# Ops Spotlight: Todd Hoffman, COO at Brightland

- Show: [The Startup CPG Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast)
- Published: 2025-08-09
- Length: 56m
- Episode: 180
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2025-08-09-ops-spotlight-todd-hoffman-coo-at-brightland
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/c174db4a

## Summary

Todd Hoffman, COO at Brightland, discusses the operational challenges of scaling a modern CPG brand from direct-to-consumer into retail, specifically highlighting the recent acceptance of their everyday oil products into over 250 Whole Foods stores. He details his transition from investment banking to leading operations at Chloe's and Brightland, emphasizing the importance of co-manufacturer relationships, inventory planning, and knowing when to implement infrastructure like 3PLs or ERP systems. Hoffman shares tactical advice on navigating MOQ challenges, managing inventory levels, and reviewing co-man contracts to avoid pitfalls like unsustainable pricing traps and waste disputes.

## Outline

1. Introduction: Todd Hoffman and Brightland's Journey
2. The Role of COO and Strategic Alignment
3. Expanding from DTC to Grocery Retail
4. Product Development and Innovation Strategy
5. Selecting and Managing Co-Manufacturers
6. Scaling Infrastructure: 3PLs and ERPs
7. Navigating Co-Manufacturing Contracts

## Topics

- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Retail, wholesale & distribution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/retail-and-distribution)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Brightland (company)
- Chloe's (company)
- Whole Foods (company)
- Bonzo (company)
- UNFI (company)
- Costco (company)
- Chobani (company)
- Benefit Cosmetics (company)
- Ready Basics (company)
- QuickBooks (tool)
- Shopify (tool)
- FedEx (company)
- Meta (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Advice Line with Pete Maldonado of Chomps](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-05-02-advice-line-with-pete-maldonado-of-chomps) (How I Built This)
- [What It Really Takes To Build a Food Business: Part 2](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-10-25-what-it-really-takes-to-build-a-food-business-part-2) (How I Built This)
- [Advice Line with Mark Ramadan of Sir Kensington's](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-06-27-advice-line-with-mark-ramadan-of-sir-kensingtons) (How I Built This)
- [Advice Line with Pete Maldonado of Chomps (April 2024)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-07-18-advice-line-with-pete-maldonado-of-chomps-april-2024) (How I Built This)
- [Boll & Branch: Scott and Missy Tannen](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-11-11-boll-branch-scott-and-missy-tannen) (How I Built This)

## Citing this page

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