Podcasts about cpg

CPG products are notoriously hard to launch, fund, and get onto shelves. That's why the failure rate is so high. But what if right now is actually the best time to do it? The barrier to entry has never been lower, the consumer has never been easier to reach, and the path from idea to traction has never been more open.  You can test, sell, and scale from your laptop without begging for retail space or burning through millions in capital. You can start lean, iterate fast, and build credibility through storytelling and traction. You can prove demand before you even produce at scale. Smaller brands are punching above their weight right now, building more influence, more loyalty, and more momentum than the legacy players. The big brands are getting squeezed, while upstarts are thriving in those small, high-end niches that used to feel impossible to break into. So the question isn't can small brands win; it's who's going to take advantage of this moment before the big players catch on? How do you make the CPG shift work in your favor? And if I were starting today, what strategy would I use to actually get funded? In this episode, we dig into what's really happening in the consumer product space and why niche, premium, mission-driven brands are quietly eating the big guys' lunch. Topics Covered; Why this might secretly be the best time to launch a CPG brand How small, focused brands are outpacing legacy giants The smartest ways to test and build traction on a budget Why “profitable and niche” beats “big and fast” every time The story investors actually want to hear (and it's not about scale) The mindset shift that makes entrepreneurship feel less daunting Startups Are Eating Big Food's Lunch   About Your Host   Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast, where she's on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality!    Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/    Please rate, follow, and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show!   The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.  

On today's episode, Kara welcomes Hannah Perez, Co-Founder of SEEQ — the protein brand shaking up the supplement aisle with its clear, refreshing take on traditional protein drinks. With a vision to create something that felt more like a fruit juice than a chalky shake, Hannah and her co-founder launched SEEQ out of their apartment and quickly built a brand that's gone viral on social media and found its way onto major retail shelves.Hannah shares the early days of SEEQ, how she helped pioneer the clear protein category, and how bold branding, community-building, and an obsessive focus on product experience helped them stand out in a crowded wellness space. We dive into her founder journey, her evolving leadership role, and what it takes to turn a niche idea into a breakout CPG brand. Whether you're in CPG, fitness, or dreaming up your next big idea — this episode is full of insights and inspiration. Don't miss it! Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Hannah Perez and SEEQ:https://www.instagram.com/seeqsupplyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/seeqsupplyhttps://seeqsupply.com/ Sponsored By:Quo - Get started for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months at Quo.com/KARAGOLDINSommsation - Discover wine the way it was meant to be enjoyed at Sommsation.com/TheKaraGoldinShow to shop now.Function Health - My first 1,000 listeners get a $100 credit toward their membership. Go to FunctionHealth.com/KARA or use code KARA100 at sign-up. Check out our website to view this episode's show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/756

Delivra Health Brands (TSXV: DHB | OTCQB: DHBUF) continues to deliver on its growth strategy, reporting solid FY2025 results and setting the stage for the company's next phase of expansion.In this interview, President & CEO Gord Davey discusses their strong FY2025 performance, including 8% year-over-year revenue growth, a 51% gross margin, and the company's third consecutive year of positive Adjusted EBITDA. With trusted brands like Dream Water® and LivRelief™, the company is turning consistency into momentum and sustainability into long-term value creation.Gord also shares the five strategic pillars driving Delivra Health Brands' next phase of expansion. Watch the full interview to learn how the CPG company is positioning itself as a leader in health and wellness products.Learn more about Delivra Health Brands: https://www.delivrahealthbrands.com/Watch the full YouTube interview here: https://youtu.be/pO0A46eZ-KUAnd follow us to stay updated: https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalOneMedia

Send us a textNestlé just announced 16,000 job cuts, one of the largest in modern CPG history.Jenny Rae and Namaan break down what this massive restructuring says about the company's new strategy, how it mirrors the playbooks of Kraft Heinz and Hershey, and what it reveals about the future of global consumer brands.They unpack how Nestlé defines “winning,” why the market rewarded layoffs, and what every business leader can learn about growth, portfolio management, and decision-making under pressure.Links mentioned in the episode:Nestle to cut 16,000 jobs as new CEO ignites 'turnaround fire' (Reuters)Nestle earningsNestle portfolio of brandsKraft-Heinz breakup signals the end of scale at all costs (previous episode)Chapters06:26 Understanding the Layoffs08:50 Metrics for Winning in Business11:04 Strategic Cash Deployment13:09 Job Cuts and Sales Growth14:22 The Reality Behind Spending Trends17:03 Navigating Consumer Confidence21:23 Analyzing Nestle's Growth Beyond the Headlines25:20 Where Will the Capital Go?27:12 Lessons from Nestle's Business ModelListen to the Market Outsiders podcast, the new daily show with the Management Consulted teamConnect With Management Consulted Schedule free 15min consultation with the MC Team. Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and industry insights! Join an upcoming live event - case interviews demos, expert panels, and more. Email us (team@managementconsulted.com) with questions or feedback.

This week, it's all smoke and discipline with the pitmaster–entrepreneur himself, Chef Charlie Mckenna. He's the founder behind Lillie's Q, known for Memphis in May-winning pork shoulder, as well as his regionally faithful Lillie's Q sauces and rubs. He tells us about the journey from CIA grad and Michelin-line cook to Chicago barbecue, and what his Air Force family's “six Ps” instilled in his leadership. Plus: how CPG realities differ from fine dining, how Roux lets him serve his favorite dishes, the secret salsa at Tony's Burrito Mex, and so much more!

Kirsten Maitland is the co-founder of Rebel Cheese, an award-winning Austin-based vegan cheese brand backed by Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban. A former U.S. Navy veteran and Microsoft agile coach, Kirsten brings her background in tech innovation to reimagine plant-based dairy through traditional cheesemaking techniques and smart Ecommerce strategy.After leaving a stable four-day tech career to pursue purpose over comfort, Kirsten built Rebel Cheese from a six-bottle wine fridge experiment into a nationally recognized brand featured by The New York Times. From launching DTC overnight during COVID to scaling through broken shipments and real-time customer feedback, her journey reveals what it takes to grow authentically while staying true to your values.Whether you're building a mission-driven CPG company or refining your feedback loop before scaling, Kirsten shares a masterclass in transforming curiosity and conviction into sustainable growth.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:03] Intro[00:55] Bringing tradition into modern food innovation[01:30] Turning passion for food into a scalable concept[02:34] Validating a product through emotional connection[03:33] Turning crisis into new growth channels[04:44] Fixing packaging with help from early partners[06:03] Shipping curated boxes to customers' doors[07:00] Selling out with zero ads or paid marketing[08:00] Turning online orders into lasting connections[08:58] Delaying advertising to protect cash flow[10:21] Stay updated with new episodes[10:31] Learning to sustain momentum after viral moments[12:24] Studying investor dynamics before pitching[12:53] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye & Heatmap[15:32] Launching fast to gather real customer feedback[18:01] Leveraging AI agents to save time and moneyResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubePlant-based cheese you'll actually love rebelcheese.com/Follow Kirsten Maitland linkedin.com/in/kirstenmaitlandSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Is Target about to normalize THC drinks? The team unpacks a potentially game-changing move by the retail giant, and what it could mean for the future of cannabis beverages. They unpack the regulatory roadblocks and why the move might be a tipping point. Plus, why PepsiCo is calling fiber “the next protein,” and a look at fresh CPG innovations, including a surprisingly convenient twist on tomato paste. Show notes: 0:25: Back-To-Back. All Day, Anytime. Target's New High. Why Fi? A Tizz, A Daze, And A Gem. – Melissa is back in John's usual seat, and Jacqui has some hard seltzers for the morning (and afternoon and evening). The hosts weigh in on whether this could mark a tipping point for the category, while also unpacking the complex landscape of state-by-state cannabis regulations and the continued lack of federal clarity. The team then explores the emerging trend of fiber as a key health ingredient, with PepsiCo identifying it as “the next protein.” They also run through a lineup of standout new products, including low-ABV and rum-based seltzers, the nostalgic-meets-modern Tizz sodas, Everydaze drink pouches, and an innovative entry into pantry convenience: single-serve tomato paste packets. Melissa mentions Allyvium, a GLP-1 support drink. Ray previews BevNET's upcoming trifecta of industry events in Los Angeles – NOSH Live, BevNET Live, and Brewbound Live – touting the invaluable networking opportunities with CPG leaders across the food, beverage, and beer categories. Brands in this episode: All Dia, Anytime, Trail Magic, Gigli, Birdie, Stigma, Indeed, Surly, Cann, Hi Seltzer, Wynk, Find Wunder, Senorita, Wyld, Shift, Downshift, Cantrip, Uncle Skunks, Rumblers, Everydaze, Tizz, Tip Top Cocktails, Sweety, Allyvium

MALK's president scaled the organic plant-based milk brand to $100M in revenue through smart growth strategies and tactics.For more on MALK and show notes click here.  Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Sarela Herrada is the CEO and co-founder of SIMPLi, the leading maker of regenerative organic pantry staples in the US, with products available in over 3,000 stores and on the menus of more than 3,000 restaurants across the country. On this episode of ITS, Sarela explains her food-service first approach to CPG, how her experience in supply chain led her to solve a food systems problem, and what shifts SIMPLi is making as they expand out of the natural channel into more conventional stores.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When most people dream about launching a consumer product, they imagine seeing it on store shelves—but few realize what it actually takes to get there. The (painful) truth is, success in CPG isn't about having a great idea. It's about surviving the numbers. Most founders underestimate how much money, time, and data it really takes to earn that spot in a category. And in this business, “bootstrapping” isn't scrappy—it's risky. I've been there. Every year, 90% of new food and beverage products fail. Not because the products aren't good, but because they are under-resourced and lacking funding, velocity, or category dynamics.  They try to scale too fast, too wide, or without enough proof. They don't know what it really takes to get into a retailer, or which retailers are worth going after first. And unlike tech, it's much harder to get an early-stage consumer brand funded. Investors want traction, not potential. They want to see that your product moves off shelves, earns repeat customers, and grows a category. So what do you need to know before you raise? What actually makes investors want to bet on your brand? In this episode, I'm joined by Debbie Wildrick, a food and beverage veteran who's spent 30 years leading brands like Tropicana and 7-Eleven. She helps entrepreneurs start small, test smart, and learn fast. We dig into why traction beats hype, how to prove velocity before pitching investors, and why data and storytelling go hand in hand when you're building a brand that lasts.   Topics Covered; Why 90% of new food and beverage products fail (and how to be in the 10%) How to test and prove traction before raising seed money The dangers of scaling too fast across multiple retailers What “velocity” really means and why investors care more about it than shelf space How much capital early-stage CPG brands truly need ($200K–$500K pre-revenue) Friends, family, and angel rounds: how to network your way to your first investors Why the path to profitability usually takes four years  How to use your “backyard” as the smartest first market test The 10 Pillars of a Successful Company Lessons from brands like Zico, Bai, and other billion-dollar exits Guest Bio Debbie Wildrick is an Executive Leader, Industry Speaker, and Sales and Distribution Expert. Widely touted as the Queen of Beverages, Debbie has been in the food and beverage industry for over 30 years. She is extremely influential, highly experienced, and a titan of the industry. Having been with 7-Eleven and responsible for making decisions that will place powerful industry-dominating brands on store shelves and move into consumers' mouths repeatedly, building store sales and profitability is invaluable. To work with Debbie, visit https://www.debbiewildrick.com/.    About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast, where she's on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality!    Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/     Please rate, follow, and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show!   The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.  

When you think about PepsiCo…your brain either beelines to carbonated soft drinks and their flagship Pepsi brand or packaged foods and their significant market share across salty snack categories. But how about what I like to call the “three-headed categorical monster” of active nutrition? Or maybe it's time to expand my phrase slightly…especially after PepsiCo CEO stated last week within its third quarter earnings call that “fiber will be the next protein.” However, while PepsiCo leadership now talks wildly about “elevating its innovation agenda with core brands by capturing new occasions through added functional benefits,” categorical offerings outside hydration (so energy, protein, and fiber) were mostly strategic afterthoughts only a handful of years ago. Though, if your primary indicator for strategic change was looking for broad-based portfolio product innovation, you'd likely believe PepsiCo leadership was “all talk” in 2022 when expressing "optimism about the runway for growth within the active nutrition category." Outside of Gatorade deepening its “fuel solutions” for athletes and simultaneously broadening into more active lifestyles…PepsiCo could've just looked like another Big CPG player plagued with a mix of poor portfolio management, missed opportunities, and persistent share loss. In fact, you'd only understand where it was heading due to PepsiCo leadership leaving breadcrumb after breadcrumb throughout quarterly earnings statements and investment conference presentations regarding how the $200 billion market cap sized CPG conglomerate would transform its products to better reach shifting consumer preferences…as more moved closer towards this four-way intersection of taste, convenience, nutrition, and functionality. However, heading into 2025…when the business landscape seemed cloudier than ever, as massive “drivers of demand” like GLP-1 weight loss second-order effects became more pronounced and the MAHA movement gained political power, PepsiCo appeared to build further conviction surrounding its long-awaited strategic game plan. Suddenly, all those “nice if possible” innovation cycles focused on reimagining products quickly turned into a cascade of “must have” strategic actions. But my latest first principles thinking content will explore (through the lens of hydration, energy, protein, and fiber) why I believe PepsiCo contains one of the most fascinating “active nutrition” brand portfolios. And while PepsiCo is also making huge “nutrition” adjustments across its entire portfolio, I'll only sporadically mention the most relevant changes that are adjacent or congruent to adding “functionality” in products. I'll cover subject matter that ranges from Muscle Milk and Gatorade MAHA changes, the recent energy drinks deal that involved PepsiCo, CELSIUS, Alani Nu, and Rockstar Energy...along with how more grams of protein seem to be making its way into anything and everything that's quick, easy, and accessible (including Doritos, Quaker, Sun Chips, PopCorners, and Smartfood products). Also, I'll cover the two massive decisions (Poppi acquisition and Pepsi Prebiotic) that really showed how serious PepsiCo is about the “fiber will be the next protein” CEO statement. Lastly, PepsiCo is a world-class company with iconic brands, and its willingness to reinvent those brands (against the backdrop of shifting consumer habits and preferences) is venerable. If PepsiCo keeps this “disrupt ourselves” mindset going…I believe it's well-positioned to continue winning in this important “active nutrition” space.

This episode features Chidi Alams, CIO of Just Born — the company behind candy classics like Peeps, Mike and Ike, and Hot Tamales.Chidi shares how his team is using AI, automation, and smarter data systems to modernize operations, strengthen supply chain resilience, and double the business impact of technology. It's a conversation about what it really means to run IT like a growth engine — not just keeping the lights on, but driving strategy, efficiency, and innovation.Plus, much more:Chidi's take on “physical AI” in manufacturingHow the CIO role is evolving into a more strategic leadership positionWhy a values-driven tech culture might be the secret to long-term successWhether you're a CIO, IT leader, or simply curious about how AI and data are reshaping business, this episode delivers grounded, real-world insights. About the Guest: Chidi Alams, CIO at Just Born, Inc., is a transformation executive with a proven track record of leading strategic initiatives that drive operational excellence, organic growth, and digital innovation. His experience includes both Fortune 500 and private equity-backed companies.Timestamps:02:10 Transitioning Between Industries03:26 Role and Responsibilities of a CIO06:05 Business Transformation and Strategy08:12 Managing Peak Seasons and Supply Chain14:26 Leveraging Data and AI21:20 Talent Acquisition and Company Culture27:51 Future of Technology and CIO RoleGuest Highlights:“ A lot of how we ran the business, even during the peak season, was a tremendous amount of tribal knowledge. We can't scale based on tribal knowledge, right? So having data systems, particularly as we bring in new people into the organization, helps us to be more predictive and meet demand during peak season.”“ CIOs have to become more business centric.  When you look at what's happening in large enterprises, you're seeing a fragmentation of technology leadership.  I do believe that there will be a convergence at some point.”“ I'm extremely interested and have been tracking what I think is a very important trend, not just in CPG but in retail and any consumer space — even pharma — and that is how can we leverage large language models that are trained for CPG to help drive product innovation. It's already happening.”Get Connected:Chidi Alams on LinkedInYousuf Kahn on LinkedInIan Faison on LinkedInHungry for more tech talk? Check out past episodes at ciopod.com: Ep 61 - What Manufacturing Can Teach You About Scaling Enterprise AIEp 60 - Why the Smartest CIOs Are Becoming Business StrategistsEp 59 - CIO Leadership in AI Security and InnovationLearn more about Caspian Studios: caspianstudios.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#630 Ever wonder how to build a multi-million-dollar business without a single W-2 employee? In this episode, host Kirsten Tyrrel sits down with Ian Page, the founder of Bullseye Sellers, an e-commerce agency that helps CPG brands scale on Amazon, Shopify, and TikTok Shop. Ian shares how he turned a side hustle into an $11 million-a-year empire by reinventing the agency model into a franchise-style network of independent entrepreneurs. From his “doors theory” on business growth to why speed beats intelligence and how affiliates are reshaping e-commerce marketing, Ian delivers a masterclass in building scalable systems and empowering others to win alongside you! What we discuss with Ian: + Building Bullseye Sellers from scratch + Franchise-style agency business model + Why speed beats intelligence in business + Turning side hustles into scalable systems + Power of affiliate marketing for growth + Managing 120 contractors, not employees + Using TikTok Shop for e-commerce success + Coaching and empowering independent teams + Importance of choosing the right clients + Adopting a “doors theory” mindset for success Thank you, Ian! Check out Bullseye Sellers at BullseyeSellers.com. To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. And follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Want to hear from more incredible entrepreneurs? Check out all of our interviews ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, I'm joined by Jake Muise, co-founder and CEO of Maui Nui Venison.   Making meat planet-friendly, the company harvests wild, invasive axis deer on Maui to balance ecosystems while providing nutrient-dense protein. In this episode, we discuss turning an ecological crisis into a regenerative food business.   We also cover:   Balancing commerce, conservation, and community The pitfalls of the hyper-processed high-protein craze Why nutrient density labels could change the food system   Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider   Website: mauinuivenison.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/mauinuivenison FB: https://www.facebook.com/mauinuivenison   -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart workout solutions for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/ Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/ Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/   Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:00) Jake's background and Maui Nui Venison overview (02:00) Axis deer problem and invasive species impact (05:00) The founding moment witnessing mass deer die-offs (07:00) Seven years as nonprofit before becoming for-profit CPG (09:00) Current scale (11:00) Product mix (14:00) Accidentally creating extraordinary nutrient density (16:00) Critique of protein-washing and empty protein products (21:00) Balancing commerce, conservation, and community (23:00) Running constant experiments to solve complex systems (26:00) Authentic mission-driven business as competitive advantage (29:00) Four pillars: transparency, energy balance, purpose, taste (32:00) Why nutrient density labels could transform food system (36:00) Profitable regenerative agriculture through proper pricing (38:00) New aged venison line and summer sausage launch (40:00) Conclusion  

YES! It's Part Two of our LIVE London event with Jake Karls of Mid-Day Squares and Shani Higgs of PerfectTed, hosted LIVE by our wonderful friends at Lucky Saint Pub, London.This episode is a recording of the audience Q&A that followed the live interview. And WOW! what a session it was. Founders and industry friends in the room asked some incredible questions, and the answers from Jake and Shani (PerfectTed's Head of Sales, who stepped in after Marisa left) were packed with honesty, insight, and lessons you're going to be able to take away and use to add real value to the way you work. If you haven't listened to Part One yet, scroll back one episode to catch the full conversation about how both brands have scaled so quickly, from kitchen tables to category creation.What we talk about:Jake on scaling Canadian brand Mid-Day Squares NATIONALLY the USA and even beyond.Shani on building PerfectTed's sales engine and breaking into retail.How they balance ambition with resilience when things get tough.The importance of storytelling and transparency in attracting fans (not just customers).Lessons on founder communication, trust, and team dynamics from two fast-growth brands.Practical insights into category creation, competition, and global expansion.If you enjoy this episode, please share it with a friend, colleague, or fellow founder! And don't forget to hit follow/subscribe to Brand Growth Heroes on your favourite podcast app so we can continue to bring you the best guests and the most valuable golden nuggets.Useful linksFollow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Mid-Day Squares on LinkedInPerfect Ted LinkedInMidday Squares InstagramPerfect Ted InstagramPerfect Ted TikTokLucky Saint on LinkedInLucky SaintMidday SquaresPerfect Ted============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

In episode 93 of Venture Everywhere, our host is Emily Groden, founder and CEO of Evergreen Waffles, a clean-label frozen waffle brand on a mission to make better-for-you breakfasts effortless. She talks with Alex Abelin, co-founder and CEO of Kiki Milk, the first plant-based milk designed for kids and loved by all. He shares how frustration with the lack of clean, allergen-friendly options inspired him and his wife, and co-founder Lauren, to create Kiki Milk and build it into one of the most promising next-gen CPG brands. He opens up about how Kiki Milk combines mission-driven innovation with disciplined growth to redefine plant-based nutrition for modern families.In this episode, you will hear:Kiki Milk's impact on families with dietary restrictions and allergy needsBuilding a mission-driven CPG brand rooted in integrity and sustainabilityMoving from kitchen formulation to scalable, co-manufactured productionExpanding from D2C success into national retail distributionUpholding ingredient transparency and glyphosate-free sourcing standardsLearn more about Alex Abelin | Kiki MilkLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexabelinWebsite: https://www.kikimilk.com Learn more about Emily Groden | Evergreen WafflesLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-cole-groden Website:https://eatevergreen.com

From Auto Mechanic to Artisan Sausage Maker: D-Original Sausage Haus StoryJoin us as we sit down with Clint from D-Original Sausage Haus in Steveston, BC, who shares his unconventional journey from automotive mechanic to box manufacturing to crafting premium German-style cured meats. Clint discusses the challenges of running a brick-and-mortar deli in a post-COVID world, the art of making authentic salamis and pepperoni with BC pork and natural casings, and the frustrations of navigating Canada's inter-provincial trade regulations. From consignment deals with craft breweries to building relationships with loyal customers, Clint reveals what it takes to grow a premium, artisanal meat business while staying true to traditional recipes and quality ingredients. Plus, we debate the merits of truffle pepperoni and why sometimes the best things in life come in irregular shapes. Check out Clint's online store here: https://www.doriginalsausagehaus.com/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

This week, Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest, Amy Power. The two talk about how Amy's entrepreneurial spirit was influenced by her grandmother's small business, including the challenges and rewards of growing a company from freelance work to owning office space, and her innovative way of empowering her team and encouraging future businesswomen. In this episode, we discuss: How the company grew from a solo freelance operation to a team with its own Dallas office space, eventually owning its building. What surprised Amy most about leadership especially the significance of relinquishing total control and empowering her team to step up and lead from their own strengths. When Amy found the courage to pivot from employment to entrepreneurship. Why embracing failure as a valuable teacher, rather than fearing mistakes, is a core value for Amy and her organization. The impact of mentoring and developing other businesswomen within her company, and seeing their journeys both within and beyond her organization. Amy Power, CEO of The Power Group With a passion for PR and crisis management for nearly three decades, Amy remains steadfast in her belief that every challenge brings a unique opportunity. Her ability to see the positive and provide strategic counsel are two of her superpowers.    Amy has worked for emerging to nationally recognized brands across a range of industries including sports, healthcare, luxury automotive, technology, energy, restaurants, CPG, retail, museums and nonprofits, to name a few.    A hands-on leader and entrepreneur, Amy celebrated 25 years in business last fall. The Dallas Business Journal named her one of Dallas' “Most Admired CEOs” of 2018 and has been recognized as a Top 25 Women in Business honoree. Last year, D CEO named her one of the 500 most influential executives in the city. She is most proud of the outstanding PR practitioners she has mentored, developed, and grown throughout her career. She previously served as president of the Dallas chapter of the worldwide Entrepreneurs' Organization in 2023.  Social Media Handles: The Power Group Instagram - @thepowergroup The Power Group LinkedIn Amy's LinkedIn        

Over the past several days, famous YouTube creators like Casey Neistat and MrBeast used words like “frightening” or “scary” to describe the various implications surrounding the new artificial intelligence (AI) video creation app Sora that quickly rose to the top of the U.S. Apple App Store charts. And although these popular YouTubers (influencers) are mostly concerned about how the platform generating massive amounts of "AI slop" will impact parts of the creator economy. Though, there's many similar “terrifying” implications surrounding how this type of generative AI technology could speed up product proliferation that the CPG industry hasn't fully considered yet. Also, since we're still in the very early innings of the AI industrial revolution, and the current median age of U.S. governmental lawmakers is one of the oldest Congressional groups in history (which have proven through public hearings they can barely understand early web 2.0 concepts let alone the next generation of the internet), it largely implies that the private sector will have ample space to “move fast and break things.” And in the case of these newest AI technologies (created by massive technology companies), they're currently deep in human behavior research mode…testing various “attention at all costs” theories. But most industry professionals would agree that it has never been easier than right now to launch a CPG product. Often driven by the rapid emergence of digital technologies (and democratized advanced contract manufacturing techniques), smaller companies can develop and launch CPG products with less money, reduced expertise, smaller teams, and increased speed. And these constant lowering barriers-to-entry across the CPG industry have substantially grown the overall number of products launched annually. But over the last decade, I've thoroughly documented the “Catch-22” nature of the “Endless Aisle Age.” The sheer volume of new CPG products entering the market does provide optionality (especially for niche consumer demand), but it also potentially saturates the market with low-quality or unnecessary items. In that regard, it's important to remember there's a fairly limited total categorical (and/or format) spend each day…and if there's more supply of CPG products vying for that relatively static amount of demand, competition intensifies. And that's largely why even within niche categories…it has become increasingly difficult for truly innovative (and valuable) CPG products to stand out and succeed.But here's maybe the most “terrifying” part…even though the CPG industry has recently shifted seemingly overnight from cautious experimentation to full-scale adoption of generative AI, it hasn't augmented product creation to the same/similar level as what I detailed earlier surrounding content creation (at least yet). What happens when all you need to do is type a few words into your phone from your bed in a dark room, click a button…and it gives you a priced manufacturable CPG product, and then it's essentially ready for sale? And you do that 1000 times a day, every day! The larger financial aspect involving “CPG AI slop” might help challenge the idea that a capability to create automatically implies a moral imperative to do so, but as those cost barriers diminish further…the future probability of “CPG AI slop” pervasiveness becomes more worrisome. But even without this “AI slop” threat being real currently, CPG companies are already struggling to compete for “share of attention” with algorithm hacking higher-reach, lower-quality goods.

We have a regulatory agency under the Department of the Interior that handles the conservation of federal land for all the tree-huggers. And there's another regulatory agency under that same government department designating nationally significant historic landmarks for all the history buffs. But what about a national list of culturally significant business properties for all of us business nerds? As an example, how sad is it that PepsiCo announced snack production would stop at its Frito-Lay production facility in Rancho Cucamonga (California) after more than 50 years in operation? And if you're scratching your head…wondering the significance of this production facility, it's probably because you didn't watch the feature-length directorial debut of Eva Longoria from 2023. This is the site where Flamin' Hot Cheetos were invented (supposedly), thus creating the CPG industry version of “Good Will Hunting.”

Willy is the Founder at Krack'd Snacks. A delicious, sweet snacks company that makes better-for-you Butterfingers and Samoas. WHAT WE GO OVER:When Willy pursues retail opportunitiesPod Foods as a distributorSelf-manufacturing vs. co-manufacturingThe evolution of Krack'd Snacks' brand nameWilly's hopeful next retailerMiscellaneous logistics and ops conversationCONNECT WITH US:Connect with Vasa on LinkedInConnect with Willy on LinkedInPerfy's websiteCPGSPN by Growthbuster, a CPG newsletter with a sports themeCheck out Krack'd Snacks Check out Krack'd Snacks on AmazonSPONSOR:Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster. Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage brands grow. Check out Growthbuster's newsletter, CPGSPN here. 

Fresh off an exhilarating meetup in London, the team shines a spotlight on the standout brands that captivated attendees at the event. They delve into how fiber-forward brands are reshaping their categories and why Gen X might be your brand's unexpected secret weapon. This episode also revisits insightful interviews from Taste Radio's San Diego meetup, featuring Sol-ti CCO Shawn Hamilton and visionary founders behind Recoup, Innerbloom, Hydr8, Erva Brew Co., and Lixir. Show notes: 0:25: British Debrief. Nom News. Big Candy Revamp. X's & $'s. Fiber FTW. ‘Key' Crisps. – The hosts reflect on their recent London meetup, highlighting standout interviews with Olivia Ferdi of Trip, Kathryn Bricken of Doughlicious, and Olly Dixon of Something & Nothing. They also shine a spotlight on attendees Veronique Mbida, founder of Bantu Chocolate, and Fan Yang of Other Foods, whose interview with Mike featured a hilarious outtake. Melissa previews upcoming educational content and community resources launching on Nombase, while the hosts encourage listeners to attend BevNET's upcoming events in L.A., sharing personal stories of meaningful connections and business breakthroughs from past shows. The conversation also turns to new data revealing Gen X as the leading force in CPG purchasing power, underscoring the importance of engaging older demographics. Finally, the hosts introduce a wave of innovative, better-for-you snacks, from a "gigantic" brand revamp and playfully "dirty" chocolate to bold, zesty chips and beyond. 30:43: Interviews from Taste Radio's San Diego Meetup – Held at BevNET's West Coast office, our lineup includes a conversation with Shawn Hamilton, Chief Commercial Officer of Sol-ti, who detailed how the wellness and juice shot brand scaled from a Southern California startup into a national powerhouse with products in over 15,000 retail locations and sold nationally at Starbucks. We also speak with the founders of several exciting emerging brands, including Erva Brew Co., a fresh take on yerba mate; Innerbloom, a startup crafting kanna-based tonics for mood and focus; Hydr8, a mission-driven water brand supporting veterans; Lua Coffee, which markets Vietnamese-style coffee infused with MCT oil; Birdie, a new sparkling tea brand with standout branding; Recoup, a brand of gut-healthy hydration drinks and a past winner of BevNET's New Beverage Showdown; and Lixir, a brand reimagining mead for the modern drinker. Brands in this episode: Sol-ti, Trip, Doughlicious, Something & Nothing, Orangina, Other Foods, Bantu Chocolate, Terranean, Halfday, Gigantic Candy, Dirty Gut, Royo Bread, Zesty Z, Yaza, Huel, TruBar, Keya's, Recoup, Innerbloom, Hydr8, Erva Brew Co., Lixir, Lua Coffee, Birdie

On this episode we will chat with Scott Dicker, Sr. Director of Market Insights from SPINS! SPINS connects shopper values to product innovation by combining POS data across the conventional, eCommerce, and natural channels with deep product knowledge.Key topics will include where Grocery is at today, what trends Scott is seeing, what categories are performing in this inflationary time as well as the NEXT generation of consumers. As we all know, Millennials and Gen Z are redefining the CPG industry in how new trends are formed, product discovery through different channels and how they have reshaped the "modern kitchen"!http://www.spins.comhttp://www.spins.com/ignite

Produced by Foundersuite (for startups: www.foundersuite.com) and Fundingstack (for emerging manager VCs: www.fundingstack.com), "How I Raised It" goes behind the scenes with startup founders and investors who have raised capital. This episode is with with Chaz Flexman of Starday Foods, AI-driven food innovation company that uses software and data to identify unmet consumer needs. Then Company then fulfills those needs with new products such as the All Day Chickpea Protein Toppers and the Abeya Allergen-Free Sweet Potato Crackers, among others. Learn more at https://www.stardayfoods.com/ In this episode, we discuss how they use market research and AI to identify unmet needs and opportunities in the CPG market, the importance of building an investor funnel of 150+ potential VCs, tips for updating investors on your funding progress to maintain a timeline, and much more. How I Raised It is produced by Foundersuite, makers of software to raise capital and manage investor relations. Foundersuite's customers have raised over $21 Billion since 2016. If you are a startup, create a free account at www.foundersuite.com. If you are a VC, venture studio or investment banker, check out our new platform, www.fundingstack.com

IA, créativité, diversification : les 3 leviers de Meta pour booster vos performances e-commerceDans cet épisode enregistré au One to One Expérience Client 2025 à Biarritz, je reçois Mathieu Delecourt, Industry Lead chez Meta, en charge des verticales mode, beauté, e-commerce et CPG. Il accompagne des marques comme Polène, Cezane ou Maison 123 dans l'optimisation de leurs stratégies paid sur l'écosystème Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp...).On passe en revue les trois grandes priorités stratégiques de Meta pour 2025 :IA + Performance : améliorer le rendement des campagnesL'IA est au cœur des investissements chez Meta. Mathieu insiste sur les avancées concrètes dans les outils de ciblage, d'optimisation des budgets et d'automatisation des formats. Les algorithmes sont plus puissants, mais nécessitent une qualité de signal irréprochable, notamment via l'API Conversions. On parle aussi du retour des campagnes de type “broad targeting”, où c'est l'IA qui fait tout.Créativité : se démarquer dans un feed saturéLa créa est redevenue un élément central de la performance. Meta mise sur des outils comme Advantage+ Creative ou le Dynamic Creative pour adapter automatiquement les formats à chaque audience. Mathieu partage aussi l'exemple de Polène, qui s'appuie sur des visuels natifs, immersifs, et parfaitement adaptés à Instagram. Les meilleures campagnes combinent automatisation et travail éditorial.Diversification : élargir les cas d'usage et les points de contactAu-delà d'Instagram et Facebook, Meta pousse désormais WhatsApp comme canal relationnel et transactionnel. Il cite le cas de Maison 123, qui l'utilise pour du clienteling digital. Autre levier : l'omnicanalité, illustrée par la campagne de Bash, où les publicités Meta renvoient vers les magasins physiques. On évoque enfin les innovations comme Meta Connect ou les Ray-Ban Meta, qui annoncent une évolution plus immersive de la plateforme.

In this conversation, Whitney Douglas, Director of Sales at Living Alchemy, discusses the transformative power of fermentation in health supplements and its historical significance. She explains how Living Alchemy uses fermentation to enhance the potency and digestibility of their products, emphasizing a holistic approach to nutrition. The discussion also covers the launch of their new book, 'The Living Alchemy Book of Fermentation,' which aims to educate readers on the benefits of fermentation and provide practical tips and recipes. Whitney shares insights on the importance of returning to natural health practices and the need for unity in the wellness community.Takeaways:Fermentation enhances the potency and digestibility of supplements.Living Alchemy focuses on whole plant supplements for holistic health.Their new book aims to educate on fermentation and its benefits.Fermentation has historical significance in health practices.Customer feedback drives product development at Living Alchemy.The shift towards natural health is gaining momentum.Fermentation can reduce anti-nutrients in food.Connection to nature is essential for health and wellness.Personal growth often involves deconditioning from societal norms.A better world is about unity and connection. Sound bites:“Curcumin is fat soluble, but when you ferment the turmeric root, the curcumin becomes water soluble, making it more easily absorbed into your body.”“I do feel like there's that shift is coming where, you know, but we're going back to nature, whether you want to call it rewilding, remembering, it's happening, you know?”“I'm starting to realize that like, in the West anyways, everything that you should be doing is somehow removed from your life and then sold back to you as a service or product.”“we know how important gut health is to the rest of the body, especially when it comes to the immune system and cognitive function, cardiac function.”"Tend to your inner garden."“Go fermental.”“Holy basil makes a great tea and it's already wonderful. But then you ferment it and then it just turns into like the next level.”“The process took three years. To stop writing the book was the hardest thing about writing the book because draw the line in the sand at some point and agree that it's done.”“Divided we are not strong."Links:Whitney Douglas on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-douglas-36110512/Living Alchemy - https://livingalchemy.com/The Living Alchemy Book of Fermentation - https://livingalchemy.com/products/the-living-alchemy-book-of-fermenationLiving Alchemy on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/therealalchemyusa/Living Alchemy on X - https://x.com/TherealalchemyULiving Alchemy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-alchemy-fermented-supplements/…Philosopher Foods Fermented & Sprouted Nuts - https://philosopherfoods.com/…The Gene Keys Book - https://genekeys.com/product/the-gene-keys-paperback/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Living Alchemy and Fermentation06:13 The Science of Fermentation and Its Benefits08:54 Holistic Health and Whole Plant Nutrition12:10 The Evolution of the Supplement Industry14:58 Addressing Health Concerns Through Natural Solutions17:55 Product Development and Customer Feedback21:07 The Living Alchemy Book of Fermentation23:51 The Historical Context of Fermentation26:52 The Future of Living Alchemy and Customer Engagement34:33 Understanding Fermentation and Its Importance35:37 The Journey of Writing a Cookbook38:12 Exploring Unique Recipes and Their Significance42:44 The Collaborative Process of Recipe Development44:29 The Challenges and Surprises in Fermentation47:13 The Impact of Fermentation on Health49:21 Reflections on the Book Writing Experience51:01 The Role of Authenticity in Personal Growth57:47 Envisioning a Better World Through UnitySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rachel Katzman, the founder of Pvolve, a functional fitness company that's redefining what it means to truly move your body with purpose.  Rachel's story is deeply personal and inspiring. What started as a search for relief from back pain and scoliosis evolved into creating a method that blends functional fitness with resistance equipment, delivering not only results but also long-term health and mobility. In our conversation, Rachel opened up about her journey with Lyme disease, how it reshaped her perspective on wellness, and why she believes movement is medicine. We also explored how Pvolve scaled from a scrappy start-up to a global brand with both digital and studio presences, why clinical studies matter in fitness, and what it means to franchise a mission-driven brand. Some key moments from the episode include: * Rachel's personal health journey and how it inspired the Pvolve method.   * Why functional fitness addresses more than aesthetics; it prevents injury, improves posture, and supports longevity.   * The pivotal role of clinical studies in validating fitness methods and building consumer trust.   * How Pvolve thrived during the pandemic with its digital platform and transitioned into a fast-growing franchise model.   * The impact of celebrity advocates like Jennifer Aniston in amplifying the brand's credibility.   Join me, Ramon Vela, as we listen to the episode and discover how Pvolve is changing the fitness landscape with an approach that goes beyond sweat; it's about strength, mobility, and living pain-free. For more on Pvolve, visit: https://pvolve.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/ REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands it believes in. Are you curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.   Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/ Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.

Gigi Lee Chang is the Co-Chair of Naturally New York, and has been in the natural food world for over 20 years. After selling her first venture, Plum Organics, to Campbells in 2012, Gigi went on to co-found BFY Capital, and most recently Lumi Growth. On this episode of ITS, Gigi and Ali talk about bringing In The Sauce back, the evolution of the industry, and how CPG founders and operators can use today's dynamic macro environment to their advantage.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Album 7 Track 19 - Mentorship, Marketing, and Mastery w/Bill PearceBrand Nerds, welcome back to Brands, Beats, & Bytes! While LT may have met today's guest at an MLB game - he's a true Brand Nerd at heart and has brought the jew-els to today's episode.Bill Pearce has a background of CPG, brand and marketing, and is now leading the future through education. We know you'll enjoy getting to know Bill just as much as we did! Here are a few key takeaways from the episode:Build brand first. Know your X factor. Remember: less is more. Be a mentor who listens. The Importance of setting clear rules.Don't confuse tactics with brand. Prioritize balance. Be bold, not lukewarm. Stay Up-To-Date on All Things Brands, Beats, & Bytes on SocialInstagram | Twitter

Andy Judd, the veteran Chief Marketing Officer of CPG brands, adds his page to the Marketing Playbook. Hear how to find a mentor and mentor others, why you should have a career plan, how to be open to change, what Andy learned moving a lot as a kid, and the behind-the-scenes of poppi's incredible growth. Connect with Andy on LinkedIn

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Fintan Gillespie, Global Director - Ad Partnerships Group at Snap Inc., a technology company that contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. Follow Fintan on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintangillespie/Follow Snap for Business online at: http://forbusiness.snapchat.com/cpgguysFollow Snap Business Blog at: https://forbusiness.snapchat.com/blogFollow Snap on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/snapchat-for-business/postsThis episode is sponsored by Snap, Inc.Fintan answers these questions:Fintan, let's start with your journey. What brought you into the world of media and partnerships, and what does your current role at Snap entail as Head of Independent Agencies & Global Ad Partnerships?You lead  global ad partnerships. How do these partnerships shape Snap's GTM strategy in the broader media ecosystem?Independent agencies are often more agile and innovation-driven than holding company giants. How are you seeing them lean into platforms like Snap to drive differentiated value for their CPG clients?What advice would you give to agencies looking to leverage Snap effectively within omnichannel media strategies?Proving ROI remains critical for agencies and brands. How is Snap helping advertisers measure real business outcomes, especially sales lift and conversion?Looking ahead to 2026, what's your boldest prediction for the intersection of agencies, partnerships, and platforms like Snap in the world of commerce mediaFintan, you've seen the media landscape from multiple vantage points. What leadership lesson or guiding principle has helped you most in building trust and value in partnerships?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

In this episode of the Programmatic Digest, host Ellen Parker welcomes two of LinkedIn's most active programmatic voices: Gary Guarnaccia and Ryan Verklin. Together, they dive into the realities of in-housing, retail media, DSP strategy, and the ongoing shifts in supply path optimization (SPO). Ryan shares his journey from agency life to in-house at Bayer, where he helped lead the transition to hands-on programmatic buying before moving into retail media. Gary reflects on his role supporting Bayer's in-house teams through ad tech partnerships, ensuring programmatic and retail investments drive real business outcomes. We dig into hot-button industry debates, including: In-house vs. agency vs. retail media networks – how traders' roles are evolving. DSP strategy – why more DSPs don't automatically mean more reach. Retail media networks – the difference between on-site and off-site, and how CPG brands leverage retailer data for incremental reach. Amazon DSP – is it really positioned to replace other omni-channel platforms? Traders' perspective – why user-friendly DSPs, efficient reporting, and reduced friction are critical to long-term success. SPO and transparency – reacting to Index Exchange's announcement and The Trade Desk's move to categorize SSPs as resellers. The conversation highlights a recurring theme: programmatic traders need more love. Empowering the hands-on-keyboard teams with better tools, education, and collaboration leads to stronger business results—and less burnout. If you're a programmatic trader, strategist, or leader navigating the complexities of DSPs, SSPs, and retail media, this episode is packed with insights and candid perspectives you won't want to miss. Additional resource: Gary LinkedIn post    About Us: We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer:   Programmatic Training & Coaching: Executive Membership: for the busy mid-level to senior or director-level programmatic ninja looking for a structured, high-impact way to stay ahead of evolving trends, sharpen your optimization skills, and connect with like-minded experts. Join Here: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership   Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program   Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course   Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introductions 03:11 – From Agency to In-House: Ryan & Gary's Journeys 08:35 – The Rise of Retail Media at Bayer 14:20 – DSP Strategy: Why More Doesn't Always Mean Better Reach 20:02 – Retail Media Networks: On-Site vs. Off-Site Explained 26:41 – Amazon DSP: Threat or Opportunity? 33:17 – Why Traders Deserve More Love in Ad Tech 40:05 – Reporting, AI, and Reducing Friction for Traders 46:28 – SPO Debate: Resellers, Transparency & Control 53:19 – Final Thoughts & Industry Takeaways   Meet Our Guest: Gary Guarnaccia – Ad Tech Partnerships, Bayer https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-g-16328640/   Ryan Verklin – Retail Media Lead, Bayer https://www.linkedin.com/in/verklin/ https://www.instagram.com/verklin/ https://x.com/verklin   Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach https://www.heleneparker.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker   Manuela Cortes - Co-Host  Programmatic Digest In Espanol:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-   Learn Programmatic As a TEAM: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ As a Programmatic Ninja: https://www.heleneparker.com/course/ Programmatic Coaching Newsletter:https://www.heleneparker.com/newsletter/   Programmatic Digest https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBGMMRsZkw0IIUbQIJmMBxw   Looking for programmatic training/coaching?  Sign up to our Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program   Self-Paced Course: Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility. https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course   Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below:  https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/  

What kind of founder drives a U-Haul full of perishable product through the desert at 3 A.M.… and calls it progress? That's the kind of relentless, purpose-driven hustle behind Forager Project, the plant-based food and beverage company reshaping what dairy-free can taste and feel like. In this episode, co-founders Stephen Williamson and JC Hanley open up about the mission-fueled (and occasionally messy) evolution of their brand, from cold-pressed juice to cashew-based yogurts and creamers that compete head-on with dairy. They discuss what it really takes to build a standout CPG brand in saturated categories, why “project” is still part of their name, and how lessons from prior businesses and discontinued product lines have shaped their approach. They also explain why they walked away from juice, how they knew yogurt was the future, what it means to innovate with both a moral compass and a culinary one and how they define success. Show notes: 0:25: Interview: Stephen Williamson & JC Hanley, Co-Founders, Forager Project – In a conversation hosted at Forager Project's office in San Francisco, Stephen and JC discuss how the brand was created by a desire to create clean, minimally processed, plant-based foods and how “project” reflects their ethos of exploration and ongoing improvement. The founders recount their early days launching Forager Project in 2013, initially inspired by the ultra-premium juice space before pivoting – what they describe as “foraging” – into new categories. They explain how they began fermenting plant-based ingredients, particularly cashews, to create plant-based yogurts, and have since expanded into Greek-style yogurts and creamers. Stephen and JC emphasize an innovation philosophy rooted in clean, organic ingredients, including vegetables, nuts, seeds and ancient grains, and talk about the grit and craziness required to build a mission-driven company. They note how – despite challenges like tariffs, competition, and changing categories – they've remained focused on their mission: to help replace animal dairy with plant-based alternatives. They close with a broader reflection on success and staying true to their values. Brands in this episode: Forager Project, Odwalla, Blueprint Juice, Evolution Fresh, Starbucks, Suja, Coca-Cola, Stonyfield Farm

Points of discussion:1. Acquired: Working Through Real Branding Challenges from the Front Lines of Brewery M&A2. How we refreshed Malibu Brewing's package design3. How we rebranded Wachusett Brewing-Learn more at: www.craftbeerrebranded.com / http://www.beyondbeerbook.com-Have a topic or question you'd like us to field on the show? Shoot it our way: hello@cododesign.com-Join 8,000+ food and bev industry pros who are subscribed to the Beer Branding Trends Newsletter (and access all past issues) at: www.beerbrandingtrends.com 

In this episode of the M&A Guy Podcast, host Brian Franco discusses the critical theme of financial readiness before a business deal with CFO Jason. They explore the common financial gaps that businesses face, particularly in inventory and receivables, and the importance of having good processes in place to ensure financial stability and readiness for growth or exit. Jason shares insights from his extensive experience in the CPG space, highlighting the need for accurate forecasting and understanding of financial statements to avoid costly mistakes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being proactive in financial management to prevent surprises during due diligence and to enhance business valuation.(29) Jason Regehr | LinkedIn

In this episode, we explore the vast potential of AI technology and its slow adoption in legacy industries.Together with Meg Faibisch Kuhn, a former CPG marketer turned self-taught AI developer, we delve into how AI can revolutionize domains often overlooked by tech giants.From training farmers to aid food entrepreneurs, Meg has transformed her career by building with tools like Lovable and Cursor.We discuss her journey from marketing to coding, her innovative AI implementations for small businesses, and the significance of democratizing AI.Additionally, Meg introduces her initiative, Women Building with AI, aimed at encouraging women to enter the AI space.Tune in to discover how understanding domain expertise can make anyone an invaluable AI pioneer.--Key Moments:01:16 The Journey of Self-Teaching AI02:02 Leveraging AI for Marketing and Operations05:10 Using AI for Market Research and Problem Solving08:15 Automation and AI in Small Businesses13:05 Bridging the AI Knowledge Gap16:14 Women Building with AI: Empowering Non-Technical Creators23:16 Exploring AI Tools and Platforms28:47 Real-World AI Applications and Success Stories--Key Links:Idea to App with AIMeg FaibischSpread Aioli on YouTubeSpread Aioli on TikTokConnect with Meg on LinkedInMentioned in this episode:AI Opportunity FinderFeeling overwhelmed by all the AI noise out there? The AI Opportunity Finder from HatchWorks cuts through the hype and gives you a clear starting point. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get tailored, high-impact AI use cases specific to your business—scored by ROI so you know exactly where to start. Whether you're looking to cut costs, automate tasks, or grow faster, this free tool gives you a personalized roadmap built for action.

From Cologne to Canada: What We Learned Walking 10 Football Fields at AnugaPhil and Kenny take the podcast on the road to Anuga, one of the world's largest food trade shows in Cologne, Germany. Recording their raw observations while navigating German parking lots and autobahns, they share what surprised them most: Bulgaria's emerging food innovation, the surprising absence of crowds at the Chinese pavilion, and how geopolitical tensions are reshaping international food trade.The episode features candid conversations with Matt and Kim Lebeau from Lebeau Excel and Luca Felicetti from the fifth-generation Italian pasta maker. They discuss practical strategies for attending massive trade shows, the protein trend's different evolution in Europe versus North America, and why Canadian brands should consider looking east instead of south. Topics range from edible utensils and shelf-stable kombucha to the 106% tariff on Italian pasta and why Americans are apologizing for being American.Our first take on Anuga Cologne. Kenny and I talk about what's happening in Cologne, and we catch up with Matt and Kim LeBeau, Luca Felicetti. Thank you to Luca and the team at Felicetti for making us feel welcome in your lovely booth. If you're still at the show, head to Hall 10.2, B080If you're not, head to https://www.felicetti.it/enYou can find Luca here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-felicetti-b27b3a279/ Thanks to Matt and Kim for jumping in on the podcast - we love you guys. Check out Lebeau Excel here: https://lebeauexcel.com/ Thank you to Fieldagent Canada for sponsoring the podcast https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Welcome to Hassle-Free RE! Today, Dave Menapace and Will Van Wickler sit down with guest Matt Welch—a former CPG sales leader who left his W-2 to scale a short-term rental portfolio and co-hosting company across Maine. Matt shares how he and his partners built an owner-first management model, why certain amenities (hot tubs, saunas) outperform in specific markets, and how they're preparing to expand beyond Maine.You'll hear the real numbers behind portfolio mix (owned vs. co-hosted), lessons from testing amenities in different geographies, and what gave Matt the confidence to make the leap from corporate to full-time real estate. Whether you're investing, managing, or considering co-hosting, this episode is a playbook for building systems, choosing the right markets, and growing with intention. Tune in now to learn how to balance guest experience, durability, and ROI while planning your next expansion.TIMESTAMPS01:05 – Will's 50 deals02:10 – Cape Cod hot tub ROI03:14 – Sheets culture on Cape04:04 – Best product, best price05:25 – Guest intro: Matt Welch06:13 – Early path into real estate08:22 – From LTRs to STRs13:21 – Co-hosting, owner's mindset16:05 – Maine markets they serve17:51 – 33–34 listings overview20:56 – Hot tubs extend season21:57 – Sauna on deck test23:20 – Leaving a W-228:27 – 2025: team building29:05 – 2026: expand beyond Maine31:52 – How to contact MattConnect with the Guest:Website: https://daysawayrentals.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-j-welch/#ShortTermRentals #RealEstateInvesting #CoHosting #MaineRealEstate #Hospitality

When I ran my own CPG brand, supply chain headaches nearly broke me — late POs, cash crunches, and endless supplier follow-ups. In this episode, I sit down with Helen Murphy, Founder and CEO of Opply, who's building an operating system for small and mid-sized CPG brands to simplify sourcing, forecasting, and funding.Helen shares how her background in consumer goods and tech inspired her to solve the pain points we've all felt — from ingredient sourcing to retail readiness — and how Opply helps founders unlock better pricing, smoother operations, and extended payment terms.If you've ever felt stuck managing ops instead of scaling your business, this episode is for you.

Send us a textThis week, Kirk and Kurtts sit down with Alex Perry, CEO of Right Way, to talk about the evolution of signage from hand-painted murals to high-tech branding experiences. With deep roots in the sign painting world (his dad is still doing murals at 75), Alex shares the real story behind Right Way's growth from a one-man shop to a trusted signage partner for brands like Nike, Starbucks, and Hilton.We dive into:Growing up around lettering and storefronts in EvanstonWhy Right Way lost a big client — and what they learnedHow digital tech and design-forward thinking rebuilt the businessWhat it's like to balance creative craft with production at scaleThe problem with clients who think signs are just another invoice lineWhether you're a designer, business owner, or someone who just loves seeing good design in the wild, this one's for you.Thanks again to Alex for joining us. Check out Right Way at rightwaysigns.com.Follow us and leave a review if you're enjoying the show.Support the showAbout Kirk and Andy. Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONT™. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com. Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he's not working on packaging design he's running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super FantasticsShow a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:Support the show

In this episode of the Product & Packaging Powerhouse, host Megan Young Gamble sits down with Dr. Ebru Karpuzoglu, an immunologist, molecular medicine expert, wellness coach, and founder of AveSeena and ChicScience Labs. Dr. Ebru explains the critical impact of stress and inflammation, especially “inflammaging” on skin health, and why acute inflammation is necessary while chronic or persistent low-level inflammation is harmful. She shares her journey combining science with intentional daily rituals and discusses her focus on creating multitasking skincare products that address inflammatory issues, especially for busy women. Dr. Ebru also highlights the importance of compliance, GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices) and not following fleeting beauty trends, urging new brands to focus on targeted needs and sound partnerships. The episode covers myths in the beauty industry (like “clean” meaning chemical-free), TikTok trends to avoid, and how packaging matters but real results keep customers loyal. There's also a fun sci-fi rapid-fire round at the end!Affiliate & Other Links: [Megan Young Gamble Links][AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager [FREEBIE] Access commonly referenced organizations and tools in ONE PLACE with our handy guide HERE [link] https://bit.ly/OSTPlay Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTubeJoin our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangambleLearn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.comWork with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-sessionGot a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicform[Powerhouse Guest Dr Ebru's LINKS]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebrukarpuzoglu/Company Website: www.aveseena.comCompany Website: www.chicsciencelabs.com Additional Resource [Podcast] "MoCRA, Misconceptions and Regulatory Risk" - Ariana Farina, Regulatory Consultant @ Ariana Farina. Listen here Episode Quotes:.Don't follow the trends, find your niche, find a good partner, and be intentional.Clean doesn't mean chemical-free. Everything is a chemical, even waterEverything inside is mirroring outsideYou're an open system. Your skin is your outer layer, but it's designed to feel everything.If you don't have inflammation, you will die. Inflammation keeps us alive.Chronic stress induces inflammation, and you see it right away on your face and in how your body feels.Inflammaging is that silent, low-level inflammation that slowly makes you look tired and age faster.Science doesn't work against you, it works for you.Be ethical, be transparent. When you put your head on the pillow at night, you should know you did it right.

I had such a powerful and eye-opening conversation with Lisa Curtis, Founder & CEO of Kuli Kuli Foods.  Lisa shared her incredible journey that began in the Peace Corps in Niger, where she first discovered moringa, a nutrient-packed “tree leaf” that transformed her health.   What started as a simple act of self-care in a rural village has grown into Kuli Kuli Foods, a pioneering superfoods brand that now partners with thousands of small farmers across Africa and India, empowers women, and brings nutritious, climate-smart foods to shelves nationwide. Lisa opened up about the early hurdles, navigating FDA approvals, raising money through crowdfunding, and hustling at farmers' markets, and how those small proof points led to partnerships with Whole Foods, Walmart, and more.   We also explored the resilience it takes to keep going for over 12 years, her gratitude practice, and the leadership lessons that continue to guide her. This episode is packed with inspiration for entrepreneurs and food lovers alike. Here are some highlights from our conversation:   How a Peace Corps experience in Niger led to the discovery of moringa and sparked the founding of Kuli Kuli Foods.   Overcoming early supply chain and regulatory challenges, including a $70,000 FDA hurdle with creativity and mentorship.   The role of farmers' markets and crowdfunding in proving demand and landing Whole Foods as their first big customer.   Building impact by partnering with 3,000 small farmers and reinvesting 10% of profits into community projects worldwide.   Lisa's advice for entrepreneurs: map out small proof points, celebrate wins, and keep the courage to start and persist. Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to Lisa's inspiring story of grit, gratitude, and global impact, and to discover how Kuli Kuli is changing the way we think about superfoods. For more on Kuli Kuli Foods, visit: https://www.kulikulifoods.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/ REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands it believes in. Are you curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.   Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/ Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.

On this week's episode, Gavin and Wade will be chatting with Alison Cayne, a veteran in the CPG space! Alison founded Haven's Kitchen, a cpg brand, nearly 14 years ago. She started a podcast, In The Sauce, about 8 years ago (BEFORE IT WAS COOL) and most recently took on an Adjunct Professor role at Columbia Business School. If you think that's pretty awesome - you're right! When Alison is not busy as hell - she is dropping knowledge bombs all over her LinkedIn that's incredibly relevant for established CPG founders or emerging ones. Her honesty, transparency and curiosity are exactly why you should tune in to this week's episode!

Danielle Kidney is the founder of The Creative Pack, a Los Angeles-based agency specializing in packaging design for CPG and DTC brands. With over two decades of experience in the industry—including work with Tesco and a diverse portfolio of well-known consumer brands—Danielle brings a wealth of expertise in every aspect of packaging, from strategy and brand storytelling to materials and production.In this episode of DTC Pod, Danielle breaks down the behind-the-scenes process of creating packaging that not only looks great but also delivers on function, compliance, and scalability. She covers everything from the earliest stages of design and competitor audits, to the nuances of materials, regulatory requirements, and print production. Danielle shares practical advice on how brands can avoid costly mistakes, streamline their supply chain, and create packaging that stands out both online and on the shelf.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. The importance of packaging in brand perception and sales2. Process: From initial idea to production-ready design3. Building a design brief and establishing project scope4. Competitive reviews and designing for hierarchy and function5. Balancing creative innovation with must-have regulatory details6. Collaborating with clients, manufacturers, and printers7. Prototyping, mockups, and unboxing experience8. Print technology, material choices, and cost management9. Regulatory review, legal claims, and compliance essentials10. Lead times, timeline planning, and pitfalls of rushing production11. Early-stage packaging vs. scaling up for retail and DTC12. Lessons learned: common mistakes and strategic tips13. Pricing, form factor, and packaging design as sales leversTimestamps00:00 Introducing Danielle Kidney & The Creative Pack05:42 The Creative Pack's client process: from idea to brief10:50 Balancing branding vs. functionality for sales and conversion18:03 Manufacturing realities: materials, dielines, and cost constraints24:39 Colors, mockups, and bringing digital designs to life26:22 Real-world costs of packaging mistakes and risk mitigation29:27 Regulatory musts: nutrition facts, barcodes, legal pitfalls35:10 Realistic timelines for packaging launches and scale40:33 Strategies for startups vs. brands scaling up43:23 Lessons learned and tips for optimizing packaging decisions50:20 Where to connect with Danielle and The Creative PackShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokDanielle Kidney - Founder of The Creative PackBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

This episode launches a new series I'm calling Rising Stars - Founders new to CPG who have defied the odds, built growing eight-figure businesses without the interference of premature institutional money.  This is part one of my interview with Yoni Reisman, Co-Founder, Chairman, and former Chief Executive Officer of Atlanta-based Tip Top Proper Cocktails. Established in 2018 by Yoni and his childhood friend and fellow music industry veteran, Neal Cohen, Tip Top offers high-quality, classic cocktails in a can. In this episode, we explore the origins of the business and the bumps in the road on the way to national retail presence. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com

The CPGGUYS are joined in this episode by Sarah Leinberger. Sarah is an ex-colleague of Sri from General Mills. She recently switched to leading marketing and brand management at a startup Yoobi. She is active on the brand speaking circuit from Cannes Lions to Adweek and more. This episode is a recap of how she made the jump, what it takes in a very small environment and how she is laying the path for brand share gains.Follow Kim Cox on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahzehrerleinberger/Follow Yoobi on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yoobi-llc/Follow NIQ online at: https://yoobi.com/Here's what we asked her : Sarah, what's the Yoobi story? What was the consumer problem it solves? In a crowded market, how does Yoobi uniquely stand out to shoppers, retailers, and partners?In your own journey from some of the largest companies and brands to a startup - what's the biggest change you are experiencing?How are you folks approaching distribution and retail media to scale Yoobi in 2025 and beyond?How is Yoobi leveraging digital shelf, DTC, or omnichannel touchpoints to stay close to consumers?As a marketer, how do you see AIAs a growing brand, how do you balance investments in media versus broader awareness-driving channels?How are Gen Z and younger cohorts influencing Yoobi's product innovation, brand voice, or community building? What role does sustainability, inclusivity, or brand purpose play in Yoobi's DNA? What's your vision for marketing for Yoobi by 2026? What does success look like?For those transitioning from large brands to follow your path, what advice would you give to emerging CPG entrepreneurs looking to navigate retail, media, and consumer demands today?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.  CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

I am so thrilled to share this very special LIVE episode with you. I had the absolute joy of sitting down in London with Marisa Poster, co-founder of PerfectTed and Jake Karls, founder of Mid-Day Squares, for an unforgettable conversation about scaling challenger brands, radical transparency, and building community. And yes, I got to TASTE a Mid-Day Square and it's INCREDIBLE.  In fact, I actually ate 3 in a row.If you haven't come across Mid-Day Squares yet, they're the Canadian-born brand redefining healthy afternoon snacking with functional chocolate AND now scaling rapidly across the US. Co-founder Jake Karls last joined me on Brand Growth Heroes in 2023 (scroll back to hear the original episode), and since then, the business has experienced significant growth, expanding from $8M to tens of millions in revenue, with its sights firmly set on reaching $100M.Because it was PerfectTed who first introduced me to Jake, it felt only right to have Marisa Poster join in the conversation as co-host! And thanks to Lucky Saint who SO kindly offering us their fab upstairs event room, we gathered 50 friends, founders, and partners for a night of storytelling, snacking, and straight-talking about what it really takes to scale a challenger brand. In this episode, we dive into:How Mid-Day Squares grew from the kitchen table to producing 150,000 bars a day.Why therapy, radical transparency, and “building a business out loud” became part of their DNA.The importance of building fans not just customers.How PerfectTed is making matcha accessible and creating a whole new category.The realities of expanding into the US market (and what's different from Canada, the UK, and beyond).Why team communication and trust are make-or-break for founders.How Storytelling fuels challenger brands.What happens when new competitors enter a category and how to stay focused.The role of product excellence in sustaining growth.The highs, lows, trolls, and resilience it takes to keep going.This is part one of our Mid-Day Squares live series. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did hosting it!Next week we'll be sharing the Q&A session, which ran for a whole extra hour and was packed with brilliant audience questions. And as you'll hear at the end of this episode, Shani Higgs, Head of Sales at PerfectTed (and their fourth team member after the founders), will be stepping in to co-host with me for part two. You're going to learn A LOT so stay tuned!Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss it. And if you're not already, go check out Midday Squares and PerfectTed on Instagram and LinkedIn; their storytelling is world-class.A tiny favour: If this episode inspires YOU to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review, and maybe share with someone you know will enjoy it?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.Useful linksMidday Squares LinkedInPerfect Ted LinkedInMidday Squares FacebookMidday Squares InstagramPerfect Ted InstagramPerfect Ted TikTokMidday SquaresPerfect TedLucky Saint on LinkedInLucky Saint============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!============================================== Join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

In this conversation, Sara Stender Delaney, founder of Sarilla Beverage, shares her journey from her roots in Vermont, to her transformative experiences in Rwanda, and what inspired her to create a non-alcoholic organic tea spritzer company. She discusses the challenges of launching a beverage brand, the importance of regenerative agriculture, and her commitment to social impact and mental health. Sara emphasizes the need for personal growth and responsibility in creating a better world, highlighting the interconnectedness of health, community, and sustainability.Takeaways:Sara's entrepreneurial journey was influenced by her experiences in Rwanda.The connection to Rwanda inspired Sara to focus on regenerative organic supply chains.Sarilla Beverage was born out of a desire to create non-alcoholic options for health-conscious consumers.Sara emphasizes the importance of personal growth and healing in her journey.The challenges of product development include navigating market demands and consumer preferences.Regenerative agriculture is crucial for sustainable farming and environmental health.Sara's nonprofit work in Rwanda focuses on trauma healing and entrepreneurship training.The beverage industry requires constant adaptation and learning from failures.Sara believes in the power of community and support for mental health.A better world involves individuals taking responsibility for their health and well-being. Sound bites:“I consistently had the opportunity to quit or fail or close. There's always that possibility.”“I think it's important to stay grounded, but also connected to a big vision and sometimes just to trust that the universe will show us opportunities along the way that we can't even plan for.”“The last thing we need is another generic consumer product… the only thing we might need more of is like brands making a difference and making an impact.”“With my own sobriety journey, I was just feeling consistently like something was missing for me and my friends and people I knew who were not drinking alcohol.”“It's 100 % regenerative. They just don't have the certification yet.”“It's like, instead of just taking and taking from Mother Earth, it's like we have an exchange.”“We're finding is that plants grown in regenerative soil are better for humans as well.”“There's so many systems ripe for change.”“I would like to see more people showing up in their healthy self.”“I've seen firsthand the ripple effect of unhealed trauma on families, on communities, on villages, and on generational impact.”Links:Sara Stender Delaney on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarastenderdelaney/Sarilla - https://www.drinksarilla.com/Sarilla on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/drinksarilla/Sarilla on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drinksarilla/Sarilla on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DrinkSarillaSarilla on X - https://x.com/drinksarillaSarilla on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@drinksarillaSarilla on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drinksarilla…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Sarilla Beverage and Its Origins14:50 The Impact of Rwanda on Sara's Journey24:50 The Birth of Sarilla Beverage31:45 Product Development and Challenges38:52 Navigating the Beverage Industry39:50 Building a Supportive Network50:55 Understanding Regenerative Agriculture01:05:09 Envisioning a Better WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we're joined by Lauren Gropper, Founder and CEO of Repurpose — the compostable household goods brand that's changing the way we think about single-use products. What started with a vision to replace wasteful plastics with plant-based alternatives has grown into a national movement, with Repurpose products now found in over 20,000 retail locations including Target, Costco, Kroger, and Whole Foods. From compostable cups, plates, and cutlery to bamboo paper towels and BPA-free wine cups, Repurpose is proving that sustainability can be simple, stylish, and affordable.In our conversation, Lauren shares how her early career in sustainable design and an eye-opening stint consulting in Hollywood inspired the launch of Repurpose. We talk about what it's like to pioneer a new category, the challenges of educating consumers without overwhelming them, and how she's built a mission-driven brand that has already replaced more than 727 million pieces of plastic. Lauren also opens up about the toughest challenges she's faced as a founder, how she balances leadership with motherhood, and her bold vision for a world free from single-use plastics.Whether you're passionate about sustainability, curious about how to build a mission-driven CPG brand, or just looking for inspiration from a founder who turned an “aha moment” into a movement, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Now on The Kara Goldin Show. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Lauren Gropper and Repurpose:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-gropper-9a62791/https://www.linkedin.com/company/repurpose-compostables/https://www.instagram.com/repurpose/https://repurpose.com/ Sponsored By:Quo - Get started for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months at Quo.com/KARAGOLDINLinkedIn Jobs - Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.Dell - Get a new Dell PC at Dell.com/ai-pc Check out our website to view this episode's show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/747 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A decade ago, Allison Ellsworth was drinking apple cider vinegar for health reasons and doctoring it with fruit so she could stand the taste. Her husband Stephen helped her turn it into a business by adding carbonation on a hacked soda line in their Dallas townhouse. They called it “Mother Beverage,” and sold out every week at the farmers market…but then heard the words no founder forgets: “Your branding is…sh*t.” What happens next is one of the wildest CPG glow-ups of the 2010s: a Shark Tank deal with brand whisperer Rohan Oza, a full rebrand to Poppi, colored cans that jumped off the shelf, a launch derailed by Covid—and finally, an explosion fueled by Amazon, TikTok, and a Super Bowl moment that planted the flag: We're soda–and we've left the farmers market for good. Five years after its rebrand, Poppi was acquired by Pepsi for nearly $2B. This is the story of the messy bottling line, saying no to “dumb money,” baptism by Shark Tank, and building a generational brand while staying married.In this episode, you'll learn:How rebranding can rescue a beverage, and when to avoid early eye-rolls The hit-and-miss of carbonating on a small scale (and why co-packers said no).How the risky decision to call Poppi “soda” unlocked a new retail set (functional soda).What a Shark Tank partner does during a rebrand window.How Allison seized on TikTok to spike sales during Covid Timestamps:0:10:15 Meeting cute at a snowboard shop → engagement in 7 months 0:14:00 How apple cider vinegar helped Allison's health…but tasted terrible (early flavor hacks) 0:22:36 DIY carbonation disasters: exploding bottles & the 40°F lesson 0:42:28 Selling out at the Dallas Farmers Market 0:37:48 Appearing on Shark Tank while nine months pregnant and the deal with Rohan: “your branding is sh*t.”0:47:02 The nail-biting rebrand from “Mother” to Poppi: colored cans vs. white, and winning the shelf 0:53:44 Expo West canceled by Covid → a massive turnaround fueled by Amazon, Shark Tank, and TikTok1:05:51 Super Bowl ad– “We're soda!”--and the road to a ~$2B Pepsi acquisition 1:07:58 Growing a business while managing a marriage Follow How I Built This:Instagram → @howibuiltthisX → @HowIBuiltThisFacebook → How I Built ThisFollow Guy Raz:Instagram → @guy.razX → @guyrazSubstack → guyraz.substack.comWebsite → guyraz.comThis episode was produced by Rommel Wood with music composed by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by Neva Grant with research help from Alex Cheng. Our engineers were Patrick Murray and Jimmy Keeley.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.