Round 2: Catching up with Jim Simon of JiMMYBAR!

My guest today has already given us one inspiring and insightful episode, and I’m excited to welcome him back for an update. Jim Simon from JiMMYBAR! is a gifted serial entrepreneur who has built JiMMYBAR! into an innovative powerhouse in the CPG sector.

In this episode, we’ll discuss some of the challenges JiMMYBAR! faced during the early days of Covid, and how they were able to turn a dire situation into an opportunity for innovation.  JiMMYBAR!has expanded its range of products outside of bars (most recently to keto pudding!) to establish itself as a formidable snack company.

From making drastic cuts in staff, converting to a virtual office, and heading off supply chain issues with their smart, nimble, family-based team, join us for a motivating discussion of how you too can look for CPG opportunities when times get “weird.”

The “NexxtLevel Brands Podcast’ is hosted by G. Steven Cleere, Founder and “Chief Pot Stirrer” of NexxtLevel Brands. This show focuses on disruptors and thought-leaders from the Entrepreneurial Food, Beverage, and CPG Industry, but we also share tips from veterans and key suppliers that may help fellow CPG professionals achieve their goals.

Discussion Points

• Jim Simon intro and background
• The JiMMYBAR! transition from C-store to grocery, alternative, and private label business
• Selling through Amazon and Shopify
• The drastic cuts that were necessary due to Covid, and the resulting profitability
• How JiMMYBAR! maintains momentum in new product development
• The grocery walk through that led to their newest product
• What Jim wishes he had known/done early in his journey– raised more money
• JiMMYBAR! uses hundreds of “micro-influencers” for their social media marketing
• Covid challenges and adjusting to selling to buyers over Zoom
• Why a vertical business – the advantages and efficiencies of making your own products
• What would you have done differently looking back now?
• Can you give us some “Words 2 Grow By?”
• Join us for Round 3 with Jim sometime in the future

Resources:

Jim Simon LinkedIn

JimmyBars.com Website

NexxtLevel Brands Website

G. Steven Cleere LinkedIn