NexxtLevel Brands Podcast

Scaling an Alternative Beef Jerky Brand - Moku Foods on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Matt Feldman is the Co-founder and CEO of Moku Foods. Growing up in Hawaii, Matt was raised with an appreciation for nature and a lifelong commitment to preserve the environment. He learned at an early age about the meat industry’s immense carbon footprint, which led him toward plant based foods and sustainable food sources. A serial entrepreneur, Matt started his first business with his sister buying and selling used college textbooks. While attending college at Brook Unive...

The Secret Is In The Dough - Doughp on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Kelsey Moreira is the Founder, CEO, and Fearless Leader of Doughp, an edible, bakeable, and mission-driven cookie dough business that ships products to thousands of households every week. After getting sober in 2015 and rekindling her culinary passions, she left her decade-long career in tech to start Doughp — with an average revenue increase of 295% in the first 4 years.  Kelsey has appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank and was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 and Vegas 40 Under 40. She...

The Secret Is In The Dough - Doughp on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Kelsey Moreira is the Founder, CEO, and Fearless Leader of Doughp, an edible, bakeable, and mission-driven cookie dough business that ships products to thousands of households every week. After getting sober in 2015 and rekindling her culinary passions, she left her decade-long career in tech to start Doughp — with an average revenue increase of 295% in the first 4 years.  Kelsey has appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank and was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 and Vegas 40 Under 40. She uses the Doughp ...

Just Like Butter - Buttermilk Creative on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Andy Kurtts is the Founder and Creative Director of Buttermilk Creative, a full-service packaging design company that specializes in the food and beverage space. He is also a Mentor with SKU, an accelerator program for CPG startups, where he gives back to the industry as an email marketing champion.  Andy previously led the in-house design group at The Fresh Market, a specialty grocery store, earning him a unique perspective on retail packaging. He is known to love a good ...

Just Like Butter - Buttermilk Creative on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Andy Kurtts is the Founder and Creative Director of Buttermilk Creative, a full-service packaging design company that specializes in the food and beverage space. He is also a Mentor with SKU, an accelerator program for CPG startups, where he gives back to the industry as an email marketing champion.  Andy previously led the in-house design group at The Fresh Market, a specialty grocery store, earning him a unique perspective on retail packaging. He is known to love a good coffee in the mor...

How Can You Sample During COVID? - Social Sampling on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Taylor Verbeck is the President and CEO of Social Sampling, a company that utilizes the force of social media​ and influencers​ to engage consumers before shopping and up to the moment of purchase. She started her career at the age of 14 after an in-store event put on by a national marketing company. After high school, she was promoted to Regional Manager at Mass Connections, managing over 5,000 events a month at stores like Walmart and Target.  In 2011, Taylor partnered with her mother to...

How Can You Sample During COVID? - Social Sampling on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Taylor Verbeck is the President and CEO of Social Sampling, a company that utilizes the force of social media​ and influencers​ to engage consumers before shopping and up to the moment of purchase. She started her career at the age of 14 after an in-store event put on by a national marketing company. After high school, she was promoted to Regional Manager at Mass Connections, managing over 5,000 events a month at stores like Walmart and Target.  In 2011, Taylor partnered w...

The History & Future of Comfort Foods - Author David Page on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

David Page is a two-time Emmy Award winner, executive producer, and the Author of the highly-praised book, Food Americana. He changed the world of food television by creating, developing, and executive producing the groundbreaking show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Before that, he spent time as an NBC News Producer and Senior Producer based out of Chicago, London, Frankfurt, New York, and Budapest. He has traveled to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East doing two things: cover...

The History & Future of Comfort Foods - Author David Page on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

David Page is a two-time Emmy Award winner, executive producer, and the Author of the highly-praised book, Food Americana. He changed the world of food television by creating, developing, and executive producing the groundbreaking show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Before that, he spent time as an NBC News Producer and Senior Producer based out of Chicago, London, Frankfurt, New York, and Budapest. He has traveled to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East doing two things: covering some of the b...

Knowing When to Hold 'Em - Oats Overnight on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Brian Tate is the Founder and CEO of Oats Overnight. He studied at the Grande Valley University for two years before leaving to pursue professional poker. After more than a decade of playing high-stakes poker, he took his passion for risk, analytics, and game theory and applied that expertise where it was needed: the crowded breakfast foods industry. As a health and fitness enthusiast, Brian had already spent years experimenting with homemade oatmeal recipes that complemen...

Knowing When to Hold 'Em - Oats Overnight on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Brian Tate is the Founder and CEO of Oats Overnight. He studied at the Grande Valley University for two years before leaving to pursue professional poker. After more than a decade of playing high-stakes poker, he took his passion for risk, analytics, and game theory and applied that expertise where it was needed: the crowded breakfast foods industry. As a health and fitness enthusiast, Brian had already spent years experimenting with homemade oatmeal recipes that complemented his workout r...

From Patient to Product to Retailer - Andrew Young of CBD Emporium on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Andrew Young is the Vice President of Product Management and Director of Vendor Relations at CBD Emporium, a leading chain of retail stores specializing in CBD-related products. Andrew began his journey in the cannabis industry over a decade ago and has been an advocate, stakeholder, and patient in the medical marijuana industry since 2007.  Andrew's career began in architecture, which caused a severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome in his right arm. His quest for an alternative pain reliev...

From Patient to Product to Retailer - Andrew Young of CBD Emporium on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Andrew Young is the Vice President of Product Management and Director of Vendor Relations at CBD Emporium, a leading chain of retail stores specializing in CBD-related products. Andrew began his journey in the cannabis industry over a decade ago and has been an advocate, stakeholder, and patient in the medical marijuana industry since 2007.  Andrew's career began in architecture, which caused a severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome in his right arm. His quest for an altern...

Being the Validator - Lekkco Belgian Dark Chocolate Spread on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Jennifer Lukas-Bourgeois and Bram Bourgeois are the Co-founders of Lekkco Belgian Dark Chocolate Spread, a brand of all-natural, gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, dark chocolate spread that’s derived from a 50-year old Belgian recipe. Bram was born and raised in Belgium and at the age of 28, migrated to the United States where he was fueled by a profound curiosity to see, experience, and understand the world we live in. With more than 25-years of career experience that transce...

Being the Validator - Lekkco Belgian Dark Chocolate Spread on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Jennifer Lukas-Bourgeois and Bram Bourgeois are the Co-founders of Lekkco Belgian Dark Chocolate Spread, a brand of all-natural, gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, dark chocolate spread that’s derived from a 50-year old Belgian recipe. Bram was born and raised in Belgium and at the age of 28, migrated to the United States where he was fueled by a profound curiosity to see, experience, and understand the world we live in. With more than 25-years of career experience that transcends different con...

Forward-Looking Products with a Backwards Name - Otamot Foods on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Andrew Suzuka is the Founder of Otamot Foods, a brand that makes organic and veggie-filled tomato sauces. Otamot Foods was launched in 2019 after adding some veggies to a pizza sauce he was making for his daughter, Evelyn. The brand's sauce is now sold in over 1,000 stores, including Whole Foods, Kroger, Fresh Thyme Market, and others. If the name looks familiar, that’s because it is: “Otamot” is “Tomato” spelled backwards. Andrew is a results-driven entrepreneur focused o...

Forward-Looking Products with a Backwards Name - Otamot Foods on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Andrew Suzuka is the Founder of Otamot Foods, a brand that makes organic and veggie-filled tomato sauces. Otamot Foods was launched in 2019 after adding some veggies to a pizza sauce he was making for his daughter, Evelyn. The brand's sauce is now sold in over 1,000 stores, including Whole Foods, Kroger, Fresh Thyme Market, and others. If the name looks familiar, that’s because it is: “Otamot” is “Tomato” spelled backwards. Andrew is a results-driven entrepreneur focused on building meanin...

Go Plastic Free for Earth Day! ECOlunchbox on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Sandra Ann Harris is the Founder and CEO of ECOlunchbox, a mission-based consumer products company creating high-quality, eco-friendly, and plastic-free food container solutions. ECOlunchbox is a certified B Corp and California Green Business. Sandra and her company share the same mission: to protect the oceans by reducing consumer dependence on plastics.  Sandra is a speaker with a diverse background in business consulting, product development, digital marketing, and investigative journal...

Go Plastic Free for Earth Day! ECOlunchbox on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Sandra Ann Harris is the Founder and CEO of ECOlunchbox, a mission-based consumer products company creating high-quality, eco-friendly, and plastic-free food container solutions. ECOlunchbox is a certified B Corp and California Green Business. Sandra and her company share the same mission: to protect the oceans by reducing consumer dependence on plastics.  Sandra is a speaker with a diverse background in business consulting, product development, digital marketing, and inve...

Go Plastic Free for Earth Day! Ecolunchboxes on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Stop Harming Your Mouth - ORL Labs on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Howard Kaufman is the Co-Founder and CEO at ORL, an emerging organic and natural oral care brand. ORL toothpastes, mouthwashes, and breath sprays are formulated to achieve a perfect 7.0 pH balance, which allows your mouth to naturally remineralize, clean, and refresh with organic and natural ingredients.  Howard has over 30 years of multi-channel business development experience driving growth and profitability from Fortune 100 companies to growing small startup entities. B...

Stop Harming Your Mouth - ORL Labs on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Howard Kaufman is the Co-Founder and CEO at ORL, an emerging organic and natural oral care brand. ORL toothpastes, mouthwashes, and breath sprays are formulated to achieve a perfect 7.0 pH balance, which allows your mouth to naturally remineralize, clean, and refresh with organic and natural ingredients.  Howard has over 30 years of multi-channel business development experience driving growth and profitability from Fortune 100 companies to growing small startup entities. Before founding OR...

Natural Snacks from Africa - Amazi Foods on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Renee Dunn is the Founder and CEO of Amazi Foods, a mindful food company that makes unique and very tasty fruit snacks. While attending Wesleyan University, Renee had the opportunity to study in Uganda. She was struck by the local entrepreneurial sector and their delicious tropical fruits, so she opted to later return and conduct her thesis research on the state of entrepreneurship in Kampala. After graduating, Renee interned at The Aspen Institute where she focused on entrepreneurial ecos...

Natural Snacks from Africa - Amazi Foods on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Renee Dunn is the Founder and CEO of Amazi Foods, a mindful food company that makes unique and very tasty fruit snacks. While attending Wesleyan University, Renee had the opportunity to study in Uganda. She was struck by the local entrepreneurial sector and their delicious tropical fruits, so she opted to later return and conduct her thesis research on the state of entrepreneurship in Kampala. After graduating, Renee interned at The Aspen Institute where she focused on ent...

Want to Maximize Amazon? Shannon Roddy Shares on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Shannon Roddy is an Amazon Strategy Consultant and the Founder of Marketplace Seller Courses, a suite of online courses, resources, and tools for brand owners selling on Amazon. He consults his clients on how to set-up, optimize, and launch their Amazon storefronts and products, as well as best practices for successfully promoting and protecting their brands on the Amazon platform.  His first venture into consulting ended in a 400%increase in sales in the following month, ...

Want to Maximize Amazon? Shannon Roddy Shares on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Shannon Roddy is an Amazon Strategy Consultant and the Founder of Marketplace Seller Courses, a suite of online courses, resources, and tools for brand owners selling on Amazon. He consults his clients on how to set-up, optimize, and launch their Amazon storefronts and products, as well as best practices for successfully promoting and protecting their brands on the Amazon platform.  His first venture into consulting ended in a 400%increase in sales in the following month, leading him to di...

A Crazy-Good Snack Idea - Mary's Gone Crackers on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Carla King is the Senior Marketing Manager at Mary's Gone Crackers, a snack company that uses only whole, plant-based ingredients. She is a talented marketing and brand development leader with proven experience in driving business, creating customized marketing programs and solutions, pushing strategy sessions, and articulating the expectations.  Carla balances brand needs with company interest to ensure mutually beneficial results, and is an excellent blend of creative ta...

A Crazy-Good Snack Idea - Mary's Gone Crackers on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Carla King is the Senior Marketing Manager at Mary's Gone Crackers, a snack company that uses only whole, plant-based ingredients. She is a talented marketing and brand development leader with proven experience in driving business, creating customized marketing programs and solutions, pushing strategy sessions, and articulating the expectations.  Carla balances brand needs with company interest to ensure mutually beneficial results, and is an excellent blend of creative talent with analyti...

A Healthy Snack with Total Appeal - RIND Snacks on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast

Matt Weiss is the Founder and CEO of RIND Snacks, a better-for-you snack company focused on whole fruit nutrition. After a nearly two-decade career in finance, Matt launched RIND Snacks in 2017 and returned to his family's health food roots. His passion for whole foods snacking was inspired by lessons he learned from his great-grandmother, Helen Seitner, a health food pioneer who operated a well-known natural food store in Michigan in the 1920s. RIND Snacks’ dried fruit snacks maximize nut...

A Healthy Snack with Total Appeal - RIND Snacks on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast

Matt Weiss is the Founder and CEO of RIND Snacks, a better-for-you snack company focused on whole fruit nutrition. After a nearly two-decade career in finance, Matt launched RIND Snacks in 2017 and returned to his family's health food roots. His passion for whole foods snacking was inspired by lessons he learned from his great-grandmother, Helen Seitner, a health food pioneer who operated a well-known natural food store in Michigan in the 1920s. RIND Snacks’ dried fruit sn...

Drink Your Way to Brain Health? Breinfuel on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Dr. Gerald Horn is the Co-Founder and CEO of Breinfuel, a cerebral beverage designed to fuel the brain for responding effortlessly with increased focus, alertness, and productivity. Currently the Co-Medical Director at LasikPlus Chicago, Dr. Horn's background lies in ophthalmology, pharmaceutical science, and disruptive drug development. Dr. Horn has committed his 40-year career to maximizing the health benefits of modern science and medicine, becoming a #1 recommended doctor. He invented ...

Drink Your Way to Brain Health? Breinfuel on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Dr. Gerald Horn is the Co-Founder and CEO of Breinfuel, a cerebral beverage designed to fuel the brain for responding effortlessly with increased focus, alertness, and productivity. Currently the Co-Medical Director at LasikPlus Chicago, Dr. Horn's background lies in ophthalmology, pharmaceutical science, and disruptive drug development. Dr. Horn has committed his 40-year career to maximizing the health benefits of modern science and medicine, becoming a #1 recommended doc...

Better For You Kid's Drinks - Poppilu on the NexxtLevel Podcast!

Melanie Kahn is the Founder of Poppilu Lemonade, a healthy lemonade that delivers all of the taste of traditional lemonade with added health benefits. Melanie started the business in 2017 after experiencing cravings for lemonade while pregnant. She recently added a new kids product line to the company that launched in Walmart and is expanding rapidly.  Poppilu is based in Chicago where Melanie started her career in CPG before creating and nationally launching the fairlife dairy brand, whic...

Better For You Kid's Drinks - Poppilu on the NexxtLevel Podcast!

Melanie Kahn is the Founder of Poppilu Lemonade, a healthy lemonade that delivers all of the taste of traditional lemonade with added health benefits. Melanie started the business in 2017 after experiencing cravings for lemonade while pregnant. She recently added a new kids product line to the company that launched in Walmart and is expanding rapidly.  Poppilu is based in Chicago where Melanie started her career in CPG before creating and nationally launching the fairlife ...

The Secret of the Starter - Alex's Awesome Sourdough on the NexxtLevel Podcast!

Alexander Corsini is the Founder and CEO of Alex's Awesome Sourdough. After discovering sourdough's unique health benefits following an autoimmune diagnosis in 2016, he set out to build a brand celebrating all things sourdough fermentation. In 2017, he launched the natural foods brand with a focus on the nourishing qualities of sourdough, bringing thoughtfully sourced organic food back to the family table. As a result, Alexander and his team were the first USDA Organic and N...

Finding Your Niche - Pickle Juice on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Filip Keuppens is the Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Pickle Juice® Sport. Having nothing to do with cucumbers, the innovative brand uses a proprietary grain and blend of vinegar that blocks the nerve signals that initiate cramping. Pickle Juice® Sport has highly researched and study-backed benefits—and it’s just the kind of no-spin, real deal, game-changing product that Filip loves to bring to market.  Before joining Pickle Juice® Sport, Filip was the Dire...

Finding Your Niche - Pickle Juice on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Filip Keuppens is the Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at Pickle Juice® Sport. Having nothing to do with cucumbers, the innovative brand uses a proprietary grain and blend of vinegar that blocks the nerve signals that initiate cramping. Pickle Juice® Sport has highly researched and study-backed benefits—and it’s just the kind of no-spin, real deal, game-changing product that Filip loves to bring to market.  Before joining Pickle Juice® Sport, Filip was the Director of Sales for...

Building On Health - Youtheory on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Darren Rude is the Co-Founder and CEO of Youtheory, one of the original collagen supplement brands. Founded in 2010 alongside his wife, Patty, Youtheory is currently one of the largest manufacturers of collagen and turmeric in the US. The brand continues to win top industry awards with a rapidly expanding portfolio of new and innovative health products.  Youtheory's success is powered by people, principle, passion, and process. With headquarters in Irvine, California and d...

Building On Health - Youtheory on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Darren Rude is the Co-Founder and CEO of Youtheory, one of the original collagen supplement brands. Founded in 2010 alongside his wife, Patty, Youtheory is currently one of the largest manufacturers of collagen and turmeric in the US. The brand continues to win top industry awards with a rapidly expanding portfolio of new and innovative health products.  Youtheory's success is powered by people, principle, passion, and process. With headquarters in Irvine, California and distribution cente...

Are Your Cleaning Products Clean Label? Aunt Fannie’s on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Mat Franken is the Founder and CEO of Aunt Fannie's, a line of healthy cleaning household products. Like many in the health and natural space, Mat did not set out to become an entrepreneur: his company is the direct result of a family medical challenge. Wanting to share what he discovered, he launched the first Aunt Fannie's product in 2015. And so began the company’s mission to prioritize wellness from the outside by creating people-friendly, pet-friendly, and non-toxic products for all. ...

Are Your Cleaning Products Clean Label? Aunt Fannie’s on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Mat Franken is the Founder and CEO of Aunt Fannie's, a line of healthy cleaning household products. Like many in the health and natural space, Mat did not set out to become an entrepreneur: his company is the direct result of a family medical challenge. Wanting to share what he discovered, he launched the first Aunt Fannie's product in 2015. And so began the company’s mission to prioritize wellness from the outside by creating people-friendly, pet-friendly, and non-toxic pro...

Saving A Natural Wonder - Our Gorongosa on the NexxtLevel Podcast!

Matthew Jordan is the CEO of Our Gorongosa, a specialty coffee using regenerative practices that support human development, rainforest reforestation, and wildlife conservation in Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park. All of their profits support initiatives that lead the way for those communities surrounding the park. As CEO and Director of Sustainable Development for Gorongosa National Park, he’s working to create a world where people and the planet can thrive together. Matthew has been i...

Saving A Natural Wonder - Our Gorongosa on the NexxtLevel Podcast!

Matthew Jordan is the CEO of Our Gorongosa, a specialty coffee using regenerative practices that support human development, rainforest reforestation, and wildlife conservation in Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park. All of their profits support initiatives that lead the way for those communities surrounding the park. As CEO and Director of Sustainable Development for Gorongosa National Park, he’s working to create a world where people and the planet can thrive together. M...

Convenient Asian Comfort Food - Nona Lim on the NexxtLevel Podcast

Nona Lim is the Founder and CEO of Nona Lim, a fresh Asian comfort food brand based in Oakland, California. She is a former competitive fencer who has always believed in the health benefits of a nutritious diet and the feel-good sensation of amazing flavors. In 2014, she launched her Nona Lim brand inspired by her childhood in Singapore as well as the country's melting pot of culinary traditions and flavors from all over Asia.  Nona pioneered the fresh Asian food category, becoming a categ...

Convenient Asian Comfort Food - Nona Lim on the NexxtLevel Podcast

Nona Lim is the Founder and CEO of Nona Lim, a fresh Asian comfort food brand based in Oakland, California. She is a former competitive fencer who has always believed in the health benefits of a nutritious diet and the feel-good sensation of amazing flavors. In 2014, she launched her Nona Lim brand inspired by her childhood in Singapore as well as the country's melting pot of culinary traditions and flavors from all over Asia.  Nona pioneered the fresh Asian food category,...

Replace Your Coffee? Teeccino on the NexxtLevel Podcast!

Caroline MacDougall is the Founder and CEO of Teeccino Caffe, a unique line of herbal roasted coffees and teas with several wellness benefits. She is also a natural products industry pioneer with over 40 years of entrepreneurial experience in developing herbal teas for top companies such as Yogi, The Republic of Tea, and Organic India.  Caroline began her career with Celestial Seasonings, sourcing herbs from around the globe as the Vice President of Purchasing. Her work ha...

Words 2 Grow By - The Best of 2020

G. Steven Cleere is the Founder and Chief Brand Developer of NexxtLevel Marketing, a consulting firm that specializes in retail marketing. For over 30 years, he’s been actively involved in marketing, advertising, and promotion disciplines. In 2019, Steve and his wife, Debra, combined their backgrounds and created Kitchen2Shelf, an educational service that provides online courses and in-person workshops for food and beverage entrepreneurs at all stages of growth. Steve was previously the Co...

Words 2 Grow By - The Best of 2020

G. Steven Cleere is the Founder and Chief Brand Developer of NexxtLevel Marketing, a consulting firm that specializes in retail marketing. For over 30 years, he’s been actively involved in marketing, advertising, and promotion disciplines. In 2019, Steve and his wife, Debra, combined their backgrounds and created Kitchen2Shelf, an educational service that provides online courses and in-person workshops for food and beverage entrepreneurs at all stages of growth. Steve was ...

Let's Nuke It! - Nucleus Maximus on the NexxtLevel Podcast!

Adam Spriggs is a Partner at Nucleus Maximus, a boutique branding agency that helps CPG companies position and package their products to win attention and sales. In 2019, he founded The Angel Group, a growing network of industry executives and consultants who invest in early-stage CPG brands.  Adam’s work and perspective have been covered by notable trade groups including New Hope Network, BevNET, NOSH, Foodbytes!, Naturally Boulder, The Dieline, and Packaging World. He ho...

Let's Nuke It! - Nucleus Maximus on the NexxtLevel Podcast!

Adam Spriggs is a Partner at Nucleus Maximus, a boutique branding agency that helps CPG companies position and package their products to win attention and sales. In 2019, he founded The Angel Group, a growing network of industry executives and consultants who invest in early-stage CPG brands.  Adam’s work and perspective have been covered by notable trade groups including New Hope Network, BevNET, NOSH, Foodbytes!, Naturally Boulder, The Dieline, and Packaging World. He holds a Bachelor of...