Most founders want to grow fast. Nima Fotovat says that's exactly how brands get into trouble.

In this episode, the MadeGood co-founder explains how a disciplined, long-term approach helped transform the company from a lunchbox solution into one of the world's leading better-for-you snack brands.

He discusses why taste – and not MadeGood's allergen-friendly reputation – has always been the brand's greatest competitive advantage and why the company invested in its own manufacturing. Nima also talks about how MadeGood navigated the financial strain of its early years, and why putting employees first during the pandemic ultimately made the business stronger.

Show notes:

0:20: Nima Fotovat, Co-Founder, MadeGood – Nima explains how the brand was born from an insight that parents needed snacks that were safe for allergy-sensitive classrooms, nutritious enough to satisfy parents, and delicious enough for kids to actually eat. He discusses launching MadeGood in Canada in 2014 before expanding to the U.S., building the brand around great taste, inclusive snacking, and a disciplined growth strategy that started with farmers markets and the natural channel before expanding nationally. Nima also shares why MadeGood chose to manufacture its own products, the challenges of scaling production and innovation, and how experience, patience, and long-term thinking shaped the company's growth. He reflects on navigating the financial pressures of the early years, developing new products, and balancing consumer insights with entrepreneurial instincts. Finally, Nima explains how MadeGood's purpose-driven culture guided the company through the pandemic, why doing right by employees ultimately strengthened the business, and how the brand plans to grow by reaching more households while remaining focused on quality, affordability, and positive impact.

Brands in this episode: MadeGood