ReConnected

Luke Abbott
  • 5.0 (6)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to the Reconnected Podcast—a home for sharing, understanding and growth for the retail grocery store industry. During each episode, we will meet an amazing member of our community as we learn about their story and jointly explore the intricacies and challenges of our supply chain. Through it all, we'll remember and honor that everything starts with the real people who spend so much of their lives supporting the retail food supply chain. We will bring together the voices of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers as we journey together to help our industry reconnect.We're excited to have you join us. 

  1. FEB 18

    Episode 36 - Reconnected with Noah Hyams

    Join Luke Abbott and Noah Hyams in this episode of the Reconnected podcast to dive into the future of food. Noah Hyams, Vegprenuer founder, reveals why the plant-based industry is at a pivotal crossroads and how you can thrive in this rapidly evolving space. From uncovering the real reasons behind market shifts to sharing insider tactics on building a sustainable food brand, this episode challenges common misconceptions and offers a guide to success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or food innovator, if you're tired of the noise and ready to make an impact, this conversation will reshape your approach and reignite your purpose. Luke and Noah explore how the industry’s hype bubble burst, what truly drives consumer behavior today, and why the words "plant-based" are losing their meaning. Noah breaks down the latest trends: capital scarcity, the importance of authentic storytelling over polished images, and the critical role community and mentorship play in scaling your brand. Discover why focusing on incredible products that happen to be plant-based—and not just "plant-based" for its own sake—can help you stand out and succeed long-term. This conversation is a must-listen for founders feeling overwhelmed, investors questioning where to place their bets, or anyone passionate about transforming the food system. Ready to cut through the noise and turn your passion into a thriving, impactful business? Hit play and join us on this eye-opening journey into the heart of the plant-based revolution.

    53 min

  2. FEB 11

    Episode 35 - Reconnected with Susan Buckwalter Hartman

    In this episode of the Reconnected podcast, host Luke Abbott interviews Susan Hartman, co-founder of Recoup Beverage, discussing her journey in the CPG industry, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and the importance of sustainability and regenerative organic certification.  The discussion explores the foundational role of trust in co-founder relationships, emphasizing how mutual respect and shared values can drive a brand's success. Susan also highlights the immense value of community and networking, illustrating how connections with organizations like Naturally San Diego have been pivotal in Recoup's growth. Courage is a recurring theme, as Susan recounts the tough business decisions she had to make and the resilience required to navigate the competitive landscape. Her personal story is woven with the influence of sports, which instilled a sense of grit and determination that has been instrumental in her entrepreneurial journey. Balancing work and family life, Susan offers heartfelt encouragement to aspiring entrepreneurs, inspiring them to pursue their dreams with passion and purpose.

    57 min

  3. JAN 5

    Episode 34 - Reconnected with Maria Pearman

    In this engaging episode of the Reconnected Podcast, host Luke Abbott sits down with Maria Pearman, CPA, the food and beverage practice leader at GHJ. Maria shares her unique journey from arts management to becoming a leading figure in the accounting world, particularly within the food and beverage industry. The conversation delves into the intricacies of financial management for consumer brands, the importance of cash flow, and the evolving landscape of natural foods. Maria offers insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by businesses today, emphasizing the need for strategic financial planning and innovation. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a finance enthusiast, this episode provides valuable perspectives on navigating the complexities of business growth and sustainability!

    54 min

  4. 12/05/2025

    Episode 33 - Reconnected with Pere Selles

    In this episode of the Reconnected Podcast, host Luke Abbott sits down with the remarkable Pere Selles, a man whose life is a tapestry of adventure, business acumen, and cultural exchange. Pere shares his journey from Barcelona to the United States, where he carved out a niche in the food industry by introducing Spanish cuisine to American palates. With anecdotes of his early days selling olive oil from the trunk of his car to his current role with the Jose Andres Group, Pere's story is one of resilience and innovation. Listeners will be inspired by his tales of building a business from the ground up, fostering relationships with small family producers in Spain, and his ongoing mission to bring authentic Spanish flavors to the U.S. market. Beyond business, Pere's zest for life is evident in his adventurous spirit, from mountain biking across the U.S. to his plans for a road trip to Baja California. This episode is a celebration of cultural exchange, entrepreneurship, and living life to the fullest.

    59 min

  5. 09/03/2025

    Episode 32 - Reconnected with Elliot Begoun

    In this episode of the Reconnected Podcast, host Luke Abbott of Vdriven engages in a thought-provoking conversation with a special guest, Elliot Begoun, about the evolving landscape of the food industry. They delve into the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs, exploring themes of resilience, innovation, and the importance of questioning the status quo. The discussion touches on the significance of board diversity, the impact of consumer behavior on business models, and the need for systemic change in the industry. With insights into the dynamics of omni-channel retail and the future of shopping, this episode offers valuable perspectives for anyone interested in the intersection of business and consumer trends. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of the modern market and drive meaningful change.

    53 min

  6. 08/20/2025

    Episode 31 - Reconnected with Lara Dickinson

    In this episode of the Reconnected podcast, we sit down with Laura Dickinson, a visionary leader in the natural products industry. Laura shares her journey from the corporate world to founding One Step Closer, a network dedicated to embedding purpose in business. We explore the challenges and triumphs of creating sustainable supply chains, the importance of regenerative business practices, and the power of community in driving meaningful change. Join us for an inspiring conversation about innovation, resilience, and the future of conscious capitalism.

    1h 2m

  7. 07/30/2025

    Episode 30 - Reconnected with Casey Gaston (Whole Foods Market)

    In this episode, we sit down with Casey Gaston, current Executive Leader of Whole Body & Supplements at Whole Foods Market and former Leader of the Local and Emerging Brands program.  With over 21 years at Whole Foods Market, Casey shares her path from oncology nursing to holistic wellness and supplements, ultimately stepping into a leadership role at the nation’s largest natural retailer. Casey shares valuable insights into what it truly takes for early-stage brands to succeed—from the power of purpose-driven retail to lessons learned working with emerging brands. She unpacks the vision behind Whole Foods Market’s LEAP accelerator and what helps products stand out on shelf, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the retailer’s approach to identifying and nurturing promising new brands. Get ready to be inspired as Casey shares how passion, perseverance, and strategic clarity can turn bold ideas into meaningful growth for emerging brands.

    52 min

  8. 07/09/2025

    Episode 29 - Reconnected with Bart Jan Manten

    In this episode of The Reconnected Podcast, host Luke Abbott sits down with Bart Jan Manten—musician-turned-entrepreneur and founder of Neolea, a premium olive oil brand born in Greece. Bart shares his unconventional path from the Dutch music scene to olive groves in Corfu, blending creativity with sharp business instincts to build a brand rooted in authenticity, innovation, and purpose. Bart opens up about transforming traditional olive oil production through cutting-edge techniques, launching the iconic white bottle, and making high-quality olive oil more accessible with Neolea’s new “Pan & Plate” line. From his early influences to his work as an angel investor, Bart’s journey is a powerful reminder that our past experiences—no matter how unrelated they seem—can shape the most meaningful ventures.

    1h 7m
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Reconnected Podcast—a home for sharing, understanding and growth for the retail grocery store industry. During each episode, we will meet an amazing member of our community as we learn about their story and jointly explore the intricacies and challenges of our supply chain. Through it all, we'll remember and honor that everything starts with the real people who spend so much of their lives supporting the retail food supply chain. We will bring together the voices of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers as we journey together to help our industry reconnect.We're excited to have you join us. 

Information

  • Creator
    Luke Abbott
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 ReConnected
  • Show Website
    ReConnected