Pleasantly Persistent-Talking Food Sales!

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Talking through the challenges, joys and all the daily topics that are part of our Food Sales world!!

Matt Cotton-Founder of Rooted Food Sales


    • May 14, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 24m AVG DURATION
    • 109 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Pleasantly Persistent-Talking Food Sales!

    Mastering Your Sales Negotiation with Saad A Saad

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 23:40


    Getting a Brand on Menu with Frank Speranza, Foodservice National Sales Manager at Mike's Hot Honey

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 25:11


    Talking Shop With The Boys of Dot, CJ Pilliod and Billy Bell

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 23:39


    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

    The Beverage Boss: Nicola Luce-Guillemette on Vita Coco, Poppi & Foodservice

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 27:24


    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

    Foodservice Wisdom and Insights with Bruce Reinstein, Partner at Kinetic12

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 25:40


    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

    Campus Dining Uncovered: Trends & Insights with Rob and Jenn from Sodexo

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 27:23


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

    Nuggets of Wisdom on the Foodservice Sales Game from Ian Navarro, Foodservice Distribution Sales & Marketing Expert

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 29:44


    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

    The Art of Genuine Connections with Lindsay Benedict, Founder/CEO at Connection Point VIP

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 26:08


    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

    Founder & CEO Luke Abbott of VDriven Consulting Sharing Wisdom and Authenticity

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024 24:30


    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

    Building a Plant-Based Brand with Hailey Swartz, Co-Founder of Actual Veggies

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 22:30


    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

    Talking with the OG of Organic, Matt McLean, Founder & Chief Uncle at Uncle Matt's Organic

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 29:14


    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

    Talking Coffee Shops & Sales with Specialty Beverage Wiz Heather Kelley, CEO/Founder at Beverage Business Consulting

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2024 21:36


    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

    Talking Shop & Working with Distributors with Becky Harrison; Distribution Development Manager for Away From Home, Vending, and Convenience at Hain Celestial

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 25:21


    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

    A Conversation with CPG Heavy Hitter, Matt Merson; Food & Beverage Senior Sales Strategist

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024 22:23


    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

    Sales, Prospecting & Optimizing as a Remote Worker with Ryan Feely, Senior Account Executive at Seamless.AI

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 27:12


    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

    Understanding Yourself in Order to Lead Others Effectively with Thane Ringler, Founding Partner and Executive Coach at Appello Partners

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 26:35


    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/

    Grounded, Fun & Powerful Leadership with Melissa Hauser, North American Business Unit Manager at Minor Figures

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 28:00


    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

    Mindful Living & the Power of Journaling with Ewan Bain, Founder of Purpose Performance

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 23:48


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

    Mindful Interviewing and Hiring with Angela Marturano, President of Orchid Holistic Search

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2024 26:58


    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

    Breaking Down Expo West with Hannah Lopez; Director of Marketplace Development, Food Service at the Plant Based Foods Association

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 29:11


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

    Rooted Roundtable: A Foodservice Exploration with Industry Experts; Julie Swift, Hannah Lopez & Ben Wahl

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 41:39


    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.

    Bringing the Goodness of Tahini to the Masses with Amy Zitelman, CEO & Co-Founder of Soom Foods

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 31:39


    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

    Leveraging Technology to Re-Imagine Sell Sheets & How Brands Share Their Story with Satellite Founder, Jordan Tetrick

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2024 21:32


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

    Premium, Decadent Amazingness with Lex Evan; Founder, CEO & Chef at LEXINGTON BAKES

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2024 24:23


    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

    Talking CPG, Culture, Productivity & The Boss with Josh Belinsky, Co-Founder of Slate Milk

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 25:20


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

    The Power of AI, and Staying Open with David Delcourt, Chief of Flavor at Seed Ranch Flavor Co. and Grown As* Foods

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2023 30:03


    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

    Thoughtful and Grounded Business with Jason Burke, Founder of The New Primal

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2023 25:55


    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

    Technology and AI in Restaurants with Quest Food Management Culinary Director, Jeff Fell

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2023 23:45


    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

    Talking Marketing, Culture & Trade Shows with Adam Brown, Founder and President of Sircle Media

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2023 27:23


    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

    Authenticity, Learnings & Knowing When to Let Go, with Zach Frantz

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2023 27:10


    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

    Helping Farmers & The Planet While Serving Up Next Level Specialty Foods with Daniela Jensen, Founder of Big Picture Foods

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2023 22:10


    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

    Talking Shop with Jake Kneller - Culture, Focus & NYC Living

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2023 26:26


    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

    The Power of Self Growth and Focus when Building a CPG Brand with Kristoffer Quiaoit from Good Journey Doughnuts

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 28:53


    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

    Matt and Kristi Chat Sales, LinkedIn & The Best Indulgent Treats

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2023 33:40


    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?

    Talking Multi-Generational Teams with Erin-Kate Whitcomb; Author, Interpersonal Dynamics Expert & Sales Leader

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2023 28:04


    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"

    From Shuttering Noops to becoming SVP of Growth at Siddhi Capital and all the Lessons Learned in between with 2x Founder, Gregory Struck

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2023 27:10


    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 

    From Starting a Matcha Company Senior Year at UCLA, to Massive Growth in OmniChannel with Steve O'Dell, Founder & CEO of Tenzo

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2023 22:11


    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 

    Foodservice as the Future of the C-Store Industry, with Emma & Chris from NACS

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 20:07


    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?

    Rooted Roundtable - A Discussion on the Innovation Experience and New Foodservice Offerings at Expo East!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2023 20:26


    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

    Mental Health & Wellness, 6 Hour Work Days, & Building Your LI Community with Mark Samuel, Founder of iWon Organics

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2023 27:24


    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?

    Fast Casual Restaurant Trends with Danny Klein, Editorial Director at QSR & FSR Magazines

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2023 23:54


    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?

    Creating Space for Big Picture Thinking, Company Culture, and much more with Adria Campbell, VP of Sales at MALK Organics

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2023 19:24


    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

    Rooted Roundtable with CJ Pilliod and Billy Bell from Dot Foods

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2023 30:43


    We discussed and learned about all things Dot Foods!

    Monday Morning Shower Thoughts, Cold Plunging, & Pickleball with Will Nitze, Founder of IQ Bar

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2023 22:07


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

    Post NRA Tradeshow 2023 Review with Rosalyn Darling, Founder & Principal Consultant at Darling Culinary

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2023 27:05


    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?

    A Convo on Convenience with Adam Franks from 7-Eleven

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2023 30:19


    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?

    From President's Club to Extreme Burn Out: How to Rebuild Your Own Transformation with Tim Perreira, Men's Wellness Coach

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2023 26:42


    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?

    How Posting Consistently & Authentically on LinkedIn Lead to 64k Followers, with Erica Ranking, Founder and Chief Everything Officer of BroDough

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2023 20:49


    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?

    How Being Active on LinkedIn Can Benefit Your Brand, with David Schneiderman, Founder & CEO Two Bears Coffee

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2023 19:39


    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

    From Founding a CPG Company to Working For a Large Scale Corporate Organization, with Kyle Peters, Innovation & Strategy at Nestle

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2023 29:36


    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? 

    How to Have a Healthy & Thriving Broker Manufacturer Relationship with Foodservice Maven Julie Swift

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2023 34:58


    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 

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