Shows
Startup ConfidentialEpisode 140 - Rapid Growth Is Not For Everyone w/Sarah DelevanIt’s time for a contrarian view. Most founders in CPG should not be focused on rapid growth. It is far easier to create a stable, satisfying seven-figure CPG business if you let go of a need to scale (and grow fast to get there). In this episode, Sarah and I explore the key financial math that forces your hand as a founder. Do you really want to pursue rapid growth? E-mail Sarah at : hello@thegoodfoodcfo.com Website: thegoodfoodcfo.comInstagram: @thegoodfoodcfo YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfoLinkedIn: @Sarah DelevanYour Host: Dr...2025-04-1521 min
The Good Food CFO podcastBABOYOT with People's Choice Beef Jerky: Crafting Legacy on Their Own TermsIn 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.2025-03-3151 min
Emerging Brands PodcastThe Good Food CFOSarah Delevan is a Financial Consultant, podcast host, and “good food” advocate with over 15 years experience building and supporting regional and sustainable food systems. As the Founder and CEO of Sarah Delevan Consulting, and The Good Food CFO, Sarah’s work over the last 10 years has focused on supporting mission-driven food businesses, farmers, ranchers and fishers in achieving profitability and financial sustainability to secure their much needed place within our food system. At the heart of all of her work is a belief that access to real food is a right, not a privilege. She is also committed to educating...2025-03-1031 min
The Good Food CFO podcastBreaking the Monopoly: How Founders Can Navigate a Consolidated MarketIn 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...2025-03-1047 min
The Good Food CFO podcastBuilding a Profitable Business: Advice from a $400 Million Brand FounderIn 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 pro...2025-02-2451 min
Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations100th Episode Special - Christmas Chaos RaccoonWelcome to a special milestone episode of Wicked Problems - Climate Tech Conversations! In this 100th episode, hosts Richard Delevan and Peter Schwartzstein reflect on a tumultuous yet transformative 2024, joined by a host of friends and contributors from the climate tech and advocacy world. Together, they share personal highlights, challenges, and their hopes for 2025. Here's what to expect:Highlights from the Episode:Reflections on 2024: Peter celebrates the release of his long-awaited book, while Richard ponders the year's most maddening moments, including political turmoil and the slow pace of global climate action.Guest Spotlights:Adam Bell (Stonehaven) ce...2024-12-2626 min
Ranchonomics23. How Does Gross Margin Affect Cash Flow with Sarah DelevanHost John Haskell welcomes back Sarah Delavan to continue the conversation on profit margins. We are delving into the impacts of gross margin on cash flow and strategies for reaching higher margins. We discuss the importance of maintaining a cash runway and the role of channel strategies in determining profitability. Sarah shares insight into the intricacies of managing debt effectively and the importance of price strategy and product mix to get the most amount of revenue.Be sure to listen to Part 1 of this conversation: Episode 22: Let's Talk Gross Profit Margins with Sarah DelevanSarah...2024-12-1025 min
The Good Food CFO podcastA Fresh Take on Planning for the New Year: Why Looking Back is the Secret to Moving ForwardIn this must-listen season finale, Sarah Delevan flips the script on typical year-end planning by exploring why looking back is crucial before looking ahead. Inspired by an Office Hours member's approach to evaluating progress, Sarah reveals how understanding your past performance in context can transform your decision-making. She challenges the "bigger is better" mindset, explaining why sometimes declining revenue in certain channels can actually signal success. Through real-world examples, Sarah demonstrates how to conduct an effective year-end review - from analyzing specific metrics that matter for your unique goals to understanding why some goals weren't achieved (and why that's...2024-12-0947 minRanchonomics22. Let's Talk Gross Profit Margins with Sarah DelevanIn this episode of the Ranchonomics Podcast, host John Haskell is joined by Sarah Delevan to discuss gross profit margins and sustaining a growing business. We explore how borrowing and debt play essential roles in the early stages of a business and discuss strategies for growth without increasing debt. Sarah also shares insights into pricing strategies, cash flow management, and the importance of maintaining profitability to fuel mission-driven progress.Sarah Delevan is a Food Industry Finance Expert and champion of the Good Food Revolution, with deep expertise in small business economics and sustainable food systems. Known for...2024-12-0319 min
Wicked Problems - Climate Tech ConversationsThe Solar Age, with The Economist's Hal HodsonIn today's episode we have two insightful interviews that explore the frontiers of clean energy and the political landscapes shaping its future.Sign up for our UK election night livestream on 4th July at 9pm UK time with a great panel including Sarah Mackintosh, Rupert Read, Prashant Rao, Ben Cooke and more.Part 1: Hal Hodson, Americas Editor of The EconomistHal Hodson discusses his recent deep dive into solar energy, exploring the rapid advancements and exponential growth in the sector. He emphasises the importance of solar energy in the global e...2024-07-0144 min
Wicked Problems - Climate Tech ConversationsClimateX $18m A round for adaptation; London Climate Week; Political RiskRichard Delevan reports from London Climate Week 2024. Starting at the Groucho Club, he brings listeners to the flagship event at the ExCel, showcasing the vibrancy of the climate tech sector. He highlights interviews with key industry leaders including Duncan Reid of Reset Connect, Sarah Mackintosh of Clean Tech UK, and Lukky Ahmed, CEO of ClimateX, who discusses their recent $18 million funding round.Wicked Problems is member-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Ahmed explains how ClimateX focuses on helping financial institutions integrate climate risk into their mo...2024-06-2650 min
Food Business Success® with Sari KimbellEp #197 Right Sizing Your Business with Sarah DelevanSarah Delevan, a CPG profitability expert and host of the Good Food CEO podcast, and I have an engaging conversation about what it takes to create a sustainable businesses on your terms. We discuss the essential financial strategies and the intentional approaches founders need to build successful ventures including what your COGS need to be and right sizing the business based on your goals.To watch our conversation, go to the YouTube video here.Breaking down product margin video (why 50% margin isn't enough long term)Getting out of retail episode🎄The Hol...2024-06-0452 min
The Good Food CFO podcastAsk The Good Food CFO: How to Establish a Marketing Budget, Tips for Increasing Margin, and Clarifying Debt vs. Equity FundingYou’ve got questions The Good Food CFO has answers! In this episode, Sarah Delevan, The Good Food CFO is answering financial and business questions submitted by our BABOYOT members, and offering live coaching to member Chris Gilmour, Co-Founder of Wild Muskoka Botanicals. Sarah answers: What is the difference between Debt and Equity funding? I know I need to increase my margin, but where do I start? How do I create a marketing budget for my new retail opportunities? D...2024-06-0355 min
Food Biz Wiz243. How to Avoid the Most Common Food Biz Finance PitfallsDownload the Food Biz Wiz Listener Guide and make the most out of our 250 episode library! Get our curated playlists of top episodes on sales pitches, wholesale buyers, founder mindset, marketing, and more. Fast track your learning by downloading our free Listener Guide HERE.
Online, on TV, and from your next door neighbor, you’ll hear tons of financial advice for your business. “Avoid debt at all costs.” “You need to spend money to make money.” “Advisors from Fortune 500 companies will always know better than you.” It can be confusing to say the least!
In this episode...2024-05-0258 min
The Good Food CFO podcastClarifying COGS: The Only Calculation You Need, the Industry “Rules” to Break, and the Financial Impact They CreateIn this episode, The Good Food CFO, Sarah Delevan breaks down the concept of cost of goods sold (COGS) and its importance in understanding the financial health of your business. We explore the differences between accrual-based accounting and cash-based accounting, and how each method affects the calculation of COGS. We also clarify the distinction between unit COGS and business COGS, and the significance of knowing both. Then Sarah shares the industry “rules” that she breaks, like including overhead in COGS and emphasizes the importance of keeping COGS elements separate. You...2024-03-0440 min
Ecomm Marketing with the PitbullsMust-Have KPIs for E-Comm Businesses: Insights from Sarah Delevan of the Good Food CFO PodcastSarah Delevan, host of the Good Food CFO Podcast, joins us to delve into the crucial role of financial sustainability in good food businesses. Drawing on her dual expertise as a specialty food buyer and a business owner, Sarah discusses the intersection of mission-driven food production and sound financial strategies. From managing margins to strategic promotions, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for any food or e-comm business looking to thrive.This episode originally aired on our YouTube channel on September 1, 2022.What we discussed:(01:00) The mission of...2023-12-2143 min
Tent TalkEp 265: Best of: The Best Time for Sponsor Outreach This week's episode is made possible by support from Sarah Delevan Consulting. 2023-11-0131 min
The Good Food CFO podcastThe Good Food CFO Book ClubSarah Delevan is an avid reader, committed to reading at least one book a month. Those around her know when the current read is a good one, because she won’t stop talking about it! This inspired us to create The Good Food CFO Book Club. In this episode, Sarah and Chelsea share all the details on the Book Club, and announce the very first book, Stolen Focus by Johann Hari. You’ll hear: How the Book Club will work Why Sarah chose Stolen Focus as the first b...2023-10-3040 min
PAVED PodcastProfiting From Strategic Q4 Planning and Holiday Season Forecasting with Sarah DelevanYou may recognize today's guest! We are welcoming Sarah Delevan, also known as the Good Food CFO, back on our show today! You may be thinking, What the heck are you doing producing content about Q4 and holidays? but trust us, the time to start planning is now! In today's conversation, Sarah breaks down her 3 rules of thumb when planning for a successful holiday season. This information is valuable for all year round, not just Q4 or the holidays! Grab a pen and paper and get ready to take notes, followed by action...2023-09-1335 min
PAVED PodcastThe Importance of Understanding Your Business Cash Flow with Sarah DelevanToday we are joined by Sarah Delevan, also known as the Good Food CFO. Sarah is a food business consultant specializing in all things related to operating a food business, from profit, understanding your cash flow, creating financial systems, co-packers, recipe scaling, our hype women, mentor, and so much more! We hired Sarah to be our CFO, and she helped us make strides in our business in such a short amount of time. Her expertise has come from her past experience as a food business owner and wor...2023-06-281h 10
The Good Food CFO podcastRethinking Cash FlowAre you struggling to understand your cash flow? Have you ever thought “How can I scale my production without taking on more debt?” In this episode, Sarah is answering that question and rethinking how we talk about, and understand cash flow in food businesses. She will break down everything you need to know in order to grow your business sustainably, while still working toward your goal of profitability. Sarah is sharing: Key terms for understanding your cash flow Exactly how your gross profit margin relates to your cash flow How to understand the impact of yo...2022-11-0723 min
The Food Means Business PodcastUnderstanding Your Numbers with Sarah DelevanSarah Delevan is the host of The Good Food CFO Podcast and the founder of Sarah Delevan Consulting, a Financial Consulting Firm helping mission-driven food business owners achieve financial sustainability and profitability without compromising their values. Sarah's background in Operations Management and Finance, and her experience as a Good Food Business Owner and Specialty Buyer inform her unique and proven approach to aiding business owners to understand their numbers and create a clear path to profitability.During this episode of The Food Means Business Podcast, we discuss:Sarah’s childhood dreams of becoming a business woman, her...2022-11-0229 min
The Good Food CFO podcastBreaking Down Cash vs Accrual Accounting with Danielle HaydenThere has been a lot of talk recently about the ”need” to implement accrual accounting instead of cash accounting if you are, or plan to be, seeking investment for your Good Food Business. In this episode, Sarah is joined by Danielle Hayden, Founder and CEO of Kickstart Accounting - an accounting firm designed to help female entrepreneurs understand their financials in order to grow their businesses and become more profitable. Sarah and Danielle are breaking down cash and accrual accounting, and why the method you choose matters to your business. You’ll hear:2022-10-2444 min
The Good Food CFO podcastBuilding a Business on Your Own Terms with Emily WinstonAs a native to New Jersey, Emily Winston always looked forward to the days when her father would bring home H&H bagels after a long day of business in New York. After moving to the west coast and learning that H&H went out of business in 2011, Emily was devastated and became determined to recreate the bagel that she remembered cherishing as a kid. After 5 years of trial and error, Boichik Bagels was born. Today, Emily joins Sarah on the podcast to share how she is building a bagel empire on her own terms. Fr...2022-10-101h 05
The Good Food CFO podcastDisrupting Food Service with Kim BrydenIf you have been following along with The Good Food Revolution, you know that I recently asked this community of Good Food Founders where they feel knowledgeable and confident in building a business on their own terms, and what they want to learn more about. There was a resounding response that you want to know more about alternative and unconventional sales channels. You want to know what’s beyond the retail store, and you were most interested in learning about Food Service. In this episode, I’m joined by Kim Bryden, the Founder and CEO of Cureate - an...2022-09-2650 min
The Good Food CFO podcastHow to Make the Most of Your Google Ad Spend with Andy JanaitisIf building a business on your own terms includes selling your products via your brand’s own website, and you want to drive traffic to your site, this is the episode for you! Today, Sarah is joined by Andy Janaitis, the founder and chief strategist of PPC Pitbulls, to discuss the digital marketing space, and how to determine if Google Ads is the right fit for your business. Andy has over 10 years of agency experience in the digital space, across several industries and now focuses on creating custom digital marketing strategies and driving measurable results for...2022-09-1233 minTent TalkThe best time for sponsor outreachTime flies when you’re having fun and somehow we’re already wrapping up the third quarter of 2022! Because we've only got a couple months left in the year, this week on Tent Talk we're chatting about what market managers should be doing to make 2023 even better: budgeting and sponsor outreach! In this episode we discuss the importance of budgeting for your market and why you should be connecting with potential sponsors now, rather than waiting for "charitable giving" season. We also give you some helpful tips on the most effective ways to reach out to sponsors. Listen along and...2022-09-1230 min
Business By The Books with Danielle HaydenEP 61- Financials in the Food Industry with Sarah DelevanSarah Delevan is a Food Business Financial Consultant, host of The Good Food CFO Podcast, and CEO of Sarah Delevan Consulting where she helps entrepreneurs in the food industry gain financial sustainability and success. In this episode, Sarah talks about her role as a CFO and how businesses in the food industry can set themselves up for long term financial success. In this episode, Sarah also discusses: Sarah’s background and her start as an entrepreneur 1:12 How her own personal mission led to her business venture 3:00 Lessons...2022-08-3043 min
The Good Food CFO podcastBuilding a Business on Your Own Terms with Brady DeLong Today on the podcast, Sarah is joined by Brady DeLong. He is an 8-year veteran of the Natural CPG space, building Hen of the Woods as their COO and National Sales Director. Brady is sharing some key lessons he and his team have learned over the last 8 years. His story includes: The company’s early growth strategy, and how it evolved How they recovered from inequitable deals What they learned from navigating distribution and sales channels How they currently analyze every opportunity and determine if it’s a yes or a no-go. Brady has never been one...2022-08-2958 minTent TalkSarah Delevan on profit-first budgeting for farmers market businessesThis week on Tent Talk we welcome back Sarah Delevan of Sarah Delevan Consulting and the Good Food CFO podcast. We first spoke with Sarah on Tent Talk back in 2018 and since then she’s presented numerous times at our annual InTents Conference, sharing her experience as a financial coach with a knack for understanding, diagnosing, and improving the financial performance of food businesses. In this episode Sarah makes a strong case for adopting a profit-first approach to budgeting for farmers market businesses. We also discuss some of the common financial mistakes small business owners make, why mission-driven businesses sh...2022-08-1544 min
The Good Food CFO podcastWelcome to the RevolutionWhere do we go from here? We ended Season 4 of the Podcast calling for change in the Food Industry, and you answered that call. From posting on social media, flooding our inbox, and even joining our first ever Good Food CFO Fireside Chat; you let your voice be heard. The Good Food Revolution has arrived. As we begin a new season, the biggest questions are: What now? How do we continue to disrupt? How do we create REAL CHANGE? And how do we move this revolution forward together? These are the questions Sarah ponders on...2022-08-1513 min
The Good Food CFO podcastI Can No Longer Stay QuietThe Food Industry is broken. Good Food Founders have the power to change that. Today on the Podcast Sarah speaks straight from the heart; discussing the truth about the current state of the Food Industry, and how it is rigged against small, mission driven food businesses. But she doesn’t stop there; she provides insight into how to create meaningful and equitable systemic change. This is the Good Food Revolution. If you have felt the effects of this broken system on your business, and wondered what options you have to take a stand against inequity, th...2022-08-0128 min
The Good Food CFO podcastSarah's 3-Step Financial Decision Making ProcessOwning and operating a good food business comes with an endless number of decisions that need to be made each day. Among them, big financial decisions cause the most stress, and the most regret if things don’t pan out how you hoped. Whether you’re in the midst of making a big financial decision, or want to prepare for the next one that will inevitably come your way, we’ve got you covered! Today on the podcast, Sarah is sharing her three step financial decision making process: Remember Your Business Objectives Determine if the inve...2022-07-1114 min
The Good Food CFO podcastBenefits of Brand Strategy Beyond Revenue Growth with Asha ModyIn this episode Sarah is joined by Asha Mody, a certified brand strategist, award-winning designer and the founder and Chief Brand Officer of Mindsy. Asha sheds light on how your brand strategy not only serves to reach customers and boost revenue, but also creates clarity, alignment and a clear direction for your business internally- from the CEO, to the CFO, and to customer facing teams - increasing your ROI and profitability. Asha also shares four reasons for building a strong brand and how creating a mindful roadmap will help you achieve: Customer Growth Customer...2022-06-2758 minTent TalkMax Petrich on leaping into CPG via farmers marketsThis week on Tent Talk we're joined by Max Petrich, Vendor-101 grad and founder of San Diego Tempeh. Max sells his soy-free fermented products at farmers markets in San Diego and has also built a thriving wholesale business. After a brief hiatus from farmers markets, he’s back with a banging new display and a spring in his step! In this episode we hear the story behind San Diego Tempeh and how Max and his team are pushing full steam ahead into the wholesale game. We also chat about the benefits of taking a temporary break from markets to av...2022-06-2738 min
The Good Food CFO podcastCreating Product Pages that Sell with Anna BradshawWe have had brand experts, social media + ad experts, and a Shopify expert on our show to discuss attracting your audience, getting them to your website, and even what target conversion rates and Average Cart Value look like for good food brands, but the missing link has been HOW we convert our website visitors to customers, until now… Today on the podcast Sarah is joined by Anna Bradshaw, a copywriter and content strategist specializing in website copy and email marketing for CPG brands. Anna’s approach combines data-driven research with a proven copywriting process to creat...2022-06-1332 min
The Good Food CFO podcastHow to Maximize Your Event ROI with Lindsay O’DonnellTrade shows are an important part of building a good food business, but just being there isn’t going to create a return on your investment. Making the most out of your tradeshow experience takes more than just being there. Today on the podcast, Sarah is joined by Lindsay O’Donnell - she is the owner and founder of Piquant Marketing. A digital marketing agency of visionaries, creatives, and marketers who grow food brands ready to change the world. Whether it be social media, content creation, online ads, branding, and design, or influencer marketing, Piquant believes in build...2022-05-3035 min
The Good Food CFO podcastUsing Data to Individualize Your Audience with Shannon Hiller-WebbWe’re celebrating small business month all month long, and this week we’re back with another bonus episode! Each mini-episode will feature the owner of a small business in the world of Good Food sharing their experiences and “aha” moments. Today on the show I’m joined by Shannon Hiller-Webb, the Principal of Prosparus, a marketing and operational strategy consulting agency guiding businesses to their next level of prosperity. In this episode she’ll be discussing how collecting data can help you customize and personalize your content and marketing strategy to your audience. How reflecting on...2022-05-2308 min
The Good Food CFO podcastBuilding a Business on Your Own Terms with Skyler MapesThe moment that sparks an idea for a business can start anywhere. The stories and the people behind small businesses are what makes them unique and authentic. But, building a business from an idea into a success, takes planning, structure, facing challenges, dedication and a clear vision. Today on the podcast Sarah is joined by Skyler Mapes, the co-founder of EXAU Olive Oil, an Internationally recognized award-winning olive oil company based in Calabria Italy. Skyler is an amazing female founder who is shaping her business and career on her own terms. In this e...2022-05-1646 min
The Good Food CFO podcastAdjusting Your Quarters to Fit Your Business with Ashley SutterfieldMay is Small Business month, and we’re celebrating by bringing you bonus episodes all month long! Each mini-episode will feature the owner of a small business in the world of Good Food sharing their experiences and “aha” moments. Today, Ashley Sutterfield, CEO and owner of Sage is joining Sarah to discuss how she thinks about her business’ calendar year, and how a similar shift in thinking could look for other small business owners. It was an “aha” moment that inspired Sarah, and may help you build your business on your own terms. If you’re a small busin...2022-05-0919 min
The Good Food CFO podcastBuilding a Business on Your Own Terms with Sarah MarshallMay is Small Business Month and to celebrate we invited Sarah Marshall, Founder and Creator of Marshall’s Haute Sauce, author of Preservation Pantry : Modern Canning From Root to Top & Stem to Core, and Co-host of the Meaningful Marketplace Podcast to the show to share how she built her business. Sarah founded her good food business in 2011, sourcing ingredients from local farmers, producing her sauces by hand, and building relationships through farmer’s market and community events. From a very early stage Sarah considered how the numbers shaped what role she wanted to play within her bu...2022-05-0252 minTent TalkSadie Scheffer on finding your own definition of successOur guest this week is Sadie Scheffer, CEO and founder of Bread SRSLY. Sadie launched her gluten-free sourdough company in her home kitchen in San Francisco back in 2011. While her initial business plan was focused on selling direct at farmers markets in the Bay Area, after giving it a few goes, Sadie decided the market life wasn't for her. Listen along as we chat about gluten-free baking, farmers market trial and error, and how to find your own version of success. This week's episode is made possible by support from Sarah Delevan Consulting.2022-04-1142 min
The Good Food CFO podcastHow to Scale Your Production with Ashley SutterfieldThere is no one-size-fits all production solution for Good Food Businesses. But there are considerations that will help you make the right decision for yours. Ashley Sutterfield is back on the podcast! She is the founder and director of Sage Expert, formerly Metzger & Roth, which she founded after seeing food entrepreneurs constantly struggling to understand when and what to do to grow their businesses, Ashley and her team offer empathy-based food production coaching that helps food brands understand their production options so they can get the answers they need to feel empowered to act. 2022-04-0437 min
The Good Food CFO podcastCreating Financial Workflows for Strategic GrowthToday on the podcast we’re talking about Financial Workflows. Exciting, right?! It really is, and you’re about to find out why! Creating smart financial workflows is your ticket to a smooth bookkeeping process, clear monthly financial reporting, and sales data that you can cut and slice any way you’d like - helping you forecast sales and make informed strategic and financial decisions. In this Episode Sarah is sharing: 4 Goals a Financial Workflow can achieve for your Good Food Business How to start building your Financial Workflow What data in your work...2022-03-2118 min
The Good Food CFO podcast“Real Revenue” - What is it? And Why is it SO Important?Today on the podcast, we’re going to geek out on a couple of financial terms and the numbers behind them. We’re talking about “Real Revenue” - What is it? And Why is it SO Important? Today Sarah is sharing: What “Real Revenue” IS What “Real Revenue” ISN’T 3 Primary Goals “Real Revenue” Should Achieve How a Profit Assessment Can Show You if Your Real Revenue is Working for You Without a healthy “Real Revenue” number it’s difficult if not impossible to achieve financial sustainability and profitability within your business. Do you know your Real Revenue number? 2022-03-0712 min
The Good Food CFO podcastBudgeting vs ForecastingToday on the podcast we’re talking about Budgeting and Forecasting - What is the difference? And do you REALLY need both for your food business? Spoiler Alert! The answer is Yes. In this Episode of Sarah is sharing: What Financial Forecasting Helps You See & the Questions it Answers How Financial Projections and Budgeting Work Hand-in-Hand How Budgeting Creates Financial Ease and Confidence Real-Life Client Wins, thanks to Budgeting If you have questions about creating financial plans, or a budget for your business Join us in the Profitable Food Business Community F...2022-02-0711 min
The Good Food CFO podcast4 Steps to Your Most Profitable YearHere on the Good Food CFO Podcast we want you to have your most profitable year yet, so today on the podcast we’re sharing 4-Steps to make that happen. We’re covering a lot of information in today’s episode, from setting clear goals, understanding your finances and everything in between as well as tools and processes to support you throughout your profitable food business journey. Grab your favorite note-taking device, we’re getting right to it! Get your YNAB 34 day free trial here: YNAB Free Trial Follow along on Instagram...2022-01-2410 min
The Good Food CFO podcastFinancial Benefits of Having a Clear Mission, Vision + ValuesAs a business owner you may have heard of these three important words “mission, vision and values”. Do you have them defined for your brand? Have you thought about what they can do for your business? Having these three areas defined in your business can do so much if you use them the right way and share them with your consumers. Defining who you are as a brand takes time and thoughtfulness, don’t leave it up on a shelf. Consumers want to know! Today on the podcast Sarah is joined by Felice Thorpe, founder of Felice Foods...2022-01-1037 min
The Good Food CFO podcastAre there Financial Benefits of a Shopify Site?Should I sell my product on my website or should I sell my product on Shopify? If you’re a CPG brand it’s pretty likely you’ve asked yourself that question. If you still aren’t sure, today’s episode may provide the answers you need to help you make a decision. In this episode Sarah is joined by Chase Clymer, Co-founder of Electric Eye, an agency that increases sales for ecommerce brands.Chase is also the host of Honest Ecommerce, a weekly podcast, community & educational resource providing online store owners with honest, actionable advice to...2021-12-2734 min
The Good Food CFO podcastCosts, Benefits + How to Make the Most of Your Organic CertificationToday on the podcast Sarah is joined by Ellen Rawley, founder of Ellen Rawley Creative & Strategy where she helps farms and food businesses launch & grow profitable product lines. Her go-to-market services include organic and food safety compliance, grant writing, and product strategy. Since founding her business in 2016 Ellen has secured $800,000 in grant funding for budding farm businesses, and helped launch countless products - many of which have been featured in the debut of Martha Stewart’s American Made Shop, Food & Wine Magazine, and Oprah’s list of favorite things. Her work has been recognized through speak...2021-12-1346 min
Honest Ecommerce149 | How to Add Success to Your Financial Formula | with Sarah DelevanSarah is the CEO of Sarah Delevan Consulting and host of The Good Food CFO Podcast. A former good food business owner and buyer, Sarah has a talent for understanding, diagnosing, and improving the financial performance of food businesses. From the ingredient sourcing, to product and menu pricing, to building scalable systems for long term success, she’s able to see what’s going on in a business’s day-to-day operations just as clearly as she can see the big picture. After years of building proven, repeatable methods and systems, she founded Sarah Delevan C...2021-11-2934 min
The Good Food CFO podcastTips for a Profitable Holiday Season (or any season!)Today on the podcast Sarah is sharing some of her top tips for a profitable holiday season - or any season! We’re talking about how to build profitable product bundles, determining the best sales and discount values for your business, and more. Sarah is sharing actionable tips that can be put in place before the busiest shopping season of the year and will benefit you all year long including: 3 Steps for Creating Profitable Product Bundles How to price discounted and “on sale” products Important considerations when discounting your products This is a busy time of year...2021-11-0109 min
The Good Food CFO podcastStrategy, Budget + ROI Tracking with UMAI MarketingIf you’ve been unsure how much of your budget to allocate to marketing, how to track your efforts, and how to make informed decisions regarding your efforts and your spending - you don’t want to miss this episode! Today on the podcast Sarah is joined by Alison Smith and Karin Samelson, co-founders of UMAI Marketing - a boutique, Austin-based marketing agency that scales CPG brands.They are well known in the industry for their “Core 3 Method” which focuses on Organic Social, Paid Social and Email Marketing, and in this episode they are sharing: The im...2021-10-1851 min
Honest Ecommerce142 | Fostering Relationships is Your Secret Superpower | with Sadie SchefferSadie Scheffer (she/her) is the founder and CEO of Bread SRSLY, a gluten-free and vegan sourdough bread company in Berkeley, CA. On this podcast, we talk about mindsets you should have for delegating, how fostering reciprocity brings you success, why you should create brand values, and so much more! To learn more, visit: http://honestecommerce.co Resources: Buy gluten-free sourdough bread breadsrsly.com Connect with Sadie linkedin.com/in/sadie-scheffer-9846696a Sign up for Retail Ready by Allison Ball alliball.com/waitlist Get food business coaching and consulting with Sarah Delevan s...2021-10-1133 min
The Good Food CFO podcastHow to Create a Profitable Shipping OfferAs we approach the holiday season and expect to see increases in online shopping, now is a great time to check in on your shipping offer and ensure that you’re maximizing profitability while benefiting your customers. An enticing shipping offer can be helpful in securing online sales, but you need to make sure that your offer isn’t negatively impacting your margins and that it's helping, not hurting, your efforts to build a profitable food business. In this episode Sarah is discussing the ongoing impacts Covid-19 has had on online shopping, customer expectations and shippi...2021-10-0415 min
The Good Food CFO podcastThe Financial Benefits of Slowing DownToday on the podcast we’re going back to basics and Sarah is sharing her #1 piece of advice for food business owners - Slow Down. We’re challenging the belief that profitability comes only by doing more and selling more. The truth is that consistent cash flow and profitability come when you've got a profitable framework in place and you're setting and achieving the right goals for your business. Sarah is also sharing 3 Real-Life examples of business owner’s slowing down and the financial impacts it had on their business. We’d LOVE to hea...2021-09-0612 minFood Biz Wiz107. 4 Steps to Implement Profit First in Your CPG businessDownload the Food Biz Wiz Listener Guide and make the most out of our 250 episode library! Get our curated playlists of top episodes on sales pitches, wholesale buyers, founder mindset, marketing, and more. Fast track your learning by downloading our free Listener Guide HERE.
Today’s Food Biz Wiz guest is Good Food CFO and founder of Sarah Delevan Consulting, Sarah Delevan. Sarah and her team at Sarah Delevan Consulting help good food businesses across the country achieve financial sustainability and profitability.
In this show, we’ll talk through:
Wha...2021-08-1949 min
UMAI Social Circle#20 Financial Planning Success with The Good Food CFOThe Good Food CFO, Sarah Delevan, breaks down the best processes and strategies for creating and implementing a stand-out financial model that will help your business become more profitable.
2021-08-1957 min
The Good Food CFO podcastProfit First :: Will It Work for Your Food Business?You started a business to do good, create change, and earn a living doing something you love... No matter what your WHY is, Financial Sustainability and Profitability ensures that it becomes and remains a reality. Profit First is a national best selling book and Cash Flow Management strategy utilized by businesses across countless industries - from dentist offices to construction firms to real estate agencies to cross-fit gyms - and everything in between. Many of you have been asking… Will Profit First Work For Your Good Food Business?! Today on the podcast Sarah is sharing: 2021-07-1222 min
The Good Food CFO podcastHow to Improve Your ROI on RangeMe with Georgiana DearingGetting your product in front of the right buyers is one of the biggest challenges for CPG brands. While there are multiple platforms to assist brands in getting noticed, they don’t come without nuances and learning how to make the most of them can be complicated and time consuming. Today on the show we’re talking to Georgiana Dearing, RangeME expert and founder of Water Street Marketing for Manufacturers, to learn how to get noticed and make sales with your RangeMe profile. In this Episode Georgiana shares: -What is Ran...2021-06-2846 min
The Good Food CFO podcastBuilding a Team with Kira La ForgiaDon’t wait until you’re drowning in tasks to hire help! And rethink that strategy for saving money by hiring contractors… Kira La Forgia, founder of Paradigm Consulting - the go-to People Operations resource for business owners ready to protect, streamline, and scale their businesses - joins Sarah for a candid conversation about growing your team. In this episode Kira’s sharing: When it’s the right time to hire How to determine what position to hire for first, or next (she’s got a free quiz too!) Her 4 Paradigm Pillars Contractors vs. Employees a...2021-06-1447 min
The Good Food CFO podcastTracking Amazon + Shopify Financials to Improve ProfitabilitySelling your product online is a great way to reach potential customers nationwide and almost every food and beverage business that I work with does. But, how do you know if your online sales are profitable? If you can’t answer that question with confidence, you’re not alone. Nine out of ten business owners are unclear on how to gather financial details from the online platforms they sell through, and how to record them in Quickbooks. And, if you don’t have the data, you may not have the profitability you think you do. In this...2021-05-3113 min
The Good Food CFO podcastAmazon Costs, Profit Margin Benchmarks + More!Not seeing profits on Amazon? Unsure if the Amazon marketplace is right for your brand, or how to make the most of it? You’re not alone! In this episode, Sarah is joined by Alexander Johnson, Founder of Mixt Solutions - a turnkey solution for brands of all sizes to optimize their Amazon presence. Alexander is laying out the Costs + Realities of selling on Amazon! In this episode we cover: Determine the RIGHT time to utilize Amazon for your business All the fees associated with selling your products on Amazon...2021-05-1752 min
Good Food Marketing with The Virginia FoodieTalking Money with The Good Food CFO | Sarah DelevanDo you ever wonder if you’re selling your products at the right price? If you have ever Googled what your target profit margin should be, you have probably realized that those figures have been calculated for restaurants and not necessarily “good” food businesses. Not only do good food businesses undervalue their products, but they also miscalculate the true cost of labor and often find themselves struggling to turn a profit.Today’s guest, Sarah Delevan, understands all too well that more sales don’t necessarily equal more profits (or any profits at all). Sarah, also known as The Goo...2021-05-1340 min
The Good Food CFO podcastCo-packer Costs w/ Ashley SutterfieldScaling a food + beverage business often requires outsourcing your manufacturing to a Co-packer, and if you’re new to the industry there is a lot to learn! Ashley Sutterfield, CEO of Metzger & Roth joins Sarah in this episode to help you clear on the process and (you guessed it) costs of partnering with a Co-packer. In this episode Ashley covers: When it’s the right time to partner with a Co-packer Keys to creating a long-term relationship with your co-packer The Co-packer selection + onboarding process Costs + Options for Developing your Product Formulation How Per Unit C...2021-05-0356 min
The Good Food CFO podcastGet "Capital Ready" in 10 Steps with Michael MovitzThinking about raising capital? Wondering which type of investment is right for you + your business? Want to make sure you’re well prepared to meet potential investors? This week’s guest MichaeI Movitz will help you get clear on all othat, and more! Michael is the founder of The Movitz Group and founding partner of Brandjectory, an online platform that helps early stage CPG founders and investors discover each other, connect, share information, and build momentum before, during and after a capital raise. In this episode of the Good Food CFO Michael shares… :: Th...2021-04-1950 min
Meaningful Marketplace Podcast#74 She Doesn't Wear a Cape or Fly, but She's a Real Superhero - Sarah Delevan, The Good Food CFOSometimes podcasts hosts all get together for a show, and that’s the case for today’s episode. Sarah Delevan, founder and owner of The Good Food CFO, also hosts her own Podcast show “The Good CFO”. For six wonderful years, Sarah was a buyer, responsible for sourcing the BEST ingredients from California farmers, ranchers, and fisherman. She spent her time in markets and in the fields, sampling the best food and tastes in the world, and loved it. But she had an even bigger love: Building spreadsheets and as she says in her website, “sitting at my desk - deep in...2021-03-3047 min
The Good Food CFO podcastADVICE FOR A SUCCESSFUL CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGNStarting a food business takes money. Bootstrapping, taking out a line of credit, and pitching to investors are not the only routes to funding your business! Elizabeth Eichhorn says that Crowdfounding is a great alternative to these traditional routes, and in fact she recommends it! In this Episode of the Good Food CFO Podcast... Why Crowdfunding is a great first step for funding your business (instead of credit cards, bank loans and outside investors) Elizabeth’s advice for a successful crowdfunding campaign The importance of knowing your target market, and making them part of your n...2021-03-2240 min
The Good Food CFO podcastHow to Plan + Budget for a Successful Marketing CampaignMarketing can be a significant expense for growing food businesses - from reaching new customers, to encourage repeat business, to costs associated with acquiring new wholesale customers, the list goes on… so you want to be sure you’re investing in the right places and that your investments are making an impact on your bottom line! In this episode of The Good Food CFO Sarah is joined by Christie Lee, founder of Nourishing Foods Marketing to discuss how to identify the right marketing strategy + tactics for your business, including… What is a Marketing Strategy, and why is it im...2021-03-1543 min
The Good Food CFO podcastFounder Story: Pittston Ketchup Co.The Pittston Ketchup Co. was born out of a desire to create a local product and become contributing members of a community that many young entrepreneurs and professionals were fleeing for “better” opportunities. In this episode Sarah is joined by co-founder Amos Valenti, and he is sharing Pittston Ketchup Co.’s journey from idea, to their first bottling, to today’s efficient production, and how they plan to grow their regional brand. Throughout the conversation Amos shares valuable insights and important lessons for food business owners, including… What their financial modeling process looked like How getting...2021-03-0851 min
The Good Food CFO podcastFinancial KPIs :: Key Data to Track for Your Food BusinessKey Performance Indicators (KPIs) tell us how efficiently and effectively we’re achieving our business objectives. In this episode Sarah is focusing on the Financial KPIs that will reveal your business’ financial efficiency, and get you moving in the direction of financial sustainability, profitability and consistent cash flow! Sarah’s also sharing… 5 Essential Financial KPIs that all food + beverage businesses should be tracking How to determine the Where, How, Who, and When your KPI data will be tracked The importance of tracking KPIs consistently over time #1 Strategy for using KPI to create meaningful change within your...2021-03-0117 min
The Good Food CFO podcastIndustry Insight: The true Cost of Doing Business with Brokers, Distributors + Retail Chains“...Before you get excited about what you are going to GET. Make sure you understand what you have to GIVE. Many a brand have paid slotting fees and free fills to get into a chain they could NOT afford to support only to get discontinued.” This quote from Sandra Valasqueze instagram feed was the source of inspiration for this conversation, centered around the costs involved in growing your CPG brand through retail grocery expansion. In this episode of The Good Food CFO Podcast… The role of brokers and distributors and the financial investment you can expect...2021-02-2255 min
The Good Food CFO podcastHow to Succeed with a "High Priced" ProductIt’s common for good food business owners to calculate their perfect product price, only to find that it’s higher than they think they can (or should) sell it for. Doubts often follow as to whether or not they can successfully sell their product at a premium price, and whether or not the right move is to lower costs. In this episode Sarah and CPG Consultant Alli Ball discuss the steps you can take to build a successful food business selling a “high priced” product. In This Episode of The Good Food CFO Podcast…...2021-02-1549 min
The Good Food CFO podcastHow to Price Your Products for Business ProfitabilitySetting your prices to achieve Product Profitability does not guarantee that you can build a profitability business In this episode, Sarah is diving into this critical financial concept and sharing 3 rules for pricing that will help you understand your business better and ensure that your products are priced right, so you can build a profitable business. She also touches on: Financial Modeling, how it can help you price your products right, and save you time and money The Financial Success Formula™ - your roadmap to building a profitable business How looking at your business holi...2021-02-0814 min
The Good Food CFO podcastHow to Find and Create a Successful Relationship with your BookeeperHaving a good working relationship with your bookkeeper means accurate, timely financial information and that has a BIG impact on your ability to build a profitable food business. But, every bookkeeper is not going to be a match for your business and you can’t simply hand over your receipts and access to Quickbooks and walk away from the task. In this episode of The Good Food CFO podcast Sarah is joined by Erin Lehr, a food industry veteran turned Bookkeeper whose unique experience on BOTH sides of financial reporting offers a realistic look at what...2021-01-1847 minFood Biz Wiz76. The Three Pillars Of A Successful Food Business: A Roundtable Conversation With Industry ExpertsDownload the Food Biz Wiz Listener Guide and make the most out of our 250 episode library! Get our curated playlists of top episodes on sales pitches, wholesale buyers, founder mindset, marketing, and more. Fast track your learning by downloading our free Listener Guide HERE. After working with over 500 food & beverage brands in Retail Ready®, I’ve seen many brands succeed, and others struggle to grow and sustain their business. What’s the secret to success? In today’s episode, I’m joined by fellow food industry consultants Sarah Delevan of The Good Food CFO and Katie Mlez...2021-01-1449 min
Food Business Marketing | Brand Strategy Tips to Build Real Food BrandsThe 3 Pillars of a Successful Food Business: A Roundtable Conversation with Industry ExpertsIn this special bonus episode of the Real Food Brands Marketing Podcast, host and Food & Beverage Brand Strategist Katie Mleziva sits down for a roundtable discussion with industry experts Alli Ball, of the Food Biz Wiz podcast, and Sarah Delevan, of the Good Food CFO podcast, to talk about the three pillars of a successful food business. You’ll hear them talk about how brand, financials, and sales strategy are all crucial for building a successful, stable, profitable food or beverage company. Make sure to listen to the end for a free giveaway opportunity! In This Episode:...2021-01-1450 min
The Good Food CFO podcastIt's Not You, It's Your Financial ReportsThis episode focuses on the MOST popular topic on this blog + in Sarah’s social media posts. Sarah is shining a light on: The fact that Many food business owners are working with Financial Reports that don’t serve them, why that matters 3 Signs that will help you identify if YOUR Financial Reports are in need of a revamp, and the steps you can take to improve them Tips for communicating reporting changes to your bookkeeper If you are someone who looks at their Profit + Loss statement often or every now and then and you don’t...2021-01-1121 min
The Good Food CFO podcastBUILDING A SOLID FINANCIAL FOUNDATION FOR YOUR FOOD BUSINESSBuilding a solid financial foundation for your food business will save you time + money on your way to achieving financial success. In this episode Sarah is joined by CPA and Business Finance Coach, Melissa Houston Together they are covering the elements of building a solid financial foundation for your food business. In this episode of The Good Food CFO Podcast The difference between a bookkeeper + accountant, and the benefits of working with both. Benefits of outsourcing bookkeeping and working with a bookkeeper The value of being able to interpret the financial data of y...2021-01-0437 min
Shelf-Made PodcastEpisode 10: Do Your Financial Reports Need a Revamp?We sit down with Sarah Delevan to talk about the top three signs for CPG brands that your financial reports need to be updated. 2020-11-0222 min
Food Business Marketing | Brand Strategy Tips to Build Real Food BrandsUsing Your Financials to Build a Profitable Food Business with Sarah DelevanWhen your financials aren’t in order, you tend to spend more time thinking about money. How much money is in the bank right now? Can we pay the team? Can we make this investment? There’s a belief that when cash flow and profits aren’t where we need them to be, the solution is to just work harder and sell more. However, there’s a lot you can do outside of that to get a handle on your finances and increase profitability. Today on the Real Food Brands Podcast, host and food & bev Brand Strategist Katie Ml...2020-05-1350 min
Tent TalkSarah Delevan on food financials & strategic sourcingThis week on Tent Talk we are joined by Food Cost & Strategic Sourcing Consultant, Sarah Delevan. Sarah works with food makers, restaurants, caterers, and retail markets throughout the US to help them become and remain financially sustainable. In this episode Sarah provides tips on sourcing quality ingredients, shares keys to understanding your food financials, and identifies mistakes food-driven businesses can avoid. 2018-12-0347 min