Episodes
Friday Oct 13, 2023
Friday Oct 13, 2023
In this episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Michael Holtzman, CEO of Profitable Food Systems Worldwide, to delve into the world of agritourism. Michael has extensive experience consulting with farms, offering valuable insights into the industry.
Michael Holtzman has consulted with 50 farms in the last 5 years, gaining unique perspectives and insights into the agritourism operating model.
The journey began with Vala’s in Omaha, Nebraska, a farm boasting over 300 acres and an impressive 22,000 daily visitors. This farm sets the gold standard in innovation within the industry, with 28 food outlets on the property. The key takeaway is to learn from pioneers like Vala’s and understand how they organize and structure their farm.
Captive dining emerged as a strategy to optimize the food and beverage offerings, maximizing revenue potential for farms. A compelling analogy was drawn between Disney Land and Disney World, highlighting the importance of strategic planning and layout.
A significant challenge faced by farms is the escalating costs associated with delivering wholesale products. Selling retail on the farm directly to consumers presents a viable solution, enabling farmers to achieve profitability and ensure the long-term sustainability of the American farming sector.
Agritourism is witnessing exponential growth, yet many farms struggle to price their unique products appropriately. It's crucial for farms to reset their operations and realize their worth to sustainably contribute to this burgeoning sector. Investing approximately $1 million in a new farm to enter this category can yield a quick return on investment (ROI).
Another aspect explored is the role of fun farm games in enhancing the visitor experience and revenue generation. Additionally, it was highlighted that Food and Beverage (F&B) offerings can be a significant revenue generator, standing as the second-highest revenue contributor after attendance.
A pertinent question raised was: What is the magic number of guests and acreage? This question invites further exploration into the optimal balance of guest numbers and acreage to ensure the farm's success and profitability.
Season 3, Episode 60:
Profitable Food Facilities Worldwide:
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About me and my mission and the podcast:
Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry? The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.
I am a fun-loving business leader, podcaster, husband, dad, cyclist, and Convention of States volunteer in my spare time. My mission is to discover the people and ideas behind these different, better, and special companies.
Entrepreneurs and CEOs, are you:
Searching for distributor or broker partners?
Actively prospecting commercial buyers to gain more points of distribution?
Searching for the right person to add to the team?
My Direct Response Marketing Service attracts exactly what you need to help your brand thrive and grow.
Here is a NOVEL approach to ATTRACT distributors, buyers, and people (DEMO)
Contact me: Tony@timpl.com
Follow me on LinkedIn: Different, Better, Special Brands
Join Our Community
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Friday Oct 06, 2023
Friday Oct 06, 2023
Welcome to W@W! If you like burgers and fries you will love today's episode with Swizzler, a Washington DC-based ELEVATED fast-food phenomenon known for its crispy chicken, premium smash burgers, fresh cut, twice-fried fries, and delicious drinks.
Swizzler began as a food truck concept in 2014 and has rapidly evolved into a major player in the Washington DC food scene, now being available in major sports arenas and throughout the surrounding area.
The emphasis has always been on creating a premium fast-food experience with a focus on taste and quality.
The Importance of Taste and Sourcing:
Taste is paramount in the food industry, especially for a fast-food concept. Swizzler prioritizes delivering an exceptional taste experience to its customers.
Sourcing fresh buns from a local baker and making all sauces in-house are central to ensuring a high-quality product.
Core Principles in Food:
Jesse Konig emphasizes that the core principles, or first principles, in food involve focusing on taste and visual appeal.
Understanding that people "eat with their eyes" emphasizes the significance of presentation and aesthetic appeal in the food industry.
Perfecting the Smash Burger:
Swizzler has set a high standard by using 100% regenerative grassfed beef for their smash burgers, underlining their commitment to quality and sustainability.
Twice-fried French fries play a critical role in achieving the desired texture—a crispy outer shell and a mash-potatoey middle.
In-House Manufacturing for Excellence:
Swizzler's dedication to quality extends to in-house French fry manufacturing for both their restaurants and retail purposes.
This in-house approach ensures control over the entire process, contributing to the overall excellence of their product.
Advantages of Twice-Frying:
The two-step frying process allows for the development of a desirable crispy outer shell while preserving a fluffy, potato-like texture on the inside.
The first fry starts the cooking process, making the interior tender, while the second fry creates a crispy crust. This results in a perfect balance of textures.
The first fry helps to remove excess moisture from the potatoes, preventing sogginess and ensuring the fries retain their crispiness after the second fry.
The second fry creates a golden-brown, crispy exterior that provides a satisfying crunch with each bite, complementing the soft and flavorful interior.
It's a popular method for achieving that signature crispy and fluffy French fry that people crave.
Season 3, Episode 59:
Swizzler:
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About me and my mission and the podcast:
Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry? The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.
I am a fun-loving business leader, podcaster, husband, dad, cyclist, and Convention of States volunteer in my spare time. My mission is to discover the people and ideas behind these different, better, and special companies.
Entrepreneurs and CEOs, are you:
Searching for distributor or broker partners?
Actively prospecting commercial buyers to gain more points of distribution?
Searching for the right person to add to the team?
My Direct Response Marketing Service attracts exactly what you need to help your brand thrive and grow.
Here is a NOVEL approach to ATTRACT distributors, buyers, and people (DEMO)
Contact me: Tony@timpl.com
Follow me on LinkedIn: Different, Better, Special Brands
Join Our Community
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Friday Sep 29, 2023
Friday Sep 29, 2023
Deliciously Instagramable: How To Create A Brand Ambassador Program with Annie Slabotsky, GoNanas Co-Founder
In this episode, Annie Slabotsky, Co-Founder of Go Nanas joins me to discuss Instagramable food and their self-feeding brand ambassador program.
What Makes Food Instagramable?
People tend to post on Instagram what they're proud of, such as cakes or muffins they've made.
Origin Story of Go Nanas:
Annie's passion for baking led her to start making themed gift bags during college, always including her favorite banana bread.
Annie met Morgan, and their shared love for baking and banana bread led to selling loaves as a side hustle on a campus lacking healthy options.
The business quickly expanded into foodservice sales but pivoted to online sales during the pandemic, which proved successful and led to their current scalable and shelf-stable business model.
The Ambassador Program:
Go Nana’s has over 2,600 ambassadors!!
Ambassadors are rewarded with events, social incentives, free products, merchandise, and a percentage of sales.
Their Instagramable product attracts more people to join the program, contributing to its growth.
Influencer Collaboration and Brand Relevance:
Go Nana’s has an influencer program for sponsored posts, but the return on investment can be challenging to measure.
Co-branded limited-edition product releases with influencers and a revenue share model are strategies employed to maintain brand relevance and increase reach.
Community Building and Event Engagement:
Building a community around the founders and brand ambassadors is vital for brand success and Instagramability.
Events, both virtual and in-person, foster connections and provide valuable feedback for brand growth, with brand ambassadors being the guiding stars.
Making Your Brand Instagramable:
Brands can achieve Instagramability through authentic engagement, community building, and collaboration, showcasing passion and purpose to create a captivating online presence.
Season 3, Episode 59:
GoNanas:
Website
Linkedin
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Bite Into Business Podcast
GoNanas App on Apple App Store & Google Play
Connect with Annie
Connect with Tony
About me and my mission and the podcast:
Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry? The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.
I am a fun-loving business leader, podcaster, husband, dad, cyclist, and Convention of States volunteer in my spare time. My mission is to discover the people and ideas behind these different, better, and special companies.
Entrepreneurs and CEOs, are you:
Searching for distributor or broker partners?
Actively prospecting commercial buyers to gain more points of distribution?
Searching for the right person to add to the team?
My Direct Response Marketing Service attracts exactly what you need to help your brand thrive and grow.
Here is a NOVEL approach to ATTRACT distributors, buyers, and people (DEMO)
Contact me: Tony@timpl.com
Follow me on LinkedIn: Different, Better, Special Brands
Join Our Community
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Tuesday Sep 26, 2023
Tuesday Sep 26, 2023
Welcome Winners to another episode of W@W!
Today I bring you Michelle Adelman, CEO of Crossover Quality Meats and Accite Holdings.
Crossover Meats innovatively blends various types of meat to create a better ground beef product, including chicken with beef, chicken with pork, and chicken with lamb.
The resulting product is all-natural, more sustainable, and maintains excellent taste.
Exploring Crossover Meats:
Crossover Meats blends chicken with different meats to create a new ground beef experience.
The meat is sourced naturally and is focused on sustainability without compromising on taste.
Highlighting the innovation of blending chicken with beef, pork, and lamb as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional all-beef products.
The Crossover Experience:
Join us as we delve behind the scenes to uncover the story and inspiration behind Crossover Meats.
The host samples a Crossover burger, providing a firsthand account of the taste and quality.
Availability and Future Prospects:
Crossover Meats will soon be available in retail stores, providing an opportunity for listeners to try the product.
Encouraging direct purchases to experience the product and judge for themselves.
The Clever Blend:
Discussing the advantages of blending chicken with other meats, particularly its cost-effectiveness and sustainability compared to all-beef products.
Highlighting the importance of having frozen protein options for convenience and preparation for the future.
Michelle's Global Perspective:
Michelle Adelman, an experienced business traveler, shares her insights from exploring various parts of the world.
Michelle takes us on a journey to Africa, the origin of Crossover Meats' story, providing a unique and culturally rich perspective.
Season 3, Episode 58:
Crossover Quality Meats:
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Linkedin
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Instagram
Connect with Michelle
Connect with Tony
About me and my mission and the podcast:
Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry? The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.
I am a fun-loving business leader, podcaster, husband, dad, cyclist, and Convention of States volunteer in my spare time. My mission is to discover the people and ideas behind these different, better, and special companies.
Entrepreneurs and CEOs, are you:
Searching for distributor or broker partners?
Actively prospecting commercial buyers to gain more points of distribution?
Searching for the right person to add to the team?
My Direct Response Marketing Service attracts exactly what you need to help your brand thrive and grow.
Here is a NOVEL approach to ATTRACT distributors, buyers, and people (DEMO)
Contact me: Tony@timpl.com
Follow me on LinkedIn: Different, Better, Special Brands
Join Our Community
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Monday Sep 25, 2023
Monday Sep 25, 2023
Join Filip and Matt as they politely ambush exhibitors at EXPO EAST (Sept 20-23 in Philadelphia, PA, USA).
These are the 10 brands they interviewed on the fly.
Filip is the EVP at The Pickle Juice Company - https://picklepower.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fkeuppens/
I love this hysterical "non-profit" they set up https://savethepickles.org/
Lift Bar - https://liftbar.com/
Bone Suckin' Foods - https://bonesuckin.com/
Manuka Honey (New Zeland)
Fire Department Coffee - https://www.firedeptcoffee.com/
Natural Endurance - https://naturalendurance.com/
Araza Natural Purees LLC - https://arazapurees.com/
Miracle Noodle - https://miraclenoodle.com/
Awake Chocolate - https://awakechocolate.com/
Prime Shrimp - https://www.primeshrimp.com/
Pocono
Matt Kovacs is the President of Blaze PR and has appeared numerous times on the podcast. He can be reached here -https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjkovacs/
Season 3 Episode 58
Connect with Tony
About me and my mission and the podcast:
Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry? The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.
I am a fun-loving business leader, podcaster, husband, dad, cyclist, and Convention of States volunteer in my spare time. My mission is to discover the people and ideas behind these different, better, and special companies.
Entrepreneurs and CEOs, are you:
Searching for distributor or broker partners?
Actively prospecting commercial buyers to gain more points of distribution?
Searching for the right person to add to the team?
My Direct Response Marketing Service attracts exactly what you need to help your brand thrive and grow.
Here is a NOVEL approach to ATTRACT distributors, buyers, and people (DEMO)
Contact me: Tony@timpl.com
Follow me on LinkedIn: Different, Better, Special Brands
Join Our Community
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Monday Sep 25, 2023
Monday Sep 25, 2023
Welcome to W@W! In this episode, I bring you The New Primal, a company that's all about bringing families back to the table with simple, good-for-you products. We're joined by CEO, Jason Burke. You will enjoy his unique origin story, and discover the Nobel Made brand and how it's revolutionizing the way we approach nutrition and healthy living.
The New Primal Mission
The New Primal's mission is all about reconnecting families at the dining table with their range of simple, nutritious products. This vision was born out of a personal journey toward a healthier lifestyle after a family tragedy related to diet and nutrition.
Jason's Journey Begins at Work
Jason's odyssey towards healthy living and cooking started with overcoming a sweet tooth craving at work. He began crafting homemade snacks and jerky, which soon gained immense popularity among his co-workers. This kick-started The New Primal's journey as a brand.
Continuing a Legacy
Jason's motivation is deeply rooted in the legacy of his mother, who nurtured and fed her community with open doors and tables for everyone. Jason strives to carry forward this legacy, evident in the mission and values imprinted on the back of their sauces.
The Role of Sauces and Marinades
The sauces and marinades by The New Primal spark endless creativity and user-generated content. These play a crucial role in driving sales and marketing, inspiring consumers to experiment and share their culinary experiences.
Addressing the Sugar Dilemma
Jason highlights the concerning role of sugar in the food industry, where it's often used to extend meat products at the expense of nutrition. The New Primal stands firm on delivering healthier alternatives without compromising on taste.
Sales and Marketing Strategies
Efficient sales and marketing strategies are essential to bring consumers to trial. Jason emphasizes the importance of partnering with retailers and investing in trade promotions, sampling, demos, and ambassador programs to build a loyal customer base.
Learning from Experience
Jason shares valuable insights on the journey of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the significance of learning through experience and early feedback. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs not to be held back by the pursuit of perfection, but to start and iterate along the way.
The Story Behind the Brand
Unveiling the story behind the brand name, Jason explains the desire for an ancestral touch, embodying a modern interpretation of the primal way. This vision is symbolized by the owl, a majestic creature, reflected in their packaging and ethos.
New Product Launch Alert
Get ready for an exciting product launch - the "Sloppy Joseph," a fresh take on the traditional Sloppy Joe with a health-conscious twist, boasting significantly lower sugar content.
Season 3, Episode 57:
The New Primal:
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About me and my mission and the podcast:
Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry? The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.
I am a fun-loving business leader, podcaster, husband, dad, cyclist, and Convention of States volunteer in my spare time. My mission is to discover the people and ideas behind these different, better, and special companies.
Entrepreneurs and CEOs, are you:
Searching for distributor or broker partners?
Actively prospecting commercial buyers to gain more points of distribution?
Searching for the right person to add to the team?
My Direct Response Marketing Service attracts exactly what you need to help your brand thrive and grow.
Here is a NOVEL approach to ATTRACT distributors, buyers, and people (DEMO)
Contact me: Tony@timpl.com
Follow me on LinkedIn: Different, Better, Special Brands
Join Our Community
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Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
This isn't your father's hot dog! Fripper’s is an Atlanta-based specialty meats company passionate about producing handmade sausages— artfully, one link at a time. It's an elevated hot dog experience, and Colin Miles is on a mission to breathe new life into artisan meats.
Join me as I discover what makes Fripper's a freaking great dog and the food service business they are building.
Season 3, Episode 56:
Fripper's:
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Connect with Colin
Connect with Tony
About me and my mission and the podcast:
Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry? The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.
I am a fun-loving business leader, podcaster, husband, dad, cyclist, and Convention of States volunteer in my spare time. My mission is to discover the people and ideas behind these different, better, and special companies.
Entrepreneurs and CEOs, are you:
Searching for distributor or broker partners?
Actively prospecting commercial buyers to gain more points of distribution?
Searching for the right person to add to the team?
My Direct Response Marketing Service attracts exactly what you need to help your brand thrive and grow.
Here is a NOVEL approach to ATTRACT distributors, buyers, and people (DEMO)
Contact me: Tony@timpl.com
Follow me on LinkedIn: Different, Better, Special Brands
Join Our Community
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Friday Sep 15, 2023
Friday Sep 15, 2023
Welcome to Winning at Work – the podcast for Foodies and Founders!
In this episode, we sit down with Gardar Steffanson, the CEO and Co-Founder of Good Good Foods, a game-changer in the world of low-sugar jams and spreads.
Good Good Foods, based in Iceland, has risen to the #1 position in their category in America.
The Secret Ingredient:
The key to Good Good Foods' success is their emphasis on fruit content. They pack more fruit into each jar and use natural sweeteners, resulting in a low-calorie, delicious product.
Gardar emphasizes that breakfast jams should be healthy, not packed with excessive sugars, which can often reach 60% in traditional jams.
Innovations for Flavor Balance:
Good Good Foods invested in extensive research and development to eliminate any aftertaste associated with natural sweeteners like stevia. They conducted thousands of innovations to perfect their recipe.
Market Insights:
The jam and jelly market boasts a substantial $1 billion in grocery sales.
Interestingly, peanut butter, a complementary category, is a massive $2 billion industry.
Entering the U.S. Market:
Gardar shares that their breakthrough into the U.S. market came through Expo West, a pivotal event for their business.
Consumer Trial and Online Presence:
To encourage consumer trials, Good Good Foods initially launched on Amazon. Their product quickly rose to become the #1 jam on Amazon.
Tactics for building an online reputation involve collaborating with influencers and ambassadors to create engaging content. They are also actively working on improving their presence in grocery stores.
In-Store Demo Strategy:
Gardar reveals that the most successful in-store demos are held in high-selling stores and led by Good Good Foods employees, who are experts on their product.
Building a personal connection with customers during these demos has been key to their strategy.
Challenges Faced:
Digital ads that previously worked well have seen diminishing returns in recent years.
On the other hand, building relationships with brand ambassadors and friends has proven effective, with activities like taste testing and recipe creation. These individuals gain access to samples, merchandise, and recipe banks.
Affiliate Platforms and Relationship Building:
Good Good Foods utilizes affiliate platforms to expand their reach, but they recognize that the true key to their success lies in building strong relationships with partners, influencers, and customers.
Brand Focus:
Gardar emphasizes the importance of not chasing trends but staying focused on their brand's core values and mission
Season 3, Episode 55:
Good Good Brand:
Website
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Youtube
TikTok
Connect with Gardar
Connect with Tony
About me and my mission and the podcast:
Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to discover unique brands and learn about the people and strategies successful companies are implementing in the CPG and Food and Beverage Industry? The brands featured here take us into the world of innovation, sustainability, good for you, lifestyle, QSR, Foodservice, Distribution, DTC, Club, and more.
I am a fun-loving business leader, podcaster, husband, dad, cyclist, and Convention of States volunteer in my spare time. My mission is to discover the people and ideas behind these different, better, and special companies.
Entrepreneurs and CEOs, are you:
Searching for distributor or broker partners?
Actively prospecting commercial buyers to gain more points of distribution?
Searching for the right person to add to the team?
My Direct Response Marketing Service attracts exactly what you need to help your brand thrive and grow.
Here is a NOVEL approach to ATTRACT distributors, buyers, and people (DEMO)
Contact me: Tony@timpl.com
Follow me on LinkedIn: Different, Better, Special Brands
Join Our Community
Music from Uppbeat and ZapSplathttps://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/get-the-funk-inLicense code: SF3WUKBUJQULFHXE
TIKTOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | LINKEDIN PAGE | LINKEDIN GROUP