At some point, every business owner has a moment of reflection—is this brand ready to grow, or is it time to let go? And the reality is that you may even go back and forth on the same day, right?!

In this episode, I'm joined by my new co-host Clint Matthews, co-founder of Start Right Foods, and Jordan Buckner, founder of Foodbevy [https://www.foodbevy.com].

Jordan shares his behind-the-scenes journey of launching his first food brand, winding it down, and using those lessons to build a thriving support hub for food business founders.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

✅ How to evaluate whether your business is ready to scale—or if it’s time to pivot into a different direction

✅ Why product-market fit is essential (and what happens without it)

✅ How over-innovating can confuse customers—and what to do instead

✅ Insights about working with partners and agencies

✅ Why learning from past experience (yours or others’) can be a fast track to clarity

✅ The importance of making sure your business still aligns with your “why”

Jordan, Clint, and I talk candidly about what it means to build with purpose, simplify your strategy, and move forward with more clarity. Whether you're scaling up or wondering what’s next, this conversation is packed with insight and encouragement.

🔗 Related Resources:

 * Foodbevy’s free guide to building a food & beverage brand [https://www.foodbevy.com]
 * Start Right Foods [https://www.startright.com/]
 * Get your free guide [http://www.realfoodbrands.com/] to avoid 4 common brand strategy mistakes (and how to fix them if you’re making them).
 * Real Food Brands Brand Checkup Scorecard [https://realfoodbrands.com/brandcheckup/]
 * Real Food Brands Marketing Roundtable Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2092074994397436/?fref=mentions]

IG: @realfoodbrands [https://www.instagram.com/realfoodbrands/]

LI: let’s connect! [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mleziva-8b75844/]

✨ Ready to see where your brand could be stronger as you get ready to scale up? Explore the Brand Review [https://realfoodbrands.com/] or the Brand Success System [https://realfoodbrands.com/brand-success-system/] to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Let’s go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Host & Food Brand Strategist | Real Food Brands

138. Scale Up or Step Away: What’s Next for Your Food Business? - with Jordan Buckner of FoodBevy

Today I’m joined by Clint Matthews—co-founder of Start Right Foods and my NEW GUEST COHOST! I'm excited to share that Clint will be joining me in some future episodes to bring a fresh food business founder and sales lens to the conversation.

Today we’re kicking things off with a powerful tip you can bring into your next buyer pitch.

In ep 137 we talk about:

 * Clint’s journey building a brand over the past 10 years
 * His #1 sales tip for food founders (and what to stop doing!)
 * Why clear, concise communication builds trust with buyers
 * The difference between pushing your story vs. serving your buyer
 * Clint's best sales tip that many people don't think about

Whether sales comes naturally to you or makes you nervous, you’ll walk away from this episode with a practical takeaway you can apply right away.

🎧 Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes!

Related Resources:

Ep 120: Building a Winning Brand: How Start Right Foods Stands Out in the Frozen Breakfast Aisle [https://realfoodbrands.com/2025/02/120-building-a-winning-brand-how-start-right-foods-stands-out-in-the-frozen-breakfast-aisle/]

👉 Get your free guide [http://www.realfoodbrands.com/] to avoid 4 common brand strategy mistakes (and how to fix them if you’re making them).

IG: @realfoodbrands [https://www.instagram.com/realfoodbrands/]

LI: let’s connect! [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mleziva-8b75844/]

Real Food Brands Brand Checkup Scorecard [https://realfoodbrands.com/brandcheckup/]

Real Food Brands Marketing Roundtable Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2092074994397436/?fref=mentions]

✨ Ready to see where your brand could be stronger as you get ready to scale up? Explore the Brand Review [https://realfoodbrands.com/] or the Brand Success System [https://realfoodbrands.com/brand-success-system/] to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Let’s go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Host & Food Brand Strategist | Real Food Brands

137. Say Less to Sell More...A Sales Tip to Use at Your Next Buyer Meeting

Let's talk about why strong brand strategy should guide creativity—not restrict it.

Brand strategy is meant to bring clarity, consistency, and confidence to how you show up—but sometimes it gets taken too far. In this episode, I talk about the "dark side of strategy"...i.e. what happens when brand strategy becomes so rigid that it starts to backfire.

Instead of guiding the team, it boxes them in...so then instead of helping your brand stand out, it causes your audience to tune out.

I share a real-life example of a brand that fell into this trap and walk through what to do differently to keep your brand recognizable, interesting, and fully aligned with your core strategy.

Whether you’re a food business founder, marketer, consultant, or creative, this episode will help you rethink how to bring your brand to life!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What brand strategy is really meant to do (and what it’s not)

• Why consistency does not mean sameness

• A real-world example of a brand that became invisible by going too far on "consistency" (or so they thought, but they faded into the dreaded sea of sameness).

• How to avoid creative stagnation while staying on-brand

• What it looks like to treat your brand strategy like a sandbox—not handcuffs

• How to build trust and recognition without being boring

• Practical ways to invite more creativity while keeping your brand aligned

 

Related Resources:

 👉 Download your free guide to avoid 4 common brand strategy mistakes (and how to fix them if you're making them) : www.realfoodbrands.com [http://www.realfoodbrands.com]

IG: @realfoodbrands [https://www.instagram.com/realfoodbrands/]

LI: let’s connect! [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mleziva-8b75844/]

Real Food Brands Brand Checkup Scorecard [https://realfoodbrands.com/brandcheckup/]

Real Food Brands Marketing Roundtable Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2092074994397436/?fref=mentions]

✨ Ready to see where your brand could be stronger as you get ready to scale up? Explore the Brand Review [https://realfoodbrands.com] or the Brand Success System [https://realfoodbrands.com/brand-success-system/] to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Let's go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Host & Food Brand Strategist | Real Food Brands

136. When Branding Goes Bad… Avoid This Mistake

Does your product speak for itself? Early on, especially after some positive feedback on how delicious their products are, many food business owners believe that having a great product is enough. And while your product IS important, when it comes time to grow and scale up your business, a great product is not enough to set you apart.

In this episode, I'll explain what makes a food brand stand out in today’s market, including:

 * Why a great product alone won’t lead to long-term growth
 * What successful brands do differently to build momentum
 * How story, strategy, and consistency invite customers into a brand they want to support
 * A real example of how a client went from making a great product to building a strong brand

✨ Ready to see where your brand could be stronger as you get ready to scale up?

Explore the Brand Review [https://realfoodbrands.com] or the Brand Success System [https://realfoodbrands.com/brand-success-system/] to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Related Resources:

Ep. 128 The Real Story Behind a Good Brand Story [https://realfoodbrands.com/2025/04/128-the-real-story-behind-a-good-brand-story/]

👉  [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNZ2WARquG85vHRlIiUgMIJiUmyMg0y6SznwlFK5lk-5mPWw/viewform?usp=dialog]Take the brief survey here [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNZ2WARquG85vHRlIiUgMIJiUmyMg0y6SznwlFK5lk-5mPWw/viewform?usp=dialog] -- the survey from Ep 133 is still open! I want to understand how you learn and work best. It will only take a few minutes and help me create content that helps you build your brand. Thank you! 

 👉 Explore the new website + download your free guide: www.realfoodbrands.com [http://www.realfoodbrands.com]

IG: @realfoodbrands [https://www.instagram.com/realfoodbrands/]

LI: let’s connect! [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mleziva-8b75844/]

Real Food Brands Brand Checkup Scorecard [https://realfoodbrands.com/brandcheckup/]

Real Food Brands Marketing Roundtable Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2092074994397436/?fref=mentions]

Let's go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Host & Food Brand Strategist | Real Food Brands

135. Is a Great Product Enough to Grow Your Food Business?

If your business feels scattered or your growth has stalled, it might be time to step back and ask a powerful question: Are you building a brand or running a business in reaction mode? (ie your business is running you!)

In this episode of The Food Business Marketing Podcast, I explore why this distinction matters more than ever in today’s crowded market. You’ll hear about the mindset shift that separates scalable brands from those that hit a ceiling—and an example of brand strategy in action.

I share a real-world example of a food business owner who was growing each year, but the brand itself felt a little fuzzy and founder-dependent, until we built a clear positioning strategy that could scale without him being at every event. This story illustrates how strategy is the decision-making compass that drives product development, pricing, partnerships, and more (everything!).

Whether you're a more established brand or in the early stages of scaling up, this episode will help you lead with more clarity, confidence, and consistency.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

 * What brand strategy includes
 * Why brand strategy impacts everything you do
 * A real-life client example of how clarity + cohesiveness drives confidence + momentum
 * How to start aligning every decision with your North Star

Ready to Define, Align & Activate your brand strategy and add structure to your business to bring your vision to life? Visit www.realfoodbrands.com to learn more about how we can work together 1:1 through a Brand Review Workshop or the more comprehensive Brand Success System. 

Let's go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Host & Food Brand Strategist | Real Food Brands

Related Resources:

Ep 130: How to Write a Brand Positioning Statement That Makes Your Brand Stand Out [https://realfoodbrands.com/2025/05/130/]

From the last episode:  the survey is still open! I would like to know how you like to learn/work through concepts: 👉  [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNZ2WARquG85vHRlIiUgMIJiUmyMg0y6SznwlFK5lk-5mPWw/viewform?usp=dialog]Take the brief listener survey here [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNZ2WARquG85vHRlIiUgMIJiUmyMg0y6SznwlFK5lk-5mPWw/viewform?usp=dialog] Thank you! 

 👉 Explore the new website + download your free guide: www.realfoodbrands.com [http://www.realfoodbrands.com]

IG: @realfoodbrands [https://www.instagram.com/realfoodbrands/]

LI: let’s connect! [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mleziva-8b75844/]

Real Food Brands Brand Checkup Scorecard [https://realfoodbrands.com/brandcheckup/]

Real Food Brands Marketing Roundtable Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2092074994397436/?fref=mentions]

134. How to Shift from Running a Business to Growing a Brand

Today’s episode is a little less strategy teaching and more self-reflection about how you learn best. In part, this is to help you maximize investment of your time and money when you want to learn something for your business, but also because I want to get your feedback about the content I create as well! 

I will walk you through common learning styles to help you think about how you best absorb new ideas and take action in your food business.  You'll find the link below to the short survey to help shape future content and support, whether that’s workshops, templates, videos, or something else.

In Ep 133 you’ll hear:

 * 4 common learning styles to help you become more self-aware about how you learn best. 
 * Why this podcast is now called The Food Business Marketing Podcast.
 * What’s new on the updated RealFoodBrands.com [www.RealFoodBrands.com] website
 * Where to download Katie’s free guide: 4 Big Mistakes Food Business Owners Make with Their Brand Strategy—And How to Flip Them Into Opportunities

👉  [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNZ2WARquG85vHRlIiUgMIJiUmyMg0y6SznwlFK5lk-5mPWw/viewform?usp=dialog]Take the brief listener survey here [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNZ2WARquG85vHRlIiUgMIJiUmyMg0y6SznwlFK5lk-5mPWw/viewform?usp=dialog]

 👉 Explore the new website + download your free guide: www.realfoodbrands.com [http://www.realfoodbrands.com]

Ready to Define, Align & Activate your brand strategy and add structure to your business to bring your vision to life? Visit www.realfoodbrands.com to learn more about how we can work together 1:1 through a Brand Review Workshop or the more comprehensive Brand Success System. 

Let's go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Real Food Brands

Related Resources:

IG: @realfoodbrands [https://www.instagram.com/realfoodbrands/]

LI: let’s connect! [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mleziva-8b75844/]

Real Food Brands Brand Checkup Scorecard [https://realfoodbrands.com/brandcheckup/]

Real Food Brands Marketing Roundtable Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2092074994397436/?fref=mentions]

133. Which Learning Style Fits You Best?  (Plus, 2 Quick Updates!)

Why brand strategy gives B2B businesses an edge in standing out, selling more, and scaling with confidence.

You might not think of your business as a “brand,” especially if you manufacture equipment or offer consulting services—but having a clear brand strategy can make a BIG difference, to you and your team as well as your customers.

In fact, it could just be the thing you need to help you stand out in a crowded, competitive market and help prioritize all of your ideas to take aligned action.

In this episode, we’re talking about:

 * Why brand strategy matters just as much for B2B brands
 * What’s the same (and different) versus B2C branding
 * Where your brand strategy comes to life in day-to-day activities and touchpoints—internally and externally
 * How brand strategy helps your whole team work together to row in the same direction to grow and scale efficiently.

Whether you’re B2B, B2C, or both, brand strategy gives you the structure and clarity to lead with confidence.

Ready to create your brand strategy and add structure to your business to bring your vision to life? Visit Email me at katie@realfoodbrands.com to learn more about how we can work together.

Let's go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Real Food Brands

Resources:

RealFoodBrands.com [https://five.libsyn.com/show/episodes/view/www.RealFoodBrands.com]

IG: @realfoodbrands [https://www.instagram.com/realfoodbrands/]

LI: let’s connect! [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mleziva-8b75844/]

Real Food Brands Brand Checkup Scorecard [https://realfoodbrands.com/brandcheckup/]

Real Food Brands Marketing Roundtable Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2092074994397436/?fref=mentions]

132. B2B Brand Strategy:  How to Create Clarity & Build Connection Faster

What if you created a Connection Plan instead of a traditional Marketing Plan?

If the word "marketing" makes you cringe just a little—you’re not alone. I know many food business owners who do. And, I have a Marketing degree and I even feel the same way sometimes!

But my approach is different.

That’s why in this short and powerful episode of the Real Food Brands podcast, I’m flipping the script and asking:

Would you rather be marketing… or connecting?

In this episode, I share how a fresh mindset can help business owners think beyond promotions and tactical plans to build real, lasting relationships with their audience. Whether you're a B2B or B2C brand, this connection-first approach can lead to more loyalty, word-of-mouth, and long-term success.

You'll hear me share six key stages of the customer journey—each with insights into how your brand can move people from awareness to advocacy by creating genuine connections through your products, services, and the story you're inviting people to join.

If you're ready to build a food brand that stands out and sticks around, this episode is for you.

Ready to sharpen your strategy? Visit Email me at katie@realfoodbrands.com to learn more about how we can work together.

Let's go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Real Food Brands

Related Episodes:

122. Start Standing Out With These 4 Steps (Food Brand Strategy Blueprint Part 1) [https://realfoodbrands.com/2025/03/122-food-brand-strategy-blueprint-part-1-start-standing-out-with-these-4-steps/] 123. Organizing All Your Ideas to Build a Cohesive Brand (Food Brand Strategy Blueprint Part 2) [https://realfoodbrands.com/2025/03/123-food-brand-strategy-blueprint-part-2-organizing-all-your-ideas-to-build-a-cohesive-brand/] 124. Unlock Your Food Brand’s Full Potential (Food Brand Strategy Blueprint Part 3) [https://realfoodbrands.com/2025/03/124-unlock-your-food-brands-full-potential-food-brand-strategy-blueprint-part-3/]

Resources:

RealFoodBrands.com [show/episodes/view/www.RealFoodBrands.com]

IG: @realfoodbrands [https://www.instagram.com/realfoodbrands/]

LI: let’s connect! [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mleziva-8b75844/]

Real Food Brands Brand Checkup Scorecard [https://realfoodbrands.com/brandcheckup/]

Real Food Brands Marketing Roundtable Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2092074994397436/?fref=mentions]

131. Would You Rather Be Connecting or Marketing to Build Your Food Business?

If you're working to grow your food business but feel like your focus in scattered and your messaging is not as clear as it could be, it's time to revisit your brand positioning.

This episode dives into one of the most essential (yet often overlooked or complicated) parts of brand strategy—defining what you want to be known for and why your audience should choose and stay loyal to your brand.

In this episode of the Real Food Brands podcast, you'll learn a straightforward framework to write your own brand positioning statement, hear examples, and get five clarity-building questions to test your draft.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

 * What brand positioning statement is—and why it matters
 * A simple formula to get started
 * Food business examples that bring it to life
 * What to avoid when crafting your positioning
 * Five self-check questions to sharpen your message

Ready to sharpen your strategy? Visit Email me at katie@realfoodbrands.com to learn more about how we can work together.

Episodes Mentioned:

122. Start Standing Out With These 4 Steps (Food Brand Strategy Blueprint Part 1) [https://realfoodbrands.com/2025/03/122-food-brand-strategy-blueprint-part-1-start-standing-out-with-these-4-steps/] 123. Organizing All Your Ideas to Build a Cohesive Brand (Food Brand Strategy Blueprint Part 2) [https://realfoodbrands.com/2025/03/123-food-brand-strategy-blueprint-part-2-organizing-all-your-ideas-to-build-a-cohesive-brand/] 124. Unlock Your Food Brand’s Full Potential (Food Brand Strategy Blueprint Part 3) [https://realfoodbrands.com/2025/03/124-unlock-your-food-brands-full-potential-food-brand-strategy-blueprint-part-3/]

Resources:

RealFoodBrands.com [https://five.libsyn.com/show/episodes/view/www.RealFoodBrands.com]

IG: @realfoodbrands [https://www.instagram.com/realfoodbrands/]

LI: let’s connect! [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mleziva-8b75844/]

Real Food Brands Brand Checkup Scorecard [https://realfoodbrands.com/brandcheckup/]

Real Food Brands Marketing Roundtable Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2092074994397436/?fref=mentions]

130.  How to Write a Brand Positioning Statement That Makes Your Brand Stand Out

When you’re running a food business, marketing can easily fall to the bottom of your list—especially during busy seasons. But consistency matters, and your brand strategy can be the lifeline that helps you stay visible without starting from scratch.

In this episode, I share a 3-step approach to creating aligned content faster, so you can stay consistent, show up with purpose, and avoid the overwhelm.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

 * 3 steps to create aligned marketing content faster
 * How to lean on your brand pillars to simplify content creation
 * Why making time for small, strategic steps is more powerful than throwing things at the wall
 * What to do in your downtime to set yourself up for success
 * How a "YET mindset" can help you

Mentioned Episodes

a) 123. Organizing All Your Ideas to Build a Cohesive Brand (Food Brand Strategy Blueprint Part 2) [https://realfoodbrands.com/2025/03/123-food-brand-strategy-blueprint-part-2-organizing-all-your-ideas-to-build-a-cohesive-brand/]

b) 3 Steps to a More Effective Food Marketing Plan [https://realfoodbrands.com/2020/12/3-steps-to-a-more-effective-food-marketing-plan/]

c) Meeting Consumers' Needs - What Are You REALLY selling? [https://realfoodbrands.com/2020/04/meeting-consumer-needs-what-are-you-really-selling/]

Resources

RealFoodBrands.com [https://five.libsyn.com/show/episodes/view/www.RealFoodBrands.com]

IG: @realfoodbrands [https://www.instagram.com/realfoodbrands/]

LI: let's connect! [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mleziva-8b75844/]

Thanks for listening, now let's go shake up shopping carts!

Katie Mleziva

Host & Food Brand Strategist

129. Too Busy for Marketing? 3 Steps to Create On-Brand Content Faster

Looking for ways grow your natural food or beverage business? Find actionable tips and insights from industry experts regarding why building a strong brand strategy matters not only to connect with your ideal audience but also when building relationships with external stakeholders like buyers, suppliers and investors. Continue the conversation by joining the Real Food Brands Marketing Round Table group on Facebook! Brought to you by Real Food Brands (www.RealFoodBrands.com) and hosted by Katie Mleziva.

kmleziva

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