The Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition is about so much more than winning, it’s an opportunity to gain invaluable experience and be part of a growing and supportive community.
As we gear up for our 5th Annual Pitch Competition in November, we checked in with our 2022 competitors to learn how being part of the competition impacted her business. We’re kicking off the series with Marilyn Yang, founder of Popadelics, who was selected as a finalist only months after launching her business.
Marilyn, along with her partner Mike Casali, created Fun-Gal Snacks, a company that makes innovative snacks that harness the benefits of mushrooms and other underloved veggies - all while supporting social causes. Their first brand is Popadelics; shiitake mushrooms reimagined for the modern superfood snacker.
Enthuse Foundation (EF): What was one unexpected takeaway from participating in the Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition?
Marilyn Yang (MY): Gaining a whole team of supporters! Not only has the Enthuse Foundation team become some of our biggest cheerleaders over the past few months on social media and beyond, but also the broader network of other previous finalists and winners who have become friendly faces at various trade shows and events. Everyone also provides some valuable sources of industry advice.
EF: Since the 2022 Pitch Competition, how has your business grown?
MY: Since our full packaging and ingredient refresh, completed in March 2023, we've expanded our retail footprint in meaningful ways nationwide. To summarize three of our most significant accomplishments over the past year:
Formally onboarded with KeHE Distributors via their Diversity Trenfinder and ELEVATE programs and gained over 100 new retail accounts within only three weeks of launching in June 2023 (with our overall national store count now exceeding 600). Upcoming Fall 2023 launches in two major national grocery chains in the Midwest and SoCal regions, bringing our total store count to over 1,000 by the end of 2023.
Recognized as a winner/recipient of the 2023 UBS Democratizing Friends and Family Grant and Ladies Who Launch 2023 Cohort.
EF: That's amazing! What advice would you give to another founder applying to the Pitch Competition?
MY: First off - go for it and apply! It's sometimes easy to look at a competition or program like the Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition and convince yourself you're not ready yet or make up other excuses not to follow through and apply. Worst case, even if you're not ultimately chosen as a finalist - you've still shared your story with a few more ears that are more than willing to listen and provide advice!
EF: So true! What's on the horizon for you professionally and personally?
MY: For Popadelics, our goal through the rest of 2023 and 2024 is to continue to expand into grocery retail, notably into key natural and conventional national chains. Our crucial focus regions are the East Coast, the West Coast, and the Midwest. In addition to the upcoming retail launches already on the horizon, we are continuing our conversations with multiple other significant chains that we hope to progress further in the coming months. My co-founder Mike and I are excited to open a new chapter in our personal lives and are moving to Miami, Florida!
We're looking forward to connecting with the broader CPG community in Miami and continuing our geographic expansion in the Southeast. Since we first launched in April 2022, the "mushroom boom" that we've witnessed and now been a part of has exceeded our predictions and expectations. As such - I'm looking forward to the ongoing innovation in the broader mushroom space come 2024!
Competitions are not just about winning or losing – it's a growth opportunity. Even though Marilyn did not win the Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition, she gained a new set of cheerleaders, supporters, and customers. Additionally, she received invaluable feedback that helped refine her business pitch. Here's your opportunity to share your brand story and apply to the 5th Annual Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition.
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