Startup To Scale

Innovation is a buzzword in the food and beverage industry—but for emerging brands, it can be the difference between thriving and burning out. In this episode, Christy Lebor, Partner at SmashBrand, breaks down a practical approach to innovation that helps founders move beyond gut instinct into consumer-driven decision making.

We’ll explore:

• How to avoid taking the wrong risks as an emerging brand
• Why consumer testing—before l...

If you’ve ever wondered how to get funding for your startup without giving away all your equity, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Kat Weaver, founder of Power to Pitch, who helps early-stage founders master their message, win grants, and pitch with confidence. Kat turned her own scrappy startup into a six-figure business by winning pitch competitions—and now she teaches others how to do the same.

In this episode, we break down...

 Damiano Messineo, founder of Loopini, set out to reinvent pizza with lupini beans—creating a high-protein, high-fiber crust that actually tastes like pizza. From 13 months of recipe trials to launching at Pop Up Grocer and scaling across the Northeast, Damiano shares how he’s building a better-for-you brand while managing supply chain challenges and educating U.S. consumers on lupini beans. 

Startup to Scale is a podcast by Foodbev...

I sit down with John McGuckin, CEO of Clio Snacks and seasoned CPG executive, to unpack the brand’s remarkable journey from niche yogurt innovation to nationwide distribution. Clio’s Greek Yogurt Bars are now selling in 28,000+ doors — a case study in CPG scaling done right. We explore John’s leadership approach, how Clio has navigated the competitive snacking landscape, and what it takes to build a brand that earns shelf space and...

Being a founder is one of the most rewarding — and isolating — journeys you can take. In this episode, we sit down with Howie Sher to explore the emotional and strategic decisions behind building a business alone versus bringing on cofounders.

We unpack:

• How to know if you’re meant to build solo or with a team
• The pros and cons of going it alone
• How to handle decision fatigue and emotional weight as a solo founder
• Strategies for bui...

Launching a CPG brand is never easy—but talking with Morgan Rucker and Olivia Stevermer of PSquared Foods reminded me just how rewarding the journey can be. In this episode, I sat down with them to hear the full story behind their shelf-stable, banana-flavored protein pudding in a spouted pouch—from awkward picnic samplings and 80+ product iterations to the uphill battle of finding a manufacturer and scaling a format that’s often d...

This episode is sponsored by Cin7 — the operating system for food and beverage brands. Foodbevy listeners get 50% off for 3 months when you sign up. Learn more at cin7.com/foodbevy

TÖST went from a simple, elegant idea to a global beverage brand — and the key to their growth wasn’t just demand, but operations. If you’re ready to take control of your COGS and scale with confidence, consider what tools like Cin7 can unlock for your te...

Getting media coverage for your CPG brand can feel overwhelming—especially with limited budgets and time. In this episode, I chat with Heather and Austin Holmes, the co-founders of Signal Raptor and Publicity for Good, about a new, more accessible way to do PR. We dive into how AI, niche media, and earned storytelling are reshaping the landscape, and how their platform helps brands like yours get featured and grow visibility withou...

In this episode, I sit down with Sabrina Kautz, a fractional CMO who helps emerging food and beverage brands grow their retail footprint. With a sharp focus on Whole Foods, Sabrina shares tactical strategies to drive sustained velocity—from in-store marketing to managing buyer relationships and executing demo programs that actually convert.

We cover:

• Why velocity matters more than ever at Whole Foods
• What new brands get wrong abou...

 Angie Kaminky launched Minky Muffins just months before giving birth—and never stopped moving. 

In this episode, we dive into the reality of launching a food brand while navigating parenthood, production challenges, and early retail wins. A must-listen for founder-parents balancing growth and grit. 

Startup to Scale is a podcast by Foodbevy, an online community to connect emerging food, beverage, and CPG founders to great resources ...

When I launched my first brand, I made the mistake a lot of founders do—I built the entire brand around a hero ingredient. We were called TeaSquares, and yep, the name locked us into tea and a square shape, which made it tough to grow beyond our initial idea.

In this episode, I’m joined by Adam Feller, founder of Avidity Creative, to talk about why leading with your ingredient can actually hurt your CPG brand. We unpack how to focus...

Tariffs have been top of mind for every CPG founder I talk to—including myself. In this episode, I’m joined once again by my friend and frequent guest Yuval Selik, co-founder and CEO of Promomash, to unpack how tariff pressures are impacting our businesses beyond just the bottom line.

We dive into how tariffs are exposing hidden inefficiencies in supply chains, why blindly raising prices can damage your brand, and how distributor de...

Accounting for beverage brands isn’t just about balancing the books — it’s about understanding the unique financial challenges that come with scaling a physical product business. In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Howes, founder of Wizard Accounting, to unpack the essentials of CPG accounting tailored specifically for beverage brands.

Jessica shares her insights on how to properly account for co-manufacturer fees like tolling ...

Mallory Patton, co-founder of Saint Spritz, shares how her team turned a post-vacation craving into a fast-growing RTD aperitivo brand.

 Learn how they launched with no beverage experience, landed retail deals with Target and Total Wine, and built a standout brand through design, family, and focus.

Startup to Scale is a podcast by Foodbevy, an online community to connect emerging food, beverage, and CPG founders to great resources an...

If you're a CPG founder in 2025, Amazon isn’t optional—it’s foundational. But selling on Amazon today looks nothing like it did even a year ago.

Joining me are Shayan and Rafay, co-founders of Boost Up AMZ, who’ve helped scale dozens of consumer brands on the platform. In this episode, we break down exactly what you need to know to stay competitive—from the latest policy changes and rising fees, to the strategies separating top...

Landing a large retail or corporate order can be a breakthrough moment for your CPG brand—but it can also put a major strain on your cash flow. In this episode of Startup to Scale, we’re joined by Rohit Mathur, founder of Bridge, to break down how purchase order financing can help founders bridge the gap between opportunity and execution.

We discuss why PO financing is often a critical lifeline for emerging brands, how it works behi...

In this episode I’m joined by a true pioneer in the world of organic CPG—Matt McLean, the founder of Uncle Matt’s Organic.

Matt’s journey is a masterclass in scaling with integrity. From navigating the complexities of retail and supply chains to staying ahead of evolving consumer trends, Matt has built a mission-driven brand that’s not only profitable—but principled. He sold his company to Dean Foods, just to buy it back 2 years lat...

 In this episode, I sit down with Brad Ebenhoeh, co-founder of Accountfully, to unpack how CPG brands can build strong financial foundations to withstand tariffs, inflation, and whatever economic curveballs come their way. Brad shares practical strategies for cash flow management, margin protection, and forecasting so founders can stay resilient even in uncertain times. Whether you’re sourcing internationally or scaling into retail...

Today we’re into the behind-the-scenes journey of taking a beloved cult-favorite product from small-batch to store shelves across the country. I’m joined by the Justin Oleesky, COO of Coconut Cult, a brand that’s made waves in the probiotic space with its ultra-potent coconut yogurt—and a company that’s learned a lot about what it takes to scale into national distribution without losing your mind.

We’ll explore the operational chall...