Crave, Launch, Win with Lex Evan of Lexington Bakes

In this conversation, Doug Behrens, CEO of Catalina Crunch, shares the inspiring story of the brand's inception, rooted in founder Krishna Kaliannan’s personal journey with Type 1 Diabetes. The discussion delves into the early success, fast growth, and eventual plateau of the brand that warranted a new approach if they wanted to grow past $75 million. Doug highlights the need for profitability in today's market, which empowers them to grow without the need for outside capital, and explains how they took a fresh look at their products and team to reignite growth – emphasizing the importance of mainstream taste, brand authenticity, and consumer trust as they push toward $200 million this year. We wrap up with Doug sharing his vision for a kinder, more sustainable world through better-for-you snacks.Takeaways:Krishna's journey began with a personal need for better snacks.Catalina Crunch started as a DTC brand but retail unlocked real growth.The brand focuses on snack nostalgia while providing healthier options.Doug emphasizes the importance of appealing to mainstream taste when scaling food products.Transitioning from founder-led organization to a scale-experienced leadership team is crucial.Maintaining authenticity and trust is vital for brand success.Profitability is prioritized over speed of growth in today's market.Consumer preferences are shifting towards healthier, low-sugar, high-fiber, and high-protein options.The company is methodical about product expansion and innovation.Sustainability and community connection are key to a better world.Sound bites:“He realized, holy cow, I can actually scale this.”“They decided to take it to retail and built it to about a $75 million business the end of 2023.”“The keto trend was on its way down and we were positioned as a keto brand.”“Taste is king of everything.”“Retailers are making decisions inside three to six months. You either have an item that performs or it's gone.”“He stays incredibly frugal in everything he does. For example, if you want to spend more marketing, you have to have more sales.”“Being able to build this business profitably without having to raise more and more money is pretty impressive”“You've got to have purpose has to be aligned with consumer values.”“I think a brand that puts people first, pays people fair, safe working conditions, dignity across everything they do is important.”Links:Doug Behrens - https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-behrens-43bb422/Catalina Crunch - https://us.catalinacrunch.com/Catalina Crunch on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/catalina-crunch/Catalina Crunch on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/catalinacrunch/Catalina Crunch on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/catalinacrunch……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 The Genesis of Catalina Crunch08:53 Founder Versus Operator15:01 Navigating Product Innovation and Market Trends20:57 The Importance of Authenticity and Trust26:46 Profitability and Sustainable Growth32:56 Future Vision and Market Opportunities38:57 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs44:56 Building a Better World Through BrandsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Lex Evan ®, founder and CEO of Lexington Bakes, discusses the growth of his brand, focusing on the wildly successful launch of his new chilled oat bars and the strategic decisions made to optimize product offerings for retail. The conversation highlights the brand's commitment to organic ingredients and radical ingredient transparency, the challenges and successes in co-manufacturing, and the importance of maintaining product quality. Lex discusses the recent $1 Million investment round and how that will help unlock the next stage of growth, including new product innovations, scaled manufacturing, and increased marketing efforts. As he grows the brand, Lex plans to remain committed to sustainability and organic ingredients, emphasizing the impact of consumer choices on the planet.Takeaways:Lexington Bakes focuses on luxury baked goods with organic ingredients.The brand emphasizes radical ingredient transparency for consumer empowerment.Oat bars were developed and launched in under three months.The oat bars have significantly less sugar, yet still taste indulgent.Packaging design has evolved to enhance clarity at retail and appeal for social media posting.The brand is optimizing product sizes to drive trial and increase velocities in retail.Lex raised $1 million to enhance marketing and production.Finding the right co-manufacturer was a significant challenge.Maintaining product quality is crucial for brand integrity.Lex's oat bar launch received amazing consumer feedback, retail traction, and a Good Housekeeping Award.A new peanut butter cookie formula increases the protein content.The brand focuses on using organic ingredients for sustainability.A better world means making conscious consumer choices.Sound bites:"We make luxury brownies, cookies, and oat bars from scratch with real organic and air trade ingredients – no naughty ingredients."“The oat bars have 40 % less sugar than our cookies and brownies.”"I got very lucky finding the right co-manufacturer."“We won two good housekeeping best snack awards, one of which is for the oat bar that I developed in three months.”"We sold 30 or 40 units in two hours."“We're going to be more nutrient dense than one of the most prominent protein cookies out there.”“We all have the power to make decisions that positively impact.”Links:Lex Evan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexevan/Lexington Bakes - https://lexingtonbakes.com/Lexington Bakes on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/lexingtonbakesLexington Bakes on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lexingtonbakesLexington Bakes on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lexingtonbakesLexington Bakes on X - https://x.com/lexingtonbakes…Elk Marketing - https://elkhq.com/…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 Lexington Bakes05:16 The Journey of Oat Bar Development12:51 Consumer Response and Market Strategy18:56 Packaging Evolution and Design Optimization30:41 Bootstrapping and Growth Strategies39:00 Navigating Co-Manufacturing Challenges40:58 Celebrating Wins and Learning from Challenges51:45 Product Innovations and Future Plans57:37 Vision for a Better WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.

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.

In this conversation, Bryon White, co-founder of Yaupon Brothers, discusses the unique qualities and benefits of Yaupon, the only caffeine-containing plant native to North America. He shares insights into the history of Yaupon, its cultivation, and the innovative flavored blends that have emerged. The discussion also covers their recent influencer branded products and the importance of building authentic relationships with influencers for successful marketing. We discuss the challenges faced by the CPG industry, and the role of regenerative agriculture in sustainable farming practices. Bryon emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to understand their customers and the significance of leaving the world better than we found it.Takeaways:Yaupon is the only caffeine-containing plant native to North America.Historically, Yaupon was widely consumed across various cultures for its energizing and medicinal properties.Yaupon offers a smoother taste compared to traditional teas due to its lower tannin content.Theobromine in Yaupon provides a chill energy boost without jitters.Yaupon Brothers focuses on cultivating unique varietals for better tea production.Flavored Yaupon blends have gained popularity, appealing to a broader audience.Building authentic relationships with influencers can lead to successful collaborations.Regenerative agriculture practices are integral to Yaupon cultivation.Entrepreneurs should prioritize understanding their customers before launching products.The CPG industry faces challenges with rising costs across the supply chain, local production is a big win.Sound bites:“Yaupon has been associated with mental, spiritual, and physical purity for at least 8,000 years, probably longer than that. And only in the last 150, 200 years has it really sort of been forgotten about.”“Yaupon is the only caffeine source native to North America.”“It's very similar to tea in terms of its caffeine content, but with a higher ratio of theobromine to caffeine, meaning that it's a way more chill experience.”"Flavored Yaupon blends have gained popularity."“Yaupon is the only caffeinated holly native to in North America. The other two are in South America and those are yerba mate and wayusa.”“Yaupon trees provide habitat for wildlife, they provide food for pollinators, they help stabilize the soil, and when we harvest the trees, we tend to put the woody material from the harvesting process back into the soil, so there could be like a carbon sequestration component as well.”“We were able to give Uncle Pappy a way to monetize his following without doing things that he wasn't comfortable doing. Without selling out, so to speak.”“We have a 5 % give back to Friends of the Everglades, which was something that Uncle Pappy cared about a lot and something that we jive with.”"The CPG industry faces rising costs and challenges.""Social media has made us dumb and inconsiderate."Links:Bryon White on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryon-white-b9b172b0/Yaupon Brothers - https://yauponbrothers.com/Yaupon Brothers on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/YauponAsiTea/Yaupon Brothers on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yauponteaYaupon Brothers on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1hGFk-WriknjdCK0iqF0MQYaupon Brothers on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@yauponbrothers…Black Drink, A Native American Tea (Book) - https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/black-drink-a-native-american-tea/2851945/item/28550797/#edition=3163440&idiq=33503911…Uncle Pappy Florida Chai - https://yauponbrothers.com/products/yaupon-tea-uncle-pappys-zippacket-16Uncle Pappy on Instagram - https://www.everglades.org/Uncle Pappy on Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@unc.pappyUncle Pappy on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7arn0PnTCPNbAKRzNhD-vQFriends of the Everglades - https://www.everglades.org/…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 Yaupon and Its Significance05:50 Health Benefits and Unique Qualities of Yaupon08:48 Consumer Reactions and Perceptions of Yaupon11:41 Yaupon Varietals and Flavored Blends14:41 The Founding Story of Yaupon Brothers17:41 Processing Yaupon and Its Accessibility20:45 Affiliate Marketing and Influencer Collaborations23:48 Successful Collaborations and Product Development26:45 Future of Affiliate Marketing and Building Relationships41:51 The Shift in Investment Landscape44:52 Challenges in Starting New Ventures47:44 Influencer Collaborations and Market Expansion52:37 Embracing Regenerative Agriculture58:03 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs01:06:32 Defining a Better WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Simón Sacal, CEO and co-founder of Solely, shares his journey toward building a company focused on creating healthy fruit snacks made entirely from real fruit. He explains the challenges of using real fruit in manufacturing, the importance building a reliable supply chain, and how the patented innovations that unlocked their ability to make indulgent yet nutritious products. He then shares vision for the future of the company, advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs, and how he believes that aligned incentives in the food system can lead to a better world.Takeaways:Solely aims to revolutionize fruit snacks by using only real fruit.The evolution of fruit snacks from their original candy origin.Using real fruit in manufacturing presents unique challenges.Organic sourcing is a priority, but making indulgent yet nutritious whole food snacks is their purpose.Eliminating waste in the supply chain is crucial for efficiency.Building strong relationships with farmers is essential for success, especially when using whole, fresh ingredients.Innovative manufacturing processes allow for shelf-stable fruit products without preservatives.Future growth will focus on expanding product lines while maintaining quality.Aspiring entrepreneurs should ensure their product solves a real problem.Business must be treated as a sustainable venture, not just a passion project.Sound bites:“So I have a very, very long story. I've been doing this for more than 25 years.”“We're designed to crave sweetness, and in nature the only place that you find sweetness is in fruit.”"We help farmers use 100% of what they grow.”“All the incentives are aligned and everyone makes money from each other's success.”“The process has to be very mild to the fruit. And then you need to manufacture it in a way that you don't need preservatives.”“It's all about the basics. This is not rocket science. The product has to taste amazing. It has to be priced in line with everything else. It has to communicate well to the consumer. It has to have a market fit.”“To make a product out of fruit, you need to create the whole supply chain and understand how to do it in a way that's profitable, that works for the supply chain, for the farmers, for you.”“At the end of the day, it's just a great product that checks all the boxes.”Links:Simуn Sacal on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sim%C3%B3n-sacal-05265715a/Solely - https://solely.com/Solely on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/solely-inc/Solely on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/solelycleanfood/Solely on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/solelyfruit/Solely on X - https://x.com/solelyfruitSolely on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@solelyfruit…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 Soli and Its Mission06:00 Revolutionizing Fruit Snacks: The Soli Approach09:03 Challenges of Using Real Fruit in Production11:59 The Importance of Organic Sourcing14:54 Understanding the Complexity of Food Production18:05 The Role of Waste in Food Systems20:57 Building Relationships with Farmers24:02 Soli's Commitment to Sustainability and Health34:09 Supporting Farmers Through Sustainable Practices38:47 Innovative Manufacturing for Healthy Products46:51 Future Growth and Product Innovation52:41 Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs56:40 Personal Insights and Reflections62:19 Creating a Better World Through Aligned IncentivesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Rona Williams, Senior Director of Strategic Innovation at Bragg Live Foods, shares insights into the company's rich legacy, innovative product development, and commitment to wellness. She discusses the importance of maintaining brand integrity while navigating market trends, the role of B Corp certification, and lessons learned from her previous experience in the toy industry. Rona emphasizes the significance of efficacious ingredients in their products and offers advice for aspiring marketers. The conversation also touches on creative uses for apple cider vinegar and the vision for a better world where everyone has access to healthy food.Takeaways:Bragg Live Foods is a legacy brand with a focus on innovation.The company supports plant-based diets and wellness.Maintaining brand integrity is crucial for legacy brands.Efficacious ingredients are essential for consumer trust.B Corp certification aligns with Bragg's values of wellness and community.Lessons from the toy industry can apply to food marketing.Storytelling is key in marketing and brand positioning.Creative uses for apple cider vinegar extend beyond consumption.Access to healthy food is a fundamental right.Younger generations are more open to exploring diverse career paths.Sound bites:"We're a hundred plus year old startup."“Becoming a B Corp was a natural extension of who we've always been.”“60 % of our management team is women.”“Acetic acid is the compound within apple cider vinegar that brings forth the efficaciousness, if you will, or the benefits.”“With 750 milligrams of acetic acid, it's been shown to support healthy weight levels, blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels.““We ensure that every serving has that 750 milligrams of acetic acid in it so that when you're consuming you have those benefits as well.”“People are using our pineapple turmeric ACV, which is absolutely delicious and perfect for summer, in all things, including salad dressings and mocktails.”"Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is an amazing for hair."“If you're in marketing, being a good storyteller is super critical because if your message doesn't ever come across, then you're not being effective as a marketer.”“Everyone deserves to have access to good food, housing, and education”Links:Rona Williams on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronawilliams/Bragg - https://www.bragg.com/Bragg on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/bragglivefoods/Bragg on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bragglivefoods/Bragg on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bragg/Bragg on X - https://x.com/bragglivefoodsBragg on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2abWlKZUOCSDoYg0ORz6EgBragg on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/bragglivefoodproducts/…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 Bragg Live Foods and Rona Williams06:04 Exploring Bragg's Product Range and Legacy08:45 Innovation and Product Development at Bragg11:47 Consumer Insights and Market Research15:01 The Role of B Corp Certification18:02 Sustainability and Packaging Innovations20:50 Maintaining Brand Integrity and Focus26:12 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar34:21 The B Corp Movement and Community Engagement37:24 Transitioning from Toys to Food Marketing40:38 Finding Your Niche in the Food Industry45:36 Advice for Aspiring Marketers53:18 Personal Insights and Career Advice57:36 Creative Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar60:07 Building a Better World Through Access to FoodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Jason Burke, founder of New Primal, shares his journey of building a purpose-driven business from the ground up. He shares how growing up poor influenced his mindset, the importance of resilience, how he overcame his challenges with fundraising, and that authenticity wins in entrepreneurship. He also reflects on the evolution of his brand and the importance catering to an underserved consumer segment — in his case, women and children. The discussion concludes with insights on personal growth and his vision for a better world through access to wholesome food.Takeaways:Jason Burke founded New Primal to change the course of his family tree.Resilience and grit are essential in entrepreneurship.Purpose-driven businesses are more likely to succeed in tough times.Many entrepreneurs quit due to financial constraints.The evolution of a brand is crucial for survival in a competitive market.Fundraising in the CPG industry has become increasingly challenging.Authenticity is key to building a successful brand.Building for the long term is more beneficial than seeking quick exits.Women and children are often overlooked in the protein snack market.Pivoting can prevent the need to quit.Sound bites:“When you start from nothing there's really not a lot to lose.”"I made a commitment to myself many years ago, even before I started New Primal, that I was gonna change the course of my family tree forever.""I've never once thought, God, this is too hard. I'm going to quit.""You have to have something you're aiming for."“The last couple of years, the wells of CPG fundraising ran dry.”“Confidence and conviction are the are two key pillars of fundraising.”“The people who show up authentically in the world are the most successful people I know.”“Sometimes those pivots help you find your new focus.”Links:Jason Burke - https://www.jasonburke.co/Jason Burke on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/burkejason/Jason Burke on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jasonmichaelburke/Jason Burke on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmichaelburkeNew Primal - https://newprimal.com/New Primal on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-primal/New Primal on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thenewprimal/New Primal on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thenewprimal/New Primal on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/thenewprimal/…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 Jason Burke and New Primal04:48 The Grit of Entrepreneurship13:45 Common Reasons Entrepreneurs Give Up21:57 Evolution of New Primal33:07 Targeting Women and Kids in the Protein Market39:11 Finding Opportunities in Saturated Markets42:57 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Entrepreneurship51:03 The Journey to Authenticity53:43 The Evolution of the Podcast60:47 Giving Back Through Mentorship01:07:27 Building for the Long GameSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, Victoria Ho tell us about her a journey into food and wellness, and how that sense of purpose drove her to launch her new Ayurvedic cooking system brand, Khalo. She discusses the interconnectedness of food, health, and personal growth, and how cooking serves as a form of self-care. Victoria highlights the challenges of building a brand in the CPG landscape and how she’s bringing what she’s learned as a CPG consultant, through Sherpa CPG, into building her own brand. Through Kahlo, she aims to make Ayurveda accessible and create a community that fosters connection and belonging. She talks about the value of community she’s found through organizations like Specialty Food Association and :Included CPG, and emphasizes the need for equity in supporting conscious brands. The discussion also highlights the significance of kindness and empathy in creating a better world.Takeaways:Victoria Ho emphasizes the importance of storytelling in her ventures.Food serves as a universal language that connects humanity.Cooking is a form of self-care and personal expression.The journey of wellness is ongoing and requires conscious choices.Kahlo aims to make Ayurveda accessible and approachable.Building a brand involves creating a community of trust and belonging.The food industry has a responsibility to guide consumers towards healthier choices.Disconnection in the food system impacts health and wellness.Consumer trust is crucial in navigating food choices.The process of building a brand is filled with challenges and learning opportunities. Launching a product in 2025 requires a different financial approach.A company's success relies on its people.Conscious leadership involves walking alongside customers.Equity is essential for supporting conscious brands.Kindness is fundamental to a better world.Sound bites:"Food is the story of humanity. It's also the story of the planet.”“Cooking and the kitchen have always been my happy place."“A company is made up of people. And if you don't have the right people in that company, no matter how great your processes or systems or anything else are, that company is going to struggle.”“Khalo in Hindi, loosely translates to come eat.”“Don't get lost in the sauce. Find yourself through the sauce.”“When I finished my last round of chemotherapy I had to relearn how to eat. I didn't know what hunger was anymore. My body was so confused. My gut was destroyed.”“I've probably been on more than, I don't know, 500 production runs in my life.”“I felt like I finally found my people when I went to my first Fancy Food show.”“People wanna make healthy choices, but don't know where to start.”“There's also so many insane brands in our community at :Included CPG that like impressed me every single day with how they're balancing heritage flavor and really helpful ingredients.”Links:Victoria Ho on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriajho/Khalo - https://www.khaloworld.com/Khalo on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/khalokitchen/Khalo on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/khalokitchen/Sherpa CPG - https://www.sherpacpg.com/Sherpa CPG on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/sherpacpg/:Included CPG - https://www.includedcpg.com/:Included CPG on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/included-cpg/Specialty Food Association - https://www.specialtyfood.com/Specialty Food Association on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/specialty-food-association/…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 Victoria Ho and Her Ventures05:56 The Journey of Creating Impact through Food08:36 Food as a Connection to Self and Others11:23 The Role of Food in Wellness and Belonging14:15 Reconnecting with Cooking as a Ritual17:32 The Disconnection in the Food System20:21 Consumer Trust and the Food Industry's Responsibility23:24 Navigating Choices in a Processed Food World26:13 Kahlo: A New Brand with Purpose29:07 The Philosophy Behind Kahlo and Ayurveda35:29 Making Ayurveda Accessible36:52 Personal Journey of Healing39:14 Building a Company with Love41:59 The Role of Cooking in Wellness45:20 Effort and Convenience in Wellness50:32 Navigating Challenges in CPG53:51 Lessons in Leadership and Team Dynamics01:07:29 Community Engagement and the Specialty Food Association01:16:22 Defining Fancy in Food Culture01:19:41 Empowerment and Community in Specialty Food01:21:16 Creating Equity for Conscious Brands01:26:03 Amplifying Voices in the Specialty Food Industry01:30:46 The Role of Purpose in CPG01:35:23 Favorite Brands and Innovations01:42:04 Highlighting Unsung Heroes in CPG01:48:03 The Essence of a Better WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jade, the co-founder and CEO of Dr. Glitter, tell us about her innovative nutrient crystals, a unique product format that combines the fun of edible glitter with iron and gut health supplements. The discussion covers the challenges of modern diets, the importance of iron, fiber, and probiotics, and the need for educating consumers about nutrition. Jade shares insights on the patenting process, the strategic move into the US market, and their retail collaboration with Urban Outfitters which is helping them get in front of Gen Z consumers. The conversation concludes with Jade's vision for a better world through empowering healthy living and the importance of thinking bigger as an entrepreneur.Takeaways:Dr. Glitter's Nutrient Crystals are a novel supplement format.The idea originated from a desire to make nutrition fun and appealing.Modern diets often lack essential nutrients, making supplements necessary.Iron is the #1 deficiency in the world, and is a significant global issue, especially among women.1 stick of Dr. Glitter is equivalent to the iron in 4 ounces of beef.Probiotics are crucial for gut health, but many struggle to consume them regularly.Consumer education takes time but is vital for driving consumer trial and retention.The patenting process is complex but essential for protecting innovations.Urban Outfitters provides a unique retail opportunity for Dr. Glitter.A better world means empowering people to live healthier and happier lives.Sound bites:“We are definitely the world's first. Patent Office has confirmed that.”"Whole foods are not enough [referring to declining nutrition content].”“We like to celebrate whole foods and make nutrition fun.”“The best advice I've been given is to not rush into retail.”“It's important to scale things that work and not scale any things that are not quite right yet.”“I think people should just think bigger, think longer term, be more patient, and the world would be a better place.”“We finally launched and then to our surprise, we went viral in the US. SnackShot picked us up and then three retailers reached out.”Links:Cynthia Duran on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadediep/DrGlitter - https://drglitter.com/DrGlitter on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/drglitter/DrGlitter on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drglitterhealth/DrGlitter on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drglitterhealthDrGlitter on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drglitter…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 Dr. Glitter and Nutrient Crystals06:02 The Inspiration Behind Nutrient Crystals08:53 The Importance of Whole Foods and Nutrition11:44 Targeting Nutritional Deficiencies: Iron and Probiotics14:53 The Unique Manufacturing Process and Patent17:48 Education on Nutrient Absorption and Probiotic Effectiveness20:55 Addressing Sugar and Sweetener Concerns23:34 Market Trends and the Role of GLP-1 in Nutrition27:34 The Importance of Unflavored Supplements28:44 Patenting and Intellectual Property Strategy34:28 Navigating the Challenges of Patenting37:59 Expanding into the US Market42:55 Strategic Partnerships with Urban Outfitters47:18 Retail vs. Online Adoption50:46 Consumer Education and Retention Strategies54:40 Advice for Entrepreneurs56:59 Personal Touch: Favorite Ways to Use the Product60:07 Vision for a Better WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.