In this episode of The Purpose Profit Shift, host Rachel E. Bernier-Green speaks with Amy Keller, Co-Founder of Climate Candy, about how she's reshaping the candy industry by focusing on sustainability and environmental impact. Amy shares how her background in both the candy industry and climate-conscious entrepreneurship led her to create a business model that upcycles imperfect produce into healthy, sustainable fruit snacks. Learn how Climate Candy is proving that innovation, sustainability, and profitability can go hand in hand in even the most traditional industries.

Amy Keller is the founder and CEO of Climate Candy, a company that transforms imperfect fruits and vegetables into healthy fruit chews, all while focusing on sustainability and reducing food waste. Previously, she was involved in her family’s candy business, Spangler Candy Company, and now, through Climate Candy, she is pioneering a new era in the food industry. Amy is a 7-time Ironman, a champion of environmental causes, and a 2025 Meaningful Business 100 winner for her innovative solutions to global challenges.

Expect to Learn

• How to build a business that balances purpose with profitability
• The power of upcycling imperfect produce and reducing food waste
• How sustainability in business can be a competitive advantage
• Why taking risks and remaining tenacious is essential for success
• The challenges and triumphs of disrupting traditional industries

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

• [00:00] - Teaser
• [01:16] - Introduction to the Purpose Profit Shift and Guest Amy Keller
• [04:47] - Holding True to Mission While Scaling a Purpose-Driven Company
• [07:57] - The Unique Food Service and Impact Reporting Business Model
• [10:02] - Maintaining Environmental Standards and a "Seed to Market" Approach
• [11:52] - Winning the Google Single-Use Plastics Challenge
• [13:45] - Debunking the Myth That Sustainable Business is More Expensive
• [18:45] - The Biggest Surprises of Building a Profitable, Purposeful Company
• [21:17] - Convincing Traditional Funders and Distributors to Take a Chance
• [23:32] - Building the Right Team: Advisors and Fractional Employees
• [26:21] - Managing Pressure as a Purpose-Driven Founder
• [29:11] - The Vision for Climate Candy in Five Years
• [37:24] - Final Thoughts: The Power of a Clear Mission

Follow the Host Rachel:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelberniergreen/ 
• Website: https://ejconsortium.com/ 
• Company’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ejconsortium?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MXgxeWVmbTJjdTMwNA== 
• Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ej-consortium/ 
• Company’s Twitter: https://x.com/EJConsortium 
• Company’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566522115133 

Follow the Guest Amy Keller:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amygkeller/
• Company's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/climate-candy%E2%84%A2/
• Company's Website: https://climatecandy.com/

Listening Links: 

• Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0kmrlBqo4QHftlfmqo2Q32?si=4bd2e0e655864a26&nd=1&dlsi=37cbc85018304f35 
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-purpose-profit-shift/id1829627732 
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwbV6ikn-xvcU4EtMEKJW9Q