Scott Lerner started his career in the military, then jumped into an MBA, then in toilet paper, then food companies, then founded his own sparkling beverage company. And has been a CEO for multiple high growth startups and with that, tons of unique experiences to help you think differently and grow better.
Since this episode is a long one, I’ll keep it short, you’ll get tons of advice about growing a world-class network and how to navigate the crazy waters when it comes to growing food businesses. I ask Scott some really challenging questions when it comes to finding good people and making tough decisions so I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do
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Show Notes
When someone asks what you do, what do you tell people?: I’m the CEO of farmhouse culture. I’m paid to run this company
You’ve had multiple CEO roles. What does CEO mean to you?: The responsibility to have the final say on any decision. The CEO’s role is to first recruit the best talent and be the quality control person
How do you hire the best people?: Later in my career, I’ve created a great network. When I work with great people, I hire them. I also like to “date” prospects. If I could spend some time over the course of weeks with them, I get to learn more about them.
How do you meet people?: Trade shows work. I’ve also taught Entrepreneurship in Northwestern and I tell people to talk to people when you’re on the plane or even at tasting booths. I have a goal to meet people in the industry. LinkedIn helps a ton too.
Pepsi
ConAgra
Did you ever think that you’d get into food?: Not really but after my MBA, I was interested in CPG
Kimberley Clark: Toilet paper company
Marine Corps
ConAgra Foods. Managing the Parque Brands – Margarine
Why did you jump into your own company?: I worked on Naked Juice and then I had an opportunity to start a company. Solixer, a sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice wand botanicals. It was in 2008 but it was hard because the Beverage is super competitive.
What was the most shocking thing about starting your own company?: You have to do everything. In the corporate world, you don’t even know how the product is shipped.
Then after your job, you kept on jumping into CEO roles
Tell me more about Farmhouse Culture?: Brand was started in 2008 by Kathrine Lurker. She was doing it on her own for a while and then brought on more investment.
I came in when the company was plateauing, which is usually the case with new leadership. I like fixing things and I like having a gun to my head
We’re now pruning the bush with getting rid of old products. We’re also rebranding and launching things like chips. I joined the company because the brand is super strong.
Gut Shot
Hard Things About Hard Things
How do you transition in certain stages?: If your team is comfortable, then they’re losing and you have to make them uncomfortable to get them to grow
How did you go into the Marine Corps?: I was recruited during college. However, I knew that it would be beneficial no matter what.
My Food job Rocks: I love doing 100 different things because all of the things are interesting. For food, it not only gives you instant gratification but also to help the planet. With this company, we provide healthy food too, which is a plus.
What type of trends are you noticing?: There’s a ton of new, healthy products but it’s hard to communicate to the consumers
Most advocates are becoming food producers
Plant-based meat is getting huge but is it healthy?
Do you have a favorite book?: I don’t read much, but I get a lot of my information from posts and conversations. I’ve read my share of books. I can get information from everywhere, even Shark Tank
Any advice for anyone who wants to go into the food industry?: dabble in it. Go to a company and ask “hey can I help you out?”. Find out what you’re passionate about.
Where can we find you for advice?: Hit me up through LinkedIn or Farmhouse Culture’s website. TERP1302 instagram
The world doesn’t need another granola but you need to be different
There’s not any more rocketships to land on, it’s competitive