On this episode Jackie shares the inspiring story of Lita’s Mexican Foods and the rollercoaster ride that we all know so well in the startup phase. Jackie discusses how she is building out her business in a sustainably conscious manner, what it means to be certified plastic negative, her approach to selling into retail locations, the highs of accumulating numerous prestigious accolades, and the reality of being a working mum with two young daughters. 

https://www.litasmexicanfoods.com/ 

https://www.business.repurpose.global/litasmexicanfoodsinc 

If you have any questions, comments or feedback from today's episode please reach out : [email protected]

Eve shares the story of Eve’s Crackers from its inception through to the major banners. We cover a lot of ground and discuss the importance of focus groups & customer validation, monthly evaluations, the choice to retain key functions (business development & marketing) to preserve capital during formative years, and the value of working with a co packer to scale your business.

"The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit. Be patient and stay the course." - Fabienne Fredrickson

https://evescrackers.com/

If you have any questions, comments or feedback from today's episode please reach out : [email protected]

Kristina generously provides some great insight into what it takes, and how to best prepare for a successful partnership with a food service distributor in today's crowded market.

https://www.gfs.ca/en-ca 

If you have any questions, comments or feedback from today's episode please reach out : [email protected]

Keith generously sheds light on the many facets of the entrepreneurial journey that he has witnessed over his 27yr career in this space. We discuss what it means to create a business with Impact, preparing your business for investment and much more in one of our most valuable and informative podcast episodes to date.

https://spring.is/ 

If you have any questions, comments or feedback from today's episode please reach out : [email protected]

Curtis gives great insight into the programs still available for your business due to the impact of COVID. We also touch on building your team of advisors, market research tips and the vast array of business models currently in play in the restaurant industry, including the major shift from dine in to take out and the new pre prepared and meal kit era.

https://smallbusinessbc.ca/ 

https://covid.smallbusinessbc.ca/hc/en-us 

https://launchonline.ca/ 

If you have any questions, comments or feedback from today's episode please reach out : [email protected]

Trevor and I cover a lot of ground on this episode including his approach to networking, the benefit of partnering with a recruiter for your business, embracing a lifelong approach to education and how working through challenges in your formative years builds character. 

https://www.macdonaldsearchgroup.com/ 

If you have any questions, comments or feedback from today's episode please reach out : [email protected]

I feel extremely honoured and privileged to have had the opportunity to speak with William on this episode. 

William shares his approach and mindset to marathon running, an extremely personal and touching story about his closest mentor, wisdom derived from decades immersed in business and high level leadership, and the value that working with a third party logistics (3pl) and freight forwarding company can bring to your growing business.

https://canadianalliance.ca/ 

If you have any questions, comments or feedback from today's episode please reach out : [email protected]

Kenny and I primarily discuss the steps required for small to medium sized CPG businesses to enter into and expand in the retail marketplace.

Together we identify some key costs that you must build into your model such as the cost of entry, marketing funds and programs.

https://cdmcservices.com/  

If you have any questions, comments or feedback from today's episode please reach out : [email protected]

On this episode Neil generously gives us some insight into the evolution of Laid Back Snacks over the last 7 years. Among many things, we discuss the strategy behind their Kickstarter campaign, the value of time spent immersed in an incubator program and the recent and exciting rebrand from Naked Snacks to Laid Back Snacks.  

https://laidbacksnacks.com 

If you have any questions, comments or feedback from today's episode please reach out : [email protected]

Rick and I discuss the mechanics involved in the relationship between a food manufacturer, CPG distributor and retail chain. We touch on the inner workings of the grocery world, margins that need to be considered when developing your pricing model and other areas of value that are created for your business when partnering with a CPG distributor. 

https://dovreimport.com/

If you have any questions, comments or feedback from today's episode please reach out : [email protected]