ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Encore Presentation. Is there a food or product that you wish you could find in the grocery store or your local health food market? Why not try creating it yourself?
Juan and David, the co-founders of ChipMonk Baking, did just that. ChipMonk is a specialty baking business that focuses on creating low-carb, no added sugar desserts. Their mission, which originated from Juan’s experiences reversing and controlling his Type II diabetes with a low-carb diet, is to empower people through mindful nutrition. Using gluten-free ingredients, nut-based flours, and sweeteners with low glycemic impact, ChipMonk products are perfect for anyone trying to cut sugar out of their life.
Join us for an inspirational discussion about how Jose Hernandez and David Downing started their cookie company from nothing, trying to devise a product that would be palatable and safe for Jose as a diabetic. David tells us about the many lessons learned and advice he can offer to other entrepreneurs looking to play in the CPG space.
The “NexxtLevel Brands Podcast’ is hosted by G. Steven Cleere, Founder and “Chief Pot Stirrer” of NexxtLevel Brands. This show focuses on disruptors and thought-leaders from the Entrepreneurial Food, Beverage, and CPG Industry, but we also share tips from veterans and key suppliers that may help fellow CPG professionals achieve their goals.
Discussion Points
- Background on Jose and David– from diabetic issues in college to working for an airline, how the guys landed on cookies as their product
- Many entrepreneurs begin by solving a personal problem
- Crowdfunding for the company in the early days
- E-commerce and direct to consumer lessons
- How David and Jose were able to scale up from an Etsy-style sales model
- Marketing and packaging– keto and paleo
- A Houston Chronicle article blew their sales wide open
- Economies of scale learned from Southwest Airlines model
- Splitting the responsibilities with a co-founder - what works
- Utilizing wholesale marketplaces like Faire, Mable, and Abound
- Testing small-batch items with E-comm customers - Keto Donuts!
- Email or message David on LinkedIn, he has advice to give
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