Segments & Speakers
Keynote Speaker
Visionary expertise from one of the industry’s brightest minds
Presented by Village Family Capital
Joth Ricci
Joth Ricci is a seasoned industry leader with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation within the food and beverage sector. Joth has served as CEO of iconic brands such as Dutch Bros, Stumptown Coffee, and Jones Soda Co. In addition to his 33 years of experience in consumer products and the beverage industry, Joth is the author of “The System”, a past Chairman of the Oregon Business Council, served on the State of Oregon’s Racial Justice Council, and co-founded TASTE for Equity. He currently holds the position of Executive Chair at Burgerville and is an executive in residency for the Oregon State University College of Business, while serving on multiple boards including brands like Upward Projects, The Oregon Fruit Company, and Great Frontier Holdings (home to brands like Ninkasi Brewing).
Brand Story Panel
Panelists will provide an honest look into their brand development journeys.
Presented by First Interstate Bank
What is the Brand Story Panel?
Moderated by a nationally recognized leader in the natural products CPG industry, the Brand Story Panel features representatives from three well-known brands across different sectors of the industry. Panelists will provide an honest look into their journeys, covering the challenges, successes, and pivotal moments of their brand development. This session offers attendees valuable insights and inspiration through diverse perspectives on building and scaling successful brands.
Scroll down to see the panelists!
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Panelists
Shanan Kelley
MODERATOR
Writer, Entertainer & Comedian
Shanan is the creator and host of The Night Light Show, Bend’s beloved (and longest running!) variety style comedy show and She Stands Up, an all-women’s comedy show and fundraiser. She is well known for her unique brand of heart-centered comedy and her ability to create a warm, welcoming environment everywhere she goes. Shanan was voted “Bend’s Favorite Variety Show Host” by Source Weekly readers and acknowledged as one of “Five Funny Women” by Cascades Journal. As a sought-after emcee, auctioneer and moderator, Shanan has helped redistribute millions of dollars for mission-driven organizations along the west coast. She is the Development Director for the Kaycee Anseth Legacy Foundation, raising grant funding for Central Oregon artists and is currently at work on her first feature-length screenplay.
Jamie Danek
Founder, Humm Kombucha
Jamie Danek started Humm Kombucha with endless energy, abundant optimism, and a big heart- traits that have enabled her to find success in numerous startups during her 25 year career. Previously, she founded and served as CEO and National Sales Director at a consulting firm, JLD Enterprises, before pivoting to create EON Organics, an East Coast-based natural products company. She also taught yoga and meditation classes for over a decade. Using the skills and knowledge gleaned from these successes, Jamie served and helped build Humm Kombucha as CEO for 10 years. Her passion for creating a healthy product that tastes great is rivaled only by her desire to spread joy throughout the world. Jamie has turned that passion into purpose as a coach and mentor, helping others follow their dreams. Jamie spends as much time as possible outside and most days you'll find her on her dirt bike in the woods, in her garden, or traipsing around with her camper.
Scott Allan
Former CEO HydroFlask, Board & Advisory Board Member
Scott Allan is a director of outdoor blanket brand Rumpl and an advisor to Oregon State University Cascades Outdoor Products degree program. Scott recently served as an investor, director and/or advisor of reusable produce bag brand Lotus Sustainables,home fitness brand Cubii (acquired by Performance Health), insulated bottle brand serving nursing mothers Ceres Chill, outdoor products subscription box provider Cairn (acquired by Outside, Inc.), and workplace diversity nonprofit Camber Outdoors. Scott also served as the Interim CEO of Puffin Drinkwear from late 2022 until August 2023.
Previously, Scott led Hydro Flask as President & CEO and as SVP & Global GM following its acquisition by Helen of Troy. During this time, Hydro Flask grew from a small water bottle company into the #1 water bottle brand in Sporting Goods, Outdoors and Natural Foods and was twice named to the Inc 500, Outside Magazine’s Top 100 Places to Work, and REI’s Category Vendor Partner of the Year. Mr. Allan was also named the 2015 EY Pacific Northwest Consumer Products Entrepreneur of the Year.
Before joining Hydro Flask, Scott spent 18 years in Silicon Valley, most recently with NXP Semiconductor’s mobile business unit where he was part of the small team that commercialized Apple Pay technology. Prior to this, Scott was Global CEO of TriniTEQ, a handheld restaurant ordering system developer, VP/GM of Motorola Solution’s payment business unit, and COO for a startup pioneering e-signature and e-receipts.
Scott has a B.S. Mechanical Engineering from the UC Berkeley and an M.B.A. from the J. L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. Scott and his wife Annie have four children (Blaise, Andrew, Cayley and Ryan) and divide their time between Bend, OR and Santa Barbara, CA. Scott’s outdoor passions include mountain biking, snowboarding, and fly fishing.
Jerek Lovey
CoFounder of Atmusphere
Former CEO of Take Two
Advisor. Investor. Innovator.
Jerek Lovey is a visionary entrepreneur and seasoned C-suite leader dedicated to catalyzing planetary wellness through innovative venture design. As the Cofounder of Atmusphere, an emerging venture studio, Jerek advises, incubates, and invests in transformational products, services, and organizations. Utilizing its leading-edge Adaptive Coherence Process (ACP), Atmusphere guides companies that are primed for the quantum. Formerly the CEO of Take Two, Jerek brings extensive experience in driving accessibility, innovation, and regeneration. His mission is to foster universal flourishing across all dimensions of existence.
Retail Buyer Pitch Slam
Pitch to natural grocery buyers & industry experts
Presented by Hand in Hand Productions
What is the Retail Buyer Pitch Slam
The Retail Buyer Pitch Slam will give five brands the opportunity to compete in a 5-minute company pitch to natural grocery buyers and will receive 7-minutes of valuable feedback live on stage. The winner will be selected by the panel of industry-expert judges and will receive an exciting prize package!
Retail Buyer Judges
The Retail Buyer Panel features the judges from the Pitch Slam, offering insights into what they look for in brands, effective product differentiation, pricing, and promotion strategies along with sharing market white spaces and gaps they are seeking to fill. Moderated and driven by audience questions, this panel provides attendees with tailored advice and actionable insights relevant to their specific needs.
Kyle Krull
MODERATOR
Senior Director of Sales, Kettle & Fire
Cultivate Bend Board Member
Kyle Krull has more than 12 years of experience working in the Natural Products industry. He got his start working for a broker, representing 80+ leading brands in over 40 different food categories. After that foundational experience, he spent time working on the manufacturer side, abroad in import / distribution, as a sales / marketing consultant, developing the leading Natural Products merchandising company and most recently, he’s spent the last 6 years disrupting the broth industry with Kettle & Fire.
Tomi Branson
District Manager, Albertsons
Tomi Branson brings over 18 years of experience in the grocery industry and currently hold a role as District Manager with Albertsons Companies for the Eugene/Bend territory. Prior to her current position, she held other various leadership roles within Albertsons, Safeway, and Haggen Inc., including Operations Specialist, Store Director, General Merchandise Sales Manager, and Assistant Category Manager at the national level. With her extensive leadership roles in major grocery chains and a proven track record in operations, store management, and national category management, Tomi’s insights offer invaluable perspectives on consumer trends and market dynamics within the consumer packaged goods industry.
Joe Anzaldo
Grocery Grasshopper/COO, Newport Ave Market, Rudy’s & Oliver Lemons
Joe Anzaldo’s grocery career would have started at the age of 10 if he’d gotten his way. He tried to get a job at Jiffy Market, in Eugene, Oregon, but they informed him that labor laws kept them from hiring him until he was 14. After a stint at a chain supermarket, joining Newport Avenue Market in 2004 was a natural progression in Joe’s career. Leaving a corporate store for an independent store has allowed Joe to show his creativity. At Newport Avenue Market, Joe has played many roles over the years—from traveling the nation looking for the next best thing in food, gift and housewares, to learning to build Newport-style displays under Debbie Dory’s tutelage. Joe loves working with people, customers, and employees, which is why the grocery business is a perfect fit!
John Boyle
Chief Merchandising & Marketing Officer, Market of Choice
John serves as the Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer at Market of Choice, the largest independent, family-owned grocery retailer in Oregon, with 11 stores and a new location set to open in spring 2025. With over 40 years of experience in the grocery industry, John began his career as a courtesy clerk at Albertson’s and has held leadership roles in both major national chains and independent regional brands, giving him a well-rounded understanding of diverse market dynamics.
Since joining Market of Choice in 2016, John has spearheaded several community-focused initiatives, including the launch of the MOJO program, which supports small-scale entrepreneurs and local food producers. During the pandemic, he expanded the program to assist family farmers, reinforcing Market of Choice’s commitment to local sourcing and community support. Known for his innovative approach and passion for healthy living, John is dedicated to nurturing local partnerships and driving a mission that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and community impact.
Darren Viscount
Senior Category Manager, Bristol Farms
With 27 years of diverse experience in the health-and-wellness industry, Darren Viscount has built an impressive career working across multiple facets of natural living. Currently serving as the Senior Natural Living Category Manager for Bristol Farms, he has also managed categories such as grocery, bulk, wine, frozen, supplements, health & beauty, OTC, and chocolates. Darren has worked in several prominent natural food chains on both the East and West coasts and was the event coordinator for a six-store chain in Charlotte, NC, where he organized events and lectures. A passionate advocate for the transformative power of healthy food, Darren is also a motivational speaker, having delivered over 50 lectures on natural health and well-being.
Community Marketplace
Sample & sell your products at Cultivate LIVE!
Presented by Market of Choice
What is the Community Marketplace?
The Community Marketplace features member tables where attendees can sample and learn about the wide variety of local natural products. The Community Marketplace provides a chance to explore and connect with different brands and their stories in a relaxed, engaging environment.
Marketplace Vendors
Post-Event Happy Hour
Relax & network after a great day with the local natural products industry!
Presented by Delve Media
Happy Hour & Community Marketplace
To close out the event, we’ll be hosting a lively happy hour and a second session of the Community Marketplace. This informal gathering offers attendees a chance to reflect on the day’s insights, meet and mingle with speakers and panelists, and explore opportunities for partnerships and collaborations. Continue to enjoy samples from the participating brands while making valuable connections in a relaxed, engaging setting.
