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The Rainmaker is back! In this powerhouse episode, Jake Karls, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, joins Kirk and Andy for an unfiltered conversation about entrepreneurship, identity, burnout, and the journey back to balance.

Jake’s infectious energy and passion have fueled Mid-Day Squares’ rise from a startup to a $47 million business. But with success came immense pressure, a relentless pursuit of “winning”, and ultimately, a wake-up call that forced him to reassess everything. He shares his personal struggle with burnout, the mental and physical toll of constant hustle, and how he rebuilt himself—one small step at a time.

🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The cost of chasing external validation and redefining success.

✔️ Jake’s breaking point at Expo West—and why it changed everything.

✔️ How hypnotherapy helped him regain control and mental clarity.

✔️ The power of showing up, making real connections, and being present.

✔️ Why authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a competitive advantage.

From family business dynamics to building an emotional brand that resonates, this episode is packed with raw insights, hard-earned lessons, and straight-up real talk. Whether you’re a founder, creative, or just someone grinding toward their goals, Jake’s story is a must-listen.

💡 Final Thought: “All that matters is where your two feet are.” – Jake Karls

👉 Tune in now and let it rain! 🎧🔥

📍Get your Mid-Day Squares fix: mid-daysquares.com

📍Connect with Jake here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-karls-653106ba/

🎙️ Don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

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About Kirk and Andy.

Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONT™. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.

Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.

Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics

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What makes a bagel legendary? Is it the texture, the crust, the chew, or the history behind it? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the story of Emily Winston, the founder of Boichik Bagels, a Bay Area sensation bringing old-school New York flavor to the West Coast.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Emily went from being a mechanical engineer at GM, working on car doors, to a full-fledged bagel artisan.

• The emotional connection behind recreating her taste memory of the legendary H&H Bagels from NYC.

• The challenges of scaling from a small passion project to multiple locations and a frozen bagel empire.

• The historic significance of Boychick’s flagship location, which was the original home of Noah’s Bagels, and how she got the founder’s blessing to continue the tradition.

• How Boychick stands out, not just for its bagels, but for its bold social justice stance and commitment to inclusivity.

Why listen?

Whether you’re a bagel purist, a food entrepreneur, or a branding enthusiast, Emily’s story is an inspiration. It’s a masterclass in following your passion, perfecting your craft, and building a business that resonates deeply with people.

Key takeaways:

• Great branding meets great product. How the Boichik aesthetic became a symbol of quality and authenticity.

• The bagel battle is real. Why Emily believes we’re entering a new wave of bagel wars and how she plans to win.

• Managing rapid growth while keeping company culture intact. Insights into leadership, trust, and empowering a team.

Don’t just take our word for it—get yourself a Boichik Bagel (especially the frozen ones if you’re not in the Bay Area).

Follow and subscribe to the Kirk and Kurtts Design Podcast for more deep dives into creativity, business, and the stories behind the brands we love.

Connect with Emily here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-winston-8392672/

Support the show

About Kirk and Andy.

Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONT™. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.

Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.

Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics

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This week on the Kirk & Kurtts Design Podcast, we’re joined by Joel Herrera—visual communicator, illustrator, painter, storyteller, and former Duke art professor. Joel shares how his love for comic books and a family steeped in creativity shaped his journey as an artist.

We dive into:

•The accidental (and slightly annoying) way Joel discovered his talent

•Why every artist feels like their work isn’t good enough

•The importance of putting your art out there—even when it’s scary

•Joel’s love for alternative movie posters and storytelling

Whether you’re a designer, an artist, or just someone trying to make something meaningful, Joel’s story will leave you inspired and ready to tackle your own creative challenges.

Connect with Joel here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-herrera-ux/

Support the show

About Kirk and Andy.

Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONT™. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.

Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.

Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics

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In part 2, Kirk and Andy continue chatting with Alex Center, founder and creative force behind Center Design, to discuss the art and strategy of building iconic brands like Ayoh! mayonnaise and BERO beer. From the high stakes of crafting products for big-name personalities like Molly Baz to designing a "lived-in yet fresh" aesthetic, Alex dives deep into the challenges and joys of creating consumer packaged goods that feel both timeless and trendy.

Highlights:

• How Molly Baz's reverence for classic sandwich shops inspired *Ayoh!*’s nostalgic yet modern design.
• The unique approach of making new brands feel like they've been around forever—and why it's a winning formula.
• The collaboration process at Center Design: stakeholder interviews, team synergy, and blending client vision with expert execution.
• Alex's thoughts on balancing pressure, passion, and creativity when working on high-stakes projects.\

Kirk and Andy also geek out over the Americana vibe behind Ayoh! and sandwiches as a universally loved staple, sharing their own sandwich-making rituals and thoughts on the role of nostalgia in branding.

Whether you're a designer, a brand enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good sandwich (with the perfect mayo, of course), this episode is packed with inspiration and laughs. As Alex puts it, "Design is a team sport," and this conversation is proof of that collaborative magic.

See more of Alex's work here: https://center.design/

Connect with Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcenter/

Support the show

About Kirk and Andy.

Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONT™. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.

Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.

Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics

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In this episode, Kirk and Andy sit down with the brilliant Alex Center—Brooklyn-based designer, founder of the branding studio Center, and creative visionary behind some of today’s most iconic brands. From his early days designing for Vitamin Water to a decade-long tenure at Coca-Cola, Alex shares his unique journey of building brands that resonate—and yes, there’s even a story about 50 Cent dropping a “you spit hot fire” compliment!

Alex dives into his transition from in-house powerhouse to independent studio founder, giving a candid look into the value of in-house design work. While many designers chase agency dreams, Alex champions the versatility, speed, and breadth of working across all touchpoints of a brand. Whether it’s retail, packaging, or campaigns—Alex reminds us how being in-house shaped his holistic understanding of brands and prepared him to make waves with clients like Liquid Death, New Balance, Kinder Forge, and United Sodas of America.

The conversation heats up when Kirk and Andy unpack Alex’s latest masterpiece: Bero, a non-alcoholic beer brand co-founded with Hollywood’s own Tom Holland. From the elegant design details, iconic gold can tops, and tactile finishes to capturing the essence of premium British pub culture, Bero sets a new gold standard in branding. The team nerds out over the power of differentiation in crowded markets and how good design is both tactile and timeless.

Along the way, Alex shares stories of:

• Breaking the “stigma” of in-house design and why it’s anything but boring.
• The magic of working across multiple expressions of a single brand.
• The delicate balance of “elevating, not alienating” in branding.
• How heritage and modernity shape Bero’s standout look and feel.

Prepare to be inspired by Alex’s passion for brands, his unfiltered takes on design, and his knack for storytelling that makes every project personal. Whether you're a designer, marketer, or just someone who loves beautiful brands, this episode is packed with gems on design strategy, aesthetics, and pushing the creative envelope.

See more of Alex's work here: https://center.design/

Connect with Alex here:

Support the show

About Kirk and Andy.

Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONT™. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.

Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.

Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics

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In this festive fall edition, hosts Kirk and Andy get together for their annual pumpkin-themed design review. With their signature wit and charm, the duo explores the bold, bizarre, and beautiful world of pumpkin-inspired product packaging and branding.

From Andy’s critique of a pumpkin-spiced spiked latte with questionable flavors but stellar design, to Kirk’s enthusiasm for non-alcoholic craft beers with spooky seasonal vibes, this episode is packed with insightful design breakdowns. Listen as they:

• Celebrate standout packaging from brands like Go Brewing, Rogue, and Dunkin’s innovative spiked latte line.
• Discuss the creative risks (or lack thereof) in the seasonal branding world.
• Highlight clever typography, textures, and storytelling elements in limited-time packaging.

The conversation doesn’t stop at beverages! Kirk and Andy also reflect on what makes seasonal designs resonate emotionally with consumers, the importance of nostalgia in marketing, and the missed opportunities of brands playing it too safe.

Crack open your favorite fall drink (pumpkin or not) and join the fun! 🍂✨

Support the show

About Kirk and Andy.

Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONT™. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.

Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.

Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics

Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:
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Join hosts Kirk and Andy in this deliciously inspiring episode! We welcome the audacious and innovative Lex Evan, founder, CEO, and chief of Lexington Bakes (LXB), an eco-conscious luxury dessert brand redefining nostalgic treats. With 15 years of experience leading design and strategy for global beauty and wellness giants, Lex has seamlessly blended their passion for storytelling, sustainability, and creativity into every bite of LXB's award-winning offerings.

Dive deep into Lex's journey from design school overachiever to CPG visionary as they share the unexpected path that led them from corporate design at Johnson & Johnson to establishing a premium dessert brand. Learn about the trials, triumphs, and lessons of building a startup, how ADHD shaped their creative process, and why supporting women and gender minority leaders is at the core of their mission.

Whether you're a design enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just a fan of brownies, this episode is packed with insights on navigating ambiguity, balancing brand strategy with bold risks, and embracing the joy of creation. Plus, discover how Lex turned a casual Instagram post into a thriving business with a little hustle and a lot of heart.

Connect with Lex here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexevan/


Buy some brownies here:
https://lexingtonbakes.com/

Support the show

About Kirk and Andy.

Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONT™. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.

Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.

Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics

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In this episode of the Kirk & Kurtts Design Podcast, Kirk and Andy chat with Sam Fagan, a "Swiss Army knife" of digital design and development. Sam’s skill set spans website design, HTML/CSS coding, WordPress development, project management, and copywriting. Beyond her technical expertise, she’s dedicated to helping small businesses and nonprofits turn customers into passionate fans by creating strategic, engaging digital experiences.

Sam shares her journey from New York to Arkansas, tracing her path through various roles that shaped her expertise, resilience, and love for storytelling.

The discussion dives deep into mentorship. Sam reflects on her own challenges finding guidance early in her career and her commitment to now mentor others. Kirk and Andy emphasize the importance of mentorship within creative industries, noting the need for role models who understand both creative and business perspectives.

Packed with humor, wisdom, and advice, this episode offers insights for anyone navigating design, development, or digital branding. Tune in to learn how embracing curiosity and storytelling can transform your work—and your approach to life.

Connect with Sam here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthafagan/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthafagan/

Support the show

About Kirk and Andy.

Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONT™. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.

Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he’s not working on packaging design he’s running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.

Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super Fantastics

Show a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:
Support the show