June 26, 2025 • 17 mins
How do you go from making apple cider vinegar sodas in your kitchen to a $1.95B acquisition? Poppi founders Allison and Stephen Ellsworth joined Whole Foods Market’s CEO Jason Buechel and CMMO Sonya Gafsi Oblisk to tell their story.
Beyond the Board takes this episode in front of a live audience of over 700 Team Members, where the Poppi founders unpack:
- How a Local Forager from Whole Foods Market discovered their product at the Dallas Farmers Market in 2015
- Raw honesty about what it takes it breakthrough in the industry
- The power of community
Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Don’t forget to like and subscribe to hear more conversations spotlighting innovation, perseverance, and meaningful impact.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Allison (00:00):
And I remember looking at Steven being like, that was Whole Foods. We're quitting our job and
(00:01):
we're going all in. And his response was.
Stephen (00:02):
Sure.
Allison No, his response…
Very excited. Very excited.
Allison (00:05):
Was more, Hey, you're pregnant. We just bought a house. You're crazy.
Jason (00:06):
Welcome to Beyond the Board where we break bread with some of the most interesting industry
leaders. I'm Jason Bele, and I'm honored. To host in-depth conversations with some of the most
innovative and impactful leaders in the food and beverage industry. And while today is incredibly special,
as we are having our first ever live episode from our annual gathering meeting in front of 700 Whole
Foods market, leaders in the audience, Woohoo. How exciting. This is my co-host for this special live
episode is our incredible chief merchandising and marketing officer. Sonya Gafsi Oblisk.
Sonya (00:12):
Woo. Awesome. Well, thank you for having me here with you today. I love the energy in the room
surrounded by this amazing group of team members, and I'm honored to introduce our two guests here
today in Dallas. What started as a homemade health remedy for her personal wellness journey has
grown into one of the most exciting functional beverage brands in the market. With eye-catching
branding, a digital first mindset and delicious product. This brand has created a new category of modern
soda. And just this week PepsiCo announced the acquisition of the brand for $1.95 billion dollars. Please
welcome Allison and Steven Ellsworth. The founders of Poppi.
Allison (00:19):
Hi guys.
Jason (00:20):
All right. We are so excited, uh, to have you all here. Uh, I remembered the very first time I met
you and you told me. So of your history of Whole Foods Market, and it was one of those that sort of
gives you goosebumps. You had told me that you had met one of our team members at a farmer's
market, and that's how sort of the whole process, uh, kicked off. Do you want to tell our audience here
just sort of what that experience was like?
Allision (00:25):
Yeah, so, uh, we started Poppy in our kitchen. Obviously, like you said before, we're, you know,
had some health problems, created this out of a necessary need for me and passion, and then we
became so obsessed with sharing it with people and the obvious, step is you take it to the local farmer's
market, which happened to be right here in Dallas, Texas. Uh, we were there three weeks and we had
been selling out week after week and we're like, this is insane. We were in little mason jar type, um,
packaging and, uh, the third week in. We are at the farmer's market, it is bustling you guys. And
someone walks up, hands me their card and said, Hey, this product needs to be in Whole Foods. We have
nothing like it. And my eyes light up. I looked down and it was none other than Kelly Landrieu, who she
1
shout out. Kelly, you changed our lives. Yeah. Um, so exciting. Uh, but she was, she was. So like kind in
that moment too, she was like, you guys have to be in it. I will help you guys with the packaging. I will
help answer any questions that you guys need. And I remember looking at Steven being like, that was
Whole Foods. We're quitting our job and we're going all in. And his response was.
Stephen (00:38):
Sure.
Allison (00:39):
No, his response…
Stephen (00:40):
Very excited. Very excited.
Allison (00:41):
…was more, Hey, you're pregnant. We just bought a house. You're crazy. So, yeah.
Sonya (00:42):
Yeah. Well, tell us a little bit more about that. I mean, I do find the most inspiring part of an
entrepreneur's journey, the moment they decide to go all in. So you all had your nine to fives, you left
them, you decided to focus on Poppi. What was that like?
Stephen (00:45):
Yeah, I think, uh, it, you know, as, as I, as I articulated there, our timelines were, were a little bit
different. So she got the card and she was like, we're all in. We're doing it. We're quitting our jobs. And I
was like, sure, let's, let's, let's do this. And, and, uh, for me it was when we had our first phone call with
Kelly, I remember, I like, it was literally yesterday I was working my nine to five. I had a lunch break, I
stepped outside. We took the call with Kelly and she was like, okay. We're ready to get started. Here are
the next steps. And I was like, okay, that's it. So we got off a super exciting call. Allison was like, I think, I
think this is it. So I literally walked in the building and I gave my resignation that same day. Oh. And I said,
I said, uh. So this is a really cool opportunity. Do you need two weeks notice from, from me? Uh, and
they're like, it, it'd be nice, but if you don't, if you don't want to do it, we don't have to. And so literally
left that same day, uh, after that, that phone call with Kelly and, and honestly never looked back.
Allison (00:55):
And then we were on Whole Foods Shelf 10 months later.
Sonya (00:56):
Wow. Awesome. Awesome. Pretty awesome. Awesome. Yeah.
Jason (00:57):
Steven, if you could, if you could go back to 2018 and give advice, uh, to yourselves, what would it
be?
Stephen (00:59):
This may be controversial, uh, for this crowd, but it's get out of the kitchen, um, which is, which
is really funny. And I say that, uh, in the most endearing way possible because, you know, obviously to
scale a brand, uh, you've, you've kind of gotta get out of the kitchen a little bit. But for us. Uh, you know,
we loved it because it gave us a really intimate understanding of the quality of ingredients, how the
product should be made, you know, as we were vetting different, uh, partners to produce the product, it
gave us a really, uh, great foundation for, for how to really scale and, and move forward. But, you know,
2
we always knew, uh, and we realized, uh, later on that we're a sales and marketing company that has a
great product. And so we need great partners to come along for the ride to, to help us get us there.
Sonya (01:08):
Good advice. So I personally have a ton of passion for solving customer problems, for defining
unmet customer needs. And I feel like you all have done exactly that with Poppi. Um, with that in mind,
we received a question from one of our team members. In our Deerfield store, her name is Rose Ortega.
She's an associate team leader. Uh, and she asks, how do you balance wellness, flavor, and fun in the
Poppi brand?
Allison (01:13):
So it's extremely intentional. So we went through a rebrand, um, which is, there's funny stories
around that. But when you take our can, for example, it's bright, it's beautiful, it's fun, and that's so
intentional. So we want someone to walk into a Whole Foods and, and their eyes light up and go and
like, that looks juicy. That looks so yummy. We want them to take a sip and say, that tastes amazing, and
then go. Whoa, this is good for me, that's an intentional consumer journey that we want them to go on
because we don't wanna scream, Hey, this is better for you, because then our consumer pool goes, you
know it, it gets a little bit more niche, whereas we want everyone to have better for you soda. So from
day one, we wanted to lean into just emotional connection of, Hey, you can have your soda and drink it
too. It's okay. You don't have to pick. And it's worked out really well for us.
Sonya (01:22):
That is great. I have a little follow up question there. Uh, how did you come up with the name
Poppi?
Allison (01:24):
Oh, I love that question. So it's simple. You guys might get it 'cause I, I heard you're both from
Wisconsin, but Yes. Some shout outs, but um, we named it after Soda pop. There's Poppy.
Stephen (01:26):
So were you a soda guy? A soda pop guy or were you a pop guy?
Jason (01:27):
I was soda. You were? Soda. Soda.
Stephen (01:28):
Okay. Okay.
Allison (01:29):
So yes, pop poppi, and of course it's bright. It's fun.It pops off the shelf.
Sonya (01:30):
Amazing.
Jason (01:31):
So at Whole Foods Market, uh, we recently conducted a survey and found that amongst Gen Z
consumers, um, they're looking for quality food and ingredients, and over 70% of them, uh, are actually
willing to pay more for high quality products and ingredients. And when you think about Allison, when
you think about this consumer. How is that influencing the food systems today and decisions like
entrepreneurs, like yourselves are making as you're bringing products to market?
3
Allison (01:37):
Well, you look at a product like Poppy, it's, it's. Incredible ingredients. It is, yes, a more premium
price point. And our core consumer is, uh, it's really a word that we made up, which is Gen Zillennial. So
55% of our consumers, heavy Gen Z, millennial, and we're seeing them do this, right, this movement
towards better for you. They're more educated, they're reading the agreements. We have them. Reading
them on TikTok and talking about it. So we personally were built on that movement, and I really think
that that's a huge piece of success of why Poppy is the way it is today, honestly, is that consumer and
that movement. So I think we are, you know, basically, you know. It's the reason it's happening. So yeah,
Stephen (01:44):
I think as you said too, like it's, it's, it's no longer quantity. It's it's quality, right. And I think like
with this new consumer cohort, like it gives brands like Poppi a chance to, like you said, reshape sort of
the food map, right? They're providing demand on ingredients that are better for you, right? So not only
do we get to use those ingredients in Poppi, but there's other. Entrepreneurs and founders that then get
to use those ingredients that were niche and didn't have niche and didn't have like a supply chain around
it, to be able to bring those to market in really great ways. And so as you think about, you know,
sustainable, uh, ingredients, quality ingredients, and then just making them more accessible through
different formats, snacks and beverage and whatever it may be, I think it's just, uh, it's, it's a really
exciting movement that we're, you know, so grateful to be a part of.
Jason (01:53):
Yeah. Thanks for sharing that. And before we go into a lightning round of questions, one of the
things that I want to share that I think is a, an amazing connection that, uh, we've been able to have and
impact that you all will be able to have within Whole Foods Market and our foundation, a lot of folks in
the audience are aware of something that we call our donor advise fund or our DAF fund. And this is a
way by which we invest in, um, a number of our suppliers and. Ultimately, in some cases have things like
warrants that we bring together. And, uh, you all were part of this, this program. And as part of the exit,
uh, that you're all doing with, with Pepsi, um, you also have the single largest. Um, donation that we'll be
able to make to the Whole Foods Market Foundation. So we just wanna appreciate you for being part of
that program.
Stephen (02:02):
Yeah, thanks. Thanks for letting us be a part of it. It was super, an honor.
Allison (02:03):
I think you guys were one of our first investors, like in the original, I think before. Really anyone
else came in and through that program, I think it was like year one. So it's really exciting to see how far
we've just kind of grown. The story started with you guys, you've invested in us and, and now we're, you
know. Where we are. So it's exciting.
Jason (02:07):
Yeah, I mean, when I think of our core value of win-win supplier partnerships and then tying to
our purpose of nourishing people on the planet, which is, uh, what this will be able to help support
through the work with our foundations, uh, it's just amazing. So thank you so much. And now we are on
to the lightning round questions. Uh, Allison, uh, you must pick one. What is your favorite Poppi flavor?
Allison (02:11):
Ooh. Well that one's a no brainer. Why? Everything's pink and poppy. Our strawberry lemon, for
sure. Yeah.
4
Jason (02:14):
All right. Steven, what's one piece of advice you'd give to a food or beverage startup
entrepreneur?
Stephen (02:16):
Uh, wow, that's a, that's a tough one. Um, I would just say, um, fail fast. I would say stay agile,
adapt and pivot. Right? The only constant in this world is change, and the more you embrace that and
are able to sort of pivot and stay agile, uh, the better you're gonna be.
Sonya (02:19):
That's good advice.
Jason (02:20):
Very good advice. Allison, what's a leadership lesson that has shaped how you run Poppi?
Allison (02:21):
So there's things I am good at and there are things I am not, and I am easy to know to bring in
the right people to do that early on and not let my ego get in the way of growth and partnership.
Jason (02:23):
Alright, that's good. That's a tough, that's tough. That's a very good for, that's a tough one to
learn. Uh, Steven, what, uh, daily Habit keeps you grounded?
Stephen (02:25):
Uh, I'm, I'm a big movement guy, which, which sounds, you know, generic if you will. We also
have three kids, so there's a certain level of humility, three, six and, and eight, three boys. So this a
certain level of humility and groundedness that that provides. But I think just to allow myself to show up
and be better for them is just movement. Whether that's a simple walk or a run or a workout. Uh, that's,
that's really what keeps me grounded.
Jason (02:30):
Yep. Same here. Yeah. Awesome.
Sonya (02:31):
Uh, Allison, what's your go-to lunch?
Allison (02:32):
Hmm. Oh, I am so basic as well. I love a good sandwich or, I mean, we're from Texas and Austin,
so you know, tacos all day long. Taco, don, velvet, taco, there's some good ones.
Sonya (02:34):
So Awesome. Uh, Steven, last person that you called?
Stephen (02:35):
Oh no. Geez, I don't have my phone on me. Uh. It was probably either our, our CFO, uh, Josh or
my mother. Okay. Both are acceptable answers. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Um, okay.
Sonya (02:37):
Allison latest account, you started following on social media?
Allison (02:38):
What's so funny, we do a lot of try to give back in mentorship and I was actually in the store the
other day and walking through and. Fell in love with a brand called Enoughs. Mm-hmm. They're like
great trips. You guys have 'em. And so I, I looked, um, this morning and it was them. So shout out to
them. Yeah.
5
Stephen (02:43):
Crush it.
Allison (02:44):
Yeah. Crushing it. Great. So good. I'm gluten free too, so I'm obsessed.
Sonya (02:45):
So, yeah. Steven, what's Allison's superpower?
Stephen (02:46):
This one is easy. She is a creative, uh, visionary and I think that like the brand is a huge
testament to that. Uh, she lacks that she has a skill set that I lack, and she just is, she has this ability to
see a vision and like very clearly, like it's kind of scary, uh, to see a vision very clearly and understand the
steps it takes to get there. So that's her superpower.
Sonya (02:50):
That is kind of you to say. Yes. And Allison, what is Steven's superpower?
Allison (02:51):
For him to support me in that. All good husband should. Yeah, this is a much tougher question
for her to answer. No, it, it's true partnership too, because I, yeah, I, I will jump off that cliff and he is
there with the net while I'm trying to slice it open and catch it and put it back together. Um, so I'd say
integrity. He knows in his gut he's good at reading people and just partnering and getting stuff done.
Stephen (02:55):
So it's a good mid western intuition. Right. Exactly. Exactly. Okay. Alright.
Sonya (02:56):
Steven, what is next for Poppi?
Stephen (02:57):
What is next for Poppi? Well, you know, it's, it's really no different from, from when we started
and launched this. Um, we're on a mission to revolutionize soda for the next generation, and I think
we're super excited about this partnership. Uh, moving forward. The whole mantra is to let Poppi be
Poppi. And so I think that there's always been questions around like, what's gonna happen with the
brand and the product, but I think. The, the best thing that we have is we have, we have the ability to
keep poppy poppy, and we have the ability to partner with one of the best beverage distributors, you
know, in the world, uh, and bring Poppy to more people and, and, uh, make it more accessible, you
know, ultimately giving people that freedom to love soda again. You know, so we're, we're super, super
excited for the, for the future.
Sonya (03:06):
Well, thank you both for joining us today and for sharing the story of Poppy with our listeners. I
enjoyed going beyond the board in our conversation and appreciate your dedication to the future of
Better for You beverages.
Jason (03:09):
And, and through Poppy Ellison and Steven Ellsworth. Have transformed a simple home remedy
into a groundbreaking, functional beverage brand that's taking the industry by storm. Their commitment
to their mission has reimagined what soda can be with rapid growth in retail and a loyal fan base. Poppis proving. Better for you. Drinks don't have to be boring, and I want to thank you all for tuning into
Beyond the Board. We highlight the people and the products that are shaping the future of the food and
6
beverage industries. And until next time, let's keep supporting brands like Poppi that bring innovation
and authenticity to our tables.
7
And I remember looking at Steven being like, that was Whole Foods. We're quitting our job and
(00:01):
we're going all in. And his response was.
Stephen (00:02):
Sure.
Allison No, his response…
Very excited. Very excited.
Allison (00:05):
Was more, Hey, you're pregnant. We just bought a house. You're crazy.
Jason (00:06):
Welcome to Beyond the Board where we break bread with some of the most interesting industry
leaders. I'm Jason Bele, and I'm honored. To host in-depth conversations with some of the most
innovative and impactful leaders in the food and beverage industry. And while today is incredibly special,
as we are having our first ever live episode from our annual gathering meeting in front of 700 Whole
Foods market, leaders in the audience, Woohoo. How exciting. This is my co-host for this special live
episode is our incredible chief merchandising and marketing officer. Sonya Gafsi Oblisk.
Sonya (00:12):
Woo. Awesome. Well, thank you for having me here with you today. I love the energy in the room
surrounded by this amazing group of team members, and I'm honored to introduce our two guests here
today in Dallas. What started as a homemade health remedy for her personal wellness journey has
grown into one of the most exciting functional beverage brands in the market. With eye-catching
branding, a digital first mindset and delicious product. This brand has created a new category of modern
soda. And just this week PepsiCo announced the acquisition of the brand for $1.95 billion dollars. Please
welcome Allison and Steven Ellsworth. The founders of Poppi.
Allison (00:19):
Hi guys.
Jason (00:20):
All right. We are so excited, uh, to have you all here. Uh, I remembered the very first time I met
you and you told me. So of your history of Whole Foods Market, and it was one of those that sort of
gives you goosebumps. You had told me that you had met one of our team members at a farmer's
market, and that's how sort of the whole process, uh, kicked off. Do you want to tell our audience here
just sort of what that experience was like?
Allision (00:25):
Yeah, so, uh, we started Poppy in our kitchen. Obviously, like you said before, we're, you know,
had some health problems, created this out of a necessary need for me and passion, and then we
became so obsessed with sharing it with people and the obvious, step is you take it to the local farmer's
market, which happened to be right here in Dallas, Texas. Uh, we were there three weeks and we had
been selling out week after week and we're like, this is insane. We were in little mason jar type, um,
packaging and, uh, the third week in. We are at the farmer's market, it is bustling you guys. And
someone walks up, hands me their card and said, Hey, this product needs to be in Whole Foods. We have
nothing like it. And my eyes light up. I looked down and it was none other than Kelly Landrieu, who she
1
shout out. Kelly, you changed our lives. Yeah. Um, so exciting. Uh, but she was, she was. So like kind in
that moment too, she was like, you guys have to be in it. I will help you guys with the packaging. I will
help answer any questions that you guys need. And I remember looking at Steven being like, that was
Whole Foods. We're quitting our job and we're going all in. And his response was.
Stephen (00:38):
Sure.
Allison (00:39):
No, his response…
Stephen (00:40):
Very excited. Very excited.
Allison (00:41):
…was more, Hey, you're pregnant. We just bought a house. You're crazy. So, yeah.
Sonya (00:42):
Yeah. Well, tell us a little bit more about that. I mean, I do find the most inspiring part of an
entrepreneur's journey, the moment they decide to go all in. So you all had your nine to fives, you left
them, you decided to focus on Poppi. What was that like?
Stephen (00:45):
Yeah, I think, uh, it, you know, as, as I, as I articulated there, our timelines were, were a little bit
different. So she got the card and she was like, we're all in. We're doing it. We're quitting our jobs. And I
was like, sure, let's, let's, let's do this. And, and, uh, for me it was when we had our first phone call with
Kelly, I remember, I like, it was literally yesterday I was working my nine to five. I had a lunch break, I
stepped outside. We took the call with Kelly and she was like, okay. We're ready to get started. Here are
the next steps. And I was like, okay, that's it. So we got off a super exciting call. Allison was like, I think, I
think this is it. So I literally walked in the building and I gave my resignation that same day. Oh. And I said,
I said, uh. So this is a really cool opportunity. Do you need two weeks notice from, from me? Uh, and
they're like, it, it'd be nice, but if you don't, if you don't want to do it, we don't have to. And so literally
left that same day, uh, after that, that phone call with Kelly and, and honestly never looked back.
Allison (00:55):
And then we were on Whole Foods Shelf 10 months later.
Sonya (00:56):
Wow. Awesome. Awesome. Pretty awesome. Awesome. Yeah.
Jason (00:57):
Steven, if you could, if you could go back to 2018 and give advice, uh, to yourselves, what would it
be?
Stephen (00:59):
This may be controversial, uh, for this crowd, but it's get out of the kitchen, um, which is, which
is really funny. And I say that, uh, in the most endearing way possible because, you know, obviously to
scale a brand, uh, you've, you've kind of gotta get out of the kitchen a little bit. But for us. Uh, you know,
we loved it because it gave us a really intimate understanding of the quality of ingredients, how the
product should be made, you know, as we were vetting different, uh, partners to produce the product, it
gave us a really, uh, great foundation for, for how to really scale and, and move forward. But, you know,
2
we always knew, uh, and we realized, uh, later on that we're a sales and marketing company that has a
great product. And so we need great partners to come along for the ride to, to help us get us there.
Sonya (01:08):
Good advice. So I personally have a ton of passion for solving customer problems, for defining
unmet customer needs. And I feel like you all have done exactly that with Poppi. Um, with that in mind,
we received a question from one of our team members. In our Deerfield store, her name is Rose Ortega.
She's an associate team leader. Uh, and she asks, how do you balance wellness, flavor, and fun in the
Poppi brand?
Allison (01:13):
So it's extremely intentional. So we went through a rebrand, um, which is, there's funny stories
around that. But when you take our can, for example, it's bright, it's beautiful, it's fun, and that's so
intentional. So we want someone to walk into a Whole Foods and, and their eyes light up and go and
like, that looks juicy. That looks so yummy. We want them to take a sip and say, that tastes amazing, and
then go. Whoa, this is good for me, that's an intentional consumer journey that we want them to go on
because we don't wanna scream, Hey, this is better for you, because then our consumer pool goes, you
know it, it gets a little bit more niche, whereas we want everyone to have better for you soda. So from
day one, we wanted to lean into just emotional connection of, Hey, you can have your soda and drink it
too. It's okay. You don't have to pick. And it's worked out really well for us.
Sonya (01:22):
That is great. I have a little follow up question there. Uh, how did you come up with the name
Poppi?
Allison (01:24):
Oh, I love that question. So it's simple. You guys might get it 'cause I, I heard you're both from
Wisconsin, but Yes. Some shout outs, but um, we named it after Soda pop. There's Poppy.
Stephen (01:26):
So were you a soda guy? A soda pop guy or were you a pop guy?
Jason (01:27):
I was soda. You were? Soda. Soda.
Stephen (01:28):
Okay. Okay.
Allison (01:29):
So yes, pop poppi, and of course it's bright. It's fun.It pops off the shelf.
Sonya (01:30):
Amazing.
Jason (01:31):
So at Whole Foods Market, uh, we recently conducted a survey and found that amongst Gen Z
consumers, um, they're looking for quality food and ingredients, and over 70% of them, uh, are actually
willing to pay more for high quality products and ingredients. And when you think about Allison, when
you think about this consumer. How is that influencing the food systems today and decisions like
entrepreneurs, like yourselves are making as you're bringing products to market?
3
Allison (01:37):
Well, you look at a product like Poppy, it's, it's. Incredible ingredients. It is, yes, a more premium
price point. And our core consumer is, uh, it's really a word that we made up, which is Gen Zillennial. So
55% of our consumers, heavy Gen Z, millennial, and we're seeing them do this, right, this movement
towards better for you. They're more educated, they're reading the agreements. We have them. Reading
them on TikTok and talking about it. So we personally were built on that movement, and I really think
that that's a huge piece of success of why Poppy is the way it is today, honestly, is that consumer and
that movement. So I think we are, you know, basically, you know. It's the reason it's happening. So yeah,
Stephen (01:44):
I think as you said too, like it's, it's, it's no longer quantity. It's it's quality, right. And I think like
with this new consumer cohort, like it gives brands like Poppi a chance to, like you said, reshape sort of
the food map, right? They're providing demand on ingredients that are better for you, right? So not only
do we get to use those ingredients in Poppi, but there's other. Entrepreneurs and founders that then get
to use those ingredients that were niche and didn't have niche and didn't have like a supply chain around
it, to be able to bring those to market in really great ways. And so as you think about, you know,
sustainable, uh, ingredients, quality ingredients, and then just making them more accessible through
different formats, snacks and beverage and whatever it may be, I think it's just, uh, it's, it's a really
exciting movement that we're, you know, so grateful to be a part of.
Jason (01:53):
Yeah. Thanks for sharing that. And before we go into a lightning round of questions, one of the
things that I want to share that I think is a, an amazing connection that, uh, we've been able to have and
impact that you all will be able to have within Whole Foods Market and our foundation, a lot of folks in
the audience are aware of something that we call our donor advise fund or our DAF fund. And this is a
way by which we invest in, um, a number of our suppliers and. Ultimately, in some cases have things like
warrants that we bring together. And, uh, you all were part of this, this program. And as part of the exit,
uh, that you're all doing with, with Pepsi, um, you also have the single largest. Um, donation that we'll be
able to make to the Whole Foods Market Foundation. So we just wanna appreciate you for being part of
that program.
Stephen (02:02):
Yeah, thanks. Thanks for letting us be a part of it. It was super, an honor.
Allison (02:03):
I think you guys were one of our first investors, like in the original, I think before. Really anyone
else came in and through that program, I think it was like year one. So it's really exciting to see how far
we've just kind of grown. The story started with you guys, you've invested in us and, and now we're, you
know. Where we are. So it's exciting.
Jason (02:07):
Yeah, I mean, when I think of our core value of win-win supplier partnerships and then tying to
our purpose of nourishing people on the planet, which is, uh, what this will be able to help support
through the work with our foundations, uh, it's just amazing. So thank you so much. And now we are on
to the lightning round questions. Uh, Allison, uh, you must pick one. What is your favorite Poppi flavor?
Allison (02:11):
Ooh. Well that one's a no brainer. Why? Everything's pink and poppy. Our strawberry lemon, for
sure. Yeah.
4
Jason (02:14):
All right. Steven, what's one piece of advice you'd give to a food or beverage startup
entrepreneur?
Stephen (02:16):
Uh, wow, that's a, that's a tough one. Um, I would just say, um, fail fast. I would say stay agile,
adapt and pivot. Right? The only constant in this world is change, and the more you embrace that and
are able to sort of pivot and stay agile, uh, the better you're gonna be.
Sonya (02:19):
That's good advice.
Jason (02:20):
Very good advice. Allison, what's a leadership lesson that has shaped how you run Poppi?
Allison (02:21):
So there's things I am good at and there are things I am not, and I am easy to know to bring in
the right people to do that early on and not let my ego get in the way of growth and partnership.
Jason (02:23):
Alright, that's good. That's a tough, that's tough. That's a very good for, that's a tough one to
learn. Uh, Steven, what, uh, daily Habit keeps you grounded?
Stephen (02:25):
Uh, I'm, I'm a big movement guy, which, which sounds, you know, generic if you will. We also
have three kids, so there's a certain level of humility, three, six and, and eight, three boys. So this a
certain level of humility and groundedness that that provides. But I think just to allow myself to show up
and be better for them is just movement. Whether that's a simple walk or a run or a workout. Uh, that's,
that's really what keeps me grounded.
Jason (02:30):
Yep. Same here. Yeah. Awesome.
Sonya (02:31):
Uh, Allison, what's your go-to lunch?
Allison (02:32):
Hmm. Oh, I am so basic as well. I love a good sandwich or, I mean, we're from Texas and Austin,
so you know, tacos all day long. Taco, don, velvet, taco, there's some good ones.
Sonya (02:34):
So Awesome. Uh, Steven, last person that you called?
Stephen (02:35):
Oh no. Geez, I don't have my phone on me. Uh. It was probably either our, our CFO, uh, Josh or
my mother. Okay. Both are acceptable answers. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Um, okay.
Sonya (02:37):
Allison latest account, you started following on social media?
Allison (02:38):
What's so funny, we do a lot of try to give back in mentorship and I was actually in the store the
other day and walking through and. Fell in love with a brand called Enoughs. Mm-hmm. They're like
great trips. You guys have 'em. And so I, I looked, um, this morning and it was them. So shout out to
them. Yeah.
5
Stephen (02:43):
Crush it.
Allison (02:44):
Yeah. Crushing it. Great. So good. I'm gluten free too, so I'm obsessed.
Sonya (02:45):
So, yeah. Steven, what's Allison's superpower?
Stephen (02:46):
This one is easy. She is a creative, uh, visionary and I think that like the brand is a huge
testament to that. Uh, she lacks that she has a skill set that I lack, and she just is, she has this ability to
see a vision and like very clearly, like it's kind of scary, uh, to see a vision very clearly and understand the
steps it takes to get there. So that's her superpower.
Sonya (02:50):
That is kind of you to say. Yes. And Allison, what is Steven's superpower?
Allison (02:51):
For him to support me in that. All good husband should. Yeah, this is a much tougher question
for her to answer. No, it, it's true partnership too, because I, yeah, I, I will jump off that cliff and he is
there with the net while I'm trying to slice it open and catch it and put it back together. Um, so I'd say
integrity. He knows in his gut he's good at reading people and just partnering and getting stuff done.
Stephen (02:55):
So it's a good mid western intuition. Right. Exactly. Exactly. Okay. Alright.
Sonya (02:56):
Steven, what is next for Poppi?
Stephen (02:57):
What is next for Poppi? Well, you know, it's, it's really no different from, from when we started
and launched this. Um, we're on a mission to revolutionize soda for the next generation, and I think
we're super excited about this partnership. Uh, moving forward. The whole mantra is to let Poppi be
Poppi. And so I think that there's always been questions around like, what's gonna happen with the
brand and the product, but I think. The, the best thing that we have is we have, we have the ability to
keep poppy poppy, and we have the ability to partner with one of the best beverage distributors, you
know, in the world, uh, and bring Poppy to more people and, and, uh, make it more accessible, you
know, ultimately giving people that freedom to love soda again. You know, so we're, we're super, super
excited for the, for the future.
Sonya (03:06):
Well, thank you both for joining us today and for sharing the story of Poppy with our listeners. I
enjoyed going beyond the board in our conversation and appreciate your dedication to the future of
Better for You beverages.
Jason (03:09):
And, and through Poppy Ellison and Steven Ellsworth. Have transformed a simple home remedy
into a groundbreaking, functional beverage brand that's taking the industry by storm. Their commitment
to their mission has reimagined what soda can be with rapid growth in retail and a loyal fan base. Poppis proving. Better for you. Drinks don't have to be boring, and I want to thank you all for tuning into
Beyond the Board. We highlight the people and the products that are shaping the future of the food and
6
beverage industries. And until next time, let's keep supporting brands like Poppi that bring innovation
and authenticity to our tables.
7
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