Author: Kristi Bridges

“I had no expertise. Everything I know about [CPG], I learned in the past few years, but what I had was a desire to bring this community together so they would help each other. That was where it all started.” 

We have a very special guest on today’s episode of The Irresistible Factor, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of DFW CPG, Richard Riccardi. In this episode, Richard and I speak about the importance of building a robust community of collaborators and champions.

Richard is an early-stage food company board member, investor, and active mentor and connector in the Dallas and Austin CPG communities. Richard has a great passion for people, food, and businesses, and he invests capital and more importantly, his own resources into early-stage food and beverage companies.

While most entrepreneurs focus on building a community of shoppers, Richard believes that a community of like-minded founders is equally important because he believes that no one succeeds alone. Join us as we discuss how to develop meaningful relationships with mentors and advisory board members, and the ways that you can benefit from joining a local community like DFW CPG. This is an informative and highly valuable episode for CPG founders and anyone in the food and beverage industry, so be sure to tune in!

Listen to The Irresistible Factor’s Interview with Co-Founder and Managing Partner of DFW CPG, Richard Riccardi. 

Here’s what you won’t want to miss from our conversation: 

• The important role of generosity, collaboration, and a willingness to learn
• Why Richard suggests forming an advisory board “sooner rather than later” 
• What your advisory board says about you as a founder
• The value of having a give-and-take attitude 

Links mentioned in this episode:  

Richard Riccardi on LinkedIn  

DFW CPG 

Naturally Austin 

The Irresistible Factor Podcast  

Sawtooth Group 

“We feel doing events helps drive the product to a broader audience, but also builds that lifestyle around the brand. We’re building that persona of what it means to be a Popadelics consumer.” 

Marilyn Yang, the Co-Founder and CEO of Fun-Gal Snacks (the parent company of Popadelics) is doing things a little differently – on a mission to create not only a CPG brand, but also a lifestyle brand.

On today’s episode of The Irresistible Factor, Marilyn and I talk about why she has decided to take an untraditional approach to starting Popadelics. Marilyn launched Popadelics in April of this year, alongside her life partner and business partner, Mike Casali. They were two mushroom lovers who desperately wanted to find a mushroom chip during the pandemic.

Marilyn did not  want to raise outside capital. She was determined to fund the company herself in order to retain full control over her vision. But she did need support, that’s where Rodeo CPG (a favorite  Irresistible Factor Guest) came in. Marilyn tells us how Rodeo, a start-up CPG consultancy was instrumental in bringing their flavors to life, and supporting them with R&D and supply chain manufacturing.

Tune in for some unconventional advice you won’t want to miss!

Listen to The Irresistible Factor’s Interview with Co-Founder and CEO of Popadelics, Marilyn Yang. 

Here’s what you won’t want to miss from our conversation: 

• Their non-traditional journey into retail 
• Some of the challenges that Marilyn has faced in running her companies
• What they are looking for in a partner or strategic brand partnership  
• How they are indirectly supporting the psychedelic industry 

Links mentioned in this episode:  

Marilyn Yang on LinkedIn 

Popadelics 

Rodeo CPG 

The Irresistible Factor Podcast  

Sawtooth Group 

Kristi Bridges on LinkedIn 

Kristi Bridges on Twitter 

“We looked into what it would take for us to work with one of the incumbent wholesale traditional distributors that are dominating the space for Natural Foods distribution and CPG. It was just a nightmare ahead of us. There was no transparency, everybody we talked to said it was a necessary evil if we wanted to scale nationally, but they’re going to squeeze you for every dollar that you’re worth.”

I am thrilled to be joined by Larissa Russell, Co-Founder and CEO of Pod Foods, on this episode of The Irresistible Factor. Larissa and her Kickstarter cookie company were among hundreds of thousands of emerging brands that were trying to reach their consumers in retail, but had hit a major roadblock – it was obvious that the wholesale distribution system was not set up for brands like hers and many others.

So instead of pursuing their original brand, Larissa and her Co-Founder set off to create something entirely different, a new model for distribution – Pod Foods. Pod Foods facilitates retail management for smaller brands by getting rid of the middle man and providing an online platform for the B2B marketplace, allowing small businesses to have more control over their distribution. You’ll hear how Pod Foods manages a brand’s position in the marketplace, helps with end-to-end logistics, and provides radical transparency to help brands make decisions while cultivating good relationships. Growing a CPG business is no easy feat but  Pod Foods aims to make it easier, smoother, and maybe even  more enjoyable!  

Listen to The Irresistible Factor’s Interview with Co-Founder and CEO of Pod Foods, Larissa Russell. 

Here’s what you won’t want to miss from our conversation: 

• Why the wholesale distribution system is not set up to support emerging brands
• The retailer stores Pod Food works with (both regional and national)
• Managing inventory risk: how Pod Foods has created an ‘infinite warehouse’ 
• The importance of developing and establishing good relationships with the retailers

Links mentioned in this episode:  

Larissa Russell on LinkedIn 

Pod Foods 

The Irresistible Factor Podcast  

Sawtooth Group 

“Of course, you have to fight for your right. Beastie Boys said that, right? You got to fight for your right every single day. I think the people who rest on their laurels, die, especially in consumer because it is so competitive. And if you found something that works, there’s going to be 10 people after that the next year or 20 the year after that, and so on and so forth.” 

Joining us today on The Irresistible Factor is Daina Trout –  passionate nutritionist, Co-Founder and Chief Mission Officer of one of my favorite brands, Health-Ade Kombucha. When Daina met her  husband, he was told he had to be on medicine for life due to extreme gut issues. Daina was able to heal him entirely with a daily fermented food.  Daina quickly learned about the power of fermented foods, specifically, Kombucha. 

This is what inspired Daina to start Health-Ade alongside her husband and best friend, Vanessa. Their goal was to create the highest quality, best tasting, and most functional kombucha in the market. Today, even among 200 (most of them new)  kombucha brands, Health-Ade remains at the top. 

Daina talks about how every single small decision she made about the brand was intentional  (the name, the shape of the bottle, etc.) and has kept them relevant and desirable in a now extremely saturated market. Daina also emphasizes the importance of being aware of competition, but remaining authentic and true to your brand’s values as a formula for success and keeping consumers engaged.  

Tune in for some valuable advice from a pioneer in the health and wellness world.  

Listen to The Irresistible Factor’s Interview with Co-Founder and Chief Mission Officer of Health-Ade, Daina Trout.  

Here’s what you won’t want to miss from our conversation: 

• Early days of introducing the product to the public through farmers markets
• The intentional but  subconscious cues communicated by branding and packaging decisions
• Why manufacturing was the biggest challenge that Daina and her team faced along the way
• The ups and downs of working with a private equity group
• Why it is critical to disassociate your self-worth from the success of your business

Links mentioned in this episode:  

Daina Trout on LinkedIn 

Daina Trout on Instagram 

Health-Ade 

First Beverage 

CAVU 

The Irresistible Factor Podcast  

Sawtooth Group 

Kristi Bridges on LinkedIn 

Kristi Bridges on Twitter 

“We’re seeing a massive increase in consumers’ desires to seek out sustainable products when they’re shopping — we’re appealing to this new consumer that’s not just seeking something that’s good for them, but it’s also good for the planet.”

Joining us today on The Irresistible Factor is the CEO and Co-founder of Riff, Paul Evers. Riff is a purpose driven brand of cold-brewed coffee and energy drinks with an incredible focus on sustainability.

Paul tells us about their new and exciting energy drink – Riff Energy Plus – the very first carbon-neutral energy drink in the country. Riff Energy Plus is brewed from cascara – the fruity pulp that surrounds the coffee bean that is turned into upcycled fruit juice concentrate. (yes, coffee is actually a fruit!)  

Paul and I discuss the massive challenges of being a newcomer in the energy drink industry and the distribution challenges that come along with that.   We also discuss their very unique approach to raising capital. Stick around to the end to hear some important business advice from Paul. 

“Nothing incredible comes to bear if it isn’t working against conventional wisdom and broad assumptions.” 

When you’re done listening, head over to letsriff.com and check out Riff Energy Plus! Paul is giving our listeners a generous 25% off your first order by using the code “irresistible” at checkout.

Listen to The Irresistible Factor’s Interview with Riff Co-Founder and  CEO, Paul Evers. 

Here’s what you won’t want to miss from our conversation: 

• Riff’s mission and brand strategy and how the experience is replicated at home
• How the ‘invest’ button on their website is working for them
• Why the appearance of the packaging is essential for a product like this  
• The coffee sustainability issue they came across and how they’re trying to overcome it

Links mentioned in this episode:  

Riff 

25% Discount Code For Riff Energy Plus: Irresistible 

Donate to Grow Ahead 

Paul Evers on LinkedIn 

Paul Evers on Instagram 

Paul Evers on Twitter 

Dr. Dominique Bachelet 

Sedona Prince on TikTok 

WeFunder 

The Irresistible Factor Podcast  

Sawtooth Group 

Kristi Bridges on LinkedIn 

Kristi Bridges on Twitter 

“…Our packaging has to be really on point and say exactly what we do and then the shortest amount of time possible, so we’ve worked really hard on that too. We’ve tried to make our packaging extremely clear, concise, and persuasive so that for that split second when you have a consumer up near the register and sees your product, they know exactly what it does.  

I am delighted to be joined by the CEO of More Labs, Josh Groff, on Today’s episode of The Irresistible Factor. More Labs is a dietary supplements company that makes small shot-sized drinks to elevate your daily performance. Josh talks all about their first and most popular Sku, Morning Recovery; a liver detox supplement that helps to neutralize the toxins in your body, keeping you feeling fresh the next day after drinking.

Josh joined More Labs three and a half years ago and has brought tons of knowledge and experience to the table. Josh has been in the beverage business for 17 years working with both big and small brands, and has experience in everything from finance to marketing, to sales, and management.

Josh and I discuss More Labs’ move to retail, and how they’re growing by showcasing their products at events, concerts, resorts, and hotels. We also talk about the challenge of regulations around using the word “hangover” on their packaging, and how they were able to refine and tweak their messaging  to be wildly clear and concise in order to get their message across. 

Listen to The Irresistible Factor’s Interview with More Labs CEO, Josh Groff. 

Here’s what you won’t want to miss from our conversation: 

• The marketing and education challenges More Labs has faced  
• How More Labs is handling the difficulties of capital raising and why it’s important to find the right fit
• What it’s been like for Josh to go from working for other people to being in charge as CEO
• How things have evolved digitally for More Labs over the last few years

Links mentioned in this episode:  

Josh Groff on LinkedIn 

More Labs 

The Irresistible Factor Podcast  

Sawtooth Group 

Kristi Bridges on LinkedIn 

Kristi Bridges on Twitter 

“We want to keep things close to home, we want to have oversight over the franchise locations as if they were corporate locations. We’re a small brand, we’re growing fast. Each door that opens is a subset of our brand and we’re going to treat it like it’s our own.”

I am thrilled to be joined by Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Mighty Quinn’s Barbecue, Micha Magid, on today’s episode of The Irresistible Factor. Mighty Quinn’s is an authentic barbecue restaurant that likes to keep things old school, while sourcing the best quality ingredients. Mighty Quinn’s started as a corporate-owned brick-and-mortar brand in the East Village of New York City, and has since grown into a reputable franchise, and a category leader in fast casual barbeque. 

Micha speaks about how in just 6 years, Mighty Quinn’s has expanded to be an international brand with national media presence and features in the Food Network and the New York Times. We dive into the many elements of their business that led to their success, and why it is important to know who you are, play to your strengths, and “stay in your own lane”. We also talk about the CPG side of things, and how Micha and his team are leaning into this new exciting opportunity to get their barbeque sauces and rubs on the shelves of retailers. 

Listen to The Irresistible Factor’s Interview with Mighty Quinn’s Barbecue Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Micha Magid. 

Here’s what you won’t want to miss from our conversation: 

• Ghost kitchens: what they are and why they can be beneficial
• Micha’s vision for Mighty Quinn’s in the next five years: franchise and product growth
• Overcoming social media algorithms
• Mighty Quinn’s successful approach to marketing, franchising, and now CPG

Links mentioned in this episode:  

Micha Magid on Twitter 

Micha Magid on LinkedIn  

Mighty Quinn’s Barbecue  

Hugh Mangum on LinkedIn  

Christos Gourmos on LinkedIn  

Cloud Kitchens  

Kitchen United on LinkedIn  

Beat Bobby Flay  

Fire Masters  

Cooking Channel 

The Irresistible Factor Podcast  

Sawtooth Group 

Kristi Bridges on LinkedIn 

Kristi Bridges on Twitter 

Movements take time, especially when they’re taking place in an industry as large and as broken as the U.S. healthcare system.

Hint Health is focused on supporting the direct primary care movement. They’re on a mission to help dismantle the insurance fee-for-service infrastructure and replace it with a model that provides as many people as possible with access to high-quality and affordable healthcare. Hint Health supports doctors that don’t accept insurance through the technology and tools they need to be successful. 

In this episode of The Irresistible Factor, Zak shares with us his journey that led him to the healthcare industry and ultimately co-founding Hint Health. He speaks about the approach to entrepreneurship which has allowed his business to thrive, and what has kept him motivated to persevere despite the many hurdles that come with a goal as gigantic as changing our broken healthcare system.  

“Direct primary care is really like a Toyota. It’s a fantastic value. It’s solid. It’s awesome. I think that’s where, if you can get this for $50 a month, or $60 a month, or $70 a month, that’s pretty affordable. Especially if you’re saving more than that elsewhere, because you’re now reorganizing the rest of the plan around this type of care model. To me, the scale comes from affordability and quality.”

Listen to The Irresistible Factor’s Interview with Hint Health Co- Founder and CEO, Zak Holdsworth. 

Here’s what you won’t want to miss from our conversation: 

• Zak explains how his company supports the direct primary care movement
• How Zak is creating awareness around primary care 
• How investors believed in Zak’s mission when Zak didn’t have much to show 
• Where Zak finds the motivation to take on the gigantic challenge of fixing the U.S. healthcare system
• How Hint Health supports the primary care movement through technology

Links mentioned in this episode: 

Hint Health 

Zac Holdsworth on LinkedIn 

The Irresistible Factor Podcast  

Sawtooth Group 

Kristi Bridges on LinkedIn 

Kristi Bridges on Twitter 

Do you really know what’s in your pet’s food?

On today’s episode of The Irresistible Factor I am joined by Haley Russell, the Founder and CEO of Chippin Pet. Haley has set out to disrupt the pet food industry. She launched a brand of high quality pet nutrition that is powered by planet friendly protein (think  insects, invasive species, and algae). She started with treats and is about to launch food.

“When it comes to pet nutrition, I couldn’t find something that was high quality, tasty, and better for the planet, so I decided to make it.”

Haley’s inherent entrepreneurial qualities combined with her high degree of consciousness around food led her to create this incredibly innovative brand. Chippin isn’t just another pet food brand; it’s a brand that is revolutionizing an industry in desperate need of disruption, while also benefiting the planet.

Haley and I discuss how she determined what ingredients are the best sources of protein for our pets, how she educates pet owners, and how she’s going about creating awareness. We also talk about the importance of testing your product and making sure it is exactly right before going all in.

Listen to The Irresistible Factor’s Interview with Chippen Founder and CEO, Haley Russell. 

Here’s what you won’t want to miss from our conversation: 

• Her POV on the problem with mainstream pet food
• Why she believes Chippin will have widespread appeal
• What Haley enjoyed about the process of raising capital
• Chippin’s lighthearted approach to addressing serious issues

Links mentioned in this episode: 

Chippin 

Haley Russell on LinkedIn 

The Irresistible Factor Podcast  

Sawtooth Group 

Kristi Bridges on LinkedIn 

Kristi Bridges on Twitter 

“Don’t ever start a food business that you’re not insanely passionate about. Because [nothing is] going to justify the hours and the difficulty that you’re going to go through starting a food business and building a food business if you’re not super passionate about it.”

Today’s guest is incredibly passionate about health, sustainability, and delicious lobster! Ben Conniff is the co-founder and chief innovation officer at Luke’s Lobster, an incredible chain of lobster shacks and a grocery line dedicated to producing traceable, sustainable seafood.

Twelve and a half years ago, Ben met his business partner, Luke, on Craigslist while looking for a restaurant job. Luke was working in finance, but had previously been a lobsterman and  was passionate about starting a Maine-Style lobster shack in New York. Ben was immediately all in and they opened their first restaurant only 30 days later.

Their goal for the business was simple: make amazing food, treat people well, and enjoy themselves. They did just that and more.. Ben believes it is the real story of Luke and his family’s background in the lobster industry that created the high levels of trust and transparency among their consumers, and of course the delicious lobster, that led to their customers wanting more and more.

Ben and I dive into their rapid restaurant expansion and their decision to start a grocery line. We also talk about the importance of educating the consumer and why sustainability is critically important for any new business.

“It is a situation where if you’re not part of the solution, you are part of the problem, particularly if you’re in the food industry.”

Listen to The Irresistible Factor’s Interview with Luke’s Lobster Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Ben Conniff. 

Here’s what you won’t want to miss from our conversation: 

• How they navigate the volatility of the lobster industry 
• The differences Ben has found in retail versus restaurants
• How they educate consumers to learn about the quality of Luke’s Lobster over other brands
• Why freezing technology is helping people get access to higher quality, healthier food
• Their biggest challenges 

Links mentioned in this episode: 

Ben Conniff on LinkedIn 

Ben Conniff on Instagram 

Ben Conniff on Twitter 

Luke’s Lobster 

The Irresistible Factor Podcast  

Sawtooth Group 

Kristi Bridges on LinkedIn 

Kristi Bridges on Twitter 

“Doubt and fear creep in every single day and you have to block it out, you have to manage it, you have to tackle it because if you think you can, you really can. And if you think you can’t, then you can’t.” 

I am beyond  thrilled to be sharing this inspiring podcast with Ashley Thompson, Co-Founder and CEO of Mush in this episode of The Irresistible Factor. Mush is a brand of plant-based ready to eat overnight oats that come in a variety of flavors like chocolate, coffee coconut (my favorite), peanut butter, and many more. 

Ashley went from working in finance in a beautiful office on Wall Street to literally pitching tents and selling overnight oats at farmers markets in Southern California. She is a strong believer in what you eat impacts how you feel, think, and do, and she wanted to tackle a major problem – our physical and mental health in the U.S. Ashley knew she wanted to create a brand that created accessible healthy food.

Ashley is all about mindset. She never stopped to think about why it may not work, in fact she thought there was no way this can’t be done. And she was right, mush now has distribution in 11,000 doors with iconic retailers like Whole Foods and Costco.

Ashley and I discuss how the business has grown and changed, the challenges of scaling the company, and her approach to investments and boot-strapping. She also talks about the importance of growth and building a solid company before getting carried away with innovation, and the importance of using your resources wisely.

“It’s amazing that harnessing creativity in content and messaging is really powerful and using common sense when it comes to spending resources and marketing. Those are two of the biggest takeaways I’ve learned in the journey of trying to get the product off the shelf.”

Listen to The Irresistible Factor’s Interview with Mush Co-Founder and CEO, Ashley Thompson. 

Here’s what you won’t want to miss from our conversation: 

• The importance of data and how to balance this with gut intuition
• Ashley’s views on the ‘growth at all costs’ approach to scaling a business
• Insight into how they grew and the investments they received
• Mush’s marketing approach and the lessons learned in trying to get the product off the shelf

Links mentioned in this episode: 

Ashley Thompson 

Mush  

The Irresistible Factor Podcast  

Sawtooth Group