Predicting the Turn

If you know Fazoli’s, you know their famous breadsticks. Some have even said they are the greatest of all time. Every year the company serves over 100 million of these fan favorites in their restaurants. While the breadstick has been a constant in the company’s 33-year history, the last decade has been one of change and reinvention. I sat down with Carl Howard, CEO of Fazoli’s to talk about the changes they have made to the business in recent years and why those changes and a focus on the consumer, led to the best year in the company’s history.

Carl Howard

CEO, Fazoli's

Why Consumer Understanding Helped Fazoli’s Thrive In 2020

In the competitive landscape of the food industry, Red's has emerged as a beacon of innovation and quality in the frozen food sector. Founded by Mike Adair, Red's journey from homemade burritos to a beloved frozen food brand spans over 15 years of perseverance and dedication. I sat down with Adair to reflect on the company's humble beginnings, the evolution of its product portfolio, and the strategic decisions that have propelled Red's to success in an ever-changing market.

Mike Adair

CEO & Founder, Red's

In the competitive landscape of the food industry, Red's has emerged as a beacon of innovation and quality in the frozen food sector. Founded by Mike Adair, Red's journey from homemade burritos to a beloved frozen food brand spans over 15 years of perseverance and dedication. I sat down with Adair to reflect on the company's humble beginnings, the evolution of its product portfolio, and the strategic decisions that have propelled Red's to success in an ever-changing market.

From Homemade Burritos to Frozen Food Icon: The Journey of Red's Founder, Mike Adair

In a culinary landscape marked by innovation and a blending of cultures, MìLà, a modern Chinese food company, stands out as a beacon of success. From its humble beginnings as a restaurant in 2018 to its triumphant foray into the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) realm, MìLà's unique approach, guided by quality, accessibility, and a third-culture perspective, has captured the hearts and palates of a diverse and expanding audience. I sat down with Jen Liao, Co-Founder and President of MìLà to learn more about how these formerrestaurant owners pivoted during COVID to turn one of their favorite dishes into a frozen food success story.

In a culinary landscape marked by innovation and a blending of cultures, MìLà, a modern Chinese food company, stands out as a beacon of success. From its humble beginnings as a restaurant in 2018 to its triumphant foray into the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) realm, MìLà's unique approach, guided by quality, accessibility, and a third-culture perspective, has captured the hearts and palates of a diverse and expanding audience. I sat down with Jen Liao, Co-Founder and President of MìLà to learn more about how these former
restaurant owners pivoted during COVID to turn one of their favorite dishes into a frozen food success story.


MìLà's Culinary Journey: From Restaurant Success to CPG Triumph in the Evolving Landscape of Asian Cuisine

In the ever-evolving landscape of spirits, The Pathfinder Hemp and Root emerges as a groundbreaking non-alcoholic alternative, not merely mimicking traditional spirits but carving its own niche with a unique blend of bitterness, sweetness, and complexity. I sat down with Co-founder Chris Abbott to learn more about their journey through the inspiration, challenges, and strategic decisions that led to the creation and successful launch of this distinctive spirit.

In the ever-evolving landscape of spirits, The Pathfinder Hemp and Root emerges as a groundbreaking non-alcoholic alternative, not merely mimicking traditional spirits but carving its own niche with a unique blend of bitterness, sweetness, and complexity. I sat down with Co-founder Chris Abbott to learn more about their journey through the inspiration, challenges, and strategic decisions that led to the creation and successful launch of this distinctive spirit.


The Pathfinder's Trailblazing Journey: Crafting a Niche in Non-Alcoholic Spirits by Redefining Socializing

Cabinet Health is on a mission to reduce single-use plastic from healthcare.&nbsp;In just a few short years, they have found like-minded partners in major companies such as Target, CVS and McKesson.&nbsp;I sat down with Co-Founder and President Russell Gong to discuss the origins of the company and Cabinet Health's commitment to pioneering the next generation of sustainable healthcare products and services.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russ Gong

Co-Founder, Cabinet Health

Cabinet Health is on a mission to reduce single-use plastic from healthcare.  In just a few short years, they have found like-minded partners in major companies such as Target, CVS and McKesson.  I sat down with Co-Founder and President Russell Gong to discuss the origins of the company and Cabinet Health's commitment to pioneering the next generation of sustainable healthcare products and services.

How Cabinet Health is Pioneering Sustainable Healthcare, One Plastic-Free Pill bottle at a Time

Unlike many of her peers in Venture Capital and Private Equity, Melissa Facchina comes from a background in Operations with a focus on food and beverages. Today, Facchina is the Co-Managing Partner of Siddhi Capital, which was born from a joint venture between her operating firm, Siddhi Ops, and the family office of her co-founding partners Steven and Brian Finn.&nbsp; I sat down with Facchina for a comprehensive look into the complexities of CPG investing, offering practical advice and strategic considerations for entrepreneurs navigating this dynamic landscape.

Unlike many of her peers in Venture Capital and Private Equity, Melissa Facchina comes from a background in Operations with a focus on food and beverages. Today, Facchina is the Co-Managing Partner of Siddhi Capital, which was born from a joint venture between her operating firm, Siddhi Ops, and the family office of her co-founding partners Steven and Brian Finn.  I sat down with Facchina for a comprehensive look into the complexities of CPG investing, offering practical advice and strategic considerations for entrepreneurs navigating this dynamic landscape.


Navigating The New Reality Of CPG Investing with Siddhi Capital

Soley is the fastest-growing natural fruit snack brand in the US and their unique approach saves 1.6 million pounds of fruit per year.&nbsp;I sat down with Solely's founder, Simon Sacal, to discuss this extraordinary journey from attempting a fat-free potato chip to pioneering a unique and sustainable vertical supply chain for disruptive fruit-based products. Sacal reflects on the challenges, successes, and future innovations of Solely, emphasizing the brand's commitment to long-term growth and providing wholesome, clean alternatives in the food industry.

Soley is the fastest-growing natural fruit snack brand in the US and their unique approach saves 1.6 million pounds of fruit per year. I sat down with Solely's founder, Simon Sacal, to discuss this extraordinary journey from attempting a fat-free potato chip to pioneering a unique and sustainable vertical supply chain for disruptive fruit-based products. Sacal reflects on the challenges, successes, and future innovations of Solely, emphasizing the brand's commitment to long-term growth and providing wholesome, clean alternatives in the food industry.


From Potato Chips to Fruity Jerky: Solely's Unconventional Entrepreneurial Path

Predicting the Turn is a podcast dedicated to equipping business leaders with the tools they need to navigate today’s ever-changing business landscape. Our host, Dave Knox, is a global thought leader in digital transformation, an international public speaker, and an award-winning author with experience in the worlds of both Fortune 500 companies and startups. Through this podcast, you will learn how to meet your industry's inevitable disruption head-on.

Why Consumer Understanding Helped Fazoli’s Thrive In 2020

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