NexxtLevel Brands Podcast

Elliot Begoun is a 30-year industry veteran. He's an author and Founder of TIG Brands, a practice focused on helping emerging natural product brands grow. TIG as a customized one-to-one accelerator that positions natural product brands to raise capital, prove velocity, gain distribution, and scale. Elliot is a prolific speaker and writer in his industry. You can see and hear more of his works at FoodBytes, The Hirshberg Institute, and NatchCom. You can also find his articles in publications such as the Huffington Post, SmartBrief, and New Hope. He also bylines a weekly industry update on LinkedIn and at the TIG Brands website. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: How different brands and businesses are faring giving the current health crisis due to COVID-19 The current challenges for co-manufacturers and co-packers Elliot Begoun’s advice for businesses with cash flow shortage to help them weather the current crisis The importance of planning for unexpected scenarios when running a business Alternative fulfillment options for co-manufacturers and fulfillment centers The three reactions of businesses to the current situation and what they should be doing instead How being fear perverse can actually help entrepreneurs survive the current economic crisis The various unique societal game-changers that will come out of the current crisis The shifts in online buying vs retail shopping that brands need to be aware of What people think about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and what it means for their businesses Will there be a crunch in eCommerce fulfillment? What does Nielsen mean by restricted living and what is its role consumer behavior Elliot explains why he believes that everyone needs to practice empathy right now In this episode… Many businesses, both online and in brick and mortar retail stores, are currently going through extremely challenging times because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. These challenges vary from low sales, co-packing, and warehousing, cash flow shortages, to e-commerce fulfillment. Things are changing at just a rapid pace and businesses need to be on their toes if they want to make it out of this pandemic in one piece. According to Elliot Begoun, founder of TIG, the changes that are happening now could be the new norm for us and for businesses, this means being aware of and adapting to the changes in market trends and in consumer behavior. Join Steve Cleere in this episode of the Nexxt Level Brands Podcast where he interviews Elliot Begoun about the current economy and how businesses, in general, are reacting to the crisis. He also talks about why being fear perverse is a trait that can get entrepreneurs out of this rut, the importance of planning for a crisis and finding creative solutions for business challenges, the impact of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on businesses, and why everyone needs to have a little more empathy moving forward. Stay

Encore Presentation from 2020: Ryne O'Donnell is the Founder of Sol-ti, a living beverage company. Ryne’s personal obsession with health and well-being along with the undeniable benefits of good, organic food and juice had on his body made him realize that there was a lack of quality options for travelers. This, coupled with the incessant infiltration of plastic packaging got Ryne thinking that it was time to address the gap in the market for glass bottled living beverages which was how Sol-ti was created in 2014. Ryne is also the Founder of Permaculture Planet, a Costa Rica-based corporation specializing in permaculture design land development and design properties. He invested in a farm in Costa Rica as a backup plan in case his business failed and later moved there. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: How Ryne O’Donnell's personal challenge led to the Sol-ti Ryne talks about making smoothies and other beverages at home before starting his business What prompted Ryne to leave the tech industry and develop a mobile phone app to help people find healthy food and juice bars How Ryne started his Sol-ti business and the returns he got during the first month of sales Ryne’s initial plans for Sol-ti, how he produced his products at a rental kitchen, and his initial sales run at a local yoga studio Ryne explains what Sol-ti means, the flavors they currently have, and where the products are sold How Ryne filled the gap between demand, distribution, and production Ryne talks about Costa Rica and his decision to sell the beverage company only to buy it back later on How Ryne handled sales for his business and what he learned from hiring sales reps Ryne talks about the glass element and pricing of his products and why he refuses to use PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) Ryne's advice to fellow entrepreneurs on building a classic and iconic company and brand that stands out In this episode… Many entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry started their businesses to solve a specific personal challenge they had. For Ryne O’Donnell, the lack of quality healthy beverages on the road because he traveled a lot and the infiltration of plastic packaging for the available products got him thinking about addressing this obvious gap in the beverage industry. He then decided to make his own glass bottled living beverages. However, Ryne soon found out that the food industry is tough and requires tenacity and persistence. He has learned so much about entrepreneurship after leaving the tech industry and knows that it can take years to build an amazing brand. But while it’s challenging, Ryne vouches that the view from the top is amazing. In this episode of Nexxt Level Brands Podcast, Ryne O'Donnell joins Steve Cleere to talk about how he started and grew his beverage company, Sol-ti. He talks about the expectations he had while starting his entrepreneurship journey, growing his business, selling it and eventually buying it back again, moving to Costa Rica, and his future plans for his beverage brand. Stay tuned. Subscribe and Listen on: iTunes Spotify Stitcher

Encore Presentation Brian Tate is the Founder and CEO of Oats Overnight. He studied at the Grande Valley University for two years before leaving to pursue professional poker. After more than a decade of playing high-stakes poker, he took his passion for risk, analytics, and game theory and applied that expertise where it was needed: the crowded breakfast foods industry. As a health and fitness enthusiast, Brian had already spent years experimenting with homemade oatmeal recipes that complemented his workout regimen and demanding schedule at the poker tables. Looking for a more convenient shelf-stable alternative that would save him time without compromising on nutrition, he created Oats Overnight. Oats Overnight is the first spoon-free, high-protein oats formula. Since its start, the Oats Overnight team has grown to generate eight figures in annual revenue and served 10 million meals. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Brian Tate's background playing professional poker and how that led to the founding of Oats Overnight How Brian started selling his product commercially and where he got the finances to start his business Oats Overnight's journey to retail storefronts and through e-commerce sites How Brian handles his company's fulfillment process How the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Oats Overnight and how they allow their customers to customize purchases Brian talks about the company's plans and future product lines Brian's experience transitioning from playing poker to becoming a CEO The partners Brian has been working with and his exit strategy Brian's advice to fellow entrepreneurs on building a successful business In this episode… Playing poker requires a lot from you: time, energy, and especially, mental clarity. To stay on top of the game, players have to work out as often as they can and ensure that they eat clean, healthy food regularly. This is why Brian Tate started making his own oats cereals for breakfast. When he realized his product wasn’t really accessible in the market, he decided to start making them commercially. Similar to playing poker, Brian found out that you can't control everything that happens in the business world — but you can control the processes, systems, and decisions that you make based on the information you have. Some business decisions can lead to bad results that need adjusting, but usually, entrepreneurs just have to stay focused and learn from their mistakes. In this episode of the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast, Steve Cleere interviews Brian Tate, the Founder and CEO of Oats Overnight, about starting and scaling a breakfast cereal CPG brand. Brian shares his experience playing poker professionally, growing sales through retail and e-commerce, and how his company provides customized products to customers. Subscribe and Listen on: iTunes Spotify Stitcher Google Play Deezer iHeartRadio TuneIn

Encore Presentation: In this episode, we’re welcoming back Alex Bayer, Co-Founder and CEO of Genius Juice for an update. Genius Juice was featured on Shark Tank, they received Bevnet Smoothie of the Year, and Alex is now the host of two podcasts –15 Minutes of Genius and Friday Vibes, and he’s here to tell us about the latest news and progress around Genius Juice. Genius Juice is the world's first all-organic plant-based smoothie made from the whole coconut. It blends only two ingredients: organic coconut water and organic meat to make a creamy, delicious and clean smoothie. Founded in January 2014, Genius prides itself on having 'No Dumb Stuff' in its smoothies. NO Gums/Emulsifiers, NO Natural Flavors, NO Stevia or Monk Fruit, and NO Added Sugar. Join us as we discuss how the pandemic and supply chain issues affected Genius Juice (or didn’t), the benefits of their appearance on Shark Tank, how their business plan has matched up to reality, and hear some great advice from Alex on projections, investors, margins, and not overdoing it with product distribution. The “NexxtLevel Brands Podcast’ is hosted by G. Steven Cleere, Founder and “Chief Pot Stirrer” of NexxtLevel Brands. This show focuses on disruptors and thought-leaders from the Entrepreneurial Food, Beverage, and CPG Industry, but we also share tips from veterans and key suppliers that may help fellow CPG professionals achieve their goals. Discussion Points Welcome back to the show Alex BayerLast time, you didn’t have a podcast!? Now you have two…Time commitments and guest availability for 52 weeks of podcastsHow did your success escalate after Shark Tank?The initial burst, and the long-term relationships from Shark Tank appearanceHow did your business plan stack up against the actual results?How did Genius deal with the pandemic– team and supply chain?We want to do more team events, even though we are all virtual, we love being togetherHow is your business different now, than when you appeared on Shark Tank?Being cautious about where you distribute your product– sales per door more important than the number of doorsThe learnings from placement in 600 Publix stores in the Florida marketPricing your product – promos vs. debuting at regular priceAny “Oh Shit” moments you want to share?Pitching to investors, under-promising, over-delivering, investors never forget when you fall short of projections

Encore: Today I’m welcoming back Michael Movitz, of the Movitz group, and co- founding partner of Brandjectory, a one-of-a-kind relationship-building platform for early-stage CPG founders and investors to help discover each other. We last spoke in October of 2020, so we have plenty to hear about Brandjectory and its journey since then. Michael's career includes 16 years with SPINS at various senior-level positions in the Natural, Organic, and Speciality Products Industry, and in the Natural Products Division of the J.M. Smucker Company. He is the Founder and Managing Partner of The Movitz Group, an advisory group of industry experts that help early-stage conscious brands raise capital and build go-to-market strategies. He has spent 30 years in the CPG industry working with conscious and premium products. In this episode you’ll hear how Brandjectory works today vs. when it began, some highlights of Brandjectory’s recent history including functioning as the contest platform for the Naturally New York Slam Pitch, and some general insight into the industry as it stands today. The “NexxtLevel Brands Podcast’ is hosted by G. Steven Cleere, Founder and “Chief Pot Stirrer” of NexxtLevel Brands. This show focuses on disruptors and thought-leaders from the Entrepreneurial Food, Beverage, and CPG Industry, but we also share tips from veterans and key suppliers that may help fellow CPG professionals achieve their goals. Discussion Points Resources: Michael Movitz on LinkedIn Brandjectory Website NexxtLevel Brands Website G.Steven Cleere LinkedIn

Encore Presentation: Najwa Khan is the Founder of dalci, a line of gut-healthy brownies. Najwa started the company after struggling to find healthy snacks that could satisfy her craving for sweets. She has over 10 years of experience in the health and wellness space, having worked in various roles for nonprofits, market research firms, healthcare and technology startups, and DTC wellness brands. She also has a master's degree in public health. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: What drove Najwa Khan to CPG entrepreneurship? How Najwa started making brownies at home and how she used focus groups to validate her product Did Najwa prepare a business plan when starting her business? Najwa explains how she built an e-commerce store and how she handled fulfillment during the COVID-19 pandemic How Najwa marketed her business through social media, built a community, and bettered her customers' experience What does dalci stand for? The biggest challenge Najwa has had to overcome while growing her business Najwa outlines dalci's processes for shipping, storage, and production Najwa talks about dalci's future products, how she built her team, and her plans to start selling on Amazon Najwa's advice to fellow entrepreneurs on starting a business In this episode... Are you in need of a healthy sweet? Are you looking for a gut friendly and healthy dessert that you can enjoy without worrying about eating too much sugar and carbs? Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean that you have to stop eating indulgent foods completely. For Najwa Khan, a gut friendly brownie is a great alternative to the decadent desserts out there. She believes in helping people understand sugar and carbs instead of fearing them—and so, her line of organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and gut-healthy brownies was born. In this episode of the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast, Steve Cleere is joined by Najwa Khan, the Founder of dalci, to talk about building a gut-friendly, healthy, and better-for-you dessert brand. Najwa explains what inspired her to start the brand, talks about the challenges she has faced growing the business, and shares her future plans for dalci. Stay tuned. Subscribe and Listen on: iTunes Spotify Stitcher Google Play Deezer iHeartRadio TuneIn Amazon Music Resources Mentioned in this episode dalci Najwa Khan on LinkedIn Cool News:

In this Encore episode we are following up with one of our previous guests, Will Nitze, Founder and CEO of IQBar. We last spoke to Will before the pandemic, so our discussion will cover the last few years and what’s been happening at IQBar, the pandemic and how it affected the company, and future ideas for new product categories. IQBar’s mission is to empower doers with superior brain and body nutrition. IQBAR makes plant protein bars and IQMIX hydration sticks packed with functional compounds. Every IQBAR product is brain and body nutrition, 100% plant-based, with vegan, nutrient-dense ingredients, low carb and zero gluten, dairy, soy, and no GMOS. The “NexxtLevel Brands Podcast’ is hosted by G. Steven Cleere, Founder and “Chief Pot Stirrer” of NexxtLevel Brands. This show focuses on disruptors and thought-leaders from the Entrepreneurial Food, Beverage, and CPG Industry, but we also share tips from veterans and key suppliers that may help fellow CPG professionals achieve their goals. Discussion Points Resources: Will Nitze LinkedIn EATIQBAR.com NexxtLevel Brands Website Steven Cleere LinkedIn

In this Encore Podcast episode, I speak with Dave Zilko, Co-Founder of Skinny Butcher. You’ll hear the amazing origin story of the “plant poultry” brand that was founded after Dave and his partner Jack built and sold Garden Fresh salsa to Campbell Soups for $231M. Dave shares his passion for Skinny Butcher’s sustainability focus, hopes for a global flexitarian society, the fun marketing and branding strategy that has led to unusual promotions like the Stranger Things/Netflix promotion at Walmart, and inspiring stories that also appear in his book, “Irrational Persistence.” Skinny Butcher’s major successes partnering with Costco, Walmart and Kroger have consumers embracing the flavorful taste and ‘better for you’ pea protein meat replacement products that offer a kinder gentler option for our planet. The “NexxtLevel Brands Podcast’ is hosted by G. Steven Cleere, Founder and “Chief Pot Stirrer” of NexxtLevel Brands. This show focuses on disruptors and thought-leaders from the Entrepreneurial Food, Beverage, and CPG Industry, but we also share tips from veterans and key suppliers that may help fellow CPG professionals achieve their goals. Discussion Points needs Resources: Irrational Persistence: Seven Secrets That Turned a Bankrupt Startup Into a $231,000,000 Business Skinny Butcher Dave Zilko LinkedIn NexxtLevel Brands Website G. Steven Cleere LinkedIn

Encore Presentation: My guest today is Austin Kelly, CEO at Willamette Valley Pie Company in Oregon. I speak with Austin about how Willamette is growing their business– carefully self-financing, planning their expansion slowly and naturally. Their products occupy a premium, artisanal spot in the frozen pie category, and continue to be hand-crafted from berries grown and frozen in their family-owned, vertically integrated manufacturing plant and farmland in Salem, OR since 1999. Austin’s own background started at the age of 15 working in a cherry orchard, and later at Dave’s Killer Bread, so as he puts it, “Berries plus baking equals pie.” Willamette Valley Pie Company has grown berries in the bountiful Willamette Valley for three generations and each of their pies and cobblers are still hand-crafted with all-natural ingredients. Willamette knows that sharing dessert can create special family connections. What began as a small cannery-style operation in a backyard warehouse quickly grew into Willamette Valley Pie Company – a family-owned and operated business – producing the best pies around! You can order pies directly online, or visit their country store which opened in 2009, located in Salem, OR on the same property as their processing plant and flagship bakery. Look for a new cream pie line to debut this fall. The “NexxtLevel Brands Podcast’ is hosted by G. Steven Cleere, Founder and “Chief Pot Stirrer” of NexxtLevel Brands. This show focuses on disruptors and thought-leaders from the Entrepreneurial Food, Beverage, and CPG Industry, but we also share tips from veterans and key suppliers that may help fellow CPG professionals achieve their goals. Discussion Points Resources: Austin Kelly LinkedIn Willamette Valley Pie Website NexxtLevel Brands Website Steven Cleere LinkedIn

Today we’re speaking with David Cisneros, co-founder of WES and Origo Brands, and taking an enlightening journey through the world of Hispanic food brands. David shares his transition from attorney to successful food brand entrepreneur. You’ll hear about David’s travels to Latin America and how he is shaking up the US market with new and authentic flavors. In the discussion, David imparts valuable insights on how his legal training has helped him navigate the financial side of his business, how he’s telling a compelling story through disruptive marketing and discusses creating a low GI sweetener. Get insights into David's unique marketing strategy for his Hispanic barbecue sauce and learn how to redefine product categories in a post-pandemic market. The “NexxtLevel Brands Podcast’ is hosted by G. Steven Cleere, Founder and “Chief Pot Stirrer” of NexxtLevel Brands. This show focuses on disruptors and thought-leaders from the Entrepreneurial Food, Beverage, and CPG Industry, but we also share tips from veterans and key suppliers that may help fellow CPG professionals achieve their goals. Discussion Points Resources: Origo Brands Start Engine David Cisneros LinkedIn NexxtLevel Brands Website Steven Cleere LinkedIn

In this Encore episode we are following up with one of our previous guests, Stephen Caldwell. Stephen fell in love with Swiss Röstis in his travels and brought this delicious Bern tradition back home. He and his wife Lory have been perfecting the recipe and serving them to family and friends ever since. Rosti Stuft Spuds have been on a white-hot trajectory since the company started in 2019. For 2023, Stephen has forecast that they will utilize 3.5 million pounds of potatoes. From buying out his partner and rebranding, to over 50 wildly successful appearances on QVC, and URosti’s placement in convenience stores across the country, every single person who tastes them loves URosti Stuft Spuds. The “NexxtLevel Brands Podcast’ is hosted by G. Steven Cleere, Founder and “Chief Pot Stirrer” of NexxtLevel Brands. This show focuses on disruptors and thought-leaders from the Entrepreneurial Food, Beverage, and CPG Industry, but we also share tips from veterans and key suppliers that may help fellow CPG professionals achieve their goals. Discussion Points Resources: Stephen and Lory Caldwell - LinkedIn Urosti Website NexxtLevel Brands Website Steven Cleere LinkedIn

Encore Presentation: Did you know that humans are hard-wired to crave calorie-dense foods at bedtime? This traces all the way back to prehistoric times. Currently, over 80% of Americans snack regularly at night, and every week, over 700 million nighttime snacks are consumed resulting in a weekly spend of over $1B. The most popular nighttime snack choices are known to be unhealthy and also disruptive to sleep quality: cookies, chips, and ice cream top the list. Today’s guest is Sean Folkson, Founder and CEO of Nightfood. When Sean went online looking for healthier late-night snacks, he was disappointed to find zero options specifically made for better sleep. Knowing that most people are going to snack at night anyway, he founded Nightfood to deliver snacks formulated by sleep and nutrition experts to satisfy nighttime cravings in a better, healthier, more sleep-friendly way. Hotels across the United States are adding Nightfood sleep-friendly snacks for their guests, and Nightfood is now publicly traded as $NGTF. I’ll speak with Sean about his journey from his initial product offering of bars, to the realization that people still want to eat cookies, chips, and ice cream at night, so why try to get them to switch to bars? Sean went on to create a variety of sleep-friendly ice cream flavors that are now becoming available in more and more hotel chain lobby stores, where the business of sleep is the main focus. The “NexxtLevel Brands Podcast’ is hosted by G. Steven Cleere, Founder and “Chief Pot Stirrer” of NexxtLevel Brands. This show focuses on disruptors and thought-leaders from the Entrepreneurial Food, Beverage, and CPG Industry, but we also share tips from veterans and key suppliers that may help fellow CPG professionals achieve their goals. Discussion Points Sean’s early years and late-night snacking and sleep disruption.Online searches found nothing for night snackingDid you work with certain industry research? Do an incubator?How funding tech startups is completely different than food and beverage startupsThe initial offering of Nightfood bars did not catch onSwitching to ice cream brought tons of media coverage, hotel placementLate 2022 will see cookies and chips launchExpenses, loss of capital, wife’s wavering supportCopackers and distributionWhy Nightfood is a ‘better for you’ solutionThe captive hotel audience is perfect for NightfoodDid you model a plan? Do a one-sheet?The change in consumer behaviors due to pandemic

Encore Presentation from early 2020 - Amy Lacey is the Owner and Founder of Cali’flour. Amy set out to re-imagine her favorite foods and created a no-mess no-stress, cauliflower pizza crust to satisfy her cravings without sacrificing her health. No longer able to enjoy pizza night with her family, Amy set out to re-imagine her favorite foods and created a no-mess no-stress, cauliflower pizza crust to satisfy her cravings without sacrificing her health. Since then, Amy has been featured in major publications like Eat This Not That, Delish, Popsugar, and Entrepreneur Magazine. She's kicked off the new year by launching a national best selling cookbook called Cauliflower Kitchen: 125 Cauliflower Based Recipes for Carbs You Crave. Amy set out to re-imagine her favorite foods and created a no-mess no-stress, cauliflower pizza crust to satisfy her cravings without sacrificing her health. believes that eating healthy should taste as good as it makes you feel! Most people are tired of sacrificing flavor for health, so Cali'flour Foods developed the first no mess, no-stress cauliflower pizza crust that satisfies your cravings. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: How Amy started on Cali’flour Learn about Amy’s 5 P’s Product People Passion Perseverance Pay-it-Forward In this episode … Learn the challenges of being an entrepreneur. In this episode... In this episode of the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast, G. Steven Cleere interviews Amy Lacey is the Owner and Founder of Cali’flour . Stay tuned.

Encore Presentation - Kelly Egan is the Co-founder of True Salt, an all-natural, unprocessed sea salt serving hospitality and grocery accounts nationwide. He is a marketing and venture development veteran with experience in Fortune 100 companies as well as high-growth startups. Brian Pierce is the Co-founder of True Salt. He has decades of expertise in hospitality, owning his own restaurants, and operating elite hospitality groups like Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Kelly and Brian met through mutual business interests and started discussing how they were passionate about culinary experiences. They realized an opportunity to create better ingredients, which included the taste of actual true, honest-to-goodness salt. Today, True Salt is used by top chefs in leading hospitality organizations and household brands all over the country as one of the fastest-growing new brands in the industry. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: How Brian Pierce and Kelly Egan met and how they learned about sea salt How salt is mined, the different flavors salts can have, and the source of True Salt's sea salt What sparked Kelly's desire to leave the tech industry and join the food industry How True Salt was started, the harvesting process from the Sea of Cortez, and how it is imported into the US and packaged for use True Salt’s product evolution and how the company experienced accelerated growth due to the COVID-19 pandemic What sparked the idea for creating a retail product and smoked salt? How Brian and Kelly share responsibilities and where to find their products Brian and Kelly's words of advice to fellow entrepreneurs In this episode... A good entrepreneur has the ability to spot a need in the market and create a solution to meet that need. This is why it’s important to keep your eyes open at all times: so you can spot great opportunities when they appear. When Brian Pierce and Kelly Egan learned about the benefits of sea salt—and realized that it wasn't being used as much as it should—they decided to build a brand around it. They leveraged their Mexican relationships, and through that, were able to source all-natural sea salt from the Sea of Cortez and import it to the US. In this episode of the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast, G. Steven Cleere interviews Brian Pierce and Kelly Egan from True Salt, about their journey to learning about sea salt and founding their company. Brian and Kelly explain how their sea salt is mined in Mexico and imported into the US, talk about their strategy for entering retail stores, and share their secrets to a successful business partnership. Stay tuned. Subscribe and Listen on: iTunes Spotify Stitcher Google Play Deezer iHeartRadio TuneIn Amazon Music Resources Mentioned in this episode

Encore Presentation ‘Get Your Brand PR Started!! – Gloria Chou on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast! Steve’s guest this week is Gloria Chou, Consumer Products PR expert, mentor and pitch expert. Gloria talks today about how important Public Relations is; how it is different than advertising and also, how Founders and small team members can actually do their own PR. Steve starts off by making the claim that this show has ‘thousands of dollars’ worth of learning in it, mainly because getting Brand awareness – and then product trial – are the two essential elements in growing a Brand. Gloria discusses her previous work in State Department and in helping friends to launch their new CPG business; she agreed to help spread the word. In calling thousands of editors and reporters over time, she has created a proprietary 3-step CPR Pitching Method™, one that’s helped thousands of bootstrapped small businesses get over a combined 1 Billion organic views in top-tier outlets such as the New York Times, Vogue, Fast Company, Forbes and more. Cracking the code wasn’t easy, Gloria relates, but it is something that Founders can do – and a Founder’s story is really the most compelling kind of business information out there. She also talks about how the 3-Steps make for a great start for Founders and small company team members to get started in PR. First, you have to establish your ‘Credibility’ – your story and your brand's story. Are you using your Grandmother’s Brownie Recipe? – Do you suffer from a food allergy, and so you invented a snack you could eat? All of these are part of your credibility. Second in the 3-Steps is ‘Point of View’ – how you approach the industry or the problem-solving – and why is it different from General Mills or Tyson? Maybe you are trying to save the planet – or give diabetics something that tastes good but is still healthy. All part of your POV. Links - Gloria Chou LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriaychou/ Gloria Chou PR - https://www.gloriachoupr.com/ Steve Cleere LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/gscleere/ NexxtLevel Brands - https://www.nexxtlevelbrands.com/

Encore Presentation: Daniel Smith enjoyed healthy snacks while studying at school. He loved flavored almonds - but what a mess! I’m sure you are familiar with that salty, greasy hand scenario when you finish off a package of Blue Diamond nuts, for instance. That’s how his idea for infused almonds came about. As founder and CEO of Recipe 33, Daniel set out to innovate a largely stagnant category. Through a unique, slow, craft process, Recipe 33 infuses nuts with flavors like black truffle, smoky serrano, cinnamon vanilla, and lemon rosemary. The infused almonds are not just a great source of protein, but perfect to enjoy while using your computer, phone, or tablet, reading a good book or magazine, or playing your guitar or video game. In today’s episode, I speak with Daniel about the recent Natural Products Expo show, his process for development at Recipe 33 and his marketing, distribution, and plans for the future. The “NexxtLevel Brands Podcast’ is hosted by G. Steven Cleere, Founder and “Chief Pot Stirrer” of NexxtLevel Brands. This show focuses on disruptors and thought-leaders from the Entrepreneurial Food, Beverage, and CPG Industry, but we also share tips from veterans and key suppliers that may help fellow CPG professionals achieve their goals. Discussion Points What are “infused” nuts?Did you plan to develop this product or did you look for space in the market?Recipe 33’s unique flavors are not meant to compete with huge players like Blue DiamondThe unique flavors may need some introduction to consumers, how did you work through the pandemic without demos?Differences in Daniel’s business plan vs. realityWhat did you look at for distribution options?Recipe 33 future plans– new nuts, flavors, and functional snacksBusiness functions that Daniel outsourced as a solopreneurDaniel’s success being a “local” producerExpo west had an incredible turnout, 57K attendees? Did you see anything super innovative?Words to grow by: Discipline, focus, and put yourself in uncomfortable positions, don’t get complacent. Resources: Daniel Smith LinkedIn Recipe 33 Website NexxtLevel Brands Website Steven Cleere LinkedIn

Encore Presentation - My guest today is Chris Smith, Co-Founder of Humblemaker Coffee. Its mission is not just to create craft premium coffee, but to shape an incredible future for children living with autism through opportunities to experience surfing, music, and the great outdoors. Humblemaker is on a journey to create coffee products and beverages for wellness-minded people who share a passion for the active outdoor lifestyle. Their functional beverages are zero sugar and contain natural ingredients and organic coffee. Humblemaker has an innovative approach to functional coffee and unique brick & mortar shop experiences. Join us as we discuss the humble beginnings and challenges Humblemaker has gone through and how they are positioning themselves for success. The “NexxtLevel Brands Podcast’ is hosted by G. Steven Cleere, Founder and “Chief Pot Stirrer” of NexxtLevel Brands. This show focuses on disruptors and thought-leaders from the Entrepreneurial Food, Beverage, and CPG Industry, but we also share tips from veterans and key suppliers that may help fellow CPG professionals achieve their goals. Discussion Points You’re a ‘serial entrepreneur – why coffee?Did you start by looking at what’s missing in stores, or with the coffeeWhen and why did you start adding wellness and tinctures?Chris found he had to master CPG terminologyDid you start with a business plan or on the back of a napkin?Bryan and Chris had to step away for a while due to Covid issuesHow did Humblemaker have to pivot during Covid?What about DtoC, did you do okay?Why Humblemaker supports TenForAutism, their personal storyTargeting SoCal first vs. national rolloutsAny new products you can tell us about?What, if any, supply chain issues did you have due to Covid?Words to live by: Juggling and Hustling! Resources: Humblemaker Website Chris Smith LinkedIn Bryan Marseilles LinkedIn TenForAutism.org NexxtLevel Brands Website Steven Cleere LinkedIn

Encore Presentation. Is there a food or product that you wish you could find in the grocery store or your local health food market? Why not try creating it yourself? Juan and David, the co-founders of ChipMonk Baking, did just that. ChipMonk is a specialty baking business that focuses on creating low-carb, no added sugar desserts. Their mission, which originated from Juan’s experiences reversing and controlling his Type II diabetes with a low-carb diet, is to empower people through mindful nutrition. Using gluten-free ingredients, nut-based flours, and sweeteners with low glycemic impact, ChipMonk products are perfect for anyone trying to cut sugar out of their life. Join us for an inspirational discussion about how Jose Hernandez and David Downing started their cookie company from nothing, trying to devise a product that would be palatable and safe for Jose as a diabetic. David tells us about the many lessons learned and advice he can offer to other entrepreneurs looking to play in the CPG space. The “NexxtLevel Brands Podcast’ is hosted by G. Steven Cleere, Founder and “Chief Pot Stirrer” of NexxtLevel Brands. This show focuses on disruptors and thought-leaders from the Entrepreneurial Food, Beverage, and CPG Industry, but we also share tips from veterans and key suppliers that may help fellow CPG professionals achieve their goals. Discussion Points Background on Jose and David– from diabetic issues in college to working for an airline, how the guys landed on cookies as their productMany entrepreneurs begin by solving a personal problemCrowdfunding for the company in the early daysE-commerce and direct to consumer lessonsHow David and Jose were able to scale up from an Etsy-style sales modelMarketing and packaging– keto and paleoA Houston Chronicle article blew their sales wide openEconomies of scale learned from Southwest Airlines modelSplitting the responsibilities with a co-founder - what worksUtilizing wholesale marketplaces like Faire, Mable, and AboundTesting small-batch items with E-comm customers - Keto Donuts!Email or message David on LinkedIn, he has advice to give Resources: Chipmonk Baking Website David Downing LinkedIn Jose Hernandez LinkedIn Book:

Encore Presentation: Corwin Heatwole is the Founder and CEO of Farmer Focus, the number one exclusively organic chicken farm in the United States. As a sixth-generation family farmer, Corwin grew up working on his family's farm. He founded Farmer Focus almost 8 years ago with a dream of creating a financially viable farming business he could pass down to his own children. Today, Farmer Focus has partnered with over 70 independent farmers who continue to improve the standards of organic and humane chicken farming. Corwin has committed his career to developing new and innovative ways to answer the question, “What can we do to improve generational family farming?” Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Corwin Heatwole talks about the industrial farming of chickens How Corwin became a poultry farmer, the story of how he marketed his first chickens, and his transition to organic chicken farming What is a tournament-style pricing system? How Corwin started processing organic chickens and distributing them to retailers The importance of listening to consumers How Corwin found farmers for Farmer Focus, how they were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and their future plans What Corwin's family initially thought about his business Corwin's word of advice to fellow entrepreneurs In this episode... As more consumers prefer to buy and eat clean and organic food products, demand for such local products has increased. Retailers have also been embracing selling organic food products in their stores in recent years, which has led to even more consumption of organic goodness. After Corwin Heatwole started a chicken farm in his early twenties, he realized that many poultry farmers were not happy with how the industrial and food service industry required them to run their farms. They faced a lot of economic challenges, were not in control of the operational ownership of their businesses, and could not raise the humanely raised chicken they wanted. In order to empower farmers and help them solve those challenges, he decided to start Farmer Focus. In this episode of the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast, Steve Cleere interviews Corwin Heatwole, the Founder and CEO of Farmer Focus, about organic chicken farming and empowering farmers to produce better-for-you chicken products. Corwin explains how the idea for Farmer Focus came about, how he started a processing plant, and why listening to consumers is important. Stay tuned. Subscribe and Listen on: iTunes Spotify Stitcher Google Play Deezer iHeartRadio TuneIn Amazon Music Resources Mentioned in this episode Kitchen2Shelf NexxtLevel Marketing

Encore from April 2022 -The biggest trends we’re seeing in the natural products industry (as evidenced at the recent ExpoWest 2022 in Anaheim this past March) are plant-based, regenerative, and upcycling/reducing food waste. Cool Beans’ whole food, plant-based, minimally processed frozen wraps are right on target. In this episode, I’m speaking with Tyler Mayoras, founder, and CEO of Cool Beans. Tyler has over 20 years of private equity investing experience and is currently the Co-Manager of the $155 million Advantage Capital Food & Ag Fund. He invests in and helps scale growing food and agriculture companies. Tyler is involved with portfolio companies Shenandoah Growers, Farmhouse Culture, Snaxsational Brands, and NurturMe. He’s also an angel investor with a focus on sustainable brands including Simple Mills, Tiesta Tea, EVR Foods (Lavva), Spero Foods, and CB Food Company (Cool Beans). Tyler became frustrated with what looked like vegan junk food on grocery store shelves and started making frozen wraps at home filled with clean, whole-food ingredients...specifically beans. Today we’re going to hear how Cool Beans wraps made it all the way to the store shelves, and hear what they’ve got in store for us very soon. The “NexxtLevel Brands Podcast’ is hosted by G. Steven Cleere, Founder and “Chief Pot Stirrer” of NexxtLevel Brands. This show focuses on disruptors and thought-leaders from the Entrepreneurial Food, Beverage, and CPG Industry, but we also share tips from veterans and key suppliers that may help fellow CPG professionals achieve their goals. Discussion Points Did you begin this Cool Beans journey as a vegan, or as an investor first?Tyler’s origin story and preparing vegan plant-based at homeDid you look for your favorite foods, to replicate?As a long-time CPG/food industry insider, didn’t you know this might be too difficult?Did you begin with a business plan and all the things you’re supposed to do?The Expo West 2022 was all about plant-based, and clean label trendsThree trends in the food industry:Plant-basedRegenerative (planting a wide diversity of plants)Upcycling ingredients/reducing food wasteYou’ve been an investor, a mentor, an advisor, what’s your role at Cool Beans?How did it go for you during the pandemic?How have retailers done in handling the pressure?Food buyers are loving the Zoom meetings, they can see twice as many new products without t