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Welcome to Florida State University's official entrepreneurship and innovation podcast, The InNOLEvation® Mindset! Hosted by Mark McNees and powered by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. This podcast features audio and video versions of our podcast, which highlights student and alumni entrepreneurs and innovators from FSU.
Get inspired by the next generation of young business leaders and hear their inside stories. Learn from faculty who teach entrepreneurship and innovation courses at FSU as they share key insights.
On this channel, you'll find:
-Full video episodes of our podcast conversations with founders of startups born at FSU
-Business advice and thought leadership from FSU professors focused on entrepreneurship
-Fireside chats and interviews recorded live with enterprising alumni making their mark
-Special segments and speaker events at FSU focused on innovation
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a current business owner, or you just love hearing success stories - subscribe now to see inspiring individuals daring to turn ideas into reality. With new episodic content added regularly, The Innovation Mindset podcast tells tales of vision, grit, failure, and triumph straight from the FSU community.
This channel visually brings the podcast to life with photos, graphics, and video. Join us by subscribing if you bleed garnet and gold!
Episodes
Feb 7, 2026
Feb 7, 2026
Feb 7, 2026
Feb 7, 2026
Feb 7, 2026
Feb 7, 2026
Feb 7, 2026
Feb 7, 2026
Feb 7, 2026
59 min
In this episode of the InNOLEvation® Mindset podcast, powered by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship, Host Mark McNees is joined by Gregory Cohen, founder and CEO of Lofty Pursuits and a graduate of the Jim Moran Institute’s Small Business Executive program. They discuss Greg's entrepreneurial journey, his early influences, and the evolution of his multifaceted business, which includes candy-making, ice cream production, and breakfast services. From growing up in Brooklyn with a knack for small businesses to establishing a nationally recognized brand, Greg shares valuable insights on learning from past pandemics, adapting to market changes, and creating a unique customer experience. Tune in to hear Greg's innovative approach to entrepreneurship, his amusing anecdotes, and the unconventional marketing strategies that have kept Lofty Pursuits thriving for over 30 years.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:14 Gregory Cohen's Early Entrepreneurial Journey
03:15 High School Memories and Influences
07:39 College Years and Early Business Ventures
09:39 The Birth of Lofty Pursuits
12:08 Navigating Business Changes and Challenges
26:16 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business
29:43 Creative Marketing Strategies
30:15 Understanding the Evoke Set
31:02 Customer Retention Tactics
31:50 Business Philosophy and Customer Ownership
34:09 Navigating Local Business Challenges
35:27 Brand Identity and Flexibility
37:24 Innovative Store Features
40:54 National and Social Media Marketing
52:38 Future Plans and Challenges
56:59 Reflecting on Success and Advice
Jan 31, 2026
Jan 31, 2026