Retour

Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Good Food CFO podcast

Plongez dans la liste complète des épisodes de The Good Food CFO podcast. Chaque épisode est catalogué accompagné de descriptions détaillées, ce qui facilite la recherche et l'exploration de sujets spécifiques. Suivez tous les épisodes de votre podcast préféré et ne manquez aucun contenu pertinent.

Rows per page:

1–50 of 153

TitreDateDurée
100 Apply, 2 Get In: Expert Advice on How to Beat the Co-Manufacturer Odds and Create a Bidding War26 May 202500:48:29

Ever wondered why finding a co-manufacturer feels impossibly difficult? Sarah sits down with Julia Megson, CEO of ReScale, who reveals the shocking reality that co-manufacturers receive about 100 inquiries monthly but only work with one to two brands from that entire pool.

Julia's unique background – from auditing over 100 contract manufacturers at Trader Joe's to founding a tech platform specifically for emerging food brands – gives her unparalleled insight into what actually works in co-manufacturing partnerships. She breaks down why this process is more like sales than shopping, and how treating it as a relationship-building exercise can save you up to 30% on production costs.

The episode uncovers game-changing strategies most founders never hear: why you should delay your co-manufacturing search as long as possible to strengthen your negotiating position, how to use simple email templates that achieve a 65% response rate (compared to the typical 10%), and why creating competition between manufacturers can dramatically reduce your costs.

Julia also tackles the controversial topic of minimum order quantities, revealing they're often negotiable barriers rather than hard equipment limitations. For founders currently overwhelmed by demand but hesitant to make the manufacturing leap, she provides a clear framework for knowing when you're ready and how to present yourself as the kind of partner co-manufacturers actually want to work with.

This episode delivers the insider knowledge that could transform your approach to scaling production and building the manufacturing relationships that will fuel your growth.

 

 Learn more about ReScale:
Website: tryrescale.com
Read the Blog

 

Join The Good Food CFO Community: 

Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo 

Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan 

Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo 

Become a Member: BABOYOT

 

KeHE Uncovered: Real Case Study of a Food Brand's First Payout19 May 202500:40:44

In this eye-opening episode, Sarah breaks down the harsh food distributor chargeback reality that many founders don't discover until it's too late. Using a real-world example of a brand that invoiced KeHE for $68,267 but received only $13,345 (just 19.5%), she dissects exactly where that money went.

From the surprising "initial PO" payment policy that can delay your first check for 3-6 months, to the specific chargebacks that consumed 80% of a brand's revenue, Sarah provides the financial transparency food entrepreneurs desperately need before signing distribution agreements.

The episode explores several chargeback categories including intro allowances, free fills, spoilage allowances, and promotional fees – revealing how these can quickly transform an exciting distribution opportunity into a significant cash flow challenge.

Sarah shares practical strategies for surviving the distribution onboarding process, emphasizing the importance of “velocity over doors” and suggesting regional distributors as potentially more transparent alternatives to national giants.

Tune in for an essential financial reality check that could save your food business from a costly distribution mistake or help you prepare properly for sustainable growth through distribution channels.

For content like this delivered straight to your inbox, join our mailing list

 

Join The Good Food CFO Community: 

Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo 

Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan 

Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo 

Become a Member: BABOYOT

 

Breaking the Monopoly: How Founders Can Navigate a Consolidated Market10 Mar 202500:47:58

In this eye-opening episode of the Good Food CFO podcast, Sarah Delevan talks with Stacy Mitchell, co-executive director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, about the myths of market consolidation and how food founders can fight back against corporate monopolies.

Stacy Mitchell is a writer, strategist, and policy advocate whose work focuses on dismantling concentrated corporate power and building thriving local economies. As co-executive director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, she has played a leading role in today's growing anti-monopoly movement and has authored influential works including "Big Box Swindle" and "Amazon's Stranglehold."

You’ll hear:

  • The Invisible Rules: How corporations have made market rules invisible, positioning us as consumers rather than citizens with power to change policies

  • Myth-Busting: Hard evidence disproving the "bigger is better" narrative, including the North Dakota pharmacy model that outperforms corporate chains

  • Food System Consolidation: How the suspension of the Robinson-Patman Act in 1980 allowed big retailers to demand preferential treatment, squeezing independent grocers

  • Beyond Consumer Power: Why "voting with your dollars" is important but insufficient for creating systemic change

  • Paths Forward: Practical actions for founders to engage with local policymakers and join the growing movement to enforce antitrust laws

  • Signs of Hope: Recent shifts in policy approach showing how the tide is turning against unchecked consolidation

More from Stacy: 

Institute for Local Self-Reliance

"The Great Grocery Squeeze" in The Atlantic

Stacy's TED Talk: "Why We Can't Shop Our Way to a Better Economy"

 

This episode is brought to you by Settle. 

Settle helps you make smarter decisions, and keep your business on track to grow sustainably. Head over to settle.com/goodfood to learn how brands like Carnivore Snax use Settle to manage their cash flow and growth.

 

Join The Good Food CFO Community: 

Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo 

Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan 

Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo 

Become a Member: BABOYOT

Disrupting Food Service with Kim Bryden26 Sep 202200:50:17

If you have been following along with The Good Food Revolution, you know that I recently asked this community of Good Food Founders where they feel knowledgeable and confident in building a business on their own terms, and what they want to learn more about. There was a resounding response that you want to know more about alternative and unconventional sales channels. You want to know what’s beyond the retail store, and you were most interested in learning about Food Service.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kim Bryden, the Founder and CEO of Cureate - an education, consulting and procurement firm devoted to building an empowered supply chain to meet changing consumer demand.   

Kim is sharing:

  • What the Food Service channel really looks like (it’s not just supplying restaurants)
  • Channel opportunities that you may not have thought of
  • How the traditional Food Service supply chain works
  • What Cureate is doing to disrupt the channel and open doors for small good food brands

Connect with Kim:

Website: https://www.cureate.co

Instagram: @cureateco

Got a question or an idea for the show? 

Email us at: JoinTheConvo@TheGoodFoodCFO.com

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

How to Make the Most of Your Google Ad Spend with Andy Janaitis12 Sep 202200:33:11

If building a business on your own terms includes selling your products via your brand’s own website, and you want to drive traffic to your site, this is the episode for you! 

Today, Sarah is joined by Andy Janaitis, the founder and chief strategist of PPC Pitbulls, to discuss the digital marketing space, and how to determine if Google Ads is the right fit for your business.

Andy has over 10 years of agency experience in the digital space, across several industries and now focuses on creating custom digital marketing strategies and driving measurable results for his craft food, beverage and clothing brand clients - for whom they now manages over $1M in annual ad spend  

For anyone that is new to the digital marketing space, Andy is helping us understand:

  • Everything Google Ads and optimization tools can do
  • The three things you should have in place before you are ready to use Google Ads
  • The important role your margins and shipping costs play in determining if Google Ads are the right fit for your business 
  • The return on investment that you can expect 
  • And so much more

Andy and PPC Pitbulls are also offering our listeners a free download of their Digital Marketing Maturity Model. And don’t forget about our DIY Profit Assessment Course. This is THE tool that we offer to help you understand your margins and how to move forward in your business profitably.

Connect with Andy Janaitis:

Website: PPC Pitbulls
LinkedIn: PPC Pitbulls        

LinkedIn: Andy Janaitis

Youtube: PPC Pitbulls

Got a question or an idea for the show? 

Email us at: JoinTheConvo@TheGoodFoodCFO.com

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services. 

Building a Business on Your Own Terms with Brady DeLong 29 Aug 202200:58:14

Today on the podcast, Sarah is joined by Brady DeLong.  He is an 8-year veteran of the Natural CPG space, building Hen of the Woods as their COO and National Sales Director. Brady is sharing some key lessons he and his team have learned over the last 8 years. 

His story includes: 

  • The company’s early growth strategy, and how it evolved 
  • How they recovered from inequitable deals 
  • What they learned from navigating distribution and sales channels
  • How they currently analyze every opportunity and determine if it’s a yes or a no-go.

Brady has never been one to do things just because “that’s the way it’s always been done”, and his story is proof that you don’t have to either. You can Build a Business on Your Own Terms.

Connect with Brady DeLong:

Website: www.henofthewoodsotr.com

Instagram: @Henofthewoodssnacks
Facebook: @Henofthewoodssnacks
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-delong/

Special Offer for Our Listeners:

Use Code GoodFood15 to build your own snack box from Hen of The Woods

Email the show: JoinTheConvo@TheGoodFoodCFO.com

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services. 

Welcome to the Revolution15 Aug 202200:13:16

Where do we go from here?

We ended Season 4 of the Podcast calling for change in the Food Industry, and you answered that call. From posting on social media, flooding our inbox, and even joining our first ever Good Food CFO Fireside Chat; you let your voice be heard. The Good Food Revolution has arrived.

As we begin a new season, the biggest questions are: What now? How do we continue to disrupt? How do we create REAL CHANGE? And how do we move this revolution forward together? These are the questions Sarah ponders on today’s episode. She doesn’t have all the answers yet, but she does have a pretty good idea about where to start, and that is with YOU. 

The Good Food CFO is creating spaces to continue this two-way conversation. You can join in by participating in our Good Food Revolution Survey, or by reaching out to us directly at JoinTheConvo@TheGoodFoodCFO.com and telling us what you would like to hear on upcoming episodes.

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or here to learn about our new + updated services. 

I Can No Longer Stay Quiet01 Aug 202200:28:43

The Food Industry is broken. Good Food Founders have the power to change that.

Today on the Podcast Sarah speaks straight from the heart; discussing the truth about the current state of the Food Industry, and how it is rigged against small, mission driven food businesses. But she doesn’t stop there; she provides insight into how to create meaningful and equitable systemic change. This is the Good Food Revolution.

If you have felt the effects of this broken system on your business, and wondered what options you have to take a stand against inequity, this is the episode for you! Tune in, stand up, and speak out.


Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services.

Sarah's 3-Step Financial Decision Making Process11 Jul 202200:14:53

Owning and operating a good food business comes with an endless number of decisions that need to be made each day. Among them, big financial decisions cause the most stress, and the most regret if things don’t pan out how you hoped. 

Whether you’re in the midst of making a big financial decision, or want to prepare for the next one that will inevitably come your way, we’ve got you covered! 

Today on the podcast, Sarah is sharing her three step financial decision making process:

  • Remember Your Business Objectives
  • Determine if the investment will move you closer to your business objectives
  • Consider the 2nd Order Consequences of Your Decision

If your goal is to create a sustainable business that minimizes risk and grows profitably, and you're considering a big purchase, a long term investment or expense, taking on debt or maybe opening a line of credit, this three step process is designed for you!


Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services. 


*Mentions

Good Food CFO Blog

Building a Successful Business on Your Own Terms with Katie Mleziva: Ep. 23

 

Benefits of Brand Strategy Beyond Revenue Growth with Asha Mody27 Jun 202200:58:43

In this episode Sarah is joined by Asha Mody, a certified brand strategist, award-winning designer and the founder and Chief Brand Officer of Mindsy.

Asha sheds light on how your brand strategy not only serves to reach customers and boost revenue, but also creates clarity, alignment and a clear direction for your business internally- from the CEO, to the CFO, and to customer facing teams - increasing your ROI and profitability.

Asha also shares four reasons for building a strong brand and how creating a mindful roadmap will help you achieve:

  • Customer Growth
  • Customer Loyalty
  • Increased revenue
  • Increasing profit margins

Asha explains Brand Strategy and its internal and external benefits in such an approachable way, and presents so many financial benefits!  

If you think you’ve heard all there is to hear about the importance of brand strategy I encourage you to listen in!

About Asha

Asha Mody, a certified brand strategist & award-winning designer who specializes in building brands, and whose visual identity connects mindfully & seamlessly to the story that needs to be told.   Asha has worked for over 15 years in the design industry, both in the U.S. and India. She draws on her authentic roots and international experience in her approach to clean, mindful design. Asha has designed for an INC 500 company, and her work has been featured in World Packaging Design and Awarded in GDUSA. Her work consistently elevates her client's brands and products to the top of their markets, resulting in a loyal and engaged audience that drives profits. 


Connect with Asha:

https://www.mindsy.design/

https://www.instagram.com/mindsydesign/

Special Offer for Our Listeners:

Free brand consultancy (Ask me anything) for 30 min only for podcast listener:
Visit Mindsy Design website sign up and mention the words “Good food CFO”  Or DM Asha on IG or LinkedIn

Connect with Sarah:
Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting
Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Visit sarahdelevan.com to learn about our new + updated services.

Creating Product Pages that Sell with Anna Bradshaw13 Jun 202200:32:24

We have had brand experts, social media + ad experts, and a Shopify expert on our show to discuss attracting your audience, getting them to your website, and even what target conversion rates and Average Cart Value look like for good food brands, but the missing link has been HOW we convert our website visitors to customers, until now…

Today on the podcast Sarah is joined by Anna Bradshaw, a copywriter and content strategist specializing in website copy and email marketing for CPG brands. 

Anna’s approach combines data-driven research with a proven copywriting process to create rich, flavorful brand messages that generate more sales online.

Today Anna is sharing how to do just that.

  • Know Your Audience
  • Descriptions & Removes Objections
  • Do you have to have professionally designed page to achieve this
  • Knowing when to invest in your copy

Connect with Anna:

Website: www.annakbradshaw.com

Email: anna@annakbradshaw.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anna-bradshaw

Instagram:  @anna_k_bradshaw

 

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services.

How to Maximize Your Event ROI with Lindsay O’Donnell30 May 202200:35:14

Trade shows are an important part of building a good food business, but just being there isn’t going to create a return on your investment. Making the most out of your tradeshow experience takes more than just being there.

Today on the podcast, Sarah is  joined by Lindsay O’Donnell - she is the owner and founder of Piquant Marketing. A digital marketing agency of visionaries, creatives, and marketers who grow food brands ready to change the world. Whether it be social media, content creation, online ads, branding, and design, or influencer marketing, Piquant believes in building communities and evangelists around natural health CPG.

Lindsay recently partnered with Planted Expo, Canada’s largest plant-based event with hundreds of local and international food brands. 

Today Lindsay is sharing:

  • 4 Key Ways to Gain Value from Trade Shows - not related to sales!  
  • Best practices for preparing your team for a tradeshow
  • How to make the most of your financial investment. 

Connect with Lindsay:

Making The Most Of Trade Shows Training: https://www.plantedlife.com/making-the-most-of-trade-shows-webinar

 

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services. 

 

Using Data to Individualize Your Audience with Shannon Hiller-Webb23 May 202200:08:24

We’re celebrating small business month all month long, and this week we’re back with another bonus episode! Each mini-episode will feature the owner of a small business in the world of Good Food sharing their experiences and “aha” moments. 

Today on the show I’m joined by Shannon Hiller-Webb, the Principal of Prosparus, a marketing and operational strategy consulting agency guiding businesses to their next level of prosperity. 

In this episode she’ll be discussing how collecting data can help you customize and personalize your content and marketing strategy to your audience. How reflecting on your values strengthens your brand and how your audience is more than your customers. She also asks the question: What data are you collecting and why? 

This may be an “aha” moment that inspires you, and may help you build your business on your own terms.  If you’re a small business owner, you don’t want to miss this episode!

 

Connect with Shannon:

Website: www.prosparus.com

Instagram: @prosparus

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/capergirl/

 

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services. 

Ask The Good Food CFO: Is Rent a COGS, How to Establish Channel Margins, and the Hidden Costs of Co-Packers03 Mar 202500:38:45

In this special episode of The Good Food CFO podcast, we’re sharing highlights from our live Q&A session with BABOYOT members. 

These quarterly events are an awesome opportunity to connect with Founders and answer their most pressing financial questions. 

Some of the topics we tackled:

  • Food Service vs. Wholesale Pricing: Discover why conventional wisdom about which channel is most profitable doesn't always hold true. One founder shares how running her numbers completely changed her channel strategy.

  • The COGS “Gray Area”: Is your kitchen rental really part of your Cost of Goods Sold? Sarah provides clarity on this common question and explains her COGS philosophy for better visibility into your true business health.

  • Hidden Costs of Co-packers & 3PLs? The best partners will be upfront and clear about all of the costs of doing business. Sarah shares specific questions to ask potential partners to avoid surprise fees signing with co-packers and 3PLs. 

Whether you're just starting out or looking to optimize your existing food business, this episode offers real-world solutions from Sarah and the collective wisdom of our BABOYOT community.

This episode is brought to you by Settle. 

Settle helps you make smarter decisions, and keep your business on track to grow sustainably. Head over to settle.com/goodfood to learn how brands like Carnivore Snax use Settle to manage their cash flow and growth.

 

Join The Good Food CFO Community: 

Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo 

Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan 

Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo 

Become a Member: BABOYOT

Building a Business on Your Own Terms with Skyler Mapes16 May 202200:46:32

The moment that sparks an idea for a business can start anywhere. The stories and the people behind small businesses are what makes them unique and authentic. But, building a business from an idea into a success, takes planning, structure, facing challenges, dedication and a clear vision. 

Today on the podcast Sarah is joined by Skyler Mapes, the co-founder of EXAU Olive Oil, an Internationally recognized award-winning olive oil company based in Calabria Italy.

Skyler is an amazing female founder who is shaping her business and career on her own terms.

In this episode Skyler shares:  

  • The origin story of Exau Olive Oil
  • How the company vision guides her decision making
  • Challenges and lessons learned from starting her business
  • How Exau pivoted during Covid, and they continue to consider growth options
  • The importance of understanding her finances, and more

Connect with Skyler:

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services. 

Adjusting Your Quarters to Fit Your Business with Ashley Sutterfield09 May 202200:19:09

May is Small Business month, and we’re celebrating by bringing you bonus episodes all month long! Each mini-episode will feature the owner of a small business in the world of Good Food sharing their experiences and “aha” moments. 

Today, Ashley Sutterfield, CEO and owner of Sage is joining Sarah to discuss how she thinks about her business’ calendar year, and how a similar shift in thinking could look for other small business owners.

It was an “aha” moment that inspired Sarah, and may help you build your business on your own terms.  If you’re a small business owner, you don’t want to miss this episode!

Connect with Ashley:

Website 

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community to connect with other small business owners like yourself!

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services. 

Building a Business on Your Own Terms with Sarah Marshall02 May 202200:52:33

May is Small Business Month and to celebrate we invited Sarah Marshall, Founder and Creator of Marshall’s Haute Sauce, author of Preservation Pantry : Modern Canning From Root to Top & Stem to Core, and Co-host of the Meaningful Marketplace Podcast to the show to share how she built her business.

Sarah founded her good food business in 2011, sourcing ingredients from local farmers, producing her sauces by hand, and building relationships through farmer’s market and community events.  

From a very early stage Sarah considered how the numbers shaped what role she wanted to play within her business, and the role she wanted the business to play in her life.  

Sarah is sharing:

  • Steps she took to educate herself on being a business owner
  • How her past professional  experiences complimented her food business journey
  • When to say “no” and stay true to your vision
  • How knowing her numbers helped to build the business of her dreams

Being a small business owner has its challenges, but the rewards are priceless when you take the steps to build the business you want.  

Connect with Sarah Marshall: 

Website: http://www.marshallshautesauce.com

Instagram and twitter: @spicymarshall

Facebook: @marshallshautesauce

 

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services. 

*Mentioned links: Farmers Market Pros includes access to their podcast and conference details

 

Introducing The Good Food Consortium18 Apr 202200:36:44

Today on the Good Food CFO Podcast Sarah is  joined by Felice Thorpe and Shannon Hiller-Webb. The three have recently joined forces and founded the Good Food Consortium and they can’t wait to tell you about it, and share their vision for how the Consortium supports Good Food Business owners like you! 

About Felice

Felice is the founder of Felice Foods, through which she provides sales director consulting services. Felice has strong roots in American agriculture and began her food career over 20 years ago as Director of Business Development for an organic grains company. She then moved on to become National Sales Director for O Olive Oil, where she gained placement into Target and Walmart. And served as Sales Director for many of our favorites… Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese, Laura Chenel, Marin French and St Benoit Creamery; where she achieved exporting cheese to Asia, and expanding national distribution. 

About Shannon

Shannon is the Principal of Prosparus, a marketing and operational strategy consulting agency guiding businesses to their next level of prosperity. She brings creative innovation and resources together to evaluate whole company health to define the business value proposition, mission and goals and collaborates to offer solutions that foster change. Her consulting focuses on branding, competitive & profitability assessments with SWOT analysis to inform a go-to-market strategy that includes advertising, marketing, sales funnel, pricing, channel strategy, promotional planning, resource allocation and operational analysis with performance metrics.

Today Sarah, Felice & Shannon are sharing:

  • How they met and where the idea for the Consortium was born
  • The Goal of the Consortium
  • How they’ll be collaborating with industry experts to achieve that goal
  • Upcoming Events 

If you’ve been looking for meaningful education and access to resources in the Good Food Business industry, this episode is for you!

Visit us at: https://goodfoodconsortium.org/ for more information and to register for the LIVE event in Portland, OR or to purchase the RECORDING. 

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network

Oregon State Food Innovation Center

 

Connect with

Felice:

Website: www.felicefoods.com

Instagram: @thorpefelice

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/felice-thorpe-75482943/

 

Shannon:

Website: www.prosparus.com

Instagram: @prosparus

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/capergirl/

 

Sarah:

Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services. 

How to Scale Your Production with Ashley Sutterfield04 Apr 202200:37:30

There is no one-size-fits all production solution for Good Food Businesses. 

But there are considerations that will help you make the right decision for yours.

Ashley Sutterfield is back on the podcast! She is the founder and director of Sage Expert, formerly Metzger & Roth, which she founded after seeing food entrepreneurs constantly struggling to understand when and what to do to grow their businesses, Ashley and her team offer empathy-based food production coaching that helps food brands understand their production options so they can get the answers they need to feel empowered to act.

Ashley helps food business owners scale production profitably so they can finally have more time to spend with family and focus on other areas of their business. 

In this episode of The Good Food CFO Podcast Ashley is sharing:

  • The 4 production options every business should consider
  • How to determine which option is best for you and your business
  • Why choosing your production type isn’t solely a financial decision
  • Some questions to think about before choosing a co-packer

If you’re struggling to understand what to do about production to grow your businesses profitably, or are ready to start considering your options, this episode is for you! 



Connect with Ashley:  Website

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services. 

*The Good Food CFO Podcast Episode 15: CoPacker Costs with Ashley Sutterfield



Creating Financial Workflows for Strategic Growth21 Mar 202200:18:43

Today on the podcast we’re talking about Financial Workflows.  Exciting, right?! 

It really is, and you’re about to find out why!

Creating smart financial workflows is your ticket to a smooth bookkeeping process, clear monthly financial reporting, and sales data that you can cut and slice any way you’d like - helping you forecast sales and make informed strategic and financial decisions.

In this Episode Sarah is sharing:

  • 4 Goals a Financial Workflow can achieve for your Good Food Business
  • How to start building your Financial Workflow 
  • What data in your workflow to use to make informed financial & strategic decisions
  • How to choose tools that best support your food business & your workflow 

If you’re a business owner who dreads month end and the back and forth with your bookkeeper, who wishes they had better sales data (or any sales data) to review in order to  forecast production and sales for the future, this episode is for you! 

If you could use some support in creating Financial Workflows that work FOR you, join us in the Profitable Food Business Community where we’ll be discussing this topic in our April Live Q+A, and all month long.   

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services. 

 

“Real Revenue” - What is it? And Why is it SO Important? 07 Mar 202200:12:02

Today on the podcast, we’re going to geek out on a couple of financial terms and the numbers behind them. We’re talking about “Real Revenue” - What is it? And Why is it SO Important?   

Today Sarah is sharing:

  • What “Real Revenue” IS
  • What “Real Revenue” ISN’T 
  • 3 Primary Goals “Real Revenue” Should Achieve
  • How a Profit Assessment Can Show You if Your Real Revenue is Working for You

Without a healthy “Real Revenue” number it’s difficult if not impossible to achieve financial sustainability and profitability within your business. Do you know your Real Revenue number? 

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services. 

Product Viability + Business Profitability w/ Adam Pollack21 Feb 202200:43:24

Having a Profitable PRODUCT does not guarantee that you can build a Profitable BUSINESS, but it is an important first step. 

Today on the podcast Sarah is joined by Adam Pollack, Vice President of Marketing at Rodeo CPG. Together they are discussing the foundational elements of ensuring that your product is viable (aka you can sell it for more than it costs to make) and then how you go about ensuring that you can build a profitable business around that product.

Whether you’re a food business veteran, or thinking about launching your first food business, this episode offers up insightful info about: 

  • What COGS are, and how to calculate yours
  • What “good” COGS look like for a mission-driven food business
  • The BIG misconception business owners have around COGS and Volume
  • How Profit Margins change as you grow into new sales channels
  • Why Bottomline Growth outweighs Topline Growth
  • How you can create a realistic and helpful financial model for your business

And SO much more! 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services. 

Then join us in the FREE Profitable Food Business Community to continue the conversation

Want to Connect? 

Connect with Adam Pollack:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Rodeo CPG Links:

Jumpstart Course

Build a Sales Plan

Budgeting vs Forecasting07 Feb 202200:11:13

Today on the podcast we’re talking about Budgeting and Forecasting - What is the difference?
And do you REALLY need both for your food business?  

Spoiler Alert!  The answer is Yes.

In this Episode of Sarah is sharing: 

  • What Financial Forecasting Helps You See & the Questions it Answers
  • How Financial Projections and Budgeting Work Hand-in-Hand
  • How Budgeting Creates Financial Ease and Confidence
  • Real-Life Client Wins, thanks to Budgeting

If you have questions about creating financial plans, or a budget for your business
Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

For a 34 day free trial of my favorite budgeting app, YNAB, click here.  

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consultingVisit sarahdelevan.com to learn about our Profit Assessment + CFO Consulting Services

4 Steps to Your Most Profitable Year24 Jan 202200:10:25

Here on the Good Food CFO Podcast we want you to have your most profitable year yet, so today on the podcast we’re sharing 4-Steps to make that happen.

We’re covering a lot of information in today’s episode, from setting clear goals, understanding your finances and everything in between as well as tools and processes to support you throughout your profitable food business journey.

Grab your favorite note-taking device, we’re getting right to it! 

Get your YNAB 34 day free trial here: YNAB Free Trial 

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services.

Building a Profitable Business: Advice from a $400 Million Brand Founder24 Feb 202500:51:09

In this episode of The Good Food CFO Podcast, Sarah Delevan shares candid insights from a recent meeting with the founder of a brand generating over $400 million in annual revenue, and doing it profitably. Through a series of powerful "sound bites" captured during their conversation, Sarah reveals how this founder's approach challenges traditional industry wisdom while delivering remarkable results.

You’ll hear: 

  • Why marketing shouldn't drive your offers and how to structure profitable promotions

  • The surprising truth about driving trial in e-commerce vs retail

  • How to identify and grow your most profitable sales channels

  • The real math behind hitting your gross profit margin targets

  • Essential management reports every founder needs

This episode is validation for every founder choosing to build their business on their own terms, who remains focused on consistency and doing the work, and practices patience and resilience  in the face of conventional wisdom.

 

Big News:
Sarah announces our next book club selection - "BE 2.0 (Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0)" by Jim Collins and Bill Lazier. 

Grab your copy, and read along with us .
Join the live discussion on Wednesday, April 9th at 9am PT.

 

This episode is brought to you by Settle. 

Settle helps you make smarter decisions, and keep your business on track to grow sustainably. Head over to settle.com/goodfood to learn how brands like Carnivore Snax use Settle to manage their cash flow and growth.

 

Join The Good Food CFO Community: 

Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo 

Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan 

Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo 

Become a Member: BABOYOT

Financial Benefits of Having a Clear Mission, Vision + Values10 Jan 202200:37:27

As a business owner you may have heard of these three important words “mission, vision and values”. Do you have them defined for your brand? Have you thought about what they can do for your business? Having these three areas defined in your business can do so much if you use them the right way and share them with your consumers. Defining who you are as a brand takes time and thoughtfulness, don’t leave it up on a shelf. Consumers want to know!

Today on the podcast Sarah is joined by Felice Thorpe, founder of Felice Foods, through which she provides sales director consulting services.

Felice has strong roots in American agriculture and began her food career over 20 years ago as Director of Business Development for an organic grains company. She moved on to become National Sales Director for O Olive Oil, where she gained placement into Target and Walmart. She served as Sales Director for many of our favorites… Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese, Laura Chenel, Marin French and St Benoit Creamery; where she achieved exporting cheese to Asia, and expanding national distribution. 

Felice is joining us to talk about how having a clear Mission, Vision and Value statement can:

   -Positively affect your business financially both internally and           externally

   -Better align you with potential buyers and customers

   -Help you make business decisions to grow as a company

   -Bring you loyal customers 

Connect with Felice:

Website: www.felicefoods.com

Instagram: @thorpefelice
LinkedIn: Felice Thorpe

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services. 

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Are there Financial Benefits of a Shopify Site?27 Dec 202100:34:53

Should I sell my product on my website or should I sell my product on Shopify? If you’re a CPG brand it’s pretty likely you’ve asked yourself that question. If you still aren’t sure, today’s episode may provide the answers you need to help you make a decision.

In this episode Sarah is joined by Chase Clymer, Co-founder of Electric Eye, an agency that increases sales for ecommerce brands.

Chase is also the host of Honest Ecommerce, a weekly podcast, community & educational resource providing online store owners with honest, actionable advice to increase their sales and grow their business.

Chase is sharing 

  • The functional benefits of building your online store on the Shopify platform
  • The financial benefits of a Shopify store
  • His favorite Shopify apps 
  • The 3 KPIs that make up his “brand scaling framework”
  • Tips for maximizing your Return on Investment in your online store

Connect with Chase:

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services. 

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

*Sarah’s mentions: Building a Successful Business on Your Own Terms with Katie Mleziva Ep 23

Costs, Benefits + How to Make the Most of Your Organic Certification13 Dec 202100:46:36

Today on the podcast Sarah is joined by Ellen Rawley, founder of Ellen Rawley Creative & Strategy where she helps farms and food businesses launch & grow profitable product lines. Her go-to-market services include organic and food safety compliance, grant writing, and product strategy.

Since founding her business in 2016 Ellen has secured $800,000 in grant funding for budding farm businesses, and helped launch countless products - many of which have been featured in the debut of Martha Stewart’s American Made Shop, Food & Wine Magazine, and Oprah’s list of favorite things. 

Her work has been recognized through speaking engagements with the Stonebarns Center for Agriculture, the Food Craft Institute, and the California State Grange. 

Today on the podcast Ellen is sharing:

  -What it takes to become Certified Organic 

  - The costs are involved in becoming Organic Certified

  - Benefits of offering a Certified Organic product

  - Grant opportunities to help promote Organic Certified           products

Connect with Ellen:

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services.

REWIND EPISODE: The Three Pillars Of A Successful Food Business: A Roundtable Conversation With Industry Experts.29 Nov 202100:46:41

We’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes because it’s just too good to release only once! 

We’re taking you back to Episode 04 of our first season, in this special “Round Table” episode of The Good Food CFO podcast Sarah joins Alli Ball and Katie Mleziva, CPG experts in Sales Strategy and Brand Strategy, respectively to talk about the 3 Pillars of a Successful Food + Beverage Brand. 

Join three food industry experts as we discuss: 

  • The basics of each pillar: Brand, Finance and Sales strategy
  • How the 3 Pillars come together and inform one another (and what order to tackle them)
  • The 3 C’s of Brand Strategy
  • When businesses should start thinking about their Brand Strategy
  • The benefits of Financial Modeling
  • Pricing for product profitability vs. business profitability 
  • How to rollout a price change with a distributor or retail partner 
  • Katie’s “Do, Build or Buy” Strategy 


MEET KATIE

Katie Mleziva is a Food Brand Strategist and host of the Real Food Brands Marketing Podcast. She has 20 years of experience in Brand & Marketing Strategy across a range of brands from Fortune 500 companies to local startups and farms. Katie is driven to help emerging food businesses go from making a great product to building a strong brand that stands out in order to help get good food into the hands of more people.

MEET ALLI

Alli Ball is a former Grocery Buyer turned Wholesale Consultant, and the creator of Retail Ready®, an online course for producers of packaged product in the food industry. Alli has helped hundreds of emerging brands understand what it takes to get their products on the retail shelf- and keep them there- by sharing the behind-the-scenes secrets and thought process of Wholesale Buyers as they assess new products for their stores or online marketplace.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Visit Alli’s website

Follow Alli on Instagram

Learn More about Retail Ready

 

Visit Katie’s website

Follow Katie on Instagram

Learn more about Katie’s Program, Brand Strategy Streamlined

 

Visit Sarah’s website

Follow Sarah on Instagram

Learn more about the Financial Success Formula Program



Valuable Lessons From Filing Bankruptcy with Luisa Alberto15 Nov 202100:47:18

Filing for bankruptcy is not an experience most business owners talk about, and that’s unfortunate. Shared experiences is just one way business owners can learn, grow and make informed decisions. Nothing is predictable and everyone’s situation is different, but there’s always something valuable to learn from other business owner’s journeys.

Today on the podcast Sarah is joined by Luisa Alberto, CEO of People First Finance, a virtual CFO agency that provides bookkeeping, tax planning and financial strategy services to women business owners. 

Luisa has eighteen years of finance and operations experience working alongside visionary leaders of successful Bay area startups and earned her first entrepreneurial stripes as owner and operator of a boutique Made to Order Juice bar in San Francisco. Her mission these days is to ease the financial burden and overwhelm that holds too many talented self employed women back from reaching their full potential and making a successful living as the brilliant creators they were born to be. 

Luisa is sharing her bankruptcy story, insights and advice including:

  • Why HOW you take on debit in your business matters (even for an LLC)
  • How taking on business debt the ‘wrong way’ led her to filing for bankruptcy
  • Her journey from Bankruptcy to a thriving new business
  • How she views debt and risk today 
  • Tips for assessing risk and taking on debt in your business 

Connect with Luisa:

Website

IG: @peoplefirstfinance  

Facebook 

LinkedIn

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or here to learn about our new + updated services. 

*Sarah’s episode mentions: “The Road Less Stupid” by Keith Cunningham

Tips for a Profitable Holiday Season (or any season!)01 Nov 202100:09:41

Today on the podcast Sarah is sharing some of her top tips for a profitable holiday season - or any season!  We’re talking about how to build profitable product bundles, determining the best sales and discount values for your business, and more. 

Sarah is sharing actionable tips that can be put in place before the busiest shopping season of the year and will benefit you all year long including:

  • 3 Steps for Creating Profitable Product Bundles
  • How to price discounted and “on sale” products
  • Important considerations when discounting your products

This is a busy time of year and it’s right around the corner so listen in and start preparing for a profitable holiday season! 

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services. 

Strategy, Budget + ROI Tracking with UMAI Marketing18 Oct 202100:51:51

If you’ve been unsure how much of your budget to allocate to marketing, how to track your efforts, and how to make informed decisions regarding your efforts and your spending - you don’t want to miss this episode! 

Today on the podcast Sarah is joined by Alison Smith and Karin Samelson, co-founders of UMAI Marketing - a boutique, Austin-based marketing agency that scales CPG brands.

They are well known in the industry for their “Core 3 Method” which focuses on Organic Social, Paid Social and Email Marketing, and in this episode they are sharing: 

  • The importance of each marketing element
  • How to determine the right budget for each for your business
  • Industry benchmarks 
  • Exactly how to track your outcomes and calculate your Return on Investment. 

This episode is full of actionable advice, so grab your favorite note-taking device and hit play!
Then be sure to let us know where you’re listening by tagging us on social. 

RESOURCES and LINKS

Follow UMAI Marketing on:

UMAI Marketing Website

Instagram,

Facebook,

LinkedIn

UMAI Resources: Breakeven ROAS Calculator

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services. 

How to Create a Profitable Shipping Offer04 Oct 202100:15:28

As we approach the holiday season and expect to see increases in online shopping, now is a great time to check in on your shipping offer and ensure that you’re maximizing profitability while benefiting your customers. 

An enticing shipping offer can be helpful in securing online sales, but you need to make sure that your offer isn’t negatively impacting your margins and that it's helping, not hurting, your efforts to build a profitable food business. 

In this episode Sarah is discussing the ongoing impacts Covid-19 has had on online shopping, customer expectations and shipping costs, and sharing:

  • Four key considerations for determining the right shipping offer 
  • How to Price for “Free Shipping”
  • A few free resources to help you do this work

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Receive free resources to get you on your way to creating a shipping offer that benefits both you and your consumers by clicking here!

Get your holiday shipping offers ready and reserve your seat in our Free Shipping Workshop happening  October 26th and 28th 2021! Sign up now, space is limited!

Follow along on Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the thegoodfoodcfo.com to learn about our new + updated services. 

Passion Meets Profit with Farmers Market Pro Catt Fields White20 Sep 202100:42:41

In this episode of the Good Food CFO podcast, Sarah is talking with Catt Fields White - Founder of the Little Italy Mercato - San Diego County’s largest weekly year-round farmers market, and Founder & CEO of Farmers Market Pros. 

Catt and her team at Farmers Market Pros provide small farmers and food makers with education in the basics of starting a food business, and making it financially sustainable through their Vendor 101 Course, Annual InTents Conference, and Tent Talk Podcast. 

In this episode Catt is sharing: 

 

  • The 4 Ps of a Successful Farmers Market Business
  • Benefits of being a FM based brand, and why it's not just for early-stage businesses
  • Lessons learned from her 13+ years as a market manager 
  • Why it’s important for you to MAKE MONEY in your food business

 

No matter if you are just getting started or have been in business for years, are planning to or currently selling at Farmers Markets, or are building your business in another way,  Catt’s insights on business and finance are valuable.  


Catt Fields White is the director of San Diego Markets, the Founder and CEO of Farmers Market Pros and a host of Tent Talk, the farmers market podcast. She writes and speaks at conferences and events worldwide, teaching market organizers and participants to make their operations stronger and educating consumers about the importance of supporting small farmers and food businesses. She consults with community organizations, market managers and emerging and evolving entrepreneurs.

Resources + Links

Tickets to for the 6th annual InTents: the Farmers Market Conference are now on sale! The event is happening in San Diego March 7th-9th, 2022.  You can purchase your tickets here.

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services. 

 

The Financial Benefits of Slowing Down06 Sep 202100:12:44

Today on the podcast we’re going back to basics and Sarah is sharing her  #1 piece of advice for food business owners - Slow Down.  

We’re challenging the belief that profitability comes only by doing more and selling more. The truth is that consistent cash flow and profitability come when you've got a profitable framework in place and you're setting and achieving the right goals for your business. 

Sarah is  also sharing 3 Real-Life examples of business owner’s slowing down and the financial impacts it had on their business.

We’d LOVE to hear from you and how you’re slowing down in your business to make informed decisions and help ensure your financially sustainable growth. 

Snap a screenshot of you listening to this episode and share one way that you’re slowing down on Instagram.  You can use #thegoodfoodcfo and tag @sarah.delevan.consulting. 

If you’re interested in having a partner or a group of fellow food business owners to slow down with.  Check out our 1-on-1 Consulting and Group Coaching Options by visiting thegoodfoodcfo.com 

 

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the to learn about our new + updated services.

BABOYOT with Hope Lawrence of Hudson Henry Baking Co.: Building and Selling a Million Dollar Brand17 Feb 202501:03:32

In this episode of the Good Food CFO Podcast, Sarah Delavan sits down with Hope Lawrence, founder of Hudson Henry Baking Co., who shares her remarkable journey of building a profitable granola business on her own terms. From starting with just $4,000 in her farmhouse kitchen to reaching $1.25M in annual revenue, Hope's story proves that sustainable growth and profitability are possible without outside investment.

In this conversation, Hope shares:

  • The strategic reason she chose granola 

  • Why she was laser focus on profitability from day one, and the sales channel strategy that enabled her to maintain 60% margins as the business grew

  • Why she deliberately kept her brand regional, focusing on deeply serving stores within a 200-mile radius before ever thinking about expansion

  • How she managed a lean team of 12 part-time employees, and the simple but game-changing decision to switch from making multiple flavors per day to just one

  • The thoughtful process of selling her business to a values-aligned company that has maintained the brand's quality and integrity

 

This episode is brought to you by Settle. 

Settle helps you make smarter decisions, and keep your business on track to grow sustainably. Head over to settle.com/goodfood to learn how brands like Carnivore Snax use Settle to manage their cash flow and growth.

 

Join The Good Food CFO Community: 

Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo 

Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan 

Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo 

Become a Member: BABOYOT

 

Building a Successful Business on Your Own Terms with Katie Mleziva23 Aug 202100:46:22

Do you ever feel like building your business the way you “should”, isn’t right for you?  

You’re not alone.

There are many paths to building a successful food business and how you’ll do it is truly up to you!  You don’t have to make decisions based on ‘how it’s always been done.’  

In this episode we’re talking with Katie Mleziva, Food Brand Strategist and host of the Real Food Brands Marketing Podcast to discuss how you can build a successful business on your own terms. 

Katie and Sarah are discussing:

  • The benefits of creating a business that aligns with your personal + financial goals
  • Key considerations to help you get clear on your Business Vision
  • How a Clear Vision, Purpose + Values impact key decisions
  • How to bring it all together as part of a successful financial and brand strategy

Whether you’re just getting started, or a seasoned business owner it’s never too late to dig into this work. 

Katie Mleziva: Food Brand Strategist and host of the Real Food Brands Marketing Podcast. With 20 years of experience in Brand & Marketing Strategy across a range of brands from Fortune 500 companies to local startups. Katie is driven to help emerging natural food businesses and farms position themselves to stand out so they can go from making a good product to building a strong brand that stands out. 

Links and Resources:

Find Katie Mleziva:

Ready to start moving toward a cash-based business? Take the first step with a Profit Assessment 

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the thegoodfoodcfo.com to learn about our new + updated services. 

Thank your Credit Cards! Plus Tips for Becoming Debt-Free09 Aug 202100:11:19

Today on Podcast we’re talking about Credit Cards, Letting Go of Negative Thoughts around Personal Business Debt, Avoiding the Debt Cycle in your Food Business so you can eventually be debt-free, and the steps you can take toward becoming a self-funded, cash-based business. 

If you have any guilt or shame around having business debt, I want you to let it go because...

  • You're not "bad with money" because you have debt.
  • Having debt and being profitable are not mutually exclusive.
  • You can be profitable AND have debt!

And, if you're ready to stop relying on your credit cards and become a cash business, in this episode Sarah discusses: 

  • You as an Equity Investor in your business  
  • Steps for paying down debt WITHOUT becoming cash-strapped
  • How examining your financial efficiency helps increase profitability
  • Using profit reserves to pay down your debts more quickly

Ready to start moving toward a cash-based business? Take the first step with a Profit Assessment 

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the thegoodfoodcfo.com to learn about our new + updated services. 

Implementing Profit First in Your Good Food Business26 Jul 202100:23:31

In the last episode of the Good Food CFO Podcast, Sarah shared how she learned about Profit First, her experience in the Profit First Certification process and she answered the question: Will Profit First Work For Your Good Food Business?

In this week’s episode Sarah shares:

  • The 4 steps you need to take to start implementing Profit First in your business 
  • How Profit First differs for Good Food Businesses 
  • Answers to some frequently asked questions, 
  • One common mistake that many business owners make when implementing this strategy - so you can avoid it and be successful!    

(Before implementing those steps Sarah will revisit her general philosophy and strategy for building financially sustainable and profitable food businesses:


- Becoming Sustainable won’t happen overnight

- It’s difficult to maintain with fast, sweeping changes

- You’ve got to know where you are right now, and where you want to be, in order to create a clear path to profitability

- It takes WORK and an understanding that MORE SALES is not the answer.  

-You’ve got to build a financially sustainable business from the inside and once that’s done growing sales WILL produce more profits -- but if you haven’t yet done that work, MORE SALES can equal BIGGER Losses.)

This episode is FULL of information you don’t want to miss out on!

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the thegoodfoodcfo.com to learn about our new + updated services. 

LIVE Q+A Session

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community and RSVP for our Monthly Live Q&A focused on PROFIT FIRST  11:30am PT on Tuesday, August 3rd by visiting profitablefoodbusinesscommunity.mn.co 

Profit First :: Will It Work for Your Food Business?12 Jul 202100:22:01

You started a business to do good, create change, and earn a living doing something you love... No matter what your WHY is, Financial Sustainability and Profitability ensures that it becomes and remains a reality. Profit First is a national best selling book and Cash Flow Management strategy utilized by businesses across countless industries - from dentist offices to construction firms to real estate agencies to cross-fit gyms - and everything in between. 

Many of you have been asking… Will Profit First Work For Your Good Food Business?! 

 Today on the podcast Sarah is sharing:

- WHAT exactly Profit First Is

- Common misconceptions

- Her journey learning about and implementing Profit First principles 

- Why she decided to become a Profit First Certified Professional

- The answer to the burning question...Will Profit First Work for Your Good Food Business? 

As a Mission-driven business owner it’s important for you to do things like pay your team a fair wage, and source the best ingredients. 

The Profit First System is the perfect extension to Sarah Delevan Consulting’s already proven systems and strategies for building Profitable Good Food Businesses. We’ve implemented Profit First with a few existing clients and group coaching members, and I’m excited to be officially rolling out updated services and tools to everyone TODAY. 

Tune in to learn more, and  visit sarahdelevan.com or the thegoodfoodcfo.com to learn about our new + updated services. 

 

LIVE Q+A Session

Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community and RSVP for our Monthly Live Q&A focused on PROFIT FIRST at 11:30am PT on Tuesday, August 3rd by visiting profitablefoodbusinesscommunity.mn.co 

 

Links and Resources:

Sarah Delevan Consulting Website

Sarah’s Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Join the FREE Profitable Food Business Group hosted on Mighty Networks

How to Improve Your ROI on RangeMe with Georgiana Dearing28 Jun 202100:46:14
Getting your product in front of the right buyers is one of the biggest challenges for CPG brands.  While there are multiple platforms to assist brands in getting noticed, they don’t come without nuances and learning how to make the most of them can be complicated and time consuming. Today on the show we’re talking to Georgiana Dearing, RangeME expert and founder of Water Street Marketing for Manufacturers, to learn how to get noticed and make sales with your RangeMe profile.  

In this Episode Georgiana shares:

-What is RangeMe, and how it can grow your businesss

-The 5 most common mistakes brands make when using RangeME

- The 3 Levels of RangeMe and the benefits of each

- WHEN it’s the right time to “level up”

-Proven tips for creating a successful RangeMe profile

-Services Water Street Marketing can provide to assist in creating and maintaining a successful RangeMe profile

If you’ve got a RangeMe account that isn’t performing like you hoped, or if you’ve been considering the platform – this episode is for you!   

 Meet Georgiana Dearing:

Georgiana Dearing, owner of Water Street Marketing for Manufacturers, has been helping national and regional brands sell in and sell through retail and distribution channels since 1998. She's also the founder of VaFoodie, a digital community celebrating Good Food, Good People, and Good Brands in and around Virginia. A mentor to small business leaders and craft food brands, George hosts The Virginia Foodie, an educational podcast for food entrepreneurs.

LINKS:

Website: https://www.vafoodie.com, https://www.h2ostreet.com

Instagram: @vafoodie  @thevirginiafoodie
Facebook: Virginia Foodie Marketing Group
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gdearing/

Twitter:  @GeoDearing
Clubhouse:  @GeoDearing 

Sarah Delevan Consulting Website

Sarah’s Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Join the FREE Profitable Food Business Group hosted on Mighty Networks

 

Building a Team with Kira La Forgia14 Jun 202100:47:50

Don’t wait until you’re drowning in tasks to hire help!  And rethink that strategy for saving money by hiring contractors…

Kira La Forgia, founder of Paradigm Consulting - the go-to People Operations resource for business owners ready to protect, streamline, and scale their businesses - joins Sarah for a candid conversation about growing your team. 

In this episode Kira’s sharing:

  • When it’s the right time to hire 
  • How to determine what position to hire for first, or next (she’s got a free quiz too!)
  • Her 4 Paradigm Pillars
  • Contractors vs. Employees and which is the right relationship for your business
  • 3 Steps you must take before hiring your first employee
  • The truth about offering employee benefits 
  • How to build a business that aligns with YOU and YOUR MISSION and avoid recreating the corporate culture you left. 

MEET KIRA LA FORGIA

Kira La Forgia founder of Paradigm Consulting, the go-to People Operations resource for  business owners ready to protect, streamline, and scale their businesses.

With a decade of experience in People Operations in the corporate world, Kira founded Paradigm to bridge the gap between corporate HR policies and the modern needs of entrepreneurs.  

Her resources and intensive training programs take a people-first approach to building a company culture and hiring practices that speak to the heart of your brand, then supports that with the necessary HR processes, frameworks, and documentation, so you can build your UNIQUE business without becoming legally or ethically vulnerable. 

RESOURCES and LINKS

IRS National Guidelines for Hiring Contractors vs. Employees

Follow Paradigm Consulting on Instagram

TAKE THE QUIZ: Who Is Your Next Hire? 

 

Sarah Delevan Consulting Website

Profitability Roadmap

Sarah’s Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Join the FREE Profitable Food Business Group hosted on Mighty Networks

Tracking Amazon + Shopify Financials to Improve Profitability31 May 202100:13:25

Selling your product online is a great way to reach potential customers nationwide and almost every food and beverage business that I work with does. But, how do you know if your online sales are profitable? 

If you can’t answer that question with confidence, you’re not alone. Nine out of ten business owners are unclear on how to gather financial details from the online platforms they sell through, and how to record them in Quickbooks. And, if you don’t have the data, you may not have the profitability you think you do. 

In this episode I’ll be covering:

  • 5 Reasons WHY recording income based on deposits isn’t the best method
  • How to properly track your online income 
  • The steps you should be taking each month to ensure you’re gathering + recording all the necessary financial information to evaluate your profitability on Amazon and Shopify 
  • My recommendations for utilizing this new financial data to see the profitability of each channel + make informed decisions. 

As a business owner you need accurate data to make fully informed decisions… So let’s get to it! 

LINKS + RESOURCES

Register for the “How to Record Amazon + Shopify Financials to Improve Profitability” Workshop.  Click here to learn more! 

Sarah Delevan Consulting Website

Profitability Roadmap

Sarah’s Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Join the FREE Profitable Food Business Group hosted on Mighty Networks

Amazon Costs, Profit Margin Benchmarks + More!17 May 202100:52:06

Not seeing profits on Amazon?
Unsure if the Amazon marketplace is right for your brand, or how to make the most of it? 

You’re not alone! 

In this episode, Sarah is joined by Alexander Johnson, Founder of Mixt Solutions - a turnkey solution for brands of all sizes to optimize their Amazon presence. 

Alexander is laying out the Costs + Realities of selling on Amazon! 

In this episode we cover: 

  • Determine the RIGHT time to utilize Amazon for your business
  • All the fees associated with selling your products on Amazon
  • Benefits of Amazon Fulfillment and how to choose the right shipping model for your business
  • The Target Profit Margin that you should be shooting for!
  • Pricing Strategy
  • How businesses like Mixt Solutions can help you succeed on Amazon.

And much more! 

MEET ALEXANDER JOHNSON
Alexander started Mixt Solutions in 2014 with $1,000 in a basement.  Seven years later, it has since been named the Fastest Growing Company in Central Ohio and has made Inc Magazine’s list of the Top 5,000 Most Successful Companies, twice. 

Mixt works as a turnkey solution for brands of all sizes to optimize their Amazon presence.

In 2021, Mixt will do over 1 million transactions on Amazon. 

RESOURCES + LINKS

Learn More about Mixt Solutions

Follow Mixt on Instagram

Sarah Delevan Consulting Website

Profitability Roadmap

Sarah’s Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Join the FREE Profitable Food Business Group hosted on Mighty Networks

Co-packer Costs w/ Ashley Sutterfield03 May 202100:56:51

Scaling a food + beverage business often requires outsourcing your manufacturing to a Co-packer, and if you’re new to the industry there is a lot to learn! 

Ashley Sutterfield, CEO of Metzger & Roth joins Sarah in this episode to help you clear on the process and (you guessed it) costs of partnering with a Co-packer.

In this episode Ashley covers: 

  • When it’s the right time to partner with a Co-packer
  • Keys to creating a long-term relationship with your co-packer
  • The Co-packer selection + onboarding process
  • Costs + Options for Developing your Product Formulation
  • How Per Unit Costs are Determined by the Co-packer
  • Production Test Runs + Costs
  • Process Authority Letter Purpose + Fees
  • Additional costs and considerations for shelf-life testing, storage, shipping + more. 
  • The importance of Cash Flow for your Initial Product Run

Ashley is a wealth of knowledge, and we’re excited for you to listen in! 

MEET ASHLEY SUTTERFIELD

Ashley is the CEO of Metzger & Roth.  A boutique consulting firm that helps packaged food entrepreneurs prepare for commercializing their product with a co-packer.  In her 15 years as a Food Scientist Ashley has helped companies scale over 100 million pounds of food products.  Ashley combines her expertise in manufacturing, strategic planning, and one-on-one coaching to guide companies as you navigate the world of co-packing. She specializes in helping you simplify the process step-by-step.   

LINKS + RESOURCES

Learn more about Metzger & Roth

Book a Free Strategy Call with Ashley

 

Sarah Delevan Consulting Website

Profitability Roadmap

Sarah’s Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Join the FREE Profitable Food Business Group hosted on Mighty Networks

Get "Capital Ready" in 10 Steps with Michael Movitz19 Apr 202100:50:42

Thinking about raising capital?  Wondering which type of investment is right for you + your business?  Want to make sure you’re well prepared to meet potential investors? 

This week’s guest MichaeI Movitz will help you get clear on all othat, and more!

Michael is the founder of The Movitz Group and founding partner of Brandjectory, an online platform that helps early stage CPG founders and investors  discover each other, connect, share information, and build momentum before, during and after a capital raise.

In this episode of the Good Food CFO Michael shares… 

:: The many different sources of funding available to founders

:: Key reasons to seek capital investment
  (and the one financial situation that investors AREN’T interested in)

:: WHY investors invest + the importance of compatible investor relationships 

:: 10 foundational items that founders need to have in place before seeking investment

:: The 4 Primary investor objectives that founders must overcome

:: How Brandjectory can support you through the process of getting “capital ready”, building relationships with potential investors and choosing the right partners. 

MEET MICHAEL MOVITZ

Michael is currently Managing Partner of The Movitz Group, an advisory group of industry experts to help early stage conscious brands raise capital and build go to market strategies. Michael is also one of the founding partners of Brandjectory, a one-of-a-kind relationship building platform for early stage CPG founders and investors to discover each other, connect, share information, and build momentum before, during and after a capital raise.

EPISODE RESOURCES + LINKS

Movitz Group Website

Brandjectory Website

Michael’s Instagram: @mikemovitz 

FREE Download: 10 Elements of a Solid Business Foundation (that every investor will want to see!)  

Sarah Delevan Consulting Website

Sarah’s Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Join the FREE Profitable Food Business Community hosted on Mighty Networks

Pivot Tables: A Secret Weapon for Food Business Profitability10 Feb 202500:53:31

In this episode, Sarah is sharing her favorite tool for quickly and easily transforming your basic data into actionable business intelligence - Pivot Tables. 

From helping you recognize sales patterns and trends, to identifying issues and opportunities, and seeing your customer and sales channel profitability, pivot tables are truly a secret weapon for improving your business profitability and cashflow!  

Tune into this episode to explore all of the valuable insights that pivot tables can provide and hear real world examples of how pivot tables helped Sarah’s clients. 

Learn more about our News Story:
FI Spotlight: ReInventing a CPG Brand

Join The Good Food CFO Community:
Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo
Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan
Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo
Become a Member: BABOYOT

ADVICE FOR A SUCCESSFUL CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN22 Mar 202100:40:01

Starting a food business takes money. Bootstrapping, taking out a line of credit, and pitching to investors are not the only routes to funding your business! 

Elizabeth Eichhorn says that Crowdfounding is a great alternative to these traditional routes, and in fact she recommends it!  

In this Episode of the Good Food CFO Podcast... 

  • Why Crowdfunding is a great first step for funding your business (instead of credit cards, bank loans and outside investors)
  • Elizabeth’s advice for a successful crowdfunding campaign
  • The importance of knowing your target market, and making them part of your network BEFORE launching your campaign
  • Why narrowing your audience and your message is a key ingredient for successful crowdfunding
  • Different Types of Crowdfunding you can consider:
    • No Reward 
    • Rewards-based 
    • Equity-based 
  • Other Alternative Funding options and what you should get clear on before you choose your funding option and determine how much money you need to raise. 
  • How IFundWomen can support you as you build your business and explore funding options

MEET ELIZABETH EICHHORN

Elizabeth is a startup coach for IFundWomen and is on a mission to help female entrepreneurs achieve success for their business. She has a background in leadership development, community building, and crowdfunding. Her work has taken her around the country to help engage communities (large and small) to combat loneliness and help spread the importance of human capital. 

She is a two time female founder who has successfully raised capital through crowdfunding to get her business off the ground and wishes that IFundWomen were around when she began that business. After taking her companies to completion, she is able to use her expertise in business development to encourage female entrepreneurs to reach their full potential through IFundWomen! 

RESOURCES + LINKS

Elizabeth’s LinkedIn

IFundWomen Website

Sarah’s Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Join the FREE Profitable Food Business Community hosted on Mighty Networks

Watch Sarah’s 3-Step Goal Setting Process video

How to Plan + Budget for a Successful Marketing Campaign15 Mar 202100:43:34

Marketing can be a significant expense for growing food businesses - from reaching new customers, to encourage repeat business, to costs associated with acquiring new wholesale customers, the list goes on… so you want to be sure you’re investing in the right places and that your investments are making an impact on your bottom line! 

In this episode of The Good Food CFO Sarah is joined by Christie Lee, founder of Nourishing Foods Marketing to discuss how to identify the right marketing strategy + tactics for your business, including… 

  • What is a Marketing Strategy, and why is it important to have one? 
  • The role your Business Objectives play in creating your marketing strategy
  • SMART goals - what they are and how to set them for your business objectives
  • How to determine which marketing tactics are the right ones for your business + budget
  • The bell curve of efficiency and effectiveness of marketing tactics and the role that plays in how well a tactic can work for your business. 
  • Benchmarking + cost insights for coupons, digital marketing, ad spend and other tactics. 
  • How + Why to track your Return on Investment, and more! 

MEET CHRISTIE LEE

Christie Lee is the founder of Nourishing Food Marketing, a brand marketing consultancy that offers strategic services and tools specifically designed for new and emerging CPG brands.  

In her work Christie blends the thinking of Big Food, which she learned while working at Clorox, with the resource-constrained realities of small brands, something she knows personally as the founder of the food brand - Tiny Hero. 

LINKS + RESOURCES

Visit Nourishing Food Marketing Website

Remember to use  'DELEVAN5' - to save 5% off on Christie’s Tools! 

Download Christie’s Definitive Guide to Creating a Marketing Plan Framework

Sarah’s Instagram: @sarah.delevan.consulting

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Download Sarah’s Profitability Roadmap

Join the FREE Profitable Food Business Community hosted on Mighty Networks

Founder Story: Pittston Ketchup Co.08 Mar 202100:51:26

The Pittston Ketchup Co. was born out of a desire to create a local product and become contributing members of a community that many young entrepreneurs and professionals were fleeing for “better” opportunities. 

In this episode Sarah is joined by co-founder Amos Valenti, and he is sharing Pittston Ketchup Co.’s journey from idea, to their first bottling, to today’s efficient production, and how they plan to grow their regional brand. 

Throughout the conversation Amos shares valuable insights and important lessons for food business owners, including…

  • What their financial modeling process looked like
  • How getting clear on the business they DIDN’T WANT has helped them make key business decisions. 
  • How they balanced their ingredient and sourcing standards with the reality of producing a consistent high quality product
  • The importance of letting go of control (not making sacrifices) as you grow
  • 3 Lessons he’s learned that he hopes will help young food business owners

This episode is sponsored by the Financial Success Formula Online Program.
Get support building your Financial Model, identify your Financial Success Formula and access proven tools and systems for building a profitable food business!  
Click here to learn more and jumpstart your journey to financial success! 

LINKS + RESOURCES

Learn more + buy Pittston Ketchup on their website

Follow Pittston Ketchup Co. on instagram @pittstonketchupco 

Learn more about Sarah Delevan Consulting 

Follow Sarah on instagram @sarah.delevan.consulting

Download the Profitability Roadmap

Join the conversation with Sarah and other food + beverage business owners in the Profitable Food Business Community.

© My Podcast Data