The Hidden Potential in Things We Already Love

In partnership with

Running your own projects is tough.

You’re figuring things out as you go, second-guessing decisions, and doing the work even when no one’s watching.

That’s why I’m always inspired by people building something from the ground up. Watching others test ideas, stay consistent, and make progress—bit by bit—reminds me it’s possible.

It’s not about overnight wins. It’s about showing up, learning fast, and staying consistent.

So I want to start spotlighting others in some stories.

🌟Founder Spotlight

Annalee Schlossberg was already hooked on hospitality at Cornell. She stacked internships in service and marketing, building the confidence to launch her own venture.

The idea was simple: bring Belgian-style fry shops to New York. Twice-fried cones, thick-cut potatoes, and a spread of sauces made fresh each day.

Bel-Fries opened in 2020 on the Lower East Side. Since then, it’s grown into food trucks, pop-ups, and holiday markets from Bryant Park to Columbus Circle. Mall locations are next on the list.

Annalee credits growth to her team. Finding loyal people who believe in the brand has been the key to turning a single shop into a company.

A burger and fries are my jam — I would love to try these! Sixteen sauces with hot, crispy fries sounds like a dangerous routine I’d gladly fall into.

What I take from Annalee’s story is the power of acting on a gap you notice. She didn’t wait for someone else to prove it. She built it, shared it, and kept scaling.

That’s how progress takes root—start with what you believe in, strip it to the essentials, and move forward with the right people beside you.

You can read the full version of the story here…

A quick word from one of our sponsors…

Kickstart your holiday campaigns

CTV should be central to any growth marketer’s Q4 strategy. And with Roku Ads Manager, launching high-performing holiday campaigns is simple and effective.

With our intuitive interface, you can set up A/B tests to dial in the most effective messages and offers, then drive direct on-screen purchases via the remote with shoppable Action Ads that integrate with your Shopify store for a seamless checkout experience.

Don’t wait to get started. Streaming on Roku picks up sharply in early October. By launching your campaign now, you can capture early shopping demand and be top of mind as the seasonal spirit kicks in.

Get a $500 ad credit when you spend your first $500 today with code: ROKUADS500. Terms apply.

Holiday performance starts now.

🧰 Tool of the Week

Annalee’s story made me think about how much depends on the people you bring in. Her fries are the product, but her team is the multiplier.

Fiverr makes that lesson practical.

It’s the marketplace where you can hire talent across design, writing, tech, marketing—pretty much any skill you don’t have in-house. Instead of stretching thin, you can bring in the right person at the right moment and keep momentum.

All from one platform.

No endless recruiting. No overhead. Just projects matched to freelancers who already know how to deliver.

Here’s why it’s worth using—especially if you’re trying to grow without burning out:

Here’s why it’s worth using—especially if you’re trying to grow without burning out:

• Range on Demand
  From logo design to TikTok ads to data cleanup, there’s a specialist ready to take it on.

• Clear and Quick
  Each gig shows price, timeline, and reviews—so you know exactly what you’re getting before you commit.

• Secure by Default
  Payment sits in escrow until the work is approved. Everyone’s protected.

• Scales With You
  Need a single project? Done. Need ongoing help? Build a freelance team that grows with your business.

• Global Reach
  Tap into talent from anywhere—different time zones can even speed up delivery.

The right hires don’t just lighten the load. They unlock the next level.

Fiverr might be how you find those people—fast enough to keep pace with the vision you’re chasing.

You don’t have to carry every piece of the work yourself.

Bring in the help that keeps things moving, test what clicks, and double down on the partnerships that matter.

See you next week—keep building with the right people by your side.