Chitra Agrawal is Co-Founder of Brooklyn Delhi , the Indian condiment company she grew out of a thriving food blog and cookbook. On this episode of ITS, Chitra and Ali talk about consumer education, when a founder needs to get out of the kitchen, and what it's like (or how to manage) working with your husband. Image courtesy of Liz Clayman. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member ! In The Sauce is Powered by Simplecast ....
Aug 04, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 130
LeShaun Smedley is the Manager of Corporate Supplier Diversity for the Kroger Company. He leads the effort to build a more diverse, equitable supplier base for the $121 billion grocery company that has over 2800 stores with 11 million customers a day. On this episode of ITS, LeShaun tells Ali how Kroger works, what we can bring to the table as emerging brands, what homework we need to do before engaging with Kroger, and why diversity is a massive strategic driver for Kroger. Heritage Radio Netwo...
Jul 22, 2021•41 min•Ep. 129
Mayssa Chehata is the founder and CEO of Behave , the low-sugar gummy bears made with better-for-you, all-natural ingredients and elevated flavors. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Mayssa talk about balancing market validation with gut instinct, why partnerships need to be focused on true value for everyone, and why feedback is the key to your success. If you count on HRN content, become a monthly sustaining donor at heritageradionetwork.org/donate . In The Sauce is Powered by Simplecast . See Pr...
Jul 15, 2021•58 min•Ep. 128
Annalea Krebs is the founder and CEO of Social Nature , a product discovery and trial platform that helps emerging brands reach consumers, and build a loyal community. On this episode of ITS, Annalea and Ali discuss how Social Nature reconciles two seemingly opposing rules: Sampling is still critical and yet most brand discovery starts online. For wholesale-first brands, or DTC brands looking for a brick and mortar strategy, this episode is a dream. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported...
Jul 01, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 127
Eric Strickland, National Director of Alternate Channel Sales at Tessemae’s. On this episode of ITS, Eric and Ali talk Sales: form big picture strategy and the importance of a guiding WHY, to the details of a sales deck. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member ! 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...
Jun 23, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 126
Nona Lim is the Founder and CEO of Nona Lim, everyone’s favorite fresh Asian broths, noodles and stir fry kits. On this episode of ITS, Nona tells Ali a story of pivoting, observation, grit, and quick thinking — all of the skills she needed as a competitive fencer — and how she applied them to building the innovative brand she leads today. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Inside Julia's Kitchen by becoming a member ! Inside Julia's Kitchen is Powe...
Jun 17, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 125
‘Yemisi Awosan is the Founder of Egunsi Foods , a ready-to-heat soup, starter, and sauce brand inspired by West African ingredients. On this episdoe of ITS, 'Yemisi tells her story and she and Ali talk about being a more private founder in the entrepreneurial world of ego and personality. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member ! In The Sauce is Powered by Simplecast . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and ...
Jun 10, 2021•59 min•Ep. 124
Lola Adeyemi is Founder of " It’s Souper ” a line of Afro-Fusion Soups & Sauces currently sold online and in Canada. On this episode of ITS, Lola and Ali talk about the beginning: What is it really like to go from idea to product to sales and why confidence is not about bravado but about trust in what you're building. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member ! In The Sauce is Powered by Simplecast . See Privacy Policy...
May 26, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 123
Gail Becker is Founder and CEO of CAULIPOWER , the powerhouse company that has become a household name in 3 years. On today's episode of ITS, Gail and Ali talk about thinking big, listening to your customers and knowing when to say "no." Listen all the way through for a surprise. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member ! In The Sauce is Powered by Simplecast . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californi...
May 19, 2021•46 min•Ep. 122
Armando Fuentes is a clinical psychologist who leads workshops and seminars focused on mental health, diversity, equity, and inclusion. On this episode of ITS, Armando and Ali discuss why DEI work is important, especially as early-stage companies begin to shape their values, and how to approach it. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member ! In The Sauce is Powered by Simplecast . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pr...
May 15, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 121
Megan Bent is the founder of Harbinger Ventures, an investment firm specializing in early-stage consumer brands led by exceptional female or mixed-gender founding teams. On this episode of ITS, Megan and Ali talk about the state of the CPG industry and what founders in today's environment can do to build smart companies with solid fundamentals, strong voices, and clear value for consumers. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming ...
May 06, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 120
Jamila Owens-Todd is the owner of Golden Grocer , a natural health food store in St. Louis that has served the community for 40 years. A practicing Naturopath, Jamila took the helm at Golden Grocer after years of sending her patients there, just before COVID changed everything. On this episode of ITS, Jamila tells Ali her story, the story of Golden Grocer, and how she sees her store as a force of healing, not only for her community, and not only physically. Heritage Radio Network is a listener s...
Apr 28, 2021•54 min•Ep. 119
John Foraker is Co-Founder and CEO of Once Upon a Farm and has spent more than 30 years in the natural and organic food industry, running businesses (Annie's for one) with a sharp focus on sustainability and social responsibility. On this episode of In the Sauce, John shares his hard-earned wisdom about the natural food industry: From mission and core consumers to dealing with grocery buyers and trade spend. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The...
Apr 22, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 118
Monisha Khushalani is CFO at Hu Products, the better for you snacks company known for their chocolate bars and hunks. On this epiosode of ITS, Monisha walks Ali through the finance piece of the puzzle: Accounting, modeling, cash flow, and more. And Monisha should know, she has led 3 companies through aquistions by the CPG "Big Guys," including Sir Kensington's sale to Unilever and Mondalez's recent purchase of Hu. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support ...
Apr 15, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 117
Marissa Dobbins and Courtnie Beceiro are the General Manager and Brand Director at Haven's Kitchen. With Ali on vacation this week, the two of them take over ITS to talk about their experience leaving Fresh Direct to build a start up, their management styles, and how to work with a Founder (hint: learn how to say "no" to them...). Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member ! In The Sauce is Powered by Simplecast . See Priva...
Apr 08, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 116
Jing Gao is the Founder of Fly by Jing , the super popular spice and condiment company on a mission to bring premium, natural, uncensored Chinese flavors to the table. On this episode of ITS, Jing tells Ali her story, and the story of Fly by Jing. They discuss Fly by Jing in the broader context of centuries of false narratives about Chinese food in the US, and how a refresh of the brand led Jing to reclaim her name after 25 years. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast ...
Mar 24, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 115
Alex Center is a designer and founder of the branding company CENTER. Prior to building his own studio, Alex worked at Coca-Cola, where he became Design Director, for 11 years. On this episode of ITS, Alex and Ali talk about what makes iconic brands magical, why packaging is just one part of a larger ecosystem (hint: you must also have a great product and the people are key), and why the best brands make you feel like a superhero. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast ...
Mar 17, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 114
Adam Brown is the Founder and CEO of Sircle Media , a Social Media Strategy Firm based in New York. On this episode of ITS, Adam and Ali cover everything Social: from channel strategy to what Adam refers to as a "360 campaign." Social, according to Adam, is a paid game, so learn the rules, figure out where the secret mushrooms are, and play. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member ! In The Sauce is Powered by Simplecast ...
Mar 10, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 113
Madeline Haydon is the founder and CEO of Nutpods , the unbelievably successful dairy-free creamer that launched with a Kickstarter campaign in 2013. On this episode of ITS, Madeline tells Ali the Nutpods story, shares her lessons for building a successful business, and explains why it's so critical that we know who we are, what makes us different and how we plan on challenging the status quo. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becom...
Mar 03, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 112
Adam Epstein is VP of Growth at Perpetua, a software company that helps brands maximize their visability (and sales!) on Amazon, Instacart, and many other e-commerce channels. On this episode of ITS, Adam walks Ali through how Perpetua works, how investing in Instacart ads early can help a brand, how to maximize Amazon ads, and the massive opportunity we're all missing if we don't think of all of the ecomm channels as potential marketplaces. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprof...
Feb 24, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 111
Paul De Joe is Co-founder of MUD\WTR , a DTC coffee alternative made of functional ingredients. On this episode of ITS, Paul and Ali talk all about hiring: What to avoid, how to map out the process, and why, as Netflix says "Culture is who you let go." Hint: this is a MUST listen if you're growing your team. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member ! In The Sauce is Powered by Simplecast . See Privacy Policy at https://ar...
Feb 17, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 110
Melanie Masarin is the founder of Ghia, a spirit-free aperitif designed to change the way we think about drinking and socializing. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Melanie talk about Ghia's launch this past June, the non-alc market, and how Melanie's turns at Dig Inn and Glossier informed the Ghia brand. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member ! In The Sauce is Powered by Simplecast . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.c...
Feb 08, 2021•59 min•Ep. 109
Roxana Saidi is the founder of Tache , the first true pistachio milk in the United States. On this episode of ITS, Roxana tells Ali about Tache's 5-yr long journey from idea to product launch, why cracking the supply chain puzzle is a lot, but worth it, and how she plans on competing in the big bad world of alt milk. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member ! In The Sauce is Powered by Simplecast . See Privacy Policy at h...
Feb 03, 2021•52 min•Ep. 108
Ashley Jones is Director of Retail Execution at Dirty Hands, a company that makes over 3,000 visits a month to top grocery stores across the country, ensuring that your product is on shelf, priced correctly, ordered regularly, and has optimal real estate. On this episode of ITS, Ashley and Ali talk about the importance of building relationships on the grocery store floor, how brands can optimize sales, and why getting a ""yes"" from a buyer is just the beginning. Heritage Radio Network is a list...
Jan 27, 2021•52 min•Ep. 107
Miguel Leal is the Chief Marketing Officer at Cholula , the hot sauce brand that sold to McCormick in November for $800m. Miguel has led declining brands through incredible turnarounds over the course of his career, and built marketing teams at KIND, Kettle Chips, Pop Secret, Diamond nuts (and more!). On this episode of ITS, Miguel walks Ali through the key tenets of marketing. From the importance of insights and focus, to building a great team, every minute of this episode is packed. Heritage R...
Jan 12, 2021•56 min•Ep. 106
Dan Frommer is the founder and editor in chief of The New Consumer , a publication about how and why people spend their time and money. On this episode of ITS, Dan walks Ali through a new survey (published today!) on consumer shopping habits and behaviour, his analysis of what's changed permanently, and what it all means for emerging CPG brands. This final episode of 2020 is a must for anyone building a brand post COVID. The survey is available at newconsumer.com Heritage Radio Network is a list...
Dec 17, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 105
Ali Bonar is founder and CEO of Kween , the organic, nut and allergen-free granola butter that tastes like a creamy version of cinnamon Teddy Grahams, but is actually good for you. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Ali talk about the challenges and opportunities, both from a production and a marketing perspective, of bringing something entirely new to the market. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In the Sauce by becoming a member ! In the Sauce is Po...
Dec 07, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 104
Emmett Shine is Co-founder at Pattern Brands , a family of brands with the mission of finding more enjoyment in daily life. In 2019, Emmett and his team closed their iconic branding agency, Gin Lane (think Sweetgreen, Quip, Harry’s, and Care/Of) and created Pattern, where they set out to build their own brands. On today's episode of ITS, Emmett talks about that transition, what he's learned while building Equal Parts and Open Spaces, and what he means by intimacy at scale. Heritage Radio Network...
Nov 30, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 103
Marisa Zupan is founder & CEO of United Sodas of America , the gorgeous, naturally sweetened sodas that look like an art installation. On today's episode of ITS, Marisa and Ali talk about brands as conceptual spaces, the connections between strategy and creativity, and how clarity and vision are at the foundation of all great brands. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In the Sauce by becoming a member ! In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast . Se...
Nov 23, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 102
Natalie Smid is Growth Manager at Lunar Solar Group , an e-commerce and digital growth consultancy that works with brands on their digital strategy. On today's episode of ITS, Natalie and Ali trace back their working relationship to the day after Expo West was cancelled and the Haven's team realized the only way they'd build awareness in 2020 was digitally. With no demos or events, a lot was riding on digital, and wholesale brands need to hop on the digital train, pandemic or not. Heritage Radio...
Nov 16, 2020•59 min•Ep. 101
