ReConnected

Welcome to the Reconnected Podcast with your host, Luke Abbott. In this episode, Luke sits down with Nicolas Mindel , co-founder of Amberstone, to explore his fascinating journey through the realms of finance, investment, and the consumer products industry. Amberstone is an investment firm that supports entrepreneurs and focuses on scaling brand-first consumer product companies into nationally rec...

Welcome to the Reconnected Podcast with your host, Luke Abbott. In this episode, Luke is joined by Ron Selders, President of  the Fresh Division at UNFI, as they delve into the current state of distribution and Ron's extensive experience spanning 28 years with Tony’s Fine Foods and UNFI. Ron brings a wealth of knowledge and insights from his journey within the industry, from entry-level roles...

In this episode, Luke is joined by Brian Scott, president of Gourmet Foods International, as they delve into the food industry's intricate world of supply chain management.  From his roots in Omaha, Nebraska, to his current role as president of Gourmet Foods International, Brian's journey epitomizes the essence of leadership, growth, and innovation in the ever-evolving food supply chain....

In this episode of the Reconnected Podcast, Luke Abbott sits down with Ari Raz, a trailblazer in the CPG entrepreneurship world. With a passion for innovation and a knack for identifying market gaps, Ari shares his fascinating journey from selling caramel-covered lollipops in middle school to founding Once Upon a Farm, the fastest-growing kids' brand in the US. His venture into the baby food...

In this fascinating episode of the Reconnected Podcast, host Luke Abbott sits down with Steve Black, a giant in the grocery industry, whose journey from a passionate 12-year-old grocery clerk to a seasoned executive has reshaped the way we think about retail. With a career that spans over four decades, Steve has left his mark at notable companies such as Sunflower, Henry's, Sprouts, and Lucky...

In this episode of the Reconnected Podcast, host Luke Abbott sits down with Robert Johnson, Category Manager at New Seasons Market, known for its dedication to local and organic products in the Pacific Northwest. Robert shares his journey from selling candy as a young entrepreneur to a key figure in retail.  Robert reflects on personal growth and the influence of mentors, discusses overcoming intr...

In a recent episode of the Reconnected Podcast, host Luke Abbott welcomes Kenny Hausmann. Kenny shares his journey to a significant leadership role, underpinned by a personal mission to enhance access to healthy foods in communities.  Kenny and Luke dive into the essence of building trust and meaningful relationships in the business world, stressing the importance of humility and purpose in leader...

In this episode of the Reconnected Podcast, host Luke Abbott and guest Alex Bayer delve into the realms of supply chain authenticity, personal growth, and the hurdles faced by small brands in the CPG industry. Their conversation, rich with anecdotes from both Luke and Alex's diverse experiences, spans topics from embracing vulnerability in business to overcoming entrepreneurial challenges.  T...

In this Reconnected Podcast episode, we explore Jonathan Lawrence's journey from a family vitamin store to his pivotal role in Fresh Thyme's growth. Starting from the humble beginnings of stocking shelves in his family's grocery store, to his current position as a VP of Center Store at Fresh Thyme Market, his story is a testament to dedication and passion in the food retail industry...

In this "Reconnected" podcast episode, Monica shares her career journey from finance to the food industry, driven by her passion for culinary arts and healthy eating. Her story is one of courage and adaptability, reflecting her Polish immigrant roots and a relentless pursuit of personal growth. Highlights of the conversation include Monica's unique perspective on the natural foods i...

Tune into the latest episode of the "Reconnected" podcast, where host Luke Abbott and industry veteran Wade Yenny delve into the intricacies of the supply chain world. With over 20 years of experience, Wade offers invaluable insights into the grocery industry, from humble beginnings in the restaurant business to leading major grocery chains. Discover how mentorship shaped his career, the...

In this engaging episode of our podcast, we reconnect with the "father of natural", Jimbo, a pivotal figure in natural markets across America. Jimbo and Luke delve into topics like aligning supply chain practices with core values, the importance of business integrity and  supporting local farmers and emerging brands. They also share personal stories of overcoming challenges in starting a...