We had the good fortune of connecting with George Goodwin and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi George, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Growing up in a family business provided me with invaluable insights and skills that sparked my entrepreneurial journey. I saw firsthand the dedication, hard work, and innovation required to succeed in business. My thought process behind starting my own ventures, like co-founding a grocery software company and launching the ‘Grocery Pulse’ podcast, was driven by a passion for innovation and a desire to create solutions that make a meaningful impact. I wanted to leverage my experiences and skills to contribute to industries I’m passionate about, such as retail and technology. My family’s business taught me the importance of customer-centricity, operational excellence, and adaptability, which are foundational to my approach in entrepreneurship. Today, through Innovar Agency, I support multiple businesses by offering a full range of marketing and consulting services, aiming to empower them to achieve their growth and success goals.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business journey has been shaped by a deep passion for innovation and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the retail and technology sectors. I founded Innovar Agency with a vision to offer comprehensive marketing and consulting services that empower businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace. What sets us apart is our ability to blend creativity with strategic insights, delivering tailored solutions that drive growth and engagement.
I am most proud of our ability to adapt and innovate continuously. Starting from a background in family-owned businesses and propelled by my experiences in the USC Food Industry Management program, I’ve leveraged my entrepreneurial spirit to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. It hasn’t been easy; overcoming obstacles has required resilience, creative problem-solving, and a willingness to learn from setbacks.
One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of staying agile, story telling and responsive to market dynamics. Embracing my role as a younger millennial entrepreneur has also allowed me to understand and harness the power of different social platforms. With a following of over 150,000 followers on TikTok, I’ve been able to connect authentically with a diverse audience and leverage these platforms to amplify our brand’s reach and impact.
Ultimately, I want the world to know that Innovar Agency is more than just a service provider; we are partners in our clients’ success stories. Our brand story is rooted in a dedication to innovation, integrity, and client-centricity. We’re passionate about driving results and helping businesses achieve their goals through innovative marketing strategies and personalized consulting services.”
This response highlights your business journey, what sets you apart, how you’ve overcome challenges, and emphasizes your understanding of social platforms and audience engagement.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Reno, Nevada
Day 1: Midtown Exploration
Morning: Start with a coffee at Old World Coffee Lab.
Late Morning: Walk through the Midtown area, visiting local thrift shops and boutiques.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a trendy spot like Two Chicks.
Day 2: Outdoor Adventure
Morning: Early hike on the Hunter Creek Trail.
Late Morning: Brunch at The Stone House Café.
Afternoon: Head to Lake Tahoe for some water activities.
Evening: Dinner at a lakeside restaurant, soaking in the views.
Day 3: Cultural Day
Morning: Visit the Nevada Museum of Art.
Midday: Lunch at Campo with a view of the Truckee River.
Afternoon: Explore the National Automobile Museum.
Evening: Drinks at The Jesse.
Los Angeles, California
Day 4: Arrival and Arts District
Morning: Coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee in the Arts District.
Late Morning: Walk through art exhibits and galleries.
Lunch: Grab a bite at Wurstküche for some delicious sausages.
Afternoon: Continue exploring the Arts District, checking out street art and boutiques.
Evening: Dinner at Bestia, known for its Italian cuisine.
Day 5: Beach Day
Morning: Head to Santa Monica for a beach day.
Late Morning: Brunch at The Butcher’s Daughter in Venice.
Afternoon: Walk along the Venice Boardwalk, checking out shops and street performers.
Evening: Dinner at a seafood restaurant like Water Grill in Santa Monica.
Day 6: Urban Exploration
Morning: Visit The Broad museum in downtown LA.
Midday: Lunch at Grand Central Market.
Afternoon: Explore Little Tokyo and enjoy some matcha treats.
Evening: Cocktails at Perch with a rooftop view.
Day 7: Relax and Reflect
Morning: Leisurely breakfast at a local café.
Late Morning: Visit a farmer’s market for some fresh produce and souvenirs.
Afternoon: Final stroll through a scenic park like Griffith Park.
Evening: Reflect on the trip with a farewell coffee, planning the next visit.
This itinerary balances the best of both cities, offering a mix of art, culture, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to two incredibly influential figures in my life: my grandfather, George Goodwin, after whom I am named, and my father, Martin Goodwin. My grandfather founded a successful grocery store chain that has become a cornerstone of our family’s legacy, with many family members still actively involved today. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to community have left a lasting impact on me. My father, Martin, ventured into the software industry, founding a company that has made significant contributions to the tech sector. His innovative mindset and leadership have been a constant source of inspiration and guidance in my entrepreneurial journey. I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to both of them for their support, mentorship, and the values they’ve instilled in me.”
This version highlights the specific achievements of your grandfather and father, underscoring their roles in both family and entrepreneurial success.
Website: https://www.innovaragency.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsagoodwin/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-goodwin-iii-a5611389/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/innovar-marketing-agency-reno
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKqS_19CwdpywbT8yfNOZ3w
Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsagoodwin