennials• The powerful role of customization in modern coffee culture• How OGI built scalable manufacturing from scratch• The brand strategy behind minimalist, Instagram-ready packaging• Equity crowdfunding and building investors into brand ambassadors• Revenue targets, production capacity, and growth projectionsIf you care about CPG innovation, coffee trends, crowdfunding, or brand building, this episode delivers an energizing deep dive into a company brewing something truly new.

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with filmmaker and actor Mark Elias to explore the creative and entrepreneurial engine behind his new comedy-crime feature, We Could Be Heroes. The film follows a young gamer whose stolen console ignites a sharp, irreverent adventure—one built to resonate with gamers, indie film lovers, and multi-generational audiences alike.Mark shares the origins of the story, the moment the idea refused to leave his head, and how he developed a script that’s drawing comparisons to titles like Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and The Nice Guys. He breaks down what it takes to produce a high-value feature on a lean budget, how he assembles top-tier talent, and why smart visual storytelling doesn’t require millions of dollars—just creativity, precision, and the right team.Listeners will also learn: 🎮 Why gaming culture and e-sports partnerships could expand the film’s global reach 🎥 How Mark balances passion with commercial strategy in indie filmmaking 💼 What investors should know about film ROI, distribution timelines, and revenue streams 🌍 How modern distribution—from streamers to vertical platforms—is reshaping indie film economics 🎬 Why this project is designed to build a long-term investor and fan community through WeFunderWhether you’re a film lover, an investor, or a creator looking for insight into the evolving entertainment landscape, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and behind-the-scenes perspective.

In this episode, we dive deep into Elf Labs, a synthetic media company revolutionizing how animated characters and digital content come to life. Discover how their AI-powered Character Engine combines years of proprietary intellectual property with advanced machine learning to serve everyone from independent creators to major entertainment brands. We explore the massive market opportunity in AI-assisted content creation, examine Elf Labs' competitive advantages including their extensive trademark and patent portfolio, and break down what makes this company stand out in the crowded synthetic media landscape. Whether you're an investor seeking exposure to the AI revolution or simply fascinated by the future of digital storytelling, this episode reveals why Elf Labs is capturing attention at the intersection of technology and entertainment. Plus, we discuss the risks, challenges, and what investors need to know before considering opportunities in this space.

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Tom Lix, CEO and founder of Cleveland Whiskey, for a fascinating conversation about how technology is revolutionizing one of the world’s oldest industries. From basement experiments that blew up hundreds of mason jars to patented production systems now scaling internationally, Tom breaks down the real story behind Cleveland Whiskey’s radical approach to aging and flavor.Tom shares how impatience, curiosity, and amateur chemistry led to a breakthrough that turned traditional whiskey-making on its head—delivering award-winning flavor in a fraction of the time. He opens up about the early pushback from purists, how the company protects its trade secrets, and why global markets like India, Africa, and Southeast Asia represent the biggest growth opportunities for the spirits industry.This episode dives deep into:The technology and IP strategy behind Cleveland Whiskey’s processWhy blind taste tests against major brands changed everythingHow the U.S. whiskey market is contracting—and where demand is boomingThe company’s new 45,000 sq ft riverfront facility in Cleveland’s Flats districtThe pivot to concentrates and IMFL markets in IndiaThe role of equity crowdfunding in building a 1,700-member investor communityWhat investing in spirits brands looks like todayHow Tom stays grounded while running a high-growth company (hint: two sailboats and a solo transatlantic goal)Whether you're an investor, whiskey enthusiast, or founder looking for inspiration, this conversation offers a rare inside look at how innovation, strategy, and global trends are reshaping the future of whiskey.

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Chaz Berman, serial entrepreneur and CEO of Grower’s Secret, to explore one of the most ambitious developments in sustainable agriculture today.Berman—who previously took MyPoints public at a $2.5B market cap—shares how his team spent eight years testing more than 30 materials to create a patented organic nitrogen fertilizer designed to match the power and cost of synthetic nitrogen, a $134B global industry that has supported food production for 80+ years… while also causing massive environmental harm.Grower’s Secret has now reached its fourth pilot plant stage, ramping toward commercial production with a goal of delivering a scalable, organic alternative that doesn’t leach, doesn’t burn crops, works in extreme climates, and actually helps regenerate soil rather than degrade it. Farmers are already asking for it as fast as it can be produced.Jeff and Chaz dive into:The science behind Grower’s Secret’s 80% amino-acid-based organic nitrogenWhy synthetic nitrogen became the global standard—and the environmental crisis it createdHow this new material performs across crops, climates, and farming stylesThe company’s patent strategy and global protection planA long-term roadmap that includes licensing, partnerships, and worldwide expansionHow farmers can switch with zero new equipment or processesThe early traction of Grower’s Secret’s StartEngine equity crowdfunding campaignCEO lessons from Berman’s decades of scaling companies, managing teams, and staying persistent under pressureThis episode is a must-listen for investors, founders, sustainability enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the future of global food production. Whether you're new to agriculture or deep in the impact-investing world, this conversation will change how you think about soil, farming, and the innovations shaping the decades ahead.👉 Links to Grower’s Secret and the StartEngine campaign are in the show notes. https://www.startengine.com/offering/growers-secret

n this episode of Invst Guru, we explore the inspiring story behind GGirls Closet, a groundbreaking Colorado-based thrift brand centered on sustainability, community impact, and youth education. Founder Patricia Gillmore has built a for-profit model that supports nonprofits, Title I schools, and local families—while reshaping how people think about secondhand fashion.You’ll hear how GGirls Closet became Colorado’s first hybrid thrift store, why its consignment-driven system empowers organizations with real revenue, and how community events and clothing drives have fueled impressive year-over-year growth. We also dive into the environmental urgency driving the mission, from reducing fast-fashion waste to teaching teens the value of sustainable shopping.If you’re interested in innovative business models, social impact entrepreneurship, or the future of sustainable fashion, this episode delivers insights you won’t want to miss.What You’ll Learn:How a for-profit thrift model can support schools and nonprofitsWhy sustainability and consumer education matter more than everThe power of community events in driving business growthHow hybrid retail models are shaping the future of secondhand fashionLearn more - https://invest.honeycombcredit.com/campaigns/GGirls-ClosetTune in for a powerful conversation about purpose-driven business, environmental responsibility, and building community through conscious retail.

In this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel sits down with Nick Apostolopoulos, founder of 619 Spirits, San Diego’s original craft distillery. Nick shares his incredible journey from a career in software development to launching a local vodka brand, navigating California’s complex alcohol laws, and transforming 619 Spirits from a small distillery into a full-scale restaurant and bar experience.They discuss the evolution of the craft spirits movement, the challenges of running a hospitality business, the upcoming 8,000-square-foot expansion, and how community partnerships have helped 619 Spirits thrive in the heart of North Park, San Diego. Nick also opens up about the WeFunder campaign supporting their next big chapter, the importance of balancing entrepreneurship and family, and what keeps him up at night as a business owner.If you’re interested in craft spirits, entrepreneurship, or community-driven growth, this episode offers a masterclass in how to stay resilient and innovative in a competitive industry.👉 Learn more about 619 Spirits: 619spirits.com 👉 Support their WeFunder campaign: wefunder.com/619spirits

On this episode of Invst Guru, host Jeff “Fuzzy” Wenzel interviews Mitch Raponi, the CEO and Co-Founder of Emerrx BioPharma, a startup developing next-generation drug delivery solutions for emergency medicine.Mitch explains how their flagship product, MRX-101, uses a novel dual-chamber intranasal device that delivers naloxone with near-IV speed — a critical advancement in overdose reversal technology. He also shares insights into Emerrx’s fundraising journey, capital-efficient model, and the potential expansion of their platform into other lifesaving drugs.If you’re interested in biotech innovation, impact investing, or startup strategy, this episode offers a rare look inside a company working to make a real difference.Highlights include:The science and urgency behind faster naloxone deliveryEmerrx’s roadmap to FDA engagement and commercializationBuilding an ethical, efficient startup teamLeveraging crowdfunding for biotech growth🎧 Listen now and discover how science, innovation, and compassion are coming together to fight the opioid epidemic.