You Need More than Legal Help - Ryan Lewendon joins us on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast

If you think today’s episode is going to be filled with boring legalese, think again. Not only are many entrepreneurs reticent to involve a legal expert, but they tend to think of them merely as risk-mitigators.  But stop to consider – your business could attract bigger initial financing, celebrity partners and endorsements, and maybe even a higher exit sale/acquisition price if you have a CPG legal powerhouse like Ryan Lewendon on your team.

Ryan’s firm, Giannuzzi Lewendon, plays an active role over the life span of a consumer product company, from the beginning of an idea to growing the company to a successful exit, and beyond. Their firm has served as counsel to a vast array of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and founders in the food, beverage, lifestyle, beauty, and wellness sectors, helping them clear day-to-day hurdles and navigate opportunities toward an acquisition. Ryan’s clients run the gamut from young brands to mature companies – first-time entrepreneurs and recent MBA graduates to seasoned, serial entrepreneurs in the CPG space. Ryan has overseen the growth of hundreds of brands in the consumer section, including VitaminWater, BodyArmor, Suja, Four Sigmatic, Recess, Coconut Cartel, Alfred Coffee, and Your Super.

We’ll talk about trademarks, protecting secret recipes and formulas, finances and financing, celebrities and how their involvement has evolved from taking a few photos with products to being full partners working the booths at trade shows, and the U.S. cannabis market that is poised to explode once there is federal legalization.

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

• Ryan got hooked on CPG after running a bar in New Orleans
• Ryan doesn’t go to court for you, he is an expert in the operations of CPG companies
• There is a pressing need for attorneys who understand the industry
• Trademarks– when, where and how
• Protecting secret formulas and recipes
• When should you start working with legal experts?
• Investors look more favorably on companies with legal experts
• Celebrity endorsements– what do they look like these days?
• Celebs and mission-based companies
• Working with “Re-founders” – they sold but want to buy back
• CBD, FDA, and cannabis
• Words to grow by: “Grow intentionally, and cautiously, over the next 12-18-36 months.”
• Reach out to us with show and guest ideas

Resources:

Ryan Lewendon LinkedIn 

Giannuzzi Lewendon Law Firm

Ryan Lewendon Instagram

Email Ryan 

NexxtLevel Brands Website

Steven Cleere LinkedIn