The Firebelly Social Show

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Robert (Bob) Zender, Director of Marketing of Uglies Kettle Chips, about upcycling imperfect potatoes into delicious snacks. Bob discusses Dieffenbach’s history and commitment to sustainability and starting Uglies, its direct impact on reducing food waste and supporting farmers, how Uglies contribute to alleviating global childhood undernourishment, and the crucial role of strategic marketing and community engagement in its growth.

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On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Sam Mitchell, Co-founder of roo.bru, about launching and growing a healthy beverage brand. Sam discusses how his dissatisfaction with coffee led to the inception of a new energy drink roo.bru, how organic ingredients can offer a cognitive boost without the downsides of usual stimulants, what sets roo.bru apart, and how to balance friendship and business in a startup environment.

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On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Mika Shino, Founder and CEO of Issei, about cultural innovation in the candy industry. Mika shares her journey of creating better-for-you snacks that resonate with traditional roots and modern demands, the challenges and insights of bringing innovation into a competitive candy market, how diversity and inclusion in the CPG space benefit consumers and cultures alike, and the triumphs and lessons from Issei's early production challenges.

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On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Alan Laws, Founder and President of Laws Whiskey House, about his quest to create the finest whiskey. Alan talks about the dedication and sustainability practices behind Laws Whiskey House that contribute to a superior product while supporting local agriculture, insights on running a business with integrity, nurturing a community-driven ethos among his team, and his aspirations to expand while maintaining the core values of success.

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On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Gabrielle Fitzpatrick, Founder and CEO of Damn Right Cocktails, about crafting distinctive spirits with a mission. Gabrielle delves into the challenges and successes of creating Damn Right Cocktails, how it differentiates itself through design and modern consumer appeal, tequila and mezcal, the significance of quality spirits, and the hurdles female entrepreneurs face.

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On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Jordan Silbert, Founder and CEO of Agro Power Jerky, about creating a sustainable future through plant-powered snacks. Jordan shares his journey from Q Mixers to Agro Power Jerky, how taste reigns supreme in developing Agro Power Jerky's products, and the potential macro and micro benefits of consuming plant-based products.

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On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Zack Burnett, Co-founder of Bold Bean Coffee Roasters, about the meticulous craft of roasting and the culture of coffee. Zack shares his journey into the coffee world, growing a community-centric and quality-obsessed coffee brand, selecting coffee partners, the evolution of coffee trends, and the enduring importance of barista-customer relationships.

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On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney interviews different founders at the Sweets & Snacks event about the innovation in health foods. They share the challenges and opportunities of introducing cleaner, functional food options. From packaging insights to marketplace trends, the conversation unlocks essential strategies for any food entrepreneur looking to make an impact in today's competitive environment.

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On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney interviews different founders in the Sweets & Snacks event. They talk about the intersection of culture, personal narratives, and innovative food entrepreneurship, highlighting their creative processes, market insights, and the heartfelt missions behind their delicious offerings.

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On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with William Spencer, Founder and CEO of h2go Energy Water, about creating a sustainable and healthy energy drink alternative. William shares the origins of h2go, the unique aspects of the drink, the challenges faced, the strategic use of social media, and the conscious business practices that drive the brand.

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On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Nickolas Abramovich, Co-founder and Head Distiller of Doundrins Distilling, about creating unique spirits and building a vibrant community. Nickolas explains why his distillery stands out with innovative flavors and community-engaging events, his inspirations for local collaboration, product innovation, and advice for budding distillers on managing the complexities of starting a business.

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On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Cale Nelson, Chief Commercial Officer of Local Hive Honey, about how Local Hive Honey is innovating within the food and beverage space. Cale shares insights into Local Hive's data-informed innovation strategy, the growing trend for approachable hot sauces and the forthcoming launch of Local Hive hot sauces in Whole Foods, the impact of foreign honey imports on US agriculture, and Local Hive's commitment to local beekeepers.

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