In this episode I interview Liza Braude-Glidden, co-founder and Executive Vice President of Culture and Sustainability at Beanfields Snacks in Los Angeles, which produces bean and rice chips.
Beanfields is a family-owned business that was founded in 2011 by Reed Glidden, along with Liza, his wife, and Reed’s brother, Roy Glidden with the aim of creating delicious, plant-based, non-GMO snacks, with beans as the primary ingredient.
The company’s products are sold across the US, Canada, Australia and other countries and in 2013 it became certified as a B Corp, cementing its commitment to business for good.
While Reed and Roy Glidden brought more than 20 years’ experience in the natural foods sector to the table, Liza was new to the business – although she’s a natural entrepreneur with previous experience as part owner of a construction firm as well as having been active in a number of non-profits, including the Social Venture Network and the American Sustainable Business Association.
Liza rolled out the first batch of bean and rice chips in the family kitchen before putting her background in arts, education, and writing to use in Beanfields’ marketing campaigns.
In this interview Liza discusses:
• The benefits of B Corp certification
• Why the business chose to be a (for-profit) Public Benefit Corporation
• Contests as a way to raise your brand profile
• How the company got featured on the Today Show
• The one thing anyone contemplating leaving a salaried job to start a business should do
• The importance of communities to grow your business
• And much more
Visit the Beanfields Snacks website
Resources mentioned:
Impact Hub
Social Venture Network
Brands mentioned in vegan business news roundup:
Soul Burger
Smith & Daughters
Sainsbury’s
Bute Island Foods
The Beer Plant
PlantPure Nation
FAIRR
Coller Capital
RESOURCES:
My Online PR Course for Vegan Business Owners & Entrepreneurs: Vegans in the Limelight
My book Vegan Ventures: Start and Grow an Ethical Business
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Connect with me personally at:
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Vegan Business Media is a multi-media, multi-author blog for aspiring and existing owners of vegan-run businesses, designed to equip them with the information, tools, inspiration and resources they need to start and grow their enterprises. It is hosted by award-winning journalist Katrina Fox.
