UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The latest episode of Invent Penn State’s “Dare to Disrupt” podcast was recorded live during Penn State Startup Week powered by PNC and featured host Ryan Newman interviewing Honeygrow CEO and founder Justin Rosenberg. Rosenberg graduated from Penn State's College of the Liberal Arts with a degree in history.
Honeygrow is a fast-casual stir-fry and salad concept founded in Philadelphia in 2012. With a mission to create a unique, spirited brand focused on simple, wholesome foods, Rosenberg has led the company’s creation and growth, which currently has 41 locations.
In this special live episode recording, Rosenberg shares his story of perseverance and success with Honeygrow.
Rosenberg first pitched Honeygrow 93 times to investors before finally landing a deal and opening the first location in the Rittenhouse neighborhood of Philadelphia. Since then, the company has raised over $80 million in equity financing and has grown into the Boston; Pittsburgh; Baltimore; Washington, D.C.; and New York City metro areas.
Watch the livestream of the podcast episode on YouTube.
Toward the middle of the episode, in-person audience members had the opportunity to ask Rosenberg a few questions of their own, regarding challenges he faced, his travel schedule, and book recommendations for entrepreneurs.
Students can apply or be nominated to be on the show here.
About 'Dare to Disrupt'
“Dare to Disrupt” is a podcast from Invent Penn State, a commonwealth-wide initiative to spur economic development, job creation and student career success. The podcast features Penn State alumni who are innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders, and the stories behind their success. The podcast is hosted by Ryan Newman, a graduate of Penn State's Smeal College of Business and a Schreyer Scholar alumnus, who is now a managing director at Goldman Sachs.
Past episodes of “Dare to Disrupt” include interviews with Matt Brezina, Garry Gilliam, David Rusenko and Haley Marie McClain Hill.
New episodes of “Dare to Disrupt” release monthly. Subscribe to “Dare to Disrupt” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube Music.