Food Chained is a short-form podcast exploring the problems in our food system and the brands that are solving them. Every week, we share conversations with startup food & beverage founders and operators on a mission to make a positive, healthy, and ethical impact on our world.
In this episode of Food Chained, Vasa interviews Fred Hart, founder of Hart Brands, discussing his journey from growing up in Hawaii to becoming a prominent figure in branding and design within the consumer goods industry. Fred shares insights from his agency experience, the importance of trade shows, and the evolving landscape of design trends. The conversation also touches on the significance of nostalgia in branding and the challenges faced by legacy brands. Fred offers valuable insights on agency selection and the crucial role of packaging in consumer engagement.
TAKEAWAYS:
Fred Hart emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes in a supportive environment.
The design journey often starts from personal passions, such as sports and sneakers.
Agency experience can accelerate learning and growth in the branding field.
Independent consulting allows for flexibility and creativity in project work.
Trade shows are vital for understanding industry trends and consumer behavior.
Design trends are shifting towards more original and restrained aesthetics.
Nostalgia plays a significant role in branding, but it must be balanced with modernity.
Brands need to differentiate themselves in a crowded market to stand out.
The importance of cohesive branding across all consumer touchpoints is critical.
Legacy brands have opportunities for reinvention through strategic design.
CONNECT WITH US:
Connect with Vasa on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasamartinez?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app)
Connect with Fred (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredwhart?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app) on LinkedIn
Perfy's website (http://www.drinkperfy.com/)
CPGSPN by Growthbuster (https://open.substack.com/pub/cpgspn?r=pknjh&utm_medium=ios), a CPG newsletter with a sports theme
Check out Hart Brands (https://www.fredhart.com)
SPONSOR:
Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster (http://www.growthbuster.com/). Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage brands grow. Check out Growthbuster's newsletter, CPGSPN here (https://open.substack.com/pub/cpgspn?r=pknjh&utm_medium=ios).
7 Nov 2025
Nikki Seaman, Founder of Freestyle Snacks
In this episode of Food Chained, Vasa interviews Nicky Seaman, founder of Freestyle Snacks, discussing her journey in the food industry, the creation of her innovative snack products, and the challenges and successes she faced during the pandemic. Nicky shares insights on retail strategies, the importance of packaging, and her latest product launch of pickle chips. The conversation also explores personal growth, the importance of following through on commitments, and the future of food trends. NOTE: The audio is a bit spotty, but Nikki drops some amazing information.
WHAT WE GO OVER:
The idea behind Freestyle Snacks
Scrappy, winning retail strategies
How Nicky's experience at Whisps helped her launch her own brand
What drove the recent launch of pickle chips?
The importance of packaging in attracting new consumers
How to leverage exclusivity with retailers
Nicky's superpower
Growing trend of pickles in the food industry.
Growth during the holidays
CONNECT WITH US:
Connect with Vasa on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasamartinez?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app)
Connect with Nikki (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-seaman?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app) on LinkedIn
Perfy's website (http://www.drinkperfy.com/)
CPGSPN by Growthbuster (https://open.substack.com/pub/cpgspn?r=pknjh&utm_medium=ios), a CPG newsletter with a sports theme
Check out Freestyle Snacks (https://www.freestylesnacking.com/)
SPONSOR:
Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster (http://www.growthbuster.com/). Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage brands grow. Check out Growthbuster's newsletter, CPGSPN here (https://open.substack.com/pub/cpgspn?r=pknjh&utm_medium=ios).
13 Oct 2025
Willy Kwak, Founder of Krack'd Snacks
Willy is the Founder at Krack'd Snacks. A delicious, sweet snacks company that makes better-for-you Butterfingers and Samoas.
WHAT WE GO OVER:
When Willy pursues retail opportunities
Pod Foods as a distributor
Self-manufacturing vs. co-manufacturing
The evolution of Krack'd Snacks' brand name
Willy's hopeful next retailer
Miscellaneous logistics and ops conversation
CONNECT WITH US:
Connect with Vasa on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasamartinez?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app)
Connect with Willy (https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-kwak?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app) on LinkedIn
Perfy's website (http://www.drinkperfy.com/)
CPGSPN by Growthbuster (https://open.substack.com/pub/cpgspn?r=pknjh&utm_medium=ios), a CPG newsletter with a sports theme
Check out Krack'd Snacks (http://www.krackdsnacks.com)
Check out Krack'd Snacks on Amazon (https://a.co/d/8sBWcOd)
SPONSOR:
Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster (http://www.growthbuster.com/). Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage brands grow. Check out Growthbuster's newsletter, CPGSPN here (https://open.substack.com/pub/cpgspn?r=pknjh&utm_medium=ios).
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
14 ratings
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