Founded in 2018 and based in Okotoks, Alberta - GroundUp Eco Ventures takes a unique approach to environmental innovation by upcycling cafe and brewery waste ingredients to produce delicious super flours, baking mixes and high-value oils.  Shawn and I explore the GroundUp startup journey, genuinely innovative & technical upcycling process / facility build, upfront funding required and brand development to name just a few topics of conversation. You can find the full range of GroundUp products available via their online store, Amazon.ca and retail locations in Alberta & BC here ___ ..read more

Join me as I chat with Natasha Compton, the founder and owner of BeCurious PR, a leading agency that helps beauty, food and lifestyle entrepreneurs establish a PR foundation to expand their presence in North America. With over 20 years of experience, Natasha shared her insights into building buzz that drives growth, connecting brands with media, influencers, customers, and partners. We also discuss the current and future impact of Ai on the industry, along with the various services that BeCurious PR provides, including PR Foundation Strategy, Brand Positioning, Founder Narrative, and Media Tre ..read more

During today's conversation, Dominica and I covered a lot of ground with a big focus on what it takes to successfully launch a CPG brand in the food industry. We explored recipe development, Co-Packing, distribution and brand management with Dominica emphasizing the importance of innovation and keeping up with the latest trends to create standout products. We also discussed the growing demand for plant-based products and the future in this particular space. It was a fast-paced and fun conversation with Dominica that I'm sure will provide some valuable insights into the world of CPG for you all ..read more

Join me as I sit down with Mitch for an insightful discussion on his entrepreneurial journey in building Libra from scratch. We explored some thought-provoking questions such as the fundamental differences between being an entrepreneur versus considering oneself a business person, and why the skill of selling is often overlooked in formal education settings. Mitch gave us plenty of insight into some of the challenges, triumphs and pivotal moments that have shaped Libra’s success, securing funding and staying true to one's vision. ________________________________________ Libra, a division of Up ..read more

Join us as we uncover best practices for leveraging trade shows for market research, lead generation and sales strategies. Don't miss this timely and relevant conversation! Episode highlights: Leveraging Trade Shows for Market Research: Discover how trade shows can be used to gather feedback on products and marketing strategies, and gain market insights. Trade Shows as a Powerful Marketing Channel: Compare the effectiveness of trade shows to other marketing channels for generating leads in the CPG industry. Aligning Goals and KPIs for Success: Learn how operators and marketing agencies can de ..read more

Episode highlights: The inception of Morgan's Harbour as a family business and Brian and Jade's role in taking it over. The challenges and opportunities of running a Jamaican patty business, including managing production, navigating the pandemic, staying competitive in a crowded market and adapting to industry changes. The early days of sales and how Morgan's Harbour's sales and marketing strategy has evolved over time. Hiring challenges, training and creating consistency in production. Morgan's Harbour's future plans and ambitions, including expanding the brand, introducing new products, and ..read more

Episode highlights: The startup story of Pulp & Press Balancing work and family life as a business leader The challenges and opportunities of running a growing business in the health and wellness industry Sales, Marketing & Production Building a strong team and hiring : Skills Vs Attributes ________________________________________ Pulp & Press, established in 2014 in London, Ontario, is dedicated to providing their customers, community and fans with a variety of high-quality raw, organic juices, wellness shots and probiotic drinks made from a white tea base. Thanks to their commi ..read more

Episode highlights: Exploring the current state & pros and cons of our Recycling and Composting Systems, and understanding their current limitations The inspiration behind founding and scaling Perk.eco Jennifer's personal journey as an entrepreneur and leader in the sustainability space, including lessons learned, successes and failures, and plans for the future ________________________________________ Perk.eco, founded by Jennifer in July 2020, is a Vancouver-based company that has developed a unique system to recycle or compost 90% of coffee shop waste, including cups, lids, stir stick ..read more

Episode highlights: Sheena's journey of starting Made with Local, including the inspiration behind the company's focus on sourcing local ingredients and social responsibility. The challenges and rewards of building and iterating on a CPG company & production facility. The importance of storytelling and creating a strong brand and community around a company's mission AND ensuring that you're very clear on your “why”. Sheena's vision for the future of Made with Local, including plans for new product lines and expanded distribution. ________________________________________ Founded in 2012 a ..read more

Episode highlights: The Yoggu! Startup story Initial pricing strategy & competitor analysis Packaging and labeling The plant based market Manufacturing & raising capital Mentors & advisors ________________________________________ Founded in 2018 and located in Vancouver, BC - Yoggu! is a company dedicated to creating delicious and nutritious plant-based yogurts. With a passion for healthy living and a commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients, Jade has built Yoggu! into a trusted and respected brand in the local health and wellness space. Her innovative approach to ..read more