{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Startup CPG Podcast","title":" #177 -  Finding Your Co-Man: Lance Schwarzkopf of Copack","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/abc7d536\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3225,"description":"In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff and Lance Schwarzkopf take us behind the scenes of launching a food or beverage product. They break down the complexities of working with contract manufacturers, or \"co-mans,\" to transform a concept into a market-ready product. Daniel and Lance share essential steps for emerging brands, from developing and protecting proprietary formulas to sourcing quality ingredients and securing critical documentation, like a process authority letter.\n\nThey provide practical advice on finding a co-man - from the pre-work and product development that happens prior, to finding out the options, to outreach strategy, building effective co-man relationships, managing ingredient and packaging orders, and setting up agreements to ensure smooth production flow. Emphasizing the importance of communication, strategic planning, and proactive relationship management, Daniel and Lance offer valuable insights into overcoming production challenges and avoiding common industry pitfalls.\n\nTune in to learn how to streamline your path to a successful launch! If you're ready to take your product from concept to market, don’t miss this episode and be sure to subscribe for more expert advice!\n\nCheck out their co-man list via their website copack.net\nTo inquire about their discounted search for Startup CPG community brands, email lance@copack.net and mention the Startup CPG rate!\n\nListen in as they share about:\nPreparation Before Approaching Co-Manufacturers\nSourcing Industrial Ingredients\nThe Role of a Product Specification Document\nProcess Authority and Shelf Life Studies\nFinding and Engaging a Co-Manufacturer\nConsiderations for Hiring a Co-Man Search Partner\nChallenges in Co-Man Communication\nInitial Steps and Planning\nContracts and Agreements\nImportance of QA and Benchmarks\nProduction Day and Quality Control\nWarehousing and Distribution\nResources and Support for Brands\n\nEpisode Links:\n\nWebsite: http://copack.net/\nEmail: lance@copack.net...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/pMuUaMpWaAi3tfCEgC2OkLBVzokuLjLsIzwDIbGFqi4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hMTFl/MTgxNTNlZTAwZjU1/ZmNmNWM1ZjkwMDg5/NTU4MS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}