Farm to Fork: The Innovators with David Maloni

Welcome to Farm to Fork: The Innovators. I’m excited to introduce you to another trailblazer in the world of food—Andy Raabe, CFO Partner at Seaton Hill Partners. With over four decades of involvement in the food supply chain myself, I love sharing the stories of those who are transforming how we produce and serve food. Andy brings a wealth of expertise from his time leading finance and supply chain at established brands like Potbelly and pioneering smaller fast-casual concepts. In our discussion, he reveals how integrating finance with supply chain decisions can streamline operations, improve vendor relationships, and boost profitability for emerging and established brands alike. Together, we dive into critical topics like how to build supply chains from scratch, best practices for fostering collaboration between finance and supply chain teams, and the tremendous value vendors can bring when they become strategic partners. Andy also walks us through the unique perspective a CFO can bring to operational challenges, offering tools and strategies for effective forecasting, budgeting, and tackling supply disruptions. I hope you’ll find our chat both enlightening and practical as we explore the path from farm to fork—and all the innovation that happens in between. Connect with David Maloni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/]Connect with David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-raabe/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-raabe/]https://www.seatonhill.com/ [https://www.seatonhill.com/]Timestamps * 0:00 – Episode Overview * 0:25 – Introducing Guest: Andy’s CFO & Supply Chain Expertise * 0:52 – Andy’s Background: From Engineering to Finance * 1:15 – Joining Potbelly & Building a Finance Function * 3:41 – Transition into Supply Chain & Fixing Core Processes * 7:22 – Low-Hanging Fruit: Price Verification & Inventory Control * 10:57 – Gaining Leadership Experience in Supply Chain * 14:08 – Returning to Finance & Public Company Lessons * 20:46 – Becoming CFO at Wow Bao: Startup & Growth * 25:00 – Solving the “Chicken-and-Egg” Challenge for Emerging Brands * 29:14 – LTO Forecasting & Overcoming the Honeymoon Effect * 34:39 – Supplier Councils: Cost Savings & Innovation * 40:07 – Best Practices: Aligning Finance & Supply Chain * 44:25 – Fractional CFO Model at Seton Hill Partners * 46:44 – Closing Remarks & Final Takeaways I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors [https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors]#Foodservice #RestaurantIndustry #FoodSupplyChain #FinanceAndOperations #EmergingBrands #CFOInsights #SupplyChainManagement #FoodBusiness #FractionalCFO #FoodserviceInnovation

Welcome! Ttoday we’re diving into the intersection of solar energy and agriculture with our guest, Peter Schmitt, the Director of Project Development at U.S. Solar. With decades of experience in the food supply chain, I aim to uncover the transformative strategies shaping how we produce and serve food. Today’s topic, agrivoltaics, is an innovative blend of solar farming and agriculture that promises to reshape how land is used sustainably. In this episode, Peter walks us through the exciting potential of agrivoltaics, from raising sheep beneath solar panels to growing crops under carefully designed solar arrays. We discuss how this approach not only boosts agricultural efficiency but also contributes to energy independence and environmental stewardship. If you’ve ever wondered about the impact of solar energy on farming or how companies like U.S. Solar are leading this revolution, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Connect with David: David Maloni’s LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/]Connect with Peter: Peter’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-schmitt-24187645/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-schmitt-24187645/]https://www.us-solar.com/ [https://www.us-solar.com/]Timestamps: 00:00 Farming Meets Solar: Introduction to Agrivoltaics 01:05 Agrivoltaics Explained: Combining Solar Panels with Agriculture 06:00 Solar-Powered Agriculture: The Growth of Solar Energy in the U.S. 13:00 Case Studies in Agrivoltaics: Real-Life Examples of Success 24:00 Soil and Sustainability: Improving Land Health with Solar 35:00 Big River Farms: Providing Land Access to Aspiring Farmers 42:00 Challenges and Opportunities: Scaling Agrivoltaics Nationwide 47:00 The Future of Agrivoltaics: Farming and Energy in 10 Years 48:00 Call to Action: Partner with Datum Advisors for Food Supply Chain Solutions I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. Click here to find out more: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors [https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors]

In this episode, I sit down with Francisco Martin-Rayo, the co-founder and CEO of Helios—an innovative AI platform that’s changing the game in agriculture and commodities. Together, we examine the current state of commodity markets, discuss how climate change is reshaping supplies and prices, identify which crops are feeling the greatest impact, and explore actionable strategies for adapting where and how we produce our food. Strap in, hit subscribe, and join me as we harvest progress, forging a more resilient and sustainable future for our global food supply chain. Connect with the Host: David Maloni’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/]Connect with Francisco: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisco-martin-rayo-b95b393/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/francisco-martin-rayo-b95b393/]Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Previews 00:01:07 – Introducing Francisco Martin Rayo, Helios’ AI-driven platform, and the role of climate data in predicting agricultural disruptions. 00:03:30 – Addressing rapid climate change, its accelerated impact on agriculture, and the need for more data-driven insights. 00:08:35 – Examining commodity-specific climate influences, including cocoa, citrus, and the nuances of varying yields and quality. 00:12:30 – Highlighting predictive successes in forecasting crop failures, like mango shortages in Peru and Brazil. 00:14:12 – Exploring long-term issues for perennial crops that need certain temperature ranges and cooling hours. 00:16:07 – Discussing consumer confusion, the complexity of sustainable choices, and trade-offs like almond milk’s water footprint. 00:19:05 – Outlining adaptation strategies: diversifying sourcing regions, shifting crop types, and leveraging AI-driven predictions. 00:29:10 – Looking ahead: acknowledging future volatility, the necessity of planning infrastructure changes, and investing in climate intelligence. I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.  Click here to find out more [https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors]: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors #Agritech #AIinAgriculture #ClimateChange #FoodSupplyChain #SustainableFarming #CropAdaptation #CommodityPrices #DataDrivenFarming #GlobalFoodSecurity #FarmToFork

In this episode of Farm to Fork: The Innovators, I sit down with Ali Cox, a fifth-generation farmer and the visionary founder of Noble West, a leading food marketing agency. Together, we dive into the evolving farming landscape, tackling the rising operational costs and exploring groundbreaking agricultural practices like upcycling and regenerative farming. Ali shares her insights on the challenges of commoditizing food offerings and how these shifts are shaping the future consumer food experience. Connect with the Host: David Maloni’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/]Connect with our Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicox/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicox/]Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:00 Guest introduction: Ali Cox, fifth-generation farmer and founder of Noble West 02:24 Ali Cox’s journey from New York City to farming and food marketing 05:19 Farmers as innovators and problem-solvers 08:46 Noble West’s shift to sustainability-focused marketing 14:08 Financial challenges and operational costs in farming 20:02 Upcycling agriculture: reducing food waste and creating value 30:00 Regenerative agriculture practices and co-ops for farmers 37:17 The critical role of marketing in farming and consumer connection 42:36 The future of the food supply chain: curated experiences and seasonal eating 47:25 Closing thoughts and call to action I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.  Click here to find out more [https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors]: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

In this episode of Farm to Fork: The Innovators, I sit down with Wink Jones, co-founder and CEO of Meal Ticket, to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities in the foodservice supply chain. We dive into Wink's journey from being a professional kayaker to leading an innovative SaaS company that’s transforming how data is used across the industry. Together, we unpack the complexities of outdated systems, the hurdles of data normalization, and how Meal Ticket’s tools are enabling distributors, suppliers, and operators to thrive. We also explore the critical role of human relationships in this highly data-driven sector and how AI and technology are reshaping the future of foodservice distribution. It’s a fascinating conversation about the balance between technological innovation and the human touch that keeps this industry unique. Don't miss this insightful look into the future of food supply! Connect with the Host: David Maloni’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/]Connect with our Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wink-jones-ba58b0/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wink-jones-ba58b0/] Connect with Datum FS: https://datumfs.com/ [https://datumfs.com/]Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Overview of Guest Wink Jones 00:43 - Why Personal Connection Remains Key in Foodservice 01:14 - Tackling Data Challenges and Normalization Issues 03:05 - Technological Upgrades and ERP Transformations 04:06 - Wink’s Transition from Kayaker to Tech Leader 06:32 - Breakdown of the Foodservice Supply Chain 09:56 - Managing Slim Margins and the Role of Rebates for Distributors 13:24 - Balancing Technology Integration with Human Relationships 16:05 - Manufacturer Struggles with Data Visibility 20:10 - Leveraging AI to Solve Data Issues 24:06 - How Meal Ticket’s Tools Support the Supply Chain 29:07 - Shifts in Supply Chain Leverage Post-COVID 31:19 - Future Innovations: Robotics and Tech in Distribution 37:08 - Final Thoughts and Audience Engagement I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.  Click here to find out more [https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors].