Northern Classics Founder Kristin Ruud Featured on How I Built This Podcast Alongside Mark Cuban

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, January 28, 2026 -- Kristin Ruud, founder of children’s apparel brand Northern Classics, was recently featured on the acclaimed podcast How I Built This with Guy Raz, where she shared the story behind building a brand rooted in nostalgia, outdoor play, and timeless childhood traditions.

Hosted by Guy Raz, the episode also featured entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban, offering real-time insights and advice as Ruud walked through her journey building Northern Classics.

During the episode, Cuban encouraged Ruud to stay focused on Northern Classics’ core business and continue streamlining as the company scales, reinforcing the importance of discipline and clarity during periods of growth.

“How I Built This has been my favorite podcast for years, and I’ve learned so much from listening to the advice and stories of other founders,” said Ruud. “To be on the show and be part of that conversation, especially with Mark Cuban, was surreal.”

In the episode, Ruud shares:

• The early days of building Northern Classics from the ground up
  
• Key lessons on scaling while staying true to the brand’s mission
• How Northern Classics has grown through community, word-of-mouth, and authentic storytelling

Northern Classics has quickly gained a loyal following among families seeking high-quality, thoughtfully designed children’s clothing that encourages outdoor play and lasting memories. The brand’s signature pieces are known for their durability, classic aesthetic, and ability to be passed down from child to child.

Ruud’s appearance on How I Built This alongside Mark Cuban marks a significant milestone for the growing brand, further elevating Northern Classics in the national conversation around entrepreneurship, parenting, and modern childhood.

The full episode is available on all major podcast platforms.