In this episode of Food Chained, Matt Orr, Partner at Amin Talati Wasserman, joins us to discuss a new wave of civil lawsuits against CPG brands.  Things we discuss: What is Matt's background? What started these ADA Lawsuits? Early on = physical  Nowadays = digital  What happened with these types of lawsuits in California? What recourse do brands have? Proactive vs. Reactive plans Widgets Are these lawsuits defensible? What is the best proactive approach? Accessibility...

In this gripping tale, Jenna, a tenacious entrepreneur, finds herself on a collision course with her new business partner, Snowman, Inc., a co-manufacturer shrouded in mystery and deception. As Jenna unearths chilling details about The Snowman, she finds herself on a dangerous journey through the shadows of the manufacturing underworld. Submit Your Horror Story: Your CPG Diary will be anonymized and dramatized so the story can see the light while you remain in the shadows.  Email...

In the midst of an economic downturn, determined Food & Beverage CPG founder Chuck must navigate the treacherous challenges of Fundraiser Manor, where securing investments takes on a sinister twist. As he battles the malevolent forces of the manor and his industry's struggles, Chuck must prove that even in the darkest times, entrepreneurial spirit can triumph. Submit Your Horror Story: our CPG Horror Story will be anonymized and dramatized so the story can live while you remain in the...

In this episode of Food Chained, Cody Berenson, VP of Operations & Services at Siddhi Capital, joins us to discuss common pitfalls that startups find themselves in and how to navigate them. We also introduce the podcast's new co-host, Bruce Cardenas, former Chief Communications Officer of Quest Nutrition.  Things we discuss: What is Siddhi Capital? What is its investment Thesis? Pitfalls Multipacks:  When?  Why?  Implications? Identifying your co-man and warehouse:  Relationship...

In this episode of Food Chained, Vir Satyan, SVP of Supplier Success at RangeMe shares his expertise on using LinkedIn to connect with buyers and brands, getting products into stores, and keeping up-to-date with emerging brands.Things we discuss: How Range Me got its name. Using LinkedIn to connect with buyers and brands. Networking events to separate the haves and the have-nots. Cool kids vs. the uncool kids on LinkedIn Getting into the stores Staying on top of emerging brands Show...

On this episode of Food Chained, we're joined by Stacey Lee & Tiffany Yang from Sweety Ice Cream, how does being an attorney help with starting a CPG brand and what does food do in bridging cultures.Things we discuss:Being an attorney to start in CPGBridging cultures in foodConsulting for brandsThe Ethnic AisleShow Notes:Connect with Stacey on LinkedinConnect with Tiffany on LinkedinCheck out Sweety Ice CreamCheck out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTokConnect with Vasa...

On this episode of Food Chained, we're joined by Aaron Luo from Mercado Famous, discussing the intricacies of importing and exporting, as well as the importance of branding.Things we discuss:Shownotes:Aaron's finance and global supply chain backgroundImports/ExportsMeat vs. Anti Meat consumersThe importance of brandingMaking your brand feel humanThe process and regulations of IbericoShow Notes:Connect with Aaron on LinkedinCheck out Mercado FamousCheck out Perfy...

On this episode of Food Chained, we're joined by Alec Jaffe from Alec's Ice Cream, discussing the importance of sustainable agriculture and regenerative ingredients in the food industry.Things we discuss:How college sports drives culture at Alec'sA2 dairy - what's so special about it?How does Alec's come up with flavors?Owning your own production facilityWhat could Big Dairy be doing better?Running a frozen DTC channelQuality of life for farmersSustainable agricultureRegenerative...

In this episode of Food Chained, Justin Queen ( Merchant Development @ Snack Magic) joins us to discuss building stories behind the brand and the early days of launching a brand.Things we discuss:Brand AmbassadorsEarly days of launching a brandB2B AudienceData Driven CPGAnd more!Show Notes:Connect with Justin on LinkedInCheck out Snack MagicCheck out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTokConnect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and TwitterCheck out Triple WhaleSponsor: • Use...

On this episode of Food Chained, Zoe Kahn (CX at Chomps) joins us for a conversation about customer experience, retention, and gaming. Things we discuss: Zoe's StoryGamingChompsRetentionWho would your brand be if they were a celebrity?And more! Show Notes: Connect with Zoe on LinkedInCheck out the Oopsie PodcastCheck out Chomps w/ code: ZOE15Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTokConnect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and TwitterCheck out Triple Whale Sponsor:  • Use...

On this episode of Food Chained, Chris Moe (Founder of Cartograph) opens up the Amazon marketing playbook for us and shares an immense amount of wisdom.Things we discuss: Amazon vs. DTCBuy w/ PrimeAmazon Affiliate pushesFBA vs. FBMAmazon remarketingAmazon Private LabelAnd more! Show Notes: Connect with Chris on LinkedInCheck out CartographCheck out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTokConnect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and TwitterCheck out Triple Whale

On this episode of Food Chained, Amrit Richmond (Founder of Indie CPG) lends her extensive CPG knowledge to us and shares valuable tips and industry insights that you can apply to your business TODAY. Things we discuss: Leveraging Snack Magic dataRetail roadmap for startupsF&B trendsRetailer buyers doing due diligence on brands like investorsThe 3 R's of FundingEmily Sundberg's piece on smallwashingAnd more! Show Notes: Connect with Amrit on LinkedInCheck out Indie CPGCheck out Perfy...

Tom Shea, co-founder and CRO of Adgile Media Group, a next-gen out-of-home advertising company, shares how the company has evolved creatively and technologically since its inception. They now apply color psychology and other creative data points pulled from hundreds of campaigns and have applied those learnings to drive better outcomes for brands. Adgile is more than just an OOH media company, they are a data-driven digital marketing powerhouse applying cutting-edge behavioral psychology...

On this episode of Food Chained, Bruce Cardenas (former CCO of Quest Nutrition and Brand Builder) shares how relationships and service to others have helped him grow some of the most recognizable brands in America. Things we discuss: Bruce's history in the military and LAPDHow he began working with Quest NutritionWorking for freeServing othersHow he became so well known in Sports NutritionAnd more! Show Notes: Connect with Bruce on LinkedInCheck out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram,...

On this episode of Food Chained, Lucas Kraft (Co-founder & CMO of Wonderbelly) shares how creating a brand from a place of personal need comes from the heart...and guts.

On this episode of Food Chained, Lucas Kraft (Co-founder & CMO of Wonderbelly) shares how creating a brand from a place of personal need comes from the heart...and guts.  Things we discuss: Relief should be something you enjoy, not endureDealing with an ED and the long-term impactDigestive Health Building an OTC (over-the-counter) brandZoom filters (listen if you want to laugh)And more! Check out Wonderbelly on LinkedInConnect with Lucas on LinkedInWonderbelly websiteCheck out Perfy...

On this episode of Food Chained, Stephen Caldwell (Founder & CEO of Rösti Stuft Spuds) shares his journey from globetrotting foodie to food founder.

On this episode of Food Chained, Marilyn Yang (Co-founder of Popadelics) shares her journey from finance to food founder as she builds around underloved foods, starting with mushrooms.

In this episode of Food Chained, DG (Founder & CEO of Dream Pops) shares how he created his brand's dream world, from mom's kitchen to thousands of doors in just a few years.

In this episode of Food Chained, Jake Karls (Co-Founder of Mid-Day Squares) shares the MDS story, how the team thinks about relationship building, and how YOU are your superpower when building a brand.

In this episode of Food Chained, Paul Voge (Co-Founder and CEO) shares Aura Bora's origin story. From habits crafted by mom, to delivering the very first PO by hand in San Francisco.

In this episode of Food Chained, Kristin Charbo (Co-Founder of Glonuts) shares the Glonuts origin story and how a side hustle became her and Grover's main squeeze.

In this episode of Food Chained, Stu Davidoff (Founder & CEO of Gigantic!) joins us to share his journey from finance to building a candy bar empire.

In this episode of Food Chained, Matt Weiss (Founder & CEO of Rind Snacks) joins us to discuss his journey from finance to CPG founder. With a great-grandmother who instilled the idea of "roots, rinds, seeds, & stems" early on, Matt took this family lesson, coupled it with a finance background, and set off to create a high growth better-for-you snacking platform with an emphasis on reducing food waste.