Behind the Food

Behind the Food

By Jimmy Feeman & Daniel Yarzagaray-ModjeskaBusinessEntrepreneurship
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Behind the Food episodes

  • #46 - Jimmy & Daniel - AI, Starbucks to Nashville, etc

    The podcast episode features a discussion on the use of AI-powered automation in business operations, focusing on the role of AI agents in revolutionizing management and operations. The conversation delves into the evolution of AI agents, their interactions, and the future of AI-human collaboration in business management. The conversation covers the impact of AI on productivity, the adaptability of the human brain, the impact of AI on skill retention, access to information and learning, historical perspectives and human adaptability, observation and blind spots, and the move of Starbucks headquarters. The conversation delves into the cultural transformation of Nashville, exploring the impact of growth on the city's culture and the changing music scene. It also touches on geological activity and compares Seattle to Nashville.

    Takeaways

    • AI-powered automation is revolutionizing business operations
    • AI agents are becoming integral to business management AI's impact on productivity
    • The adaptability of the human brain Nashville's cultural transformation
    • Impact of growth on Nashville's culture

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction and Birthday Celebration
    • 05:01 Evolution of AI Agents and Their Interactions
    • 10:59 The Role of AI Agents in Business Management
    • 19:04 AI and Productivity
    • 24:10 The Impact of AI on Skill Retention
    • 32:16 Historical Perspectives and Human Adaptability
    • 37:18 Starbucks Headquarters Move
    59 min
  • #45 - The Crew - Random Show

    The episode features a discussion about the Jimmy's recent acquisition of a construction company and the importance of cash flow in business. It also delves into the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurs and the value of work-life balance. The conversation covers a range of topics including financial stability, business growth, personal finance, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. It delves into the complexities of managing multiple businesses, cash flow, and the emotional toll of business ownership. The discussion also touches on the importance of mental health and the need for entrepreneurs to share their experiences for the benefit of others.

    Takeaways

    • Cash flow is crucial in business
    • Entrepreneurs are multifaceted individuals with diverse interests Financial stability and business growth are interconnected
    • The emotional toll of business ownership and the importance of mental health

    Chapters

    • 00:00 The Snowstorm and Recent News
    • 10:12 Entrepreneurial Lessons and Work-Life Balance
    • 16:38 Financial Stability and Business Growth
    • 25:16 The Challenges of Entrepreneurship
    • 35:03 The Importance of Mental Health
    • 45:28 Sharing Experiences for the Benefit of Others
    47 min
  • #44 - Lauren Chew - Love + Chew

    The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities in the CPG industry, the impact of AI on entrepreneurship, and the systemic issues in retail distribution. It also delves into the reorganization of business strategy and the navigation of club retail. The discussion highlights the transition from tech to CPG, the encouragement of entrepreneurship, and the impact of personal life on business decisions. The conversation delves into the challenges of retail distribution, the decision-making process for profitability and business model, and the broader challenges faced in the food industry. It provides valuable insights into the complexities of these areas and the impact on business strategies.

    Takeaways

    • CPG industry challenges
    • Impact of AI on entrepreneurship Retail distribution challenges
    • Profitability and business model
    • Food industry challenges

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Getting Started in Consumer Goods
    • 07:20 Challenges in Retail Distribution
    • 16:14 Reorganizing Business Strategy
    • 27:24 Navigating Club Retail
    • 38:41 Challenges in the Food Industry

    Connect with Our Guest

    Website

    Instagram

    TikTok

    LinkedIn

    Connect with the Hosts

    πŸ‘€ Jimmy Feeman – Linktree

    πŸ‘€ Daniel Yarzagaray –LinkedIn

    58 min
  • #43 - Michael Lassen - Beyond the Brand

    The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to franchising, restaurant industry, and the impact of COVID-19 on businesses. It delves into the challenges and opportunities for franchisees, the changing landscape of the restaurant industry, and the importance of efficient operations and cost-saving measures. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to franchising, financing, real estate, and the challenges of starting and growing a business. It also delves into the nuances of franchisability and the importance of simplicity and teachability in business models.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 The Future of Franchising and Small Business Ownership
    • 36:15 Franchising and Financing
    • 41:20 Starting and Scaling a Business
    • 59:01 Franchisability and Business Models

    Connect with Our Guest

    Website

    LinkedIn

    Connect with the Hosts

    πŸ‘€ Jimmy Feeman – Linktree

    πŸ‘€ Daniel Yarzagaray – LinkedIn

    1 hr 8 min
  • #42 - Eli Banks - Absurd Snacks!

    The conversation delves into the journey of Absurd Snacks, from its inception as a class project to its growth as a CPG brand. It explores the challenges of startup, the transition to retail and distribution, and the unique advantages and imposter syndrome experienced by the founders. The discussion also covers the adaptation to changing consumer trends, the transition to co-manufacturing, and the challenges and opportunities in retail expansion, including the exploration of new retail opportunities. The conversation delves into the success of retail strategies, the impact of personal connections on brand success, and the challenges of maintaining work-life balance. It also explores the impact of the food industry on social life, the importance of time management, and the effects of burnout on business operations.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 The Journey of Absurd Snacks
    • 08:14 The Imposter Syndrome and Unique Advantages
    • 16:05 Transition to Co-Manufacturing
    • 26:16 Expansion into Retail and Distribution
    • 34:42 Exploring New Retail Opportunities
    • 41:24 Direct-to-Consumer Strategy
    • 49:19 Impact of Industry on Social Life
    • 59:45 Leverage, Efficiency, and Burnout

    Connect with Our Guest

    Website

    Instagram

    TikTok

    LinkedIn

    Connect with the Hosts

    πŸ‘€ Jimmy Feeman – Linktree

    πŸ‘€ Daniel Yarzagaray – LinkedIn

    1 hr 9 min
  • #41 - Komal Devjani - Revya

    Kamal shares her journey from consulting to entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the CPG industry. She discusses Revia's solution for CPG deductions and the customer acquisition strategy. Additionally, she explores the unique aspects of building a tech startup in the AI space and the distribution strategy for an AI native product. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on the food and beverage industry, the role of technology in margin optimization, and the future of CPG brands. It also explores the intersection of AI and human expertise, resource management, and the changing landscape of CPG brands.

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction and Startup Journey
    • 06:00 Early Exposure to Entrepreneurship
    • 12:12 Revia's Solution for CPG Deductions
    • 19:11 Building a Tech Startup in the AI Space
    • 24:35 AI Tools and Responsibilities
    • 30:53 Navigating the Beverage Space
    • 36:57 AI-Enabled Search Function
    • 42:36 Margin Optimization in the Food Industry
    • 48:01 The Future of CPG Brands
    • 53:47 The Changing Landscape of CPG Brands

    Connect with Our Guest

    Website

    LinkedIn

    Twitter/X

    Connect with the Hosts

    πŸ‘€ Jimmy Feeman – Linktree

    πŸ‘€ Daniel Yarzagaray – LinkedIn

    58 min
  • #40 - Joey & Dylan - Underdog

    Join us as we explore the journey of Dylan and Joey from Underdog, a innovative energy drink brand, discussing their product development, marketing strategies, challenges in manufacturing, and insights into building a successful beverage company in a capital-intensive industry.

    00:00 The Birth of Underdog Energy

    02:59 From Clothing to Beverages: A Journey

    05:37 Formulating the Perfect Drink

    08:36 Challenges in Production

    11:47 Marketing Strategies and Community Building

    14:49 Navigating TikTok and Live Selling

    32:19 Navigating Shipping Challenges in Beverage E-commerce

    35:47 Innovative Product Development: Pouches and Beyond

    40:15 The Impact of Reviews on Food and Beverage Brands

    43:02 Relaunching Apparel: A Complementary Strategy

    43:57 Fundraising in the Beverage Industry: Challenges and Strategies

    49:26 The Importance of Passion and Vision in Entrepreneurship

    51:30 Surviving the Long Game in CPG

    54:53 The Role of Capital in Scaling a Beverage Brand

    Connect with Our Guests

    Website

    Instagram

    TikTok

    LinkedIn

    Connect with the Hosts

    πŸ‘€ Jimmy Feeman – Linktree

    πŸ‘€ Daniel Yarzagaray – LinkedIn

    1 hr 1 min
  • #39 - Gail Kurpgeweit - Pivot North Consulting

    In this episode of the Behind the Food Podcast, host Daniel interviews Gail Kurpgeweit, a seasoned entrepreneur in the food industry. Gail shares her journey from starting a cupcake business to developing a successful CPG brand through her innovative menu-to-market program. The conversation delves into the challenges of food manufacturing, the importance of compliance, and effective distribution strategies for emerging brands. Gail emphasizes the need for new CPG founders to focus on building an audience, understanding their market, and innovating their products to stand out in a competitive landscape. She also discusses her future plans for expanding her manufacturing capabilities and the importance of strategic growth in the food industry.

    00:00 Introduction to Gale and CPG Journey

    05:58 Menu-to-Market: Bridging Restaurants and Retail

    11:47 Lessons Learned in Manufacturing and Compliance

    26:06 Holistic CPG Solutions

    32:04 Development Pipeline Dynamics

    39:02 Strategies for Established Brands

    47:21 Future Innovations and Expansion

    Connect with Gail

    Website

    Instagram

    LinkedIn

    Connect with the Hosts

    πŸ‘€ Jimmy Feeman – Linktree

    πŸ‘€ Daniel Yarzagaray – LinkedIn

    54 min
  • #38 - Hank, Daniel, Jimmy - Soup Du Jour

    Welcome to the random show.

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

    02:40 Exploring the Food Truck Business Model

    05:51 Challenges and Opportunities in Food Truck Operations

    08:49 Innovative Concepts in Food Truck Parks

    11:56 Financing and Scaling Food Truck Ventures

    14:53 The Future of Food Trucks: Electric and Sustainable Options

    17:43 The Shift from Food Trucks to Brick and Mortar

    20:44 Franchising Insights and Lessons Learned

    26:14 Navigating Health Inspections in the Food Industry

    30:35 Franchising and Streamlining Operations

    35:36 Personal Growth and Business Evolution

    39:34 The Future of CPG IPOs and Market Trends

    46:43 Financial Strategies for CPG Founders

    48:13 Controlled Growth in CPG

    49:10 Marketing and Customer-Centric Strategies

    50:46 The Power of LinkedIn for Founders

    54:12 Embracing Failure and Finding Your Tribe

    56:18 The Importance of Taking Shots on Goal

    01:00:12 Leveraging Opportunities and Cold Emails

    01:04:29 Innovative Products and Founders' Stories

    1 hr 13 min
  • #37 - Christina Dorr Drake - Willa's Oat Milk

    In this episode of the Behind the Food Podcast, Christina Dordrecht, founder of Willis, shares her journey from a successful career in advertising to launching a plant-based milk brand. She discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of family dynamics in business, and the commitment to health and wellness that drives her brand. Christina emphasizes the significance of consumer insights, the role of heritage in product development, and the need for innovation in the food industry. The conversation also touches on the impact of personal experiences, such as her battle with cancer, on her perspective as an entrepreneur.

    00:00 The Journey to Entrepreneurship

    03:01 Building a Family Business

    05:52 Navigating Personal and Professional Dynamics

    08:52 The Importance of Boundaries

    11:53 Early Signs of Success

    14:54 The Impact of Health on Business

    17:44 Product Development and Iteration

    20:43 Heritage and Values in Product Creation

    23:52 Adapting to Market Changes

    26:50 The Role of Resilience in Entrepreneurship

    33:12 Embracing Adversity and Growth

    39:27 Creativity Born from Challenges

    44:34 Consumer Evolution and Market Trends

    55:36 Innovations and Future Directions for Willows

    Connect with Our Guest

    Website - Use Code BEHINDTHEFOOD

    Instagram

    TikTok

    LinkedIn

    Connect with the Hosts

    πŸ‘€ Jimmy Feeman – Linktree

    πŸ‘€ Daniel Yarzagaray – LinkedIn

    59 min

About Behind the Food

From the publisher's feed

Restaurants to CPG, farms to food trucks, our goal is to uncover the stories that made these businesses thrive or die.