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Sarah Delevan hosts The Good Food CFO Podcast | Building Financial Confidence. Redefining Equitability. Leading The Good Food Revolution. You'll hear stories from Food Founders, Disruptors, and Industry Experts as we discuss building a business on your own terms. New episodes weekly.
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Unleash your ecommerce potential with 'Ecomm Marketing with the Pitbulls.' Dive into deep, enlightening conversations with industry leaders, marketing mavens, and innovative entrepreneurs. Each episode brings you insightful discussions on ecommerce strategies, practical marketing tactics, and behind-the-scenes startup stories. Tune in as we navigate the intricate ecommerce landscape, uncovering the secrets of success in today's digital world.
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"Increasing sales is not the solution to profitability." Sarah recently shared on Social Media that one of her clients increased their July profit - year over year - from $19,000 to over $43,000. It got lots of hearts and clap emojis, and one reply that said “this is so inspiring - how did they do it?” In this episode, Sarah shares all of the detai…
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"Things can look really good from the outside and your business can be failing." 20% of businesses fail in their first year, 30% by their 2nd year, and an additional 50% fail in year three. In this episode, Sarah is joined by John Haskell, CFO Consultant and owner of Ranch Right, LLC. John has over 20 years of experience helping ranches become more…
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As a Good Food Founder, you will face many challenges as you work to grow your business. Staying true to your mission and vision is essential to being grounded in that work. In this episode, Sarah is joined by Sara Hauman, Founder of The Tiny Fish Co. to discuss her vision for bringing the same values of sustainability and quality she stands by in …
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It often seems like there are more people offering business advice than those actually running businesses! As a Food Founder, it can be overwhelming to sift through all that guidance and find what truly works for YOUR business. In this episode, Sarah shares another set of crucial "Never Do's" for Good Food founders and business owners. This list ai…
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Transitioning to a cooperative structure isn’t just a trend; it’s a transformative journey. In this episode, Sarah welcomes a panel of leaders to explore the real-life experiences and benefits of transitioning to employee ownership and cooperative business structures. Stacey Smith from Project Equity explains the different models like ESOPs, EOTs, …
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Growth isn’t always linear. From opening new locations to driving retail sales, the story of Boichik Bagels offers valuable lessons for food founders on their own path to building a successful business. In this episode, Sarah welcomes back Emily Winston, Founder and CEO of Boichik Bagels, to discuss the growth and expansion of her business. Emily o…
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Uncover the many advantages of bill pay systems for a more efficient and organized operation! In this episode, Sarah Delavan and producer Chelsea Stier dive into the topic of Bill Pay Systems and the financial workflows of food businesses. Along with learning about the primary functions and benefits of bill pay systems, you’ll hear how they can be …
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How can cutting-edge technology like generative AI benefit Good Food Founders? What opportunities and challenges might arise from incorporating AI into your business operations? In this episode, Sarah welcomes Meg Faibisch Kuhn, an expert in AI, to discuss the applications of generative AI in your food business. Meg is the founder of Aioli, an AI e…
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From starting small and leveraging diverse experiences to embracing challenges and making strategic decisions, this story is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability. In this episode, Sarah is joined by entrepreneurs Pace Webb and Chris Georgalas as they share their journey in the food industry. They discuss their backgrounds, the fo…
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Trusting in the process can be the hardest and most rewarding thing you can do for your Good Food business. In this episode, Sarah is joined by Lauren Montgomery, the founder of Monty’s, to discuss the intricacies of building a sustainable food brand. Lauren's journey from a deep passion for nutrition to creating the cleanest ingredient cashew crea…
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You’ve got questions The Good Food CFO has answers! In this episode, Sarah Delevan, The Good Food CFO is answering financial and business questions submitted by our BABOYOT members, and offering live coaching to member Chris Gilmour, Co-Founder of Wild Muskoka Botanicals. Sarah answers: What is the difference between Debt and Equity funding? I know…
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Navigating the distribution maze is no small feat for emerging brands. Join us in peeling back the layers of this complex process, examining the limitations when partnering with large distributors and the dire need for alternatives. In this episode, Sarah is joined by Peter Gialantzis, CMO of Pod Foods, as they explore the difficulties that emergin…
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There is a lot to consider when it comes to online marketing: ​​ Are you confident in choosing the right platforms to reach your consumer base? How do you incorporate consumer preferences into your marketing strategies? How can you measure the success of your marketing efforts? In this podcast episode, Sarahis joined by Ali Cox, CEO of Noble West, …
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Ever wondered how a promising startup can suddenly falter? Sometimes, growth isn't just about expanding - it's about evolving. In this episode, Sarah and Chelsea delve into the story of Foxtrot - the convenience store delivery business that soared with ambition but faced the stark reality of rapid expansion. Founded in 2015, Foxtrot's initial succe…
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This is a testament to the power of building a business on your own terms. When you focus on YOUR vision, the health of your business and brand loyalty, and have the patience to see those seeds blossom, there is no limit to what you can achieve. In this episode, Sarah welcomes Jeff Wiguna to the show. Jeff is the co-founder and CEO of Kuju Coffee, …
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For a Good Food Business there are many paths to success, and for some that path may include outside investment. But today’s Venture Capital landscape can be difficult to navigate, with high expectations for returns, investors that don’t quite understand your business, and the overall slow down of venture funding in the last year. In this episode, …
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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. …
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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…
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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…
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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, …
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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