Pleasantly Persistent-Rooted Food Sales Podcast!
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Talking through the challenges, joys and all the daily topics that are part of our Food Sales world!!
Episodes
- Building Relationships in Foodservice with Kareema Goodwin, President of The Ryan Group
Topics Discussed: ⚡ Intentional NRA networking ⚡ Booth strategy essentials ⚡ Being smart with lead follow-up ⚡ Foodservice relationship building ⚡ Industry trends evolving
- Transparency, Trade Shows & Helping Brands Win with Shannon Peffley of CPG Xperience
Topics Discussed: 💡 Building Through CPG Failures 💡 Reinventing Trade Show Economics 💡 How Brands Win Trade Shows 💡 The Power of Consistent Follow-Up 💡 Service-Driven Business Mindset
- Building a Better Candy Brand with Michael Fisher, Founder & CEO at Rotten
Topics Discussed: 🍬 From startup employee to founder 🍬 Building a better candy brand 🍬 Supply chain challenges in CPG 🍬 Hiring and team building lessons 🍬 Candy first, health second philosophy
- Turning Ballpark Food Into an Experience with Chef Philip Thompson, Executive Chef at Kauffman Stadium, Home of the Kansas City Royals
Topics Discussed: ⚾ Reinventing stadium food experiences ⚾ Global fusion menu innovation ⚾ Social media driving food trends ⚾ Balancing cost and quality ⚾ Creative vegetarian menu options
- Selling Solutions, Not Just Ingredients with Jake Briere, Vice President of Business Development at Smart Batch
Topics Discussed: 🍽️ Operator Mindset Over Features 🍽️ Premium Products as Solutions 🍽️ Smarter Sample Experience Design 🍽️ Versatility vs Strict Recipes 🍽️ Protein Trends Driving Menus
- Cracking Foodservice Prospecting with Reed McCord, Founder & CEO at First Bite
Topics Discussed: 🎯 Foodservice Prospecting Evolution 🎯 CRM Without Data Entry 🎯 Cold Email That Converts 🎯 Menu-Driven Targeting Strategy 🎯 Automation Meets Attribution
- From Retail Myths to Real Scale in Foodservice, with Mike Levinson of Foodservice Octopus
Topics Discussed: 🔥 Retail Is Not Inevitable 🔥 Private Label Runs Retail 🔥 Foodservice Is Underrated 🔥 Taste Beats Brand Stories 🔥 Feedback Scales Faster
- Mastering Modern Cold Outreach with AJ Cassata, Co-Founder & CEO at Revenue Boost
Topics Discussed: 📧 Crafting Effective Subject Lines 📧 Follow-Up Strategies for Cold Emails 📧 LinkedIn vs. Email Outreach 📧 Leveraging AI in Cold Outreach 📧 Sales Pet Peeves and Best Practices
- AI, Discovery Calls & The New Sales Playbook with Preston Simon, VP of Sales, Away From Home at Generous Brands
Topics Discussed: 👉 Data-driven foodservice sales strategies 👉 Selling premium against private-label 👉 Building multi-stakeholder relationship depth 👉 Discovery calls that uncover truth 👉 AI tools improving sales efficiency
- From Chaos to Clarity: Coaching Founders with Dan Crothers, Founder at Upstream Coaching Solutions
Topics Discussed: 🔹 The Role of Thought in Coaching 🔹 Common Challenges for Founders 🔹 Urgency and Decision Making 🔹 Implementing Effective Systems 🔹 The Importance of Trust and Communication
- Smarter Foodservice Outreach with Tim Powell of Foodservice IP
Topics Discussed: 🎧 Sales Strategies for Food Operators 🎧 Trends in Convenience Stores 🎧 Exploring Hidden Channels: Commissaries and Senior Living 🎧 Food Trends and Consumer Preferences 🎧 The Future of Mocktails and Beverage Pricing
- Marketing Beyond Retail: Foodservice Strategies with Levon Kurkjian, Brand Strategy Director at Opus Design
Topics Discussed: 🎤 Leadership and Development 🎤 Marketing in Food Service vs Retail 🎤 Effective Marketing Assets 🎤 Cold Selling Strategies 🎤 Trade Shows: Strategies and Insights
- Lessons in Leadership with Lance Luegers
Topics Discussed: 📖 Introduction to Leadership and Collaboration 📖 The Journey of Growth and Learning 📖 The Importance of Feedback and Communication 📖 Hiring for Success: Building a Legacy 📖 Leadership Aspirations and Transformative E…
- Patience, Partnerships & Bold Flavors with Chef V, Director of Culinary at Velvet Taco
Topics Discussed: 🌮 The Fast Casual Dining Landscape 🌮 WTF: Weekly Taco Features and Innovation Process 🌮 Operational Challenges and Ingredient Sourcing 🌮 Supplier Relationships and Best Practices 🌮 Building Strong Partnerships with S…
- Round 2! Talking Shop With The Boys of Dot, CJ Pilliod and Billy Bell
Topics Discussed: 📌 Understanding Sales Strategies in DOT 📌 Building Relationships with Business Development Managers 📌 Best and Worst Practices for Brands 📌 Communicating Changes in Operator Volume 📌 Maximizing the Partnership with D…
- Mastering Foodservice Sales with Clay Lichterman, Vice President of Business Development at Sol-ti
Topics Discussed: 💼 Building a Foodservice Team 💼 Interviewing for Foodservice Sales 💼 The Art of Foodservice Selling 💼 Navigating Challenges in Foodservice 💼 FOMO with Trade Shows and Networking
- Challenges & Best Practices for Parental Leave in a Sales Role with Kristin O’Connell & Melissa Ninegar from Once Upon a Farm
Topics Discussed: 👶 Navigating Maternity Leave and Sales Management 👶 Best Practices for Parental Leave Planning 👶 Traveling as a Working Parent 👶 Empowering Conversations Around Parenthood 👶 Building Community and Support in the Work…
- Inside Campus Dining, a Conversation with Chef Ty from University of Nebraska
Topics Discussed: 🍽️ Dining Experience at the University 🍽️ Innovations in Campus Dining 🍽️ Student Engagement and Dining Culture 🍽️ Trends in Food Preferences and Ingredients 🍽️ Advice for Brands in the C&U Space
- Chatting Foodservice Strategy & Growth with Ray Goulbourne, Foodservice Director at Runamok
Topics Discussed: 🌱 Journey to Sobriety: Personal Stories and Insights 🌱 Navigating the Foodservice Landscape 🌱 Resources and Strategies for Foodservice Success 🌱 Preparing for Trade Shows: Best Practices and Insights
- Mastering Your Sales Negotiation with Saad A Saad
Topics Discussed: 🤝 Introduction to Negotiation Dynamics 🤝 The Cringe Factor in Negotiation Approaches 🤝 Real-Life Salary Negotiation Strategies 🤝 The Importance of Context in Negotiation 🤝 Cultural Differences in Negotiation
- Getting a Brand on Menu with Frank Speranza, Foodservice National Sales Manager at Mike's Hot Honey
Topics Discussed: 🍯 How hot honey became a category, not just a condiment 🍯 Creative strategies that are working right now in foodservice 🍯 Why brand recognition matters at the menu level 🍯 The role of operator feedback in innovation �…
- Talking Shop With The Boys of Dot, CJ Pilliod and Billy Bell
Topics Discussed: - Understanding the Right Time to Partner with Dot Foods - Maximizing Partnerships with Dot Foods - The Unique Experience of the Dot Show - The Game-Changing Role of Dot Foods in Foodservice - Marketing Strategies and Bra…
- The Beverage Boss: Nicola Luce-Guillemette on Vita Coco, Poppi & Foodservice
Topics Discussed: - Navigating the Foodservice Channel - Understanding Beverage Strategies in Foodservice - Trends in the Beverage Industry - Engaging with Quick Service Restaurants - Building Relationships in a Virtual World
- Foodservice Wisdom and Insights with Bruce Reinstein, Partner at Kinetic12
Topics Discussed: - The Importance of Team Engagement and Innovation - Rethinking Trade Shows and Events - Building Trustworthy Relationships - Effective Outreach Strategies for Sales - Understanding Industry Trends and Needs
- Campus Dining Uncovered: Trends & Insights with Rob and Jenn from Sodexo
Topics Discussed: - Gen Z & Gen Alpha Food Trends - Inclusivity & Allergen-Friendly Offerings - Global Flavors & Culinary Exploration - Partnering with Sodexo - Staying Inspired & Trend-Focused
- Nuggets of Wisdom on the Foodservice Sales Game from Ian Navarro, Foodservice Distribution Sales & Marketing Expert
Topics Discussed: - Trade Show Insights & Industry Trends - Getting Noticed in Distribution - Sales & Incentive Strategies for Food Brands - Navigating New Distributor Relationships - The Importance of Transparency & Data in Distribution
- The Art of Genuine Connections with Lindsay Benedict, Founder/CEO at Connection Point VIP
Topics Discussed: - Building Authentic Relationships in Business - The Importance of Long-Term Connections - Transparency in the Food Industry: Building Trust and Loyalty - Navigating Distributor Relationships - Sales Strategies and Incent…
- Founder & CEO Luke Abbott, of VDriven Consulting, Sharing Wisdom and Authenticity
Topics Discussed: - The Role of a Life Coach in Personal Development - Embracing Masculinity and Personal Transformation - Understanding Gender Dynamics in the Workplace - The Importance of Play in Work-Life Balance - Productivity Strategi…
- Building a Plant-Based Brand with Hailey Swartz, Co-Founder of Actual Veggies
Topics Discussed: - Family and Team Dynamics - Consumer Trends in Plant-Based Foods - Advocacy for clean, whole foods that taste good - Balancing entrepreneurial work with personal life. - Staying focused with multiple tasks and responsibi…
- Talking with the OG of Organic, Matt McLean, Founder & Chief Uncle at Uncle Matt's Organic
Topics Discussed: - The Impact of Citrus Greening Disease - Unwavering Commitment: Fanatical About Flavor and Excellence - Uncle Matt's 25-Year Organic Juice Journey: Challenging Industry Giants - The Decline of Florida's Citrus Industry:…
- Talking Coffee Shops & Sales with Specialty Beverage Wiz, Heather Kelley, CEO/Founder at Beverage Business Consulting
Topics Discussed: - Emerging Trends in Specialty Coffee - Heather's Top Coffee Picks - Gen Z's Impact on Iced Drinks - Best Approach & Titles to be Aware of When Prospecting Coffee Shops - Indonesia, Africa, and Central/South America: The…
- Talking Shop & Working with Distributors with Becky Harrison; Distribution Development Manager for Away From Home, Vending, and Convenience at Hain Celestial
Topics Discussed: - Building Strong Distributor Relationships: Showing Up and Listening - Breaking the Ghosting Cycle: Building Rapport Over Email and Phone Calls - Navigating Plant-Based Startups: Overcoming Language Barriers - Working wi…
- A Conversation with CPG Heavy Hitter, Matt Merson, Food & Beverage Senior Sales Strategist
Topics Discussed: - Creating a Culture of Connection - The Key to Startup Success - Advice for Early Stage Brands - Directness in Business Relationships - Building the Right Team
- Sales, Prospecting & Optimizing as a Remote Worker with Ryan Feely, Senior Account Executive at Seamless.AI
Topics Discussed: - The Journey of a Sales Professional - The Value of Sales Education - The Importance of Taking Breaks - Challenges and Strategies for Remote Sales Teams - Subject Line Strategy for Prospecting
- Understanding Yourself in Order to Lead Others Effectively with Thane Ringler, Founding Partner and Executive Coach at Appello Partners
Topics Discussed: - Leadership development involves self-awareness. - Leadership through influence vs leadership through authority. - Building an environment of trust. - One-on-one meetings should be personalized and focused. - Celebrating…
- Grounded, Fun & Powerful Leadership with Melissa Hauser, North American Business Unit Manager at Minor Figures
Topics Discussed: - Differences in Selling CPG in Different Markets - Following Up After a Busy Show - Building Connection and Culture Through In-Person Meetings - Creating a Strong Company Culture Through Team Bonding - Strategies for Man…
- Mindful Living & the Power of Journaling with Ewan Bain, Founder of Purpose Performance
Topics Discussed: - Overcoming Negative Self Talk - The Power of Journaling - Taking Control of Your Mind - Intentional Mindset Training - Purpose Performance-Mind Body Connection
- Mindful Interviewing and Hiring with Angela Marturano, President of Orchid Holistic Search
Topics Discussed: - Keys to a Successful Interview Process - The Red Flag in a Sales Interview - Using Seamless AI for Efficient Search - The Ideal Rounds for an Interview - Determining Salary Expectations - The Importance of Peace & Conte…
- Breaking Down Expo West with Hannah Lopez; Director of Marketplace Development, Food Service at the Plant Based Foods Association
Topics Discussed: - Best Practices & Swag we saw from brands - Sampling Strategy - Gratitude and Suggestions for Expo - Key Takeaways and Memorable Samples
- Rooted Roundtable: A Foodservice Exploration with Industry Experts; Julie Swift, Hannah Lopez & Ben Wahl
Join us for an insightful session as we bring together three Foodservice heavy hitter and industry aficionados to delve deep into the heart of Foodservice dynamics. Whether you're a budding brand eager to carve your niche or an established…
- Bringing the Goodness of Tahini to the Masses with Amy Zitelman, CEO & Co-Founder of Soom Foods
Topics Discussed: - The Tahini Table Cookbook - Starting Soom Foods - Personal Growth and Perspective - Setting Aside Time for Proactive Thinking - Taking Breaks and Practicing Yoga - Biggest Celebrations and Challenging Moments - Chocolat…
- Leveraging Technology to Re-Imagine Sell Sheets & How Brands Share Their Story with Satellite Founder, Jordan Tetrick
Topics Discussed: - Digitally Managing Product Information - Secret Weapon: Taking A Walk - Having Hobbies with Kiddos - The Birth of an Idea - Transforming Sell Sheets
- Premium, Decadent Amazingness with Lex Evan; Founder, CEO & Chef at LEXINGTON BAKES
Topics Discussed: - Leaving A Full-Time Job - How Lex Stays Focused While Working - Raising $5,000 in Five Days - From Baking as a Hobby to a Business - The Power of Influencers
- Talking CPG, Culture, Productivity & The Boss with Josh Belinsky, Co-Founder of Slate Milk
Topics Discussed: - How Co-Founders Josh & Manny Met - Slack & CRM for CPG - Favorite Podcasts - Favorite Win - Pizza & Bruce Springsteen
- The Power of AI, and Staying Open with David Delcourt, Chief of Flavor at Seed Ranch Flavor Co. and Grown As* Foods
Topics Discussed: - Inception of Mac & Cheese - Efficiency of AI - Importance of Planning - The Joy of Coffee - The Intense Scrunch Phase - Finding Perspective - Importance of Rest - The Energy & Pleasure of Conversation - Value of Space
- Thoughtful and Grounded Business with Jason Burke, Founder of The New Primal
Topics Discussed: - The Inspiration Behind The New Primal - Staying Proactive & Setting Boundaries - Dealing with Challenging Emotions - Carving Out Maker Time - The Challenges of Starting a Book Club - Favorite Meal to Prepare: Picadillo…
- Technology and AI in Restaurants with Quest Food Management Culinary Director, Jeff Fell
Topics Discussed: - The Role of Technology in Kitchen Efficiency - Finding Recommendations for Restaurants - Using AI for Cooking - Becoming Thoughtful and Thorough - Favorite Dining Spot Abroad
- Talking Marketing, Culture & Trade Shows with Adam Brown, Founder and President of Sircle Media
Topics Discussed: - What Makes a Solid Trade Show Booth - The Power of Engaging Salespeople - The Value of In-Person Meetings - The Importance of Email Marketing
- Authenticity, Learnings & Knowing When to Let Go, with Zach Frantz
Topics Discussed: - Letting Go of Wildland & When/How the Decision Became Clear - The Transition from Entrepreneurship to Software Sales - The Power of LinkedIn - Authenticity & Transparency - Advice for Emerging Food and Beverage Brands -…
- Helping Farmers & The Planet While Serving Up Next Level Specialty Foods with Daniela Jensen, Founder of Big Picture Foods
Topics Discussed: - How Big Picture Foods Came to Be - How The Sweetgreen Partnership Came Together - Olives Cured in Lye vs Cured Clean - Regenerative Farming - Leading with Flavor - Trade Shows & Upcoming Plans - Dividing & Conquering