Episode Details

Most food founders ask the wrong question. They ask "Am I ready for a co-manufacturer?" when the question they should be asking is "How much time do I have?"

In this episode, I share the story of a snack bar founder who called me frustrated after approaching three co-manufacturers with six months until his retail launch date. He made it — but the process was painful, rushed, and strained relationships he'll be managing for years.

I don't want that story for you.

Today I break down the three signals that tell you it's time to start the co-manufacturing conversation — before urgency forces your hand — plus a concrete backwards-planning timeline so you know exactly how early "early" actually is.

In this episode:

• The real reason the best co-manufacturers are hard to get into (and it's not your product)
• The three signals that tell you to start the conversation now
• Why your margin getting worse as your volume grows is a sign, not a coincidence
• How to work backwards from your retail date to know when to act
• The difference between a proactive founder and a reactive one — and what it costs you to be the latter

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