Corey Rateau is Senior Category Manager at Good Eggs , the e-commerce grocery business beloved by the Bay Area. On today's episode of ITS, Corey walks Ali through what buyers are looking for from brands. They discuss how choosing new brands is a fraction of a buyer's job, and how brands need to identify the role our product will play in a store's assortment. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In the Sauce by becoming a member ! In the Sauce is Power...
Nov 16, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 100
Ben Goodwin and Eli Weiss are the Founder/CEO and the Customer Service Director of Olipop , the low sugar, prebiotic, fiber-rich healthy soda alternative that is, as they say “Killing it!” On this episode of ITS, they talk with Ali about the difference between customer service and customer experience, how expanding your team requires "depth charges," and why self awareness is critical for a founder, but also a company. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Sup...
Nov 03, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 99
Chuck Cotter leads the Food, Beverage, and Consumer Products industry group at the Law Firm Holland and Hart, advising companies of all sizes and stages. On this episode of ITS, Chuck breaks down the differences between LLCs and C-Corps, how to talk to your team about equity, what to think about as you raise capital, and the general state of CPG today. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In the Sauce by becoming a member ! In the Sauce is Powered by ...
Oct 26, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 98
Kerrigan Behrens is the Co-CEO and Co-founder of Sagely Naturals , a CBD wellness company that sells in 10 thousand stores, including Ulta, CVS and Sprouts. On this episode of ITS, Kerrigan and Ali talk about the foundation that Sagely has been built on: A clear reason to exist, an underserved (unexpected) market, and a brand identity that has never wavered. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In the Sauce by becoming a member ! In the Sauce is Power...
Oct 22, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 97
Sandro Roco is the founder of Sanzo , the 1st Asian-inspired sparkling water. On today's episode of ITS, Sandro explains why CPG businesses should be built on empathy and curiosity. They also talk about launching in a way that makes sense for your product, how you can save money by digging deep before you work with creatives, and why early feedback is so critical. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In the Sauce by becoming a member ! In the Sauce is...
Oct 08, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 96
Jen Ross and Cristina Ros Blankfein, are co-founders of Swoon , zero sugar cocktail mixers and syrups, and now!, ready-to-drink sugar free lemonades. On this episode of ITS, Jen and Cristina talk Ali through rebranding to expand into the ready-to-drink set, how it all comes down to relationships, and why listening to your super fans can be your super power. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In the Sauce by becoming a member ! In the Sauce is Powere...
Sep 24, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 95
Coulter Lewis is the Founder and CEO of Sunday , a sustainable lawn care company that is uprooting a massive industry. On this episode of ITS, Coulter and Ali talk about what it means to fully reinvent a category, how new e-commerce brands aren't just about convenience and cost anymore, and why above all, our job is to Interpret what our customers need and then go beyond what they would ask for. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In the Sauce by bec...
Sep 21, 2020•56 min•Ep. 94
Ayeshah Abuelhiga is the Founder & CEO of Mason Dixie Foods , the company taking on the Pillsbury dough boy one better-for-you biscuit at a time. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Ayeshah discuss how her Minority and LGBTQ-owned company is redefining Southern food, why the most important key to hiring is your authenticity and how consumer research can truly save the day. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In the Sauce by becoming a member ! In the...
Sep 04, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 93
Sandra Velasquez is the Founder of Distro 101, a class focused on the nitty, gritty skills of grocery sales, distribution and merchandising. She is also the NYC Area Sales Manager for Van Leeuwen Ice Cream and National Sales rep for HiBAR, the plastic-free hair care brand. On this episode of ITS, Sandra walks Ali through the ideal cold-email to a grocery buyer, why it's not about you or your product, and above all, how sales is about service and support. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supp...
Aug 25, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 92
Thecla Schaeffer is the Marketing Magic Maker (Head of Marketing) at Tony’s Chocolonely , the big, bold, bright Dutch chocolate bars on a mission to make the chocolate industry more equitable and entirely free of child labor. On this episode of ITS, Thecla and Ali talk about how Tony’s became the market leader in the Netherlands, as well as the most sustainable brand in the country, by being distinctly untraditional at every turn. They talk about growing a purpose-driven brand in the US, and wha...
Aug 17, 2020•55 min•Ep. 91
Trevor Smith is the founder and CEO of Snack Jones , a next-generation snack box offering a curated box of better-for-you snacks delivered to your doorstep.On this episode of ITS, Trevor shares why it's important for founders to celebrate the tiny wins, what he means by "hear everyone and listen to no one," and why there really is no top of the mountain. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In the Sauce by becoming a member ! In the Sauce is Powered b...
Aug 13, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 90
Starr Edwards is the Founder of Bitchin Sauce – the vegan dips and sauces that sell like hot cakes and get more popular every day. On this episode of ITS, Starr tells Ali the story of Bitchin', what makes the brand resonate so deeply with consumers, and how they've kept true to the core business and their identity while growing exponentially. In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording st...
Aug 10, 2020•59 min•Ep. 89
Essie Bartels is the Founder of Essie Spice , spice blends that combine the seasonings of her native Ghana with the flavors from her travels around the world. On this episode of ITS, ali and Essie talk about representation — how Essie's business is about more than spices — and why research and gut instincts need to work together as you build your business. In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our littl...
Jul 29, 2020•53 min•Ep. 88
Amrit Richmond and Steven Vigilante are friends and CPG gurus who created Indie CPG - a global community of over 250 brand founders. On this episode of ITS, Amrit and Steven talk Ali through some of most common mistakes founders make, as well as some of the common strategies that work, and trends they're seeing across CPG products, categories, fundraising and more. In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from ...
Jul 22, 2020•53 min•Ep. 87
Vanessa and Kim Pham are the founders of Omsom , the DTC ready-to-use meal starters packed with the aromatics, seasonings, and oils at the foundation of many Asian dishes. On this episode of ITS, Kim and Vanessa share their story, their views on food appropriation, and how Omsom is helping make Asian condiments feel representative of the changing DNA of the US. In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our ...
Jul 17, 2020•52 min•Ep. 86
Ibraheem Basir is the Founder of A Dozen Cousins , a line of ready-to-eat beans using delicious recipes from Black and Latino cultures. On this episode of ITS, Ibraheem and Ali discuss the gap between food culture and the (very crowded) world of "natural products," and how A Dozen Cousins is built to bridge that gap. Ibraheem also shares how his experience working for Annie's and General Mills has shaped the way he's building his business. In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows...
Jul 03, 2020•53 min•Ep. 85
Allison DeVane is founder of Teaspressa , the company that created coffee-inspired tea blends, designed to make tea drinks like lattes just like their espresso counterparts. On this episode of ITS, Allison and Ali discuss the assets and liabilities of building brick and mortar businesses alongside CPG products, especially as COVID-19 continues to threaten retail. In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from ou...
Jun 24, 2020•52 min•Ep. 84
Alli Ball is a grocery buyer turned consultant, and the creator of Retail Ready, an online course food CPG founders. Alli is also host of Food Biz Wiz , a podcast about wholesale strategy.On this episode of ITS, Alli and Ali talk about what it takes to get products on the shelf, and keep them there. Step by step. In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepping away from our little recording studio, but we know that you rel...
Jun 19, 2020•58 min•Ep. 83
Chris Moe is the Co-founder and COO of Cartograph , an agency that creates custom solutions for 30 different brands to sell successfully on Amazon, including Lily’s chocolates, Justin’s nut butters and Fourth and Heart. On this episode of ITS, Chris breaks all things Amazon down for Ali, explaining the different ways to sell on the platform and the keys to success selling there. In March, HRN began producing all of our 35 weekly shows from our homes all around the country. It was hard work stepp...
Jun 17, 2020•57 min•Ep. 82
Sana Javeri Kadri is the Founder of Diaspora Co. , the spice company on a mission to decolonize the spice trade. Sana started Diaspora in 2017 to create a radically new vision of how American consumers buy Indian spices. On this episode of ITS, Sana and Ali discuss appropriation versus appreciation and the power of ethical sourcing. HRN will be donating 10% of our membership drive proceeds from now until June 15 to the Philando Castile Relief Foundation. Visit heritageradionetwork.org/donate to ...
Jun 09, 2020•39 min•Ep. 81
Nicole Centeno is Founder and CEO of Splendid Spoon , the online meal delivery company that offers ready-to-eat, nourishing, plant-based smoothies, soups and grain bowls. On this episode of ITS, Nicole and Ali talk about how Splendid Spoon leaned into direct to consumer early on, the complexities of supply chain and how the lessons we learn from parenting apply to our businesses in ways we could never imagine. In The Sauce is powered by Simplecast . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privac...
May 20, 2020•58 min•Ep. 80
Daniel Sklaar is Founder of FINE & RAW chocolate , the Brooklyn- based raw chocolate company focused on sustainable ingredient sourcing and minimal processing. Daniel started Fine and Raw in a Williamsburg loft in 2007 and opened a factory in Bushwick 5 years later. Today, FINE & RAW is still going strong and 100% owned by Daniel. On this episode of ITS, Daniel and Ali talk about building organically, leaving room for creativity, and how too many people making decisions is usually a bad ...
May 17, 2020•50 min•Ep. 79
John Sherwin and Jai Jung Kim, co-founders of HYDRANT , were each on their own path building hydration powders to take on Gatorade and the sports/energy drink categories. Then they met and decided to build Hydrant together and start selling their bright little packets of electrolytes online. On this episode of ITS, Jai, John and Ali talk about that partnership, how DTC companies expand into stores, strategy in the age of COVID and what's next for the company. In The Sauce is powered by Simplecas...
May 11, 2020•54 min•Ep. 78
Ariel Pasternak and Atara Bernstein are the co-founders of Pineapple Collaborative , a company on a mission to connect and celebrate women who love food. What started as community builder, is now a full-fledged "lifestyle brand" as the duo launched their first pantry products DTC last year. On this episode of ITS, Ali, Atara and Ariel talk true community, shifting from a service business to a product business, and why "selling something" doesn't mean you're not building a true community. In the ...
Apr 27, 2020•56 min•Ep. 77
In this special live episode of In The Sauce - Ali joins Whole Foods Market Tribeca to celebrate women makers across the country who raise the bar! Recorded on February 27th, 2020: We hear from a diverse group of women how they have overcome adversity to create products we love. Our panelists include: Maria Loi of Loi, Pooja Bavishi of Malai, Homa Dashtaki of White Moustache, Essie Bartels of Essiespice , and Janie Deegan of Janie’s Life-Changing Baked Goods. In The Sauce is powered by Simplecas...
Apr 24, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 76
Sylvie Charles is Founder and CEO of Just Date Syrup , the squeeze bottles of the pure, delicious sugar substitute made with Organic, California dates. On this episode of ITS, Sylvie shares the path that took her from medical school, through a major back injury, to building a chutney company and finally landing on Just Date. Life rarely goes the way we plan, Sylvie and Ali's conversation is focused on how to adjust to new realities, make thoughtful plans and ultimately build something sweet. In ...
Apr 20, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 75
Phillip Rivers is founder and CEO of Go Tetra , a messaging agency that specializes in email marketing. On today's episode of ITS, Phil and Ali talk about email marketing, why it's re-emerging as an important communications channel, why it often remains underused, and how businesses can hit the sweet spot of consistent communication without annoying their consumers. In the Sauce is powered by Simplecast . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://ar...
Apr 14, 2020•57 min•Ep. 74
Chris Kirby is the Founder and CEO of Ithaca Hummus . On this episode of ITS, Chris tells Ali the story of Ithaca, how he's grown into 5000 stores without venture funding, and how he's managing the company during the current pandemic. In The Sauce is powered by Simplecast . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Apr 06, 2020•47 min•Ep. 73
Chris Fenster is the Founder and CEO of Propeller Industries , an "outsourced" CFO and accounting partner that helps close to 300 early-stage entrepreneurs build CPG companies. On this episode of ITS, Ali and her Director of Operations, Marissa, ask Chris what early stage companies need to be doing right now: From forecasting and cash management to protecting relationships with investors, buyers, and co-packers. Chris breaks down the best practices he's seeing founders employ and his predictions...
Apr 01, 2020•58 min•Ep. 72
Gabi Lewis and Greg Sewitz are the founders of Magic Spoon ,the high protein, low carb cereal that has pretty much changed cereal forever. They've also been friends and business partners since college and Magic Spoon is their second company together. On this episode of ITS, Ali talks with Gabi and Greg about how founders can prepare themselves for the new reality of the Coronavirus. In the Sauce is powered by Simplecast . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Not...
Mar 25, 2020•59 min•Ep. 71
