In the Sauce

James Richardson is the founder of Premium Growth Solutions , a strategic planning consultancy for early stage CPG brands. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Dr. Richardson talk strategy: why it's critical, how it protects founders (sometimes from themselves), what the critical elements of a good strategy are, and how a one-line competitive strategic statement can literally make the difference betwee...

Amy and Peter Rothstein are the sibling Co-founders of Dona , the spice-based beverage company that began by selling its award-winning chai concentrate to coffee shops in 2014. On this episode of ITS, Peter and Amy tell Ali all about their journey, how they manage building Dona together, what they've learned along the way as well as what's in store for Dona. In The Sauce   is powered by Simplecast...

Federico Muyshondt is Chief Customer Officer at Chobani and master of all things marketing and sales. On this episode of ITS, Fed breaks down the basics of selling a product to the customer (not to be confused with the consumer!) There are so many brands out there, and while many are leaning into direct to consumer and selling on Amazon, most brands are coming to realize that good old fashioned st...

Rodney Manzo is the founder and CEO of Anvyl, a technology platform focused on supply chain, that has helped brands like Hims, Native and S’well create more simplified, more transparent production, warehousing and distribution systems. Often, the difference between a good brand and a great business are its relationships with suppliers. On this episode of ITS, Rodney shares his expertise and some h...

Kheedim Oh is the founder of Mama O's Kimchi , the brand that took the staple Korean fermented condiment and made it mainstream. On this episode of ITS, Kheedim tells Ali how he's built Mama O's from the ground up — starting with $50 and a skateboard to sellingo n Whole Foods shelves across the U.S. They discuss educating retail buyers and consumers about kimchi, and everything he's learned along...

Laura Davis Gross is the co -founder and CEO of Family Meal, a creative and marketing cooperative that helps emerging brands craft their stories, find their audiences and build their businesses. On this episode of ITS, Laura breaks down brand, marketing, messaging and listening. She and Ali discuss how to use consumer feedback to build trust with consumers and create an organic consumer base that...

Pooja Bavishi is the founder of Malai , the crazy-delicious, Indian-influenced ice cream. On this episode of ITS, Pooja and Ali discuss building a CPG brand at the same time as brick and mortar and catering businesses. They discuss the different types of entrepreneurs, what steps Pooja first took after she decided to bite the ice cream bullet, and why proving your concept is perhaps the most valua...

Jordana Kier is the co-founder of LOLA , the first lifelong brand for a woman’s body. On this episode of ITS, Jody and Ali talk about the MUSTS of building an online-only, subscription-based brand. They discuss research, focus groups. and why Lola communicates with its consumers way differently than the X feminine care brands (Tampax, Playtex, Kotex) In the Sauce is powered by Simplecast. See Priv...

Kara Rubin is VP of Brand and Product Strategy at JUST Water . Prior to joining JUST in 2017, Kara spent over a decade in leadership at Whole Foods Market and consulting brands as well as retailers. On this episode of ITS, Kara shares her experience from all sides of the CPG world. She passes along some gems of advice about product development, channel strategy and how good prodcuts remain the mos...

Hugh Thomas is Co-founder and CEO of Ugly Drinks, the bright, groovy, retro looking cans of delicious, sugar-free, flavored sparkling water that just arrived from the UK after a few years of super successful sales across the pond. On this episode of ITS, Hugh and Ali break down Channel Strategy and how Ugly is growing from a UK direct to consumer brand into the US and our stores. They talk innovat...

Mike Messersmith is the US General Manager at Oatly - the oatmilk company that soared to popularity so quickly it literally created a black market. On this episode of ITS, Mike shares his wisdom on all things operations, innovation, business strategy, sales and hiring. And also how he handled the great oat milk drought of 2018. In The Sauce is powered by Simplecast . See Privacy Policy at https://...

Erin Patinkin is co-founder and CEO of Ovenly , one of NY’s top-rated bakeries. Ovenly is on everyone's list best bakeries in New York City and Erin has been recognized as one of New York’s most “badass women” in food as well as “one to watch.” On this episode of In the Sauce, Erin and Ali break down the capital needs of a good, old fashioned start up. They also discuss Ovenly’s “open” hiring prac...

Emily Schildt is the Founder of Pop Up Grocer , a traveling pop-up grocery store, showcasing hundreds of products from the most innovative and exciting natural food brands today. With over 10 years of experience in marketing, Emily helps companies with messaging and architecture, content strategy, production, influencer programs and ad campaigns. On this episode of In the Sauce, Emily and Ali talk...

Matt Bachmann is the Co-Founder of Wandering Bear Cold Brew , a business he started with his friend Ben Gordon while the two were at Columbia business school in 2014. Now available online and in stores in all 50 states, Wandering Bear started with direct to office sales, heading into retail stores only after Matt and Ben knew they were onto something. On this episode of In the Sauce, Matt and Ali...

Lauren Nedelman is Founder of Super Marketers, a marketing company based in the Northeast focused on demos, events and pop ups. On this episode of In the Sauce, Courtnie (Haven's Field Marketing Manager) and Lauren take a deep dive into demos: Why they're more important than ever for emerging brands, how to do them successfully, how to make a solid demo plan, and how to evaluate their impact. It's...

David Karr is Co-Founder and Chief Brand Cebador of Guayaki Yerba Mate, an organic, fair trade beverage company that has been thriving since 1996. On this episode of In the Sauce, David and Ali sip mate from a gourd and talk about the power that businesses have to make the world a better place. It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donat...

Tessa Price leads programming for WeWork Food Labs , which is both a workspace and an accelerator for early stage food entrepreneurs. Previously, she was the Director of Operations and Community for the failed shared kitchen startup, Pilotworks. Tessa and Ali discuss what founders can learn from the breakdown of Pilot Works, and how to build thoughtfully in an era of "entrepreneurship worship." It...

Jean Brownhill is the Founder and CEO of Sweeten , a free, award-winning service that pairs homeowners to contractors for major renovation projects. In 2015 Jean was one of only 11 African American female entrepreneurs to raise more than $1M in venture capital and to date, Sweeten has a more than $1 billion of construction projects. On this episode of In the Sauce, Jean tells Ali her story and sha...

Hawa Hassan is the Founder and CEO of Basbaas Sauce , a line of condiments inspired by her country of origin, Somalia. Born in the capital city of Mogadishu, Hawa came to the U.S. as a refugee at the age of 7. After a successful career as a model, Hawa started Basbaas. On this episode of In the Sauce, Hawa tells Alison her incredible story and they discuss the ups and downs of, you guessed it, bei...

Allison Marchesani Ackerman is a brand strategy and digital marketing consultant based in New York. After 4 years at Sir Kensington's , she decided to set out on her own to work with small, growing brands in the natural foods industry. On this episode of In the Sauce, Allison and Ali talk about how an emerging brand can build a communications strategy that guides them, speaks to consumers, and doe...

Jordan Salcito is the Founder and CEO of DRINK RAMONA , an organic canned wine spritz with a cult-like following. On this episode of In the Sauce, Jordan and Ali talk about recreating a category, making a product that is both quality and accessible and creating a brand that people love. It's HRN's annual summer fund drive, this is when we turn to our listeners and ask that you make a donation to h...

Sarah Foley is Managing Director at SWAT Equity Partners , an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in emerging consumer brands. She sources deals, does diligence, structures investments, and monitors them along the way. On this episode of In the Sauce, Sarah and Ali talk about venture capital: the difference between "rounds," what valuation is all about, and how the landscape of v...

Agatha Kluk is the co-Founder of Kluk Farber , a boutique law firm that represents entrepreneurs, companies, investors and creatives across a variety of industries including consumer products, tech, and hospitality. On this episode of In the Sauce, Agatha talks Ali through the legal stuff: contracts, fundraising, compliance, trademarks and more. Don't miss a live podcast taping featuring Ali (and...

Anita Sheperd is the Founder & CEO of Anita’s Coconut Yogurt . Known for a clean label and proprietary probiotic blend with over 300 billion live cultures per serving, Anita’s is the OG coconut yogurt and has faced its share of challenges as it's scaled to meet growing demand. On this episode of In the Sauce, Anita and Ali talk candidly about the challenges of growing BIG, trying not to compro...

Jess Conroy is the Founder and CEO of Carats and Cake , a wedding planning platform that delivers personal wedding advice to couples. On this episode of In the Sauce, Jess talks Ali through the leadership lessons she's learned since founding C&C in 2013. They discuss Jess' monthly leadership emails which cover everything from the Tyranny of the Urgent to the Casualty of Being too Casual. Leade...