The Nombase Podcast

Getting ready for BevNet Live June 10–11 in New York City? Or on the fence? BevNet's Editor-in-Chief, Jeff Klineman, walks through a practical "how to do BevNet Live" guide — covering the agenda, key speakers, and how to make the most of every hour at the show.We cover:Tips on how to get the most out of networking, speaker presentations, 1:1 meetings with retailers and investors, and everything else at the showWhat you need to do at BevNET Live and what you can catch up on when you're back homeAgenda highlights from Athletic Brewing, Culture Pop, and Dirty Shirley on building without outpacing your businessRetail sessions with Walmart, Whole Foods, and Vitamin Shoppe on getting — and staying — on shelfFive investor-focused sessions including a term sheet tutorial and a former PepsiCo M&A leadThe delta-9 hemp category under the microscope as Congressional pressure threatens its futureEarly intel on AI and agentic commerce — what CPG brands need to do now before big players lock it inThere's still time to register at Bevnetlive.com - see you there!!

Scroll through LinkedIn and it can feel like everyone is winning. Skyrocketing growth charts, big announcements, nonstop momentum, and yes, even the cold plunges. Even when you know it's curated, the pressure can still feel very real. In this episode of the Nombase podcast, wo seasoned CPG leaders cut through that noise with an honest and vulnerable conversation about what building a career and a company actually looks like. Karen Goldscher, founder of Karen Goldscher Coaching and former leader at Annie’s, Chobani, and Ben and Jerry’s, joins Dan Stangler, President and CEO of Kite Hill and former executive at Brew Dr. and General Mills. Together, they talk candidly about burnout, confidence, and the behind the scenes decisions that rarely get shared. Find out why honest feedback, clear boundaries, and genuine human connection are essential to sustainable growth.

Ever wonder how Chomps took over shelves across the country? Lauren Martin, Chomps’ National Retail Activation Manager, reveals the in-store strategies that fueled their explosive growth. Find out how to earn more facings, prevent promo failures, build store-level trust, and adapt tactics by region and retailer. From merchandising wins to demo optimization, you'll hear tips and tricks that can help scale any brand. 

Headed to BevNET Live? Or still deciding?? In this episode, Jeff Klineman shares a bts look at how the show comes together and what to watch for if you're focused on building a profitable brand. From key sessions to the people you need to meet, Jeff offers tips to help you navigate with purpose.Whether you're looking to connect with investors, retailers, or future partners, we’ve got advice to help you make it count. Plus, Sarah Casagrande, Principal at Generation CPG, shares what she's most excited about this year.

We're launching something BIG at BevNET, NOSH, and Brewbound, and you're invited to be the first to see it! Introducing Nombase — a new digital community and directory built for the CPG world.  Nombase connects CPG professionals with trusted industry partners, AI-powered insights, timely conversations, company announcements, and job opportunities — all in one place.  Join us for an exclusive overview and share your thoughts!

The Conagras and Nestlés of the world have business fundamentals and levers that drive smart innovation and product development, which aren't always available to smaller brands. Monica Watrous, managing editor of Nosh, and Glenn Pappalardo, co-founder of Integral CPG, clarify the attributes and themes big brands center their innovation strategy around to help smaller brands put together smart innovation strategy. This Community Call is a companion piece to an article on NOSH.com.

To succeed in retail, building direct relationships at the store level can grow your food or beverage business, creating valuable "eyes inside." Cedar's Hummus has its roots in DSD and store relationship building. Aimee Tsakirellis, EVP of Marketing at Cedar's, will share tips on forging strong relationships with store teams, expanding into new regions, and collaborating with retailers to boost sales.  

The Nosh editorial team joins the Community Call to announce and honor our 2024 NOSH Notables—individuals who make the CPG industry enjoyable, successful, and fulfilling. Visit NOSH.com to see the full list!

Join Jamie Borteck, board member and advisor, and Matt Weiss from RIND Snacks as they guide you through assembling the ideal team to support your CPG brand's growth. We'll cover selecting advisors who complement your skills, building a board for exponential growth, compensation strategies, approaching potential partners, and maximizing your partnerships.

Kristi Palmer from Kiva Confections and Lukas Southard, Senior Reporter at BevNET, join Community Call to discuss the profound impact of hemp-derived D9 on the cannabis edibles and beverage industry. Learn how brands are seizing new opportunities, the looming regulatory challenges, and consumer safety concerns surrounding lab testing and regulatory standards.

Bob Burke, a "known to most" CPG consultant and expert in the natural products industry, shares insights on how CPG brands can save money and improve cash flow. He explains strategies for SKU rationalization, strategic trade spending, and recognizing high-return sales opportunities such as Costco, TJX, and private label programs that drive cost out of the system.

Industry veterans Gerry Khermouch and Beverage Whisperer Ken Sadowsky share their tips how to tighten business expenditures and improve cash flow.  Learn the tactics they recommend for dialing in DSDs, honing in on product-market fit, when to say "no", and how to identify worthwhile growth opportunities.  

Arnulfo Ventura shares his winning blueprint for achieving exponential growth in CPG, drawing from his own experience as an entrepreneur and in leadership roles at PepsiCo, Califia Farms, Beanfields, and Alter Eco. With a track record of guiding brands to success and facilitating exits for acquired brands, Arnulfo shares insights on preserving founder mentality, leveraging company culture, and implementing strategic brand enhancements. Discover the tactis to propelling growth and strategically positioning a brand for acquisition.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is increasingly important for CPG brands to weave into their business models.  Ben Mand and the Harmless Harvest team talk about how they deal with the supply chain issues that come with an agriculture centered product, how to set goals that support business holistically (and what to do when you miss those goals), and surprising insights on how they successfully market sustainability.

You won't find a smarter, more experienced, or creative marketing duo than Mari Lee and Katie Geyer of Nutrabolt / C4. Find out how they choose events that support customer acquisition goals, activations that actually drive velocities in store, and a brilliant nugget of wisdom on how to find influencer partners that deeply resonate with your brand.