Best Delevan Podcasts (2024)

1
3 Things Food Founders Should Never Do: Advice for Avoiding Banking Issues, Preventing Bookkeeping Headaches, and Ensuring Accurate Financials 42:03

8h ago42:03

42:03

Ever encountered challenges with syncing apps to accounting software or using online-only banks? You are not alone! In this episode, I’m sharing the financial "never do's" - things that founders should be wary of, and the cautionary tales from my experience as a CFO consultant that I believe are crucial for any business owner to heed. Chelsea and I…

1
Holistic Brand Strategy: The Exponential Value of Understanding and Addressing Diverse Consumer Needs with Kathy Guzmán Galloway 48:32

10d ago48:32

48:32

Inclusivity isn't just a buzzword – it's a strategic imperative. Our population is growing more diverse by the day, and businesses must evolve to meet the changing demographics. In this episode, Sarah is joined by brand strategist Kathy Guzmán Galloway. Kathy shows us that success doesn't necessarily mean creating a product for every niche, but rat…

1
Exploring Product Margins: An In-Depth Examination of how 3 Different Margins Impact Your Need to Take on Debt 1:05:30

12d ago1:05:30

1:05:30

You’ve probably heard The Good Food CFO say “50% is not good for your food business!” Well today, we’re diving into what that really means. In this episode, Sarah walks Chelsea through the nuances of profit margin, specifically challenging the commonly accepted 50% target in the food industry. She shows that this one-size-fits-all approach doesn't …

1
Errol Schweizer: An Insider Look at the Grocery Industry, the Policies and Profits Moving it in the Wrong Direction, and the Financial Impacts on Good Food Brands 59:47

2M ago59:47

59:47

Errol Schweizer has over 25 years of experience in the food industry and was V.P. of Grocery for Whole Foods from 2009-2016. His team grew sales to over US$5 Billion by supporting the launch and commercialization of thousands of new products, many of which are now household names. He has developed plant-based, Organic, Non-GMO and regenerative supp…

1
Clarifying COGS: The Only Calculation You Need, the Industry “Rules” to Break, and the Financial Impact They Create 40:07

2M ago40:07

40:07

In this episode, The Good Food CFO, Sarah Delevan breaks down the concept of cost of goods sold (COGS) and its importance in understanding the financial health of your business. We explore the differences between accrual-based accounting and cash-based accounting, and how each method affects the calculation of COGS. We also clarify the distinction …

1
Improving the Profitability of Farmers’ Markets with Peter Henry 50:31

2M ago50:31

50:31

Most Good Food Businesses start out selling their products at the local farmers’ market. Many continue to utilize markets as a consistent sales channel for their business as they grow. But at the end of the day, transporting your goods, setting up your tent or booth, and working all day, just to break it all down and load out can be a lot for any o…

1
3 Methods for Managing Your Cash Flow 43:29

2M ago43:29

43:29

Every business needs to understand their cash flow, ESPECIALLY if you don't have a lot of cash on hand, or a 12 week cash runway. You won’t find the answers looking at your P+L statement. That shows the operational profitability of your business and it's looking at your business in the past. A cash flow projection is looking to the future. In this …

1
Burnout. Could building a business on your own terms be the solution? 50:49

2M ago50:49

50:49

When you are running your own business, it's never a question of if burnout will come, but when. Every founder has been there, and there are some telltale signs you might be going through it right now. But what if you could slow down, take a pause, and reflect on what is really important to you, in business, and in life? That’s what our guests, Eli…

1
Win Customers Back With Handwritten Notes At Scale 23:16

2M ago23:16

23:16

Digital overload is all too common, Handwrytten is bringing back the personal touch in customer communication. Founded by serial entrepreneur David Wachs, Handwrytten leverages sophisticated robotics to craft personalized handwritten notes at scale, offering a unique way for businesses to connect with their customers. With a decade of innovation an…

1
Negotiating a Million Dollar Deal 42:51

3M ago42:51

42:51

A million dollar deal can be a game changer for most small businesses, but it could also be a financial burden, and not a benefit at all if the product pricing and the deal aren't structured correctly. In this episode, Sarah is sharing the role she played in the negotiations between her client and a distributor that could result in $1 Million in th…

1
Clicks & Mortar: Crafting Digital Shelf Space with Umai Marketing 37:51

3M ago37:51

37:51

Umai Marketing is redefining the game in digital marketing for authentic Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands. Founders Alison Smith and Karin Samelson share their journey and insights on how they help brands flourish online, from e-commerce to retail shelves. "The biggest mistake we see brands make is underestimating the power of community and sto…

1
Launching with Confidence with Jason McAlpin 56:37

3M ago56:37

56:37

Are you getting ready to launch a new business? Or maybe you're preparing to launch a new product, or considering launching into a new sales channel? You don’t want to miss this episode! Jason McAlpin is the Founder and CEO of daio – a better sparkling water that combines incredible flavor with functional ingredients. The brand is set to launch in …

1
Designing Success: Tasha Romano's Blueprint for E-commerce Branding 39:29

3M ago39:29

39:29

Let's talk about the transformative power of branding in e-commerce with Tasha Romano from Form & Flow Studio. In this episode, we explore how branding goes far beyond traditional perceptions. A must-listen for those in the e-commerce industry looking to enhance their brand strategy. Note: This episode originally aired on YouTube on June 23, 2023. …

1
The Great Game of Business 50:05

3M ago50:05

50:05

We’re back with another selection for The Good Food CFO Book Club! The Great Game of Business written by Jack Stack and Bo Burlingham, is a documentation and story telling of how SRC Holdings Corporation was approaching business differently. SRC wasn’t run in the traditional top-down way most other companies are. They practiced what Jack calls “Ope…

1
Mastering Collaboration, Ecomm Innovation, and Strategic Growth with Andy Segal from Honey Mama's 32:22

3M ago32:22

32:22

Explore the dynamic intersection of e-commerce, retail strategy, and collaborative innovation with Andy Segal, the senior sales manager at Honey Mama's. Honey Mama's delivers delicious refrigerated truffle bars via retailers and ecomm. Andy brings a wealth of experience in navigating the complex landscapes of the food industry, from boutique brands…

1
Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Bryce Fluellen 1:12:31

3M ago1:12:31

1:12:31

In this episode we are celebrating the life of a hugely influential member of the food industry, Bryce Fluellen. Sarah had the honor of sitting down with Bryce at the end of 2023. Unfortunately, the world lost Bryce in early 2024. We hope that this interview tells his story and preserves his legacy as a Servant leader for so many in this industry, …

1
Read Your E-Commerce Data Like An Expert with John Reinesch of Exponential Growth 27:04

3M ago27:04

27:04

Become a fearless e-commerce data analyzer with John Reinesch, founder of Exponential Growth. In this episode, we peel back the layers of analytics, reporting, and tracking in e-commerce, discussing everything from the transition to GA4 to the intricacies of customer engagement metrics. If you want to sharpen your e-commerce strategies and understa…

1
You Can’t Scale Your Food Business Like a Tech Company 41:52

4M ago41:52

41:52

Scaling promises to bring not just more revenue, but more profit, more cash flow, and a sense of ease in doing business. And it seems every business owner is eager to get there. In this season opener, we are answering the #1 question we get asked inside The Good Food CFO Community - “How do I scale my business?” You’ll hear Sarah breakdown: The dif…

1
Mastering the Art of Content Marketing: Insider Tips with Hannah Mizelle of Agency 102 32:59

4M ago32:59

32:59

Join us in chatting with Hannah Mizelle, a content marketing expert from Agency 102. Discover how they navigate the rapidly changing landscape of content creation and leverage both organic and paid strategies to maximize client success. Note: This episode originally aired on our YouTube channel on July 20, 2022. What we discussed (00:47) Meet Hanna…

1
Navigating the Shift from Retail to Digital with Jimmy Semrick from Brella Drops 30:26

4M ago30:26

30:26

Mix a drink and step into the innovative world of e-commerce with Jimmy Semrick, co-founder of Brella, a pioneering brand in the cocktail concentrate industry. This episode highlights Brella's strategic shift from a retail-based approach to conquering the online market. Learn from Jimmy about the challenges and milestones in building a brand that c…

1
Must-Have KPIs for E-Comm Businesses: Insights from Sarah Delevan of the Good Food CFO Podcast 43:05

4M ago43:05

43:05

Sarah Delevan, host of the Good Food CFO Podcast, joins us to delve into the crucial role of financial sustainability in good food businesses. Drawing on her dual expertise as a specialty food buyer and a business owner, Sarah discusses the intersection of mission-driven food production and sound financial strategies. From managing margins to strat…

1
Breaking Down the Price vs Margin Conundrum 33:05

4M ago33:05

33:05

Profitability is the goal of every business. But at times it can feel like you are doing everything right, everything traditional business media says that you should be, and yet your business is still running out of cash. In this episode, Sarah breaks down a different way of thinking about your finances and improving your cash flow and profitabilit…

1
E-Commerce Accessibility: Boost Profits and Avoid Liability with Bet Hannon of AccessiCart 39:43

4M ago39:43

39:43

In this episode, we talk about the crucial yet often overlooked world of e-commerce accessibility. Join us as we chat with Bet Hannon, the CEO and founder of AccessiCart, to explore the intersection of digital marketing and accessibility for people with disabilities. Discover the legal, moral, and business imperatives of making your e-commerce plat…

1
Managing Trade Spend at Any Size with Nikki McNeil 49:00

5M ago49:00

49:00

Nikki McNeil is a Co-Founder at Vividly, a trade spend management software which aims to deliver clear value through efficiencies when analyzing trade spend dollars. Whether you’re a founder managing trade spend for one partner or hundreds, having the right system in place can ensure you stay on budget and receive proper payment from all of your di…

1
Candles, Cocktails, and Commerce with Alicia Reisinger from Wax Buffalo. 37:11

5M ago37:11

37:11

Wax Buffalo isn't just a candle company; it's a story of passion transforming into a thriving business. Alicia Reisinger, founder of Wax Buffalo, delves into her journey from storytelling in media to crafting scents in the heart of the Midwest. Discover how authenticity, community, and a unique approach to e-commerce and retail fuel Wax Buffalo’s g…

1
The Strategy to Sourcing Ingredients with Ingredient Brothers CEO Eran Mizrahi 56:08

5M ago56:08

56:08

Sourcing the best ingredients for your good food product has many implications for your business. Eran Mizrahi co-founded Ingredient Brothers to support founders in this process. Eran grew up watching his father grow a successful import business that was built on integrity and customer service. A South African transplant, Eran started his career at…

1
From Van Life to Granola Guru: The Unconventional Path of Forij's Founder, Parker Olson 31:30

5M ago31:30

31:30

In this episode, we talk to Parker Olson, the founder of Forij. Parker shares his unique story of entrepreneurship, detailing how he leveraged personal connections and innovative marketing strategies to build a brand centered around healthy, functional snacks. From living in a van to personally selling his products, Parker's approach to business is…

1
Pulling Out of Retail 41:19

5M ago41:19

41:19

Traditional business media celebrates big revenue, new accounts, and most of all growth and scale. Cutting revenue in the short term, letting go of accounts and scaling back are the exact opposite of that. So of course right-sizing your business can make you feel bad, and like you’re moving in the wrong direction. We need to look at the benefits of…

1
What's Old is New Again: An Ecommerce Veteran on Perceived Value with Norm Farrar 58:53

5M ago58:53

58:53

Norm Farrar has over 30 years in ecommerce, going back to the 1990s. He shares his secrets on how to maximize perceived value and profit. With over 30 years of ecommerce experience going back to the early days of the internet in the 1990s, Norm Farrar has a unique perspective on the industry. Known as an "ecommerce fossil," Norm got his start in ec…

1
Pasta Sauce with a Purpose with Francesca Pittaluga 48:24

5M ago48:24

48:24

In 2022, Francesca Pittaluga launched Ciao Pappy, drawing from her 14-year career in luxury fashion. Her inspiration came from a passion for high-quality food, a love for the California and Italian coastal lifestyles, and a dedication to her Italian father's culinary traditions. In this episode, Francesca joins Sarah to talk about her transition to…

1
Clean Age's Fresh Approach to Natural Deodorant with Brady DeLong 46:18

5M ago46:18

46:18

Join us as we once again dive into the world of e-commerce with Brady DeLong from Clean Age, a brand redefining the natural deodorant market. “There was no brand that was like, 'We're here for you. This is difficult times. But it's not the end of the world. This is all very normal. So like, don't freak out.' Here's some deodorant, here's some perso…

1
What Grub Street Got Wrong About The Shoppy Shop 46:07

5M ago46:07

46:07

Retail is a complex and, at times, difficult sales channel to navigate for Good Food Founders. In this episode, Sarah and Chelsea discuss two articles that put the Brand/Retail relationship at the forefront. First, in the news segment, Sarah shares a Civil Eats article that highlights why mid-size farms and brands are disappearing from retail shelv…

1
Embracing Real Bodies: Alyth Active's E-Comm Success Beyond the Gym 36:30

6M ago36:30

36:30

We dive into the journey of Alyth Active, a premium activewear brand co-founded by Theresa Gardner. With a decade of experience in the online space and a remarkable seven-figure exit in 2017, Theresa brings a wealth of knowledge and passion back to the fashion industry. Alyth Active stands out in the saturated activewear market by offering versatil…

1
Emily Dyer-Schiefer is the Marie Kondo of Operations 1:09:32

6M ago1:09:32

1:09:32

Emily Dyer-Schiefer traded her chef's knife for a business blueprint, and she hasn't looked back since. Tired of the conflicting advice and clichés saturating the food business landscape, Emily founded two platforms designed to streamline success. Whether through bite-sized lessons at Food Biz School or a dive into strategy at The Kitchen Think, s…

1
Regenerative Ranching: The Big Bluff Ranch Way 42:46

6M ago42:46

42:46

Join us on Ecomm Marketing with the Pitbulls as we dive into the world of regenerative agriculture with Tyler Dawley of Big Bluff Ranch. Discover how a ranch too small to be commercially viable turned into a hub for high-quality, pasture-raised chickens, and how they're tackling the challenges of direct-to-consumer sales in a market that undervalue…

1
The Good Food CFO Book Club 40:01

6M ago40:01

40:01

Sarah Delevan is an avid reader, committed to reading at least one book a month. Those around her know when the current read is a good one, because she won’t stop talking about it! This inspired us to create The Good Food CFO Book Club. In this episode, Sarah and Chelsea share all the details on the Book Club, and announce the very first book, Stol…

1
From Frustrated Mom to Founder: How Meng Li Built the Parent-Focused Diaper Bag Brand Huhu 30:23

6M ago30:23

30:23

From frustrated mom to founder, Meng Li built the parent-focused diaper bag brand Huhu to solve her own problems packing for two kids. After testing over 10 iterations, Meng launched her first Huhu bag earlier this year. Meng talks transparently about navigating the world of product development, marketing, and content creation as a solopreneur. Her…

1
But First, Know Thyself with Katie Mleziva 40:24

6M ago40:24

40:24

When it comes to building a business, it can be tempting to skip to the tactical work that feels like action, but we really need to make sure we get a few foundational pieces of strategy in place first to get all those tactical decisions optimized and working together as part of an integrated plan so have the ability to be proactive and cohesive vs…

1
Bro Dough's Erica Rankin: Revolutionizing the Cookie Game and Building a Sweet Empire 39:02

6M ago39:02

39:02

Dive into a delicious conversation with Erica Rankin, the visionary behind Bro Dough, as she unravels the story of turning cookie cravings into a booming business. From humble kitchen experiments to dominating the market, Erica's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Discover the challenges she faced, the strategies that propelled Bro Dough to sta…

1
We Need to Talk About Money 54:50

6M ago54:50

54:50

We are kicking off Season 8 of the podcast with a run down of the changes that are happening this season. You’ll meet our show producer, Chelsea Stier, as she and Sarah share all that we have in store for you. Then, you’ll hear the conversation that has been on Sarah’s mind since August. It all started on a birthday road trip, while overhearing man…

1
The Path to Prophitability with Percy Swint 50:56

7M ago50:56

50:56

As a Food Founder, knowing your costs is the first and most important step you can take toward profitability. Having a tool that helps guide that work will make your life easier, and give you the confidence that you are on the right track. In this episode, Sarah talks with Percy Swint, founder and designer of Prophit App. Percy has worked for some …

1
Getting Your Ecomm Brand Organic and Fair Trade Certified with Kuljit Rakhra from Takasa 28:22

7M ago28:22

28:22

In this episode, we are joined by Kuljit Rakhra, the co-founder of Takasa, a brand renowned for its certified organic and fair trade bed linens. Kuljit shares the journey of Takasa, from its inception right before the pandemic to its growth strategies and future plans. Dive into the world of sustainable and ethical bedding with insights from a bran…

1
Small Food Brands Can Compete with the Big Boys: A Masterclass with Chelsea Ford from Females in Food 46:40

7M ago46:40

46:40

In this enlightening episode, Chelsea Ford, founder of Females in Food, unveils the intricacies of the e-commerce landscape. Drawing from her vast experience with both major brands and smaller businesses, Chelsea emphasizes the pivotal role of strategy, the art of compelling branding, and the future of technology in enhancing customer engagement. D…

1
Planning for Your Most Profitable Q4 Yet! 27:54

7M ago27:54

27:54

Q4 and the Holiday season bring with them HUGE opportunities for sales and top line revenue. But without the proper planning, sales don’t always translate to profits. Q4 planning includes having a strategy for not only your sales, but also production, labor and shipping! In this episode, Sarah is taking the stress out of creating your Q4 plan! And …

1
Brownies & Branding: A Chat with Lexington Bakes' Lex Evan 🍫 45:46

7M ago45:46

45:46

Dive into a delicious episode as Lex Evan, the visionary behind Lexington Bakes, unravels the secrets of building a brand that resonates. From the essence of Radical Ingredient Transparency to the art of captivating branding, this episode serves up a delightful mix of insights and strategies. Whether you're an e-commerce enthusiast or a branding bu…

1
Crafting Connection: The Ecommerce Journey of a Vegan Marshmallow Brand with Delisa Harper from Funky Mello 26:47

8M ago26:47

26:47

Delisa Harper, co-founder of Funky Mello, dives deep into the heart of authentic brand building. Starting from an inspiration rooted in Austin, Texas, Delisa and her team have harnessed the value of genuine online community building to champion their unique apparel products. "That's actually one competitive edge we have over the big businesses; we …

1
Putting Yourself First with Bree & Michaela Fuller 1:13:56

8M ago1:13:56

1:13:56

In this Building a Business on Your Own Terms episode, Sarah is joined by Bree & Michaela Fuller. Bree and Michaela are Seattle natives who have been paving their career paths with a mission to lead a purpose-driven and passion-filled life. The sisters currently own three businesses: Fuller Nutri-Fuel, a Seattle-based meal prep company; Table & Tin…

1
COVID Hobby to 11,000 Orders with Ryan Rock of Fat Boy Surf Club 39:32

8M ago39:32

39:32

Meet Ryan Rock, the co-founder and CEO of Fat Boy Surf Club (FBSC), who's taking the surf apparel industry by storm with a fresh perspective: keeping it casual, having fun, and not taking life too seriously. In this episode, we dive deep into the brand’s journey from its origin story amidst the pandemic to its exponential growth, philanthropic ende…

1
How to Build an Effective Broker Partnership with Paul Christian 54:09

8M ago54:09

54:09

When you are ready to grow your food business beyond your backyard, you may seek the support of a broker. And how you build that relationship can make or break your business. In this episode, Sarah is joined by Paul Christian. Paul is an industry veteran with over thirty years of experience working with powerhouse companies like Hormel, Coca-Cola, …

1
Throw Away Everything You Know About Marketing Sustainability with Mike Grill of Seattle Chocolate 35:07

8M ago35:07

35:07

Seattle Chocolate challenges everything you know about marketing sustainability. No, it doesn’t have to be boring. No, it doesn’t have to feel like a box-checking exercise. Yes, you can do it without greenwashing. How? Get the details straight from their Director of Digital Marketing and Eommerce Strategy, Mike Grill. Note: This episode originally …

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