# #172 - Ops Talk: 5 Things Brands Get Wrong

- Show: [The Startup CPG Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast)
- Published: 2024-12-03
- Length: 34m
- Episode: 99
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2024-12-03-172-ops-talk-5-things-brands-get-wrong
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/42462c7a

## Summary

Jamie Valenti-Jordan, CEO of Catapult Commercialization Services, outlines five critical operational mistakes CPG brands make, emphasizing that co-manufacturers are business partners rather than vending machines. He advises brands to build contingency time into scaling timelines to handle inevitable delays and to plan for production ramp-up curves, as new equipment rarely runs at 100% efficiency immediately. Valenti-Jordan also stresses the importance of maintaining quality control post-launch through robust root cause analysis and using consultants strategically to identify risks before they become costly problems.

## Outline

1. Introduction: Jamie Valenti-Jordan and Catapult Commercialization Services
2. Mistake 1: Failing to Plan for the Unexpected and Build Contingency Time
3. Mistake 2: Treating Co-Manufacturers as Vending Machines Instead of Partners
4. Mistake 3: Ignoring Production Ramp-Up Curves and Equipment Efficiency
5. Mistake 4: Neglecting Post-Launch Quality Control and Root Cause Analysis
6. Mistake 5: Underestimating the Value of Consultants and Expert Advice

## Topics

- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Quality & yield](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/quality-and-yield)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies, companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Catapult Commercialization Services (company)
- Food Finance Institute (company)
- Whole Foods (company)
- Campbell's (company)
- Startup CPG (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [155: Identifying a Sourcing Partner for Overseas Manufacturing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2022-12-21-155-identifying-a-sourcing-partner-for-overseas-manufacturing) (Product Startup)
- [064: Preparing and Executing Your Product's First Production Run](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2021-02-23-064-preparing-and-executing-your-products-first-production-run) (Product Startup)
- [360 - Beyond the Die Line - The pitch was awful. They liked the bar! Tom Seymour and Ree Dolnick](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-10-08-360-beyond-the-die-line-the-pitch-was-awful-they-liked-the-bar-tom-seymour-and-r) (People of Packaging)
- [11: The Time In-Between](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2016-04-01-11-the-time-in-between) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [Episode 065: A mallard is a tool you use when you do chisel work](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2016-04-01-episode-065-a-mallard-is-a-tool-you-use-when-you-do-chisel-work) (Making It)

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