ContenderCast with Justin Honaman

Nola Martin currently leads the marketing efforts for Ocean Brands, a national distributor of ambient seafood. Through the past few years, she has worked to revitalize and reposition the Ocean's, Gold Seal and Millionnaires brands and is working ensure that these brands deliver positive impact for our environment. Kelly Burling is the COO of Culinary Collective – part of the portfolio of businesses owned by Ocean Brands. Kelly is responsible for defining and executing a growth plan by identifying new market opportunities, streamlining the company's product portfolio, realigning sales strategy, and reducing costs. She also has oversight of vendor relations, customer management and contracts, product strategy, sales and marketing, and financials. They both join Justin to discuss launching brands in new markets!

At Coppa Cocktails they help bring people together in celebration of life, love and friends with the most delicious cocktails on the planet. Their irresistible range of ready-to-drink-cocktails is created together with award-winning mixologists. By challenging the conventions of how high-quality cocktails are served, Coppa Cocktails becomes the obvious choice for premium cocktails, made easy. Just pour your favorite Coppa Cocktails in your glass of choice over ice and enjoy! Jose Chao, President and CEO Americas, joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing brand.

Jelly Belly Candy Company is a seventh-generation family business, and the inspiration for Jelly Belly Sparkling Water came at a Mother's Day party where members of the family had gathered to celebrate. From there, five Jelly Belly Candy Company family members banded together to start Joffer Beverage Company, including three sixth-generation brothers – Justin, Ben, and Stephen Joffer – and two fifth-generation members, Andy and Becky Joffer (sister to Lisa Brasher, Jelly Belly Candy Company CEO). Jelly Belly launched with eight fresh and fun flavors: French Vanilla, Lemon Lime, Orange Sherbet, Piña Colada, Pink Grapefruit, Tangerine, Very Cherry and Watermelon. Each flavor has only two ingredients: carbonated water and natural flavors with zero sugar, zero calories and zero sweeteners. Stephen joins Justin to discuss this fast-growing beverage brand!

Inspired by their love of travel, adventure, and flavor from around the world. UNiTE Food bars are anything but basic. They are shaking up the run-of-the-mill bar aisle – uniting globally inspired flavors with wholesome, gluten-free ingredients and superfoods for a nourishing, snack. Founder and CEO Clara Paye joins Justin to discuss this booming, bold, and bright bar brand!

IZO is a collection of Mexican spirits handcrafted in Durango, Sonora and Tequila, Mexico. Their company was born out of a desire to bring their heritage and tradition, found in every bottle of IZO, according to traditional ancestral methods. Co-founder Gaston Martinez joins Justin to discuss this growing spirits brand.

At Recess, there are two paths to calm. Stress exists as both a feeling in our minds and a physiological response in our bodies. That's why they made Recess: two distinct paths to a single destination. Recess balancing CBD blend and Mood mood-lifting magnesium blend. Founder and CEO Ben Witte joins Justin to discuss this growing beverage brand!

Variety is the spice of life. Try Theo's salty, smokey, and sweet plant-based (aka Beet) jerky! Co-founders Theo Mourad and Aaron Brodkey join Justin to discuss this new jerky brand!

Francesca Hahn is Vice President, U.S. Digital Commerce and Direct to Consumer for Mondelēz International, a global company leading the future of snacking with 2021 net revenues of approximately $29 billion. Mondelēz International makes and sells primarily snacks, with iconic global and local brands such as OREO, Ritz, belVita, Cadbury and Toblerone chocolate, Sour Patch Kids candy, Trident gum, and HALLS. Francesca has been a global leader in Sales Transformation and Customer Leadership roles for more than twenty years. She partners to drive business results by leading multi-functional teams and managing change in fast-paced environments. And today, she joins Justin to discuss ecommerce, direct-to-consumer, the industry and more!

obVus brings solutions to help you work, live and achieve great posture everywhere. From ergonomic products like their laptop tower stand, Bluetooth folding keyboard, and posture chair to their new ergonomic desk, obVus is innovating. Founder and CEO Ken Rosenblood joins Justin to discuss this innovative brand!

Solely was founded as a way to help kids in the community gain easy access to fresh fruit. Solely noticed that for many children, fresh fruit was scarce and kids were loading up on cheap processed foods at home and in school. The idea was simple: create a real fruit bite with the fewest possible ingredients to replace sugar filled, highly processed snacks. It needed to retain the nutritional benefits of whole fresh fruit, but without added sugar, additives, preservatives or chemicals. CEO Simon Sacal joins Justin to discuss this leading fruit snack brand!