In this episode of Louder Than Green, Aimee sits down with Charlton Becker, founder of Flavorfulz and Charlton Becker Catering, to unpack the real operational side of building a hospitality business that actually stands out.

From scaling handmade edible spoons to managing high-end catering events, Charlton shares lessons on creativity, customer service, resilience, manufacturing, relationship-building, and what it takes to grow a product-based business without losing quality.

This episode covers:

• Scaling a handcrafted food product
• Hospitality operations and customer experience
• Product innovation in food service
• Sustainability without gimmicks
• Relationship-driven growth
• Building a resilient mindset as an entrepreneur

Whether you're in hospitality, food manufacturing, catering, entrepreneurship, or product development, this conversation is packed with practical insight and real-world experience.

Connect with Charlton:
🌐 www.flavorfulz.com
🌐 www.charltonbeckercatering.com

🔗 orders@flavorfulz.com
🔗 www.linkedin.com/in/charlton-becker-2726799/

#HaveYourSpoonAndEatItToo

They break down why most companies struggle to “find good people,” and why the real issue is often a lack of clarity, structure, and values-driven leadership. Rudy shares practical frameworks for turning culture into a measurable business advantage, improving accountability, and creating teams that actually perform.

You’ll learn:

• Why “good people are hard to find” is a myth
• How to define excellence in a way that drives results
• The difference between managing and coaching
• A simple decision-making framework any team can use
• How to align culture, operations, and performance

If you’re a founder, operator, or leader looking to build a stronger, more effective business, this conversation will challenge how you think about people, culture, and growth.

👉 Listen now and rethink how your business actually runs.

Takeaways

• Values are the foundation of successful businesses.
• Success is measured by client outcomes, not just profits.
• A unique business structure can enhance creativity and performance.
• Defining excellence is crucial for hiring the right talent.
• Paying for performance can motivate employees and improve retention.
• Accountability should be collective, not hierarchical.
• Building a culture of excellence requires ongoing training and support.
• Daily accounting practices can lead to better financial management.
• Values-driven decision-making simplifies complex issues.
• AI integration requires structural adjustments in businesses.

Guest Name: Rudy Miick
Guest Title: Founder

Phone: 720-641-7565

Email: rudy@miick.com

Website: miick.com 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rudy-miick-cmc-fcsi-833a9b2

Toby also delves into the challenges of educating clients about sustainable building practices and the misconceptions that often arise from popular media. He explains how his book, "Supersizing Bliss," serves as a resource for clients to better understand the home-building process and the importance of creating spaces that enhance happiness. The conversation touches on the environmental impact of construction, the need for better energy efficiency in homes, and the potential for solar energy to play a significant role in sustainable living. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the intersection of architecture, sustainability, and client relationships in the home-building industry.

Takeaways

• "We really become their guide, take them by the hand."
• "It's a house creation process, not just building a house."
• "Communication, communication, communication."
• "We want to allow our clients to be happy."
• "Everything we do is towards that goal of improving lives."
• "The best insulation doesn't change if we don't have a continuous air barrier."
• "You can install solar panels for free with the right financing."
• "We are actively chiseling away at our atmosphere."
• "The construction industry is responsible for 40% of greenhouse gases."
• "Designing a home should be a no-brainer for sustainability."

Guest Name: Toby Witte
Guest Title: Principal

Phone: 704.488.6811

Email:toby@witteha.us

Website: https://www.witteha.us/ 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tobywitte 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/wittehaus/

Toby Witte is the founder of Wittehaus, an award-winning design and build firm creating modern, energy-efficient luxury homes across North and South Carolina and Virginia. With more than 25 years of experience spanning architecture, building science, drafting, and construction, Toby brings a rare end-to-end perspective to residential design and project delivery.

German by upbringing and born in Peru, Toby graduated cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s School of Architecture and previously led design/build companies Dialect Design and Qube11 before founding Wittehaus in 2017. His work has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects and featured by Dwell, Architectural Digest, Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and more.

Toby is also the author of Supersizing Bliss, a book exploring how our homes shape our happiness, and he regularly shares his expertise through speaking, teaching, and industry leadership, including service with the Green Built Alliance. Outside of work, he is a husband, dad to three daughters, and a proud cat staff member of four.

Takeaways

• FarmerDirect is 100% farmer-owned, organic, and domestic fair trade.
• Building relationships with farmers is crucial for success.
• Transparency in supply chains enhances consumer trust.
• Organic certification can be cost-prohibitive for small farmers.
• The integrity of the supply chain is key to brand success.
• Pesticide residues remain a concern in organic farming.
• Sustainable practices can mitigate climate change effects.
• Investing in local farmers can lead to better food quality.
• The food industry is influenced by corporate interests.
• Consumer demand for ethical food is growing.

Name: Jason Freeman

Title: Founder & CEO

Phone: 250-986-9718

Email   jason@farmerdirectorganic.com

Website: https://shop.sprouts.com/store/sprouts/products/42214123-farmer-direct-organic-regenerative-organic-certified-regular-rolled-oats-1-each

Jason Freeman, a longtime leader in the organic and regenerative food movement and the founder and CEO of Farmer Direct Organic.

Jason began his journey in 2002 by co-founding Farmer Direct Co-op, built to solve one core problem in organic agriculture: price transparency and fair access to market for family farmers. That work evolved into a nationally distributed brand that became the first in the United States to be Domestic Fair Trade Certified, 100 percent farmer-owned, and 100 percent certified organic.

He later led the transition of a pool of organic grain farmers to Regenerative Organic Certification, launching the first Regenerative Organic Certified rolled oats into the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Jason is known for challenging the industry on fraud, fairness, and traceability, and for building supply chains that actually work for farmers, not just retailers.

Takeaways

• Vibha emphasizes the need for a roadmap for first-generation high earners.
• The importance of education and transparency in real estate investing.
• Homeownership is not the only path to building wealth.
• Creating a personal definition of freedom is crucial for financial success.
• Networking and community support are vital for new investors.
• Vibha's transition from traditional investments to real estate syndications.
• The significance of understanding risk and debt in wealth building.
• Relic Capital's focus on senior living investments for steady growth.
• The role of technology in streamlining operations and investor relations.
• Vibha advocates for open conversations about finance to empower individuals.

Guest Name: Vibha Salgamay
Guest Title: Managing Partner - (Capital Relationships & Growth)

Email:salgamay.vibha@relikcapitalgroup.com

Website: relikcapitalgroup.com/ 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vibhasalgamay

Vibha Salgamay is a Managing Partner at Relik Capital Group, leading Capital Relationships & Growth—working with individuals and groups who want to grow their wealth through senior living real estate with a clear, steady approach.
Relik is built around a simple story: the Baby Boomer population is growing, and at the same time there aren’t enough quality senior living communities in many markets. Building new communities is hard and expensive, so supply hasn’t kept pace. That gap can create lasting demand for the right properties over time.
With a background in UX design, Vibha treats investing like designing a great experience: reduce confusion, communicate consistently, and make sure the plan works in the real world—not just on paper. Relik stays focused on risk, especially whether the operator can actually deliver the business plan, so investors aren’t counting on best-case scenarios.
Want to learn more about building long-term wealth through senior living? Schedule a discovery call.

Takeaways

• The Tahoe Lead Removal Project was a community-driven initiative to remove toxic lead cables from Lake Tahoe.
• Evan Dreyer emphasizes the importance of community engagement and collaboration in tackling environmental issues.
• Using a startup mindset can help grassroots movements effectively organize and execute projects.
• Budgeting and financial planning are crucial for grassroots efforts, but fundraising should not be the primary focus.
• Engaging with government agencies can lead to collaboration rather than conflict, especially when presenting a well-researched plan.
• AI tools can significantly enhance research capabilities and streamline the process of understanding complex regulations.
• Grassroots movements can thrive by focusing on solutions rather than assigning blame to corporations or agencies.
• Creating a clear, actionable strategy is essential for community members looking to address local issues.
• The success of the Tahoe Lead Removal Project demonstrates the power of collective action and community support.
• Evan encourages others to leverage AI and modern tools to facilitate their activism and community efforts.

Name: Evan Dreyer

Title: Lead Organizer, Tahoe Lead Removal Project

Email: evan@tahoelead.com

Bio: Evan Dreyer was the Lead Organizer for the Tahoe Lead Removal Project, a successful community effort to remove 6+ miles of lead telecommunication cables from Lake Tahoe. He's invested in 50+ startups and operated as Head of Risk & Finance at Tola which exited to Square. Previously he spent 12+ years across investment banking, trading, strategy and risk management at Credit Suisse. He has served on the Board of San Francisco Baykeeper since 2020.

• Initial agency outreach and the follow up this summer.
• Case study Anthropic, showcasing how we used their AI tools in permitting and research. 

Takeaways

• ESG is not just a buzzword; it's a business advantage.
• Practical solutions are essential for meaningful impact.
• The climate crisis requires teamwork and collaboration.
• Data is crucial for making informed decisions in ESG.
• Knowledge sharing is vital for operational success.
• Avoided emissions can be a key metric for climate solutions.
• The future of business is intertwined with climate action.
• Technology can streamline ESG implementation.
• Understanding the commercial implications of climate action is essential.
• Third-party verification of impact is necessary for credibility.

Noah Miller is a founder, ESG strategist, and tech entrepreneur dedicated to helping organizations move beyond sustainability as a checkbox toward real, measurable impact. As the Co-Founder and Chief Advisory Officer of Rho Impact, he leads a team that designs ESG systems, advisory services, and technology tools that cut through the noise — enabling businesses to set clear goals, implement them, and report progress without getting bogged down by complexity or perfection. Before Rho Impact, he led ESG practices in consulting, served as an interim ESG director, and built his experience in social entrepreneurship and nonprofit advisory. Educated in sustainable innovation, community economics, and conflict studies, Noah believes in practical solutions: not where we want to be, but what steps we can take today—for radical change over time.

Guest Name: Noah Miller
Guest Title: Co-Founder, (CAO) & Head of ESG Advisory Services at Rho Impact

Email: noah.miller@rhoimpact.com

Website: https://rhoimpact.com/our
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-miller-0a987154/

Takeaways

• Businesses must serve as mentors and examples in their communities.
• Sustainability and profitability can create a cycle of reinvestment.
• Peer-to-peer support among business owners fosters community growth.
• Landlord training can secure intergenerational wealth and knowledge.
• Fear and shame often hold entrepreneurs back from seeking help.
• Mindset shifts from reactionary to planning are crucial for success.
• Sustainability practices can lead to operational changes in businesses.
• Technology can enhance communication and efficiency in business.
• AI has the potential to support sustainable practices if used wisely.
• Human connection remains essential in the age of technology.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Purpose-Driven Business
• 01:53 Terry Doloughty's Journey and Impact
• 04:35 Landlord Training Program: A Community Initiative
• 09:04 Overcoming Challenges: Fear and Shame in Business
• 13:33 Mindset Shifts: From Reaction to Planning
• 17:43 Sustainability in Business Practices
• 22:16 Leveraging Technology for Growth
• 26:50 The Future of AI and Sustainability
• 31:11 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Guest Name: Terry Doloughty
Guest Title: founder of B.O.S.S. Consulting
Phone: 412-310-8190
Email: terry@bossconsulting.biz

Website: https://bossconsulting.biz/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terry-doloughty-077a016

Terry Doloughty is a leadership mentor, facilitator, and founder of B.O.S.S. Consulting, where he helps entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and executives scale in ways that are human, sustainable, and deeply impactful. With three decades of experience across for-profit and nonprofit sectors, Terry specializes in mindful leadership, system-building, and community-centred facilitation. His work is grounded in helping leaders develop authentic capacity — aligning what they believe, how they lead, and what changes they bring — so their growth benefits both people and purpose.

With a background that spans financial markets, international policy, and conservation, Viviana also advises the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre on technology and innovation, and co-leads Mujeres y Sostenibilidad, a Latin American network amplifying diverse sustainability voices. Her work bridges science, equity, and systems change, bringing both strategic clarity and grounded action to today’s most urgent challenges.

Outside of work, Viviana recharges through dance, scuba diving, cooking, and coral reef restoration.

With a background that spans financial markets, international policy, and conservation, Viviana also advises the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre on technology and innovation, and co-leads Mujeres y Sostenibilidad, a Latin American network amplifying diverse sustainability voices. Her work bridges science, equity, and systems change, bringing both strategic clarity and grounded action to today’s most urgent challenges.

Outside of work, Viviana recharges through dance, scuba diving, cooking, and coral reef restoration.

Guest Name: Viviana Jimenez Torres
Phone: 202-413-3193
Email: vivjim@hotmail.com

Red Mujeres y Sostenibilidad: https://www.mujeresysostenibilidad.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivjimenez

Takeaways

• Sustainable business is about how you do it, not just what you do.
• Meetings are often the most expensive organizational asset.
• AI has the potential to solve climate issues by improving energy efficiency.
• Strategy is more about execution than just having ideas.
• The world operates in a closed system, not an open one.
• Circular economy metrics need to be valued in business.
• Augmented imagination can enhance business possibilities through AI.
• Companies must adapt to a circular economy for sustainability.
• Everything we see originated from the earth and will return to it.
• Keeping our waste would change our perspective on sustainability.

Guest Name: Roy Vella
Guest Title: CEO, Next CoLab
Phone: +1-857-277-8483
Email: rvella@nextcolab.com

Website: https://www.nextcolab.com/
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/royvella

Other links:  https://bit.ly/3Ip1Dqh

Roy spent most of his career leading growth in fintech organizations, from founding one out of Stanford (that was acquired), then starting 3 new lines of business at PayPal (that is, Merchant Services, Travel and Mobile which sent him to London) to working with a wide array of enterprises large and small throughout EMEA. More details and further background are obviously available at LinkedIn. Now back in the States, he's focused on exponential deeptech (AI/ML, Big Data, Climate, Energy, etc.) ventures, that is, impressive core science that needs help commercializing.

Takeaways

• Sustainable business is about how you do it.
• Cora Castle transitioned to a life of impact after realizing her potential.
• Building coalitions is essential for making meaningful changes.
• Sustainability faces challenges from misinformation and political interests.
• Many believe sustainable energy is not financially viable, which is a damaging myth.
• AI is intertwined with sustainability and presents both opportunities and challenges.
• Community engagement is crucial for effective policy change.
• Nonprofit board training can empower individuals to make a difference.
• Electric vehicles can significantly benefit the environment and society.
• Time saved from not visiting gas stations can be transformative. 

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Sustainability and Change Agents
• 01:40 Cora Castle's Journey to Sustainability
• 04:33 The Challenge of Electric Vehicles
• 09:10 Policy and Community Engagement in Sustainability
• 11:57 The Importance of Multidisciplinary Approaches
• 13:29 Navigating Resistance in Sustainability Efforts
• 16:22 The Role of AI in Sustainability
• 19:41 Ethical Considerations in AI and Sustainability
• 23:00 Understanding Sustainability Challenges
• 26:24 The Financial Myths of Sustainable Energy
• 29:22 Misinformation and Its Impact on Sustainability
• 30:56 Advocating for Electric Vehicle Accessibility
• 33:42 Empowering Communities Through Nonprofit Engagement
• 38:24 Call to Action: Get Involved!

Guest Name: Cora L. Castle
Guest Title: President & Founder, OmniPotential Energy Partners

Phone: 302-600-0749
Email: cora@omnipotential.com

Cora Castle works at the intersection of climate action, equity, land use and technology. She is the President and founder of OmniPotential Energy Partners, LLC, a Wilmington-based clean energy startup. She is the inventor of patented EV charging technology, including the stand-alone Curbstar platform, designed to expand affordable, accessible charging in communities without private parking. Cora also serves as Executive Director of the Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance (DESCA), where she supports STEM startups in bringing new innovations to market. Cora chairs Delaware state's LGBTQ+ commission and serves as vice chair of the New Castle County Land Use board. A dedicated policy advocate, she has spearheaded Delaware legislation enabling curbside residential EV charging as well as legislation promoting equality throughout the state.

In this episode of Louder Than Green, Aimee Haasteaby speaks with Wolf Lichtenstein, a veteran in carbon markets and sustainability. They discuss the importance of aligning carbon credits with business goals, the challenges companies face in engaging with carbon markets, and the impact of carbon projects on communities. Wolf shares insights on the evolution of carbon credit standards, the role of AI in improving market efficiency, and the need for collective action to address climate change. The conversation emphasizes the balance between profitability and sustainability, urging businesses to reassess their values and consider their impact on future generations.

Guest Name: Wolf Lichtenstein
Guest Title: Founder, Evergreen Carbon, Principal, Lightstone Consulting
Email: Info@Evergreencarbon.com

Website: Evergreen Carbon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolf-lichtenstein-617a2812/

Takeaways

• Purpose-driven businesses can scale when values align with systems.
• Wolf Lichtenstein has nearly 30 years of experience in carbon markets.
• Evergreen Carbon provides bespoke solutions for carbon credit procurement.
• Large corporations are increasingly investing in carbon offset strategies.
• Greenwashing is a concern, but green hushing is also prevalent.
• Operational challenges include growing a customer base and communication.
• Integrity in carbon projects is crucial for market trust.
• Community engagement is essential for successful carbon projects.
• AI is transforming the efficiency of carbon markets.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Purpose-Driven Business
• 01:21 Wolf Lichtenstein's Journey in Carbon Markets
• 03:25 Evergreen Carbon's Impact and Achievements
• 04:42 The Role of Large Corporations in Carbon Offsetting
• 07:31 Challenges in Carbon Market Engagement
• 11:34 Greenwashing vs. Green Hushing in Carbon Markets
• 13:51 Operational Challenges in Carbon Credit Sales
• 17:03 The Importance of Integrity in Carbon Projects
• 19:01 Community Impact of Carbon Projects
• 20:49 The Future of Carbon Markets and Trust
• 22:45 Raising Awareness and Education in Carbon Markets
• 25:23 The Role of AI in Carbon Market Efficiency
• 28:45 The Evolution of Carbon Credit Standards
• 33:04 Innovations in Carbon Removal Techniques
• 36:29 Balancing Profitability and Sustainability
• 39:51 The Call for Collective Action on Climate Change
• 44:04 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

In this episode of Louder Than Green, Aimee Haasteaby interviews Brando Crespi, a pioneer in sustainable business practices and eco-innovation. They discuss the importance of integrating ancient wisdom with modern technology to create regenerative solutions for the climate crisis. Brando shares his journey from a near-death experience to becoming an ecopreneur, emphasizing the role of biochar in addressing environmental challenges. The conversation explores innovative agricultural practices, the business landscape of biochar, and the need for a collaborative approach in the corporate world. Brando advocates for a shift in mindset towards sustainability, urging businesses to take responsibility and embrace change for a better future.

Guest Name:  Brando Crespi
Guest Title: Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Global Biocarbons
Phone: +917 399 4433
Email: brando@globalbiocarbons.com

Website:  https://globalbiocarbons.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandocrespi/

Other links: onemillionforests.org

Takeaways

• Sustainable business strategies can support people, planet, and profits.
• Brando Crespi has over four decades of experience in ecological innovation.
• Biochar plays a crucial role in addressing the climate crisis.
• Ancient wisdom can inform modern regenerative practices.
• Collaboration is essential for creating impactful change in business.
• The carbon market is evolving, and biochar is a key player.
• Decarbonizing industries requires innovative solutions like biocarbon.
• Sustainability must be profitable independently of grants or credits.
• Systems thinking is vital for understanding the interconnectedness of ecological issues.
• Business leaders need to embrace risk-taking for meaningful change.
  

  Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Sustainable Business and Innovation
  • 02:03 Brando Crespi's Eclectic Journey in Environmentalism
  • 05:03 The Role of Biochar in Climate Solutions
  • 16:44 Scaling Innovations in Agriculture and Beyond
  • 25:00 The Future of Biocarbon in Industry
  • 26:14 The Role of Biochar in Environmental Solutions
  • 29:30 Challenges in Traditional Business Thinking
  • 35:16 Lessons from Indigenous Wisdom
  • 42:06 The Need for Bold Business Leadership
  • 46:08 Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
    

In this episode, JC Vautrin shares his unique journey from the oil and gas industry to becoming a sustainability advocate. He emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainability into business strategy, highlighting that it is not merely a cost but a strategic investment that can lead to long-term profitability. JC discusses the cultural shifts needed within organizations to embrace sustainability, the common pitfalls companies face, and the importance of measurement in evaluating sustainability initiatives. He also contrasts the approaches of startups and legacy businesses in adopting sustainable practices and offers guiding principles for leaders looking to make impactful changes. Throughout the conversation, JC maintains a balance of optimism and realism about the challenges and opportunities in the sustainability landscape.

Guest Name: JC Vautrin
Guest Title:  Blue Ocean Future Inc   Co-Founder
Phone: 1 984 8951453
Email: jc.vautrin@cleansea.ch

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcvautrin/

President, Bell Environmental and Business Consulting Services, LLC

Cell:  843-655-9686

Email:  bell12816@outlook.com

LinkedIn Link to access posts on Basalt Fiber:  (2) Gregory T. Bell | LinkedIn

Key Takeaways

• Greg Bell has over 35 years of experience in material testing and environmental consulting.
• Basalt fiber is a sustainable material derived from igneous rock, offering unique properties for erosion control.
• Traditional synthetic materials pose environmental risks, including microplastics and harmful additives.
• Regulatory challenges exist for the approval of new materials in sensitive environments.
• There is a growing interest in sustainable materials among manufacturers and regulatory bodies.
• Basalt fiber could bridge the gap between environmental needs and manufacturing demands.
• The potential for U.S. manufacturing of basalt fiber is promising due to local mineral deposits.
• Co-development partnerships are crucial for bringing basalt fiber products to market.
• Financing and investment opportunities are needed to support the growth of basalt fiber manufacturing.
• Greg encourages listeners to take action and contribute to environmental solutions.