Why Doesn’t My Model Match Reality? How to Know and What to do When Your Model isn’t Working

The Good Food CFO podcast

Farm Stops Create New Markets for Small Farms

26:46

For many travelers, Antarctica is a bucket-list destination, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to touch all seven continents. In 2023, a record-breaking 100,000 tourists made the trip. But the journey begs a fundamental question: What do we risk by traveling to a place that is supposed to be uninhabited by humans? And as the climate warms, should we really be going to Antarctica in the first place? SHOW NOTES: Kara Weller: The Impossible Dilemma of a Polar Guide Marilyn Raphael: A twenty-first century structural change in Antarctica’s sea ice system Karl Watson: First Time in Antarctica Jeb Brooks : 7 Days in Antarctica (Journey to the South Pole) Metallica - Freeze 'Em All: Live in Antarctica Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…

大约1年之前 1:02:03

MP3•单集首页

Financial Modeling helps build financially successful businesses. But what if your model doesn’t match reality?!

Sarah and Producer Chelsea are discussing the importance of regularly comparing your models to your actual business outcomes, how to identify if your model doesn’t match reality (because as you’ll hear it is not always obvious!) and, of course, what to do about it.

Sarah shares a recent instance where she recognized that a founder's model and reality weren’t matching up, how a Good Food Founder identified that labor costs were higher than modeled causing profit margin and cash flow issues, and the steps she’s taking to get her business back on track.

Whether you’re a modeling expert or novice, this episode provides valuable insights for aligning your theoretical models with real-world data so you can make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and position your business for long-term success.

From Our News Segment

Stay Connected!

Instagram: @TheGoodFoodCFOYouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo

Join us in The Good Food CFO Community

147集单集

#Entrepreneur #Business #Sarah Delevan #Foodbusiness #Financial #Profit

The Good Food CFO podcast

Why Doesn’t My Model Match Reality? How to Know and What to do When Your Model isn’t Working

The Good Food CFO podcast

published 大约1年之前

MP3•单集首页

Financial Modeling helps build financially successful businesses. But what if your model doesn’t match reality?!

From Our News Segment

Farm Stops Create New Markets for Small Farms

Stay Connected!

Instagram: @TheGoodFoodCFOYouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo

Join us in The Good Food CFO Community

147集单集

#Entrepreneur #Business #Sarah Delevan #Foodbusiness #Financial #Profit

सभी एपिसोड

The Good Food CFO podcast

1
BABOYOT with Benny Blanco Tortillas: Premium Pricing, Patient Expansion, and the Secret Code of Giving 1:02:18

4天之前1:02:18

1:02:18

In this episode Sarah sits down with Christopher Hudson, the Arizona native behind Benny Blanco Tortillas. After years in food service, Christopher purchased the company in what he calls "a match made in heaven." Christopher's approach to building a business on his own terms combines premium quality ingredients with transparent sourcing, a premium pricing strategy and a willingness to say "no" to opportunities that don't make financial sense or support his vision for a thriving local food industry. In this episode you’ll hear: Why Christopher turned down a $1.2M deal and the principles guiding this decision The "almost obsession" with operational efficiency that drives profitability How building a collaborative and fun social media presence has supported his financial strategies How Benny Blanco gives back to the community with their Porcupine Project Connect with Benny Blanco Tortillas Website: Benny Blanco Tortillas Instagram: @bennyblancotorillas Join The Good Food CFO Community: Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo Become a Member: BABOYOT…

The Good Food CFO podcast

1
Beyond 51%: Determining Your TRUE Product Margins for Food Business Success 44:40

11天之前44:40

44:40

Did you hear the episode where Sarah told her client they needed 70% product margins? Were you curious why it was so much higher than the usually recommended 51%? In this episode, Sarah pulls back the curtain on how she determines the right product margins for different food businesses, and guides you to finding yours. She reveals where your P&L is hiding crucial information and walks through her "orange slice" method for visualizing what's really happening with the revenue you earn. You'll learn the importance of separating “core COGS” from “other COGS”, why so many people talk about “contribution margin”, what it is and the role it plays in determining your product margins. Through a real case study, Sarah demonstrates how breaking down these numbers guides you to your perfect product margins. This episode is your roadmap to financial clarity. Get ready to see your numbers in a whole new way! Join The Good Food CFO Community: Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo Become a Member: BABOYOT…

The Good Food CFO podcast

1
BABOYOT with People's Choice Beef Jerky: Crafting Legacy on Their Own Terms 52:00

18天之前52:00

52:00

In a world where food startups chase rapid growth and quick exits, People's Choice Beef Jerky stands as a refreshing counterexample. This Los Angeles-based company has been crafting premium meat products since 1929, and is now thriving under fourth-generation leadership. Their story offers valuable lessons for food founders looking to build sustainable, profitable businesses that can withstand the test of time. In this episode of the Good Food CFO podcast, Sarah Delevan sits down with owners and siblings Brian and Sara Bianchetti as they share all that they have learned while continuing to build a durable family business. You’ll hear Family Legacy: The Bianchetti siblings discuss how their great-grandfather's neighborhood butcher shop evolved into today's premium beef jerky company while maintaining core values of quality and personal relationships "Choose to be great, not big": Brian and Sarah share their philosophy on intentional, profitable growth versus rapid scaling Marketing Evolution: How they built their marketing strategy from scratch when taking over the family business Omnichannel Approach: Their strategic decisions about where to sell their products, with a focus on their own website for best margins and customer relationships Product Innovation: Creating unique products like their controversial Pumpkin Spice jerky and their Jerky Crisp (a protein-packed alternative to potato chips) Made in LA Coalition: Brian discusses co-founding an organization supporting local manufacturers and advocating for small businesses with policymakers Connect with People’s Choice Website: People’s Choice Beef Jerky Instagram: @pcbeefjerky LinkedIn: Brian Bianchetti LinkedIn: Sara Bianchetti Learn more about Made in LA Website: Made in LA Instagram: @madeinlacoalition LinkedIn: Made in LA coalition Join The Good Food CFO Community: Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo Become a Member: BABOYOT…

The Good Food CFO podcast

1
Community, not FOMO: Sarah Returns to Expo West After 10 Years Away 44:48

25天之前44:48

44:48

After more than 10 years away, Sarah decided to return to natural foods' biggest industry event - but why now? In this candid Season 14 opener, Sarah takes you behind the scenes of her Expo West experience, revealing what's changed, what hasn't, and whether the industry hype actually lives up to reality. The conversation also explores the striking contrast between the big business of Expo West and the Intense Conference for farmers market founders, managers and vendors Sarah attended just days later. This juxtaposition frames an honest discussion about what really matters in our food systems - from $19 imported strawberries getting social media buzz while local farmers struggle for support, to knowing when your brand is genuinely ready for distribution conversations. Whether you're curious about Expo West, contemplating if trade shows belong in your growth strategy, or simply enjoy thoughtful conversations about the natural foods industry, this episode offers Sarah's refreshingly honest perspective. Join The Good Food CFO Community: Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo Become a Member: BABOYOT…

The Good Food CFO podcast

1
Breaking the Monopoly: How Founders Can Navigate a Consolidated Market 47:58

6 weeks之前47:58

47:58

In this eye-opening episode of the Good Food CFO podcast, Sarah Delevan talks with Stacy Mitchell, co-executive director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, about the myths of market consolidation and how food founders can fight back against corporate monopolies. Stacy Mitchell is a writer, strategist, and policy advocate whose work focuses on dismantling concentrated corporate power and building thriving local economies. As co-executive director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, she has played a leading role in today's growing anti-monopoly movement and has authored influential works including "Big Box Swindle" and "Amazon's Stranglehold." You’ll hear: The Invisible Rules: How corporations have made market rules invisible, positioning us as consumers rather than citizens with power to change policies Myth-Busting: Hard evidence disproving the "bigger is better" narrative, including the North Dakota pharmacy model that outperforms corporate chains Food System Consolidation: How the suspension of the Robinson-Patman Act in 1980 allowed big retailers to demand preferential treatment, squeezing independent grocers Beyond Consumer Power: Why "voting with your dollars" is important but insufficient for creating systemic change Paths Forward: Practical actions for founders to engage with local policymakers and join the growing movement to enforce antitrust laws Signs of Hope: Recent shifts in policy approach showing how the tide is turning against unchecked consolidation More from Stacy: Institute for Local Self-Reliance "The Great Grocery Squeeze" in The Atlantic Stacy's TED Talk: "Why We Can't Shop Our Way to a Better Economy" This episode is brought to you by Settle. Settle helps you make smarter decisions, and keep your business on track to grow sustainably. Head over to settle.com/goodfood to learn how brands like Carnivore Snax use Settle to manage their cash flow and growth. Join The Good Food CFO Community: Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo Become a Member: BABOYOT…

The Good Food CFO podcast

1
Ask The Good Food CFO: Is Rent a COGS, How to Establish Channel Margins, and the Hidden Costs of Co-Packers 38:45

7 weeks之前38:45

38:45

In this special episode of The Good Food CFO podcast, we’re sharing highlights from our live Q&A session with BABOYOT members. These quarterly events are an awesome opportunity to connect with Founders and answer their most pressing financial questions. Some of the topics we tackled: Food Service vs. Wholesale Pricing: Discover why conventional wisdom about which channel is most profitable doesn't always hold true. One founder shares how running her numbers completely changed her channel strategy. The COGS “Gray Area”: Is your kitchen rental really part of your Cost of Goods Sold? Sarah provides clarity on this common question and explains her COGS philosophy for better visibility into your true business health. Hidden Costs of Co-packers & 3PLs? The best partners will be upfront and clear about all of the costs of doing business. Sarah shares specific questions to ask potential partners to avoid surprise fees signing with co-packers and 3PLs. Whether you're just starting out or looking to optimize your existing food business, this episode offers real-world solutions from Sarah and the collective wisdom of our BABOYOT community. This episode is brought to you by Settle. Settle helps you make smarter decisions, and keep your business on track to grow sustainably. Head over to settle.com/goodfood to learn how brands like Carnivore Snax use Settle to manage their cash flow and growth. Join The Good Food CFO Community: Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo Become a Member: BABOYOT…

The Good Food CFO podcast

1
Building a Profitable Business: Advice from a $400 Million Brand Founder 51:09

8 weeks之前51:09

51:09

In this episode of The Good Food CFO Podcast, Sarah Delevan shares candid insights from a recent meeting with the founder of a brand generating over $400 million in annual revenue, and doing it profitably. Through a series of powerful "sound bites" captured during their conversation, Sarah reveals how this founder's approach challenges traditional industry wisdom while delivering remarkable results. You’ll hear: Why marketing shouldn't drive your offers and how to structure profitable promotions The surprising truth about driving trial in e-commerce vs retail How to identify and grow your most profitable sales channels The real math behind hitting your gross profit margin targets Essential management reports every founder needs This episode is validation for every founder choosing to build their business on their own terms, who remains focused on consistency and doing the work, and practices patience and resilience in the face of conventional wisdom. Big News: Sarah announces our next book club selection - "BE 2.0 (Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0)" by Jim Collins and Bill Lazier. Grab your copy , and read along with us . Join the live discussion on Wednesday, April 9th at 9am PT. This episode is brought to you by Settle. Settle helps you make smarter decisions, and keep your business on track to grow sustainably. Head over to settle.com/goodfood to learn how brands like Carnivore Snax use Settle to manage their cash flow and growth. Join The Good Food CFO Community: Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo Become a Member: BABOYOT…

The Good Food CFO podcast

1
BABOYOT with Hope Lawrence of Hudson Henry Baking Co.: Building and Selling a Million Dollar Brand 1:03:32

9 weeks之前1:03:32

1:03:32

In this episode of the Good Food CFO Podcast, Sarah Delavan sits down with Hope Lawrence, founder of Hudson Henry Baking Co., who shares her remarkable journey of building a profitable granola business on her own terms. From starting with just $4,000 in her farmhouse kitchen to reaching $1.25M in annual revenue, Hope's story proves that sustainable growth and profitability are possible without outside investment. In this conversation, Hope shares: The strategic reason she chose granola Why she was laser focus on profitability from day one, and the sales channel strategy that enabled her to maintain 60% margins as the business grew Why she deliberately kept her brand regional, focusing on deeply serving stores within a 200-mile radius before ever thinking about expansion How she managed a lean team of 12 part-time employees, and the simple but game-changing decision to switch from making multiple flavors per day to just one The thoughtful process of selling her business to a values-aligned company that has maintained the brand's quality and integrity This episode is brought to you by Settle. Settle helps you make smarter decisions, and keep your business on track to grow sustainably. Head over to settle.com/goodfood to learn how brands like Carnivore Snax use Settle to manage their cash flow and growth. Join The Good Food CFO Community: Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo Become a Member: BABOYOT…

The Good Food CFO podcast

1
Pivot Tables: A Secret Weapon for Food Business Profitability 53:31

10 weeks之前53:31

53:31

In this episode, Sarah is sharing her favorite tool for quickly and easily transforming your basic data into actionable business intelligence - Pivot Tables. From helping you recognize sales patterns and trends, to identifying issues and opportunities, and seeing your customer and sales channel profitability, pivot tables are truly a secret weapon for improving your business profitability and cashflow! Tune into this episode to explore all of the valuable insights that pivot tables can provide and hear real world examples of how pivot tables helped Sarah’s clients. Learn more about our News Story: FI Spotlight: ReInventing a CPG Brand Join The Good Food CFO Community: Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo Become a Member: BABOYOT…

The Good Food CFO podcast

1
Values over Volume: Why Big Spoon Roasters is Breaking up with Big Grocery 28:51

11 weeks之前28:51

28:51

After a decade of national growth, Big Spoon Roasters made a decision that has the CPG industry talking: they're walking away from Whole Foods, UNFI, and other national grocery chains. But this isn't a story about failure – it's about what happens when a good food brand chooses values over volume. In this episode of The Good Food CFO podcast, we dive into the pivot that has founders across the industry applauding. Discover why this prestigious nut butter brand is saying goodbye to national distribution despite consistent growth, and how AI-driven pricing systems, automated forecasting, and erroneous chargebacks factored into their decision. You’ll hear about: The hidden costs of "making it" in national grocery The moment that made them say "enough" How letting go of revenue might lead to higher profits What this means for the future of craft food brands Whether you're a founder dreaming of national distribution or already navigating its challenges, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of the industry's biggest myths: that more stores automatically mean more success. Get the story straight from Big Spoon Roasters: A Spoon in the Road: Why We’re Breaking Up with Big Grocery Join The Good Food CFO Community: Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo Become a Member: BABOYOT…

The Good Food CFO podcast

1
Revolutionizing Local Food: The Story of Argus Farm Stop 54:57

12 weeks之前54:57

54:57

When Bill Brinkerhoff and his wife stumbled upon a unique store model during a college drop-off trip, they had no idea it would lead them to transform an abandoned gas station into a revolutionary market that's paid out over $22 million to local farms. In this episode, discover how Argus Farm Stop flipped the traditional retail model on its head, giving farmers 70% of sales and complete control over pricing, and hear how they navigated legal battles over egg sales (and won!), and why farmers are actually moving TO their county instead of leaving. From University of Michigan athletes using special cards to buy local produce, to working with state officials to change laws, this conversation reveals how a "crazy experiment" became a blueprint for transforming local food systems across America. Plus, find out the surprising connection between gas station architecture and the perfect farmers market layout. Whether you're a food entrepreneur, farmer, or someone who cares about building stronger local food systems, this episode shows how rethinking traditional models can create lasting change - and sustainable profits - for small farms. Connect with Argus: Website: Argus Farm Stop Instagram: @argusfarmstop Facebook: Argus Farm Stop Learn About the Farm Stop Conference ! Join The Good Food CFO Community: Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo Become a Member: BABOYOT…

The Good Food CFO podcast

1
6 Strategic Questions to Drive Personal & Business Growth 50:11

13 weeks之前50:11

50:11

Ready to dig into some questions that could transform the way you think about your business? In this episode, Sarah and Chelsea share six questions that every founder should ask themselves. They tackle everything from "If we close 100 more deals like this, will we be happy?" to "What's one thing I'm afraid to ask my team, but probably should?" Through real world examples and their own experiences, they explore how these questions can help you understand what your customers really want, when to kill a project that's not working, and how to spot (and break through!) those tricky revenue ceilings. Plus, they share some super practical tips on creating an open team culture where tough conversations can happen. Whether you're evaluating partnerships, trying to understand customer needs better, or looking to build a more transparent team environment, this episode offers insights you can put into action right away. Original Article: 25 Hard Questions Every Founder Should Ask Themselves Join The Good Food CFO Community: Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo Become a Member: BABOYOT…

The Good Food CFO podcast

1
The $20,000 Mistake: What CPG Founders Need to Know About Branding & Trademarks 55:08

14 weeks之前55:08

55:08

What’s worse? A $20,000+ legal battle, or having to completely rebrand your CPG company in 30 days? In this eye-opening episode, trademark attorney Nicole Swartz shares how losing her own brand to trademark issues led her to protect over 1,200 brands with a 99.8% success rate. Together with CPG brand strategist Kelly Bennett, they reveal their unique approach combining legal protection with strategic brand growth. Learn exactly when to trademark your brand name, what makes a name trademarkable, and why proper timing can save you tens of thousands in legal fees and rebranding costs. Whether you're testing at farmers markets or preparing for retail launch, this episode delivers crucial guidance for protecting your brand's future. Plus, get the inside scoop on Amazon's trademark requirements and some entertaining celebrity trademark drama. Connect with Bread & Butter Law! Website: Bread & Butter Instagram: @breadandbutterlaw Instagram: @sproutlaw Instagram: @withkellybennett Download their free Trademark checklist! Join The Good Food CFO Community: Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo Become a Member: BABOYOT…

The Good Food CFO podcast

1
BABOYOT with Sarah Nathan of Nooish: How an Industry Veteran Created a Buzz-Worthy and Profitable Product 52:50

15 weeks之前52:50

52:50

Meet Sarah Nathan, founder of Nooish, who transformed traditional Jewish matzo ball soup into an instant comfort food sensation. On this episode of The Good Food CFO podcast, Nathan shares how her decade of experience in CPG and deep roots in Jewish culinary culture led her to invent freeze-dried matzo balls - a culinary breakthrough that turns an hours-long cooking process into a 2.5-minute preparation. Beyond the innovation, she reveals how authenticity in branding and patience during development helped Nooish become a runaway success in the gifting market, particularly resonating with parents sending comfort to college students. Nathan's candid insights about pricing, growth strategy, and building a sustainable business make this episode essential listening for food entrepreneurs looking to create both meaningful products and profitable brands. Connect with Sarah Nathan: Website: Nooish Instagram: @nooishfoods TikTok: @nooishfoods LinkedIn: nathansarah Join The Good Food CFO Community: Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo Become a Member: BABOYOT…

The Good Food CFO podcast

1
Grateful & Growing: Saying Goodbye to Where This All Began 13:30

18 weeks之前13:30