The Startup CPG Podcast · 20 Apr 2026 · 32m · Episode 295
Taylor Blue, founder of Little Latke, explains how exhibiting in the Startup CPG section at Expo West allowed her to launch a non-GMO, seed oil-free formula and two new flavors, securing new accounts through targeted sampling. Gabriella Labi and Tonya Reznikovich, co-founders of Gato Dates, recount their emotional journey from a second-place finish to winning a free Expo West 2027 booth via the Alley Rally vote, highlighting the importance of scrappy, viral marketing. Jesse Suarez, founder of Hola Mija Chips, details how persistent one-on-one retailer meetings and patience with buyers led to immediate orders and long-term relationships with retailers like Buy Rite and Mother's Market.
early-stage companies
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S'well founder Sarah Kauss joins Guy Raz to advise three early-stage founders on positioning and growth. She helps Chiara Moonzi of Chigi navigate grocery placement for a chickpea-based hot cereal, Jesús Rualcaba of Paper Tacos expand his Latino-inspired greeting cards beyond specialty stores, and Adam Barker of Bolt Skin and Shave determine his growth strategy for a razor brand targeting men who shave their legs.
Ben Goodwin, co-founder of the prebiotic soda brand Olipop, joins Guy Raz to answer calls from early-stage founders. Goodwin advises Darren Alpert of Gheelish on how to market ghee-based snacks by prioritizing taste over ingredient education, and helps Sarah Godfrey of Sarah's Gluten Free Goods navigate the scaling challenges of fresh, allergen-safe baked goods. He also counsels John Groner of the Bexley Natural Foods co-op on revitalizing sales through community engagement and curation rather than e-commerce.
Lara Merriken, founder of LÄRABAR and co-founder of Anther, joins Guy Raz to advise three early-stage founders on scaling, retail strategy, and fundraising. Alison Rep of Joy Breeders seeks advice on maintaining brand authenticity while expanding into larger retail channels, with Lara and Guy suggesting she focus on product stability and specific retail placement rather than abstract brand values. Mariano Questam of Maax Brands struggles to enter major retail buyers' doors with his caffeinated gum, receiving advice to clarify his product's value proposition and target specific user tribes like athletes. Finally, Lauretta Nakocha of Lauretta British Ginger T asks how to fundraise as a solo founder, with suggestions to leverage her storytelling through crowdfunding and direct community asks.
Stacy Madison, founder of Stacy’s Pita Chips, joins Guy Raz on the Advice Line to answer questions from three early-stage entrepreneurs. She advises Sam Cagle of Dough Guy on scaling his pizza steel brand beyond his personal Instagram persona, Alex Hildebrandt of Suyo Pisco on building brand awareness for an unknown spirit category, and Stephanie Stuckey of Stuckey’s on revitalizing her family’s 88-year-old pecan candy business for younger consumers.
Kelly Costello, founder of Puppy Cake, explains how she launched an all-natural cake mix for dogs in five months with under $5,000, manufacturing in-house from her kitchen. She details her strategy of lowering barriers to entry for retailers through small case sizes and free shipping, and how adding product lines like Puppy Scoops ice cream mix doubled her sales. Costello also shares a critical lesson from a near-bankruptcy event with H.E.B. grocery store, emphasizing the importance of never fulfilling orders without a legally binding purchase order.
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