Pleasantly Persistent-Talking Food Sales!

Topics Discussed:

Topics Discussed:

Topics Discussed:- Understanding the Right Time to Partner with Dot Foods- Maximizing Partnerships with Dot Foods- The Unique Experience of the Dot Show- The Game-Changing Role of Dot Foods in Foodservice- Marketing Strategies and Brand Visibility at Dot Foods

Topics Discussed:- Navigating the Foodservice Channel- Understanding Beverage Strategies in Foodservice- Trends in the Beverage Industry- Engaging with Quick Service Restaurants- Building Relationships in a Virtual World

Topics Discussed:- The Importance of Team Engagement and Innovation- Rethinking Trade Shows and Events- Building Trustworthy Relationships- Effective Outreach Strategies for Sales- Understanding Industry Trends and Needs

Topics Discussed:- Gen Z & Gen Alpha Food Trends- Inclusivity & Allergen-Friendly Offerings- Global Flavors & Culinary Exploration- Partnering with Sodexo- Staying Inspired & Trend-Focused

Topics Discussed:- Trade Show Insights & Industry Trends- Getting Noticed in Distribution- Sales & Incentive Strategies for Food Brands- Navigating New Distributor Relationships- The Importance of Transparency & Data in Distribution

Topics Discussed: - Building Authentic Relationships in Business- The Importance of Long-Term Connections- Transparency in the Food Industry: Building Trust and Loyalty- Navigating Distributor Relationships- Sales Strategies and Incentives

Topics Discussed:- The Role of a Life Coach in Personal Development- Embracing Masculinity and Personal Transformation- Understanding Gender Dynamics in the Workplace- The Importance of Play in Work-Life Balance- Productivity Strategies and Daily Routines- Travel Strategies and Healthy Eating on the Go

Topics Discussed:- Family and Team Dynamics- Consumer Trends in Plant-Based Foods- Advocacy for clean, whole foods that taste good- Balancing entrepreneurial work with personal life.- Staying focused with multiple tasks and responsibilities.- Food Service vs. Retail Expansion

Topics Discussed:- The Impact of Citrus Greening Disease- Unwavering Commitment: Fanatical About Flavor and Excellence- Uncle Matt's 25-Year Organic Juice Journey: Challenging Industry Giants- The Decline of Florida's Citrus Industry: From 250 Million to 25 Million Boxes- Discovering Delicious Granola- Favorite CPG Picks

Topics Discussed: - Emerging Trends in Specialty Coffee- Heather's Top Coffee Picks- Gen Z's Impact on Iced Drinks- Best Approach & Titles to be Aware of When Prospecting Coffee Shops- Indonesia, Africa, and Central/South America: The Bass, High Notes and Melody of Coffee

Topics Discussed: - Building Strong Distributor Relationships: Showing Up and Listening - Breaking the Ghosting Cycle: Building Rapport Over Email and Phone Calls- Navigating Plant-Based Startups: Overcoming Language Barriers- Working with Distributors: Commitment, Coolness, and Openness - QSR Crushes: Salad Chains & Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen

Topics Discussed: - Creating a Culture of Connection- The Key to Startup Success- Advice for Early Stage Brands- Directness in Business Relationships- Building the Right Team

Topics Discussed:- The Journey of a Sales Professional- The Value of Sales Education- The Importance of Taking Breaks- Challenges and Strategies for Remote Sales Teams- Subject Line Strategy for Prospecting

Topics Discussed:- Leadership development involves self-awareness.- Leadership through influence vs leadership through authority.- Building an environment of trust.- One-on-one meetings should be personalized and focused.- Celebrating success and growth.Learn more about Thane here: https://www.thanemarcus.com/

Topics Discussed:- Differences in Selling CPG in Different Markets- Following Up After a Busy Show- Building Connection and Culture Through In-Person Meetings- Creating a Strong Company Culture Through Team Bonding- Strategies for Managing Back to Back Shows

Topics Discussed:- Overcoming Negative Self Talk- The Power of Journaling- Taking Control of Your Mind- Intentional Mindset Training- Purpose Performance-Mind Body Connection

Topics Discussed:- Keys to a Successful Interview Process- The Red Flag in a Sales Interview- Using Seamless AI for Efficient Search- The Ideal Rounds for an Interview- Determining Salary Expectations- The Importance of Peace & Contentedness

Topics Discussed:- Best Practices & Swag we saw from brands- Sampling Strategy- Gratitude and Suggestions for Expo- Key Takeaways and Memorable Samples

Join us for an insightful session as we bring together three Foodservice heavy hitter and industry aficionados to delve deep into the heart of Foodservice dynamics. Whether you're a budding brand eager to carve your niche or an established entity seeking to refine your strategies, this roundtable promises invaluable insights and perspectives.

Topics Discussed:- The Tahini Table Cookbook- Starting Soom Foods- Personal Growth and Perspective- Setting Aside Time for Proactive Thinking- Taking Breaks and Practicing Yoga- Biggest Celebrations and Challenging Moments- Chocolate Tahini and Israeli Market- CPG Products and Grocery Shopping

Topics Discussed:- Digitally Managing Product Information- Secret Weapon: Taking A Walk- Having Hobbies with Kiddos- The Birth of an Idea- Transforming Sell Sheets

Topics Discussed:- Leaving A Full-Time Job- How Lex Stays Focused While Working- Raising $5,000 in Five Days- From Baking as a Hobby to a Business- The Power of Influencers

Topics Discussed:- How Co-Founders Josh & Manny Met- Slack & CRM for CPG- Favorite Podcasts- Favorite Win- Pizza & Bruce Springsteen

Topics Discussed:- Inception of Mac & Cheese- Efficiency of AI- Importance of Planning- The Joy of Coffee- The Intense Scrunch Phase- Finding Perspective- Importance of Rest- The Energy & Pleasure of Conversation- Value of Space

Topics Discussed:- The Inspiration Behind The New Primal- Staying Proactive & Setting Boundaries- Dealing with Challenging Emotions- Carving Out Maker Time- The Challenges of Starting a Book Club- Favorite Meal to Prepare: Picadillo- Rolling Sh*t Uphill & Writing Unsent Emails- Favorite Books & the Power of Reading

Topics Discussed:- The Role of Technology in Kitchen Efficiency- Finding Recommendations for Restaurants- Using AI for Cooking- Becoming Thoughtful and Thorough- Favorite Dining Spot Abroad

Topics Discussed:- What Makes a Solid Trade Show Booth- The Power of Engaging Salespeople- The Value of In-Person Meetings- The Importance of Email Marketing

Topics Discussed:- Letting Go of Wildland & When/How the Decision Became Clear- The Transition from Entrepreneurship to Software Sales- The Power of LinkedIn- Authenticity & Transparency- Advice for Emerging Food and Beverage Brands- Why CPG can be so hard- Zach's Ideal Morning and Work Day

Topics Discussed:- How Big Picture Foods Came to Be - How The Sweetgreen Partnership Came Together- Olives Cured in Lye vs Cured Clean- Regenerative Farming- Leading with Flavor- Trade Shows & Upcoming Plans- Dividing & Conquering

Topics Discussed:- Book Recommendation- Favorite Snack and Beverage- Taking a Walk for Clarity- Finding the Right Fit- Organizing with Trello- Improving as a Leader- The Importance of Deep Thinking

Join us as we chat with Kristoffer Quiaoit from Good Journey Doughnuts about his journey in the CPG industry and what he has learned along the way.-- Learnings from first CPG venture-What those learnings mean for current venture-How to focus to grow as a person and business leader...-Lessons learned along the way from building brands-Power of setting intentions

Topics Discussed:- LinkedIn Connection Requests/Sending Requests- LinkedIn Sales Navigator/What We Love - Cold Prospecting- Subject Lines in Emails- If one food could instantly be as healthy as salad, what would you choose?

Topics Discussed:- Work-Life Integration and Authenticity- Embracing Personality Testing- Understanding Age Discrimination- The Fear of Hiring People Who Know More Than You- How Personal Life Affects Work- The Power of Hiring People Who Know More Than You- Navigating Generational Differences in the Workplace- Managing Multi-Generational Teams You can learn more about Erin-Kate at https://www.working-courage.com/ and check out her book, "Good Work: How Gen X and Millennials are the Dream Team for Doing Good When Collaborating Well"

Topics Discussed:- The Importance of Passion- The Joy of a Short Phone Call- Phone Calls as a Quick and Efficient Communication Tool- Building Culture and Humanizing the Remote Work Experience- Watching out for Ego- Lessons in Responsible Closure of a Company 

How the CPG vibe differs in LA vs New York, and what are the biggest cultural distinctions?As a company grows, why things don't get easier, they get harderWhat are the current trends in the alternative caffeine space?How Steve organizes his work day and delegates his to-do listWhat is the inspiration behind the "Founder Dinners" Steve hosts?How implementing "Question of the Week" in team meetings has benefited company culture 

What categories across C-store foodservice are declining?From 15 years ago to the most recent NACS show, what has changed the most?In the "New Product Hall" better-for-you space, what are the growing trends?Which C-Store chains are on fire and doing a great job innovating?

How both retail & foodservice buyers will discover new products and gain access to new innovations. What qualifies a brand to be able to participate in the Innovation Experience at Expo East?What is the Hosted Buyer Program and who is going to be a part of it?The Foodservice Workshop: a 90 minute intensive bringing foodservice education to Expo

How Mark organizes his 6 hour work day, and helpful tips to stay laser focusedLinkedIn is a powerful tool for building community, brand awareness and connections, but there is a flip side to it allSpeaking organically on mental health & wellness and how impactful that has been for MarkThoughts on attending trade shows for early stage CPG brandsBONUS: In the last 6 months, what beverage and snack brand has Mark purchased the most of?

Topics:What chain in the Fast Casual space is growing exponentially?What large scale QSR has done a great job of reinventing themselves and why?Outside of NRA, what other tradeshows is Danny attending and excited about?What type of innovation in the cooler/fountain beverage set is trending? What newer QSR chains under 40 units should we watch out for?BONUS: What is Danny's favorite fast casual restaurant at the moment?

Topics:Best practices for organizing and attacking your ever growing to-do list?What is the process of "How to Work With Me" and how is it implemented within the company?As a salesperson, when days are dense and slower, how do you shift the energy?How much space do you need a week for creative and big picture thinking?What does your relationship with the phone and posting on LinkedIn look like?How does MALK create a healthy company culture when most of the team is working remotely?How cutting out drinking alcohol during the work week has improved Adria's sleep and productivity

We discussed and learned about all things Dot Foods!

General banter with Will Nitze ranging from supplements, cold plunge, pickleball, and Joe Rogan

Topics:How Expo West and NRA is the barometer to seeing how fast a trend will move from inception to ubiquityWhat will the plant based movement look like in the culinary world 5 years from now?Are robots and AI here to stay and what are the implications in the food and beverage industry? How NRA has evolved over the last few years, and what was the most memorable sample?Why "Veg-Centric" protein will continue to rise, and which brands are doing it rightBonus: If Rosalyn could arrive at any country for dinner tonight, what country would it be?

Questions:- What trends are fueling innovation in the convenience channel?- Has the consumer demand and behavior actually changed or is it just a really loud minority?- How does a brand best support once they launch into the C-Store channel?- What are best practices when cold prospecting to a C-Store buyer?- How much does data matter when presenting to 7-Eleven and other C-Stores?- What is the 'Brand with Hearts' process, how it's changed over the years, and what does it look like today?- What trends are fading that experienced accelerated growth the last few years?

Topics:How extreme burn out in a high performing sales career led Tim to personal growth and development workWhat are the common themes with the men that Tim works with?Why all personal growth must start with building self awarenessWhat does setting up an intentional work day look like for Tim?How important is goal setting and discipline in self development work?

Topics: What does the creative flow look like when deciding what to post on LI?Why time blocking and "schedule send" has become an important tool for engagement How reaching out and messaging CPG Founders has led to many mentoring Erica What's Erica's biggest LinkedIn pet peeve, and how can they improve it?How launching "We Got the Goods" with Kyle Peters has evolved since their first newsletter?What packaged snack and beverage does Erica purchase the most of?

Topics: - How has the early vision of starting a company evolved over the last 8 years?- What is David most proud of going through this journey and building his own company?- Is the plant based milk trend as popular in other countries?  - What are the different processes for selling a brand in Canada vs the United States?- Within the coffee space, what is most interesting to David right now?- How being active on LinkedIn has benefited his company and business, and the semi viral post that landed a business deal

Topics- The culture shock going from founding a CPG company, to working for a large scale corporate organization- When speaking with founders, what are some attributes Kyle looks for that shows the brand is on the right path?- Why growing deep regionally is a smart strategy before a large nationwide launch?- How posting consistently on LinkedIn has positively affected Kyle's career and relationships in the industry- Why foodservice is often overlooked, and why it shouldn't be- What was the idea behind launching "We Got to Goods" with Erika Rankin? 

Topics:- How the broker model has changed & shifted over the years, and what are some foundations that have existed throughout?- Why you should go deep before you go wide with distribution - What is the best use of time when working with distributors?- How should the interview process be structured when looking to hire a broker?- Recommendations on how to successfully manage and partner with a broker- What is Julie's vision with Foodservice Women's Alliance, and how can women get involved