Summary

This is the Startup Junkies Podcast. Welcome back!

This week, the usual crew, Matthew Ward, Caleb Tally, and Jeff Amerine meet with Dustin Finkel, CEO and Founder of Ka-Pop!, which recently merged with Bubba's Fine Foods to create Awakened Foods. From brand awareness, relationship building, and family-work balance to the importance of community, we discussed all the things that lead Dustin and his team to success. 

Thank you for joining us!

Shownotes

(0:53) Introducing Dustin Finkel

(1:41) From Investment Banking to Food Production 

(5:05) Shark Tank and Brand Awareness

(7:13) Building Relationships While Sourcing

(9:52) Company Culture + Branding

(14:42) Balancing Family and Running a Corporation

(18:40) The Value of Intentional Community and Partnerships  

(29:46) Advice to Younger Self 

(33:58) Wrap Up 

Links

Matthew Ward

Caleb Talley

Jeff Amerine

Dustin Finkel

Ka-Pop!

Awakened Foods

Awakened Foods Crafters

Bubba's Fine Foods

Quotes

"So despite my food background, it started just like everyone else. I thought there was a better way... The difference is I had a network that allowed me to really kind of partake and grow this business fairly quickly." (4:12) - Dustin Finkel

"And that's really the differentiator that our branding is about… it's about enjoyment. Snacking is fun. It should not be a trade off. It shouldn't be about this serious engagement." (11:15) - Dustin Finkel

"I want consumers to love my product to just gravitate toward it, [to] enjoy the eating experience." (12:26) -Dustin Finkel

"That was the whole point; build as much flexibility to grow. Because who knows what the next COVID is or who knows what the next growth trend is or what that might be." (20:40) - Dustin Finkel

"I don't accept mistakes. I hate them, but understanding how to deal with them, understanding how to react, understanding how to take patience into account." (33:28) - Dustin Finkel

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