Peter Maldonado

Rashid Ali and Pete Maldonado, co-founders of Chomps, transformed a side hustle into a booming snack brand focusing on healthy meat sticks. They share how a pivotal call from Trader Joe's led to fulfilling a staggering order of 1.1 million sticks. The duo discusses lessons from past failures, their strategic pivot to target health-conscious women, and the challenges of rapid growth. Key insights on fundraising, building a brand, and the importance of transparency during crises make this conversation invaluable for aspiring entrepreneurs.

In this engaging discussion, Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali, the dynamic co-founders of Chomps, delve into their journey from concept to a thriving meat snack brand. They share insights on overcoming early challenges, strategic growth, and the importance of authenticity in branding. The duo highlights the rising trend of high-protein diets, and the increasing demand for nutritious snack options. With a focus on innovative marketing and maintaining company culture in a remote world, they provide a refreshing look at what it takes to succeed in the competitive food industry.

Pete Maldonado, co-founder and co-CEO of Chomps, returns to share insights on retail partnerships. Jennifer Ballin, owner of Badass Bagels, seeks advice on scaling her sourdough bagel business and navigating franchising. Brandi Shelton, founder of Just Add Honey Tea Company, discusses expanding into big-box retail while maintaining her brand's essence. The conversation is filled with practical tips and personal stories, perfect for entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in competitive markets.

Pete Maldonado, co-founder of Chomps, shares invaluable insights on scaling businesses with early-stage entrepreneurs. Jennifer Ballin seeks advice on expanding her sourdough bagel business while considering franchising. Brandi Shelton discusses entering big-box retail without losing her brand's essence. The conversation highlights partnership strategies, the intricacies of retail pricing, and the importance of storytelling for brand growth. It's a treasure trove of practical tips for aspiring food entrepreneurs on navigating the competitive landscape.

Pete Maldonado, co-founder and co-CEO of Chomps, shares his insights on the rise of better-for-you meat snacks. He discusses the brand's strategic shift from e-commerce to major retailers, emphasizing the pivotal partnership with Trader Joe's. Maldonado tackles the unique challenges of entering convenience stores like Wawa and Sheetz, highlighting the importance of packaging and quick consumer recognition. He also touches on data-driven growth strategies and targeting the health-conscious demographic, ensuring that Chomps stands out in the competitive snack market.