Welcome to our new community spotlight series Hello, Hula. In these video spotlights, we will get to know members of the Hula community by sharing stories and highlighting passions from the personal journeys of these extraordinary entrepreneurs.
Meet Sasha Kapriyelov. Sasha is like a business ninja. A multi-talented entrepreneur who builds, operates, advises, and invests in companies across multiple industries faster than you can say “CPG, SaaS, AI, E-Commerce, Retail, Manufacturing, and Commercial Real Estate.”
Sasha’s journey started with his family’s business, but he quickly moved on to become an investment banker and then co-founded Vermont Cheese Products, Inc. When he’s not busy being the Chief Strategy Officer at MFMsoft or Managing Partner at Ark Strategy Advisors, Sasha enjoys trying new cuisines, traveling, and spending time with friends and family — all while bringing individuals and investors together like a true matchmaker.
What is something you’ve been learning about recently that interests you? (emerging tech, art, brands etc.)
Recently, I’ve been focused on learning a lot about emerging trends in the food and beverage industry and the AI sector. Seeing how I frequently work with founders and management teams across these categories and operate an AI company that delivers solutions to CPG clients, I naturally enjoy being informed on how to continuously design and implement effective solutions that deliver value to my clients.
What are some of your favorite books or ways to learn?
Constant learning is crucial in order to keep up with the times. Some ways that I enjoy learning is through reading books, autobiographies, peer-reviewed industry journals, and global market insights.
On top of reading, I also enjoy watching & listening to videos, documentaries, movies, and podcasts.
Do you listen to any podcasts? If so, any favs?
Podcasts are an incredibly valuable tool for me; Here are a few of my favorites
— All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg
— Wall Street Breakfast
— How I Built This
— Bloomberg Technology
— IRI Growth Insights
— Motley Fool Money
Favorite music artists right now? Songs?
I love to listen to a variety of genres. This ranges from hip-hop to classical beats. Here are some of my favorite artists right now.
— Drake, J-Cole, Ozuna, Myke Towers, and Burna Boy.
What helps you overcome challenges and get through harder times? Do you have a routine or ways you bring more balance to your life?
— Self-reflection through the form of journaling and visualization allows me to analyze difficult times and helps me regain my focus on always searching the positive light at the end of the tunnel.
Favorite spots in Vermont?
Huntington Gorge, Colchester Causeway Trail, Hula
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I studied at 5 different universities while completing my undergraduate degree and traveling!
Do you have any advice you would give to your younger self or other young entrepreneurs?
Chase your dreams no matter how crazy they are to achieve. If you’re not connected or informed about an industry, business venture, or anything of that kind then find a way to get in touch with people that have lived through that experience. Contact them and find time to take them out for coffee to learn about their journey. And lastly, stay persistent with your desires, don’t let anyone slow you down from achieving what you want in this world.
