Closing the door on my startup opened the door to more opportunities than I could have imagined. I’m proud to be an Unfounder, helping startups grow from day one. I’ve been both founder and Unfounder and now I want to share the stories no one hears; applauding the day one drivers behind brands.
You don’t have to start the brand to be the reason it made it. Forget founder fairy tales. We’re here for the Unfounders. Real talk from the people who took the leap (and what they ’d tell you before you do).
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Closing the door on my startup opened the door to more opportunities than I could have imagined. I’m proud to be an Unfounder, helping startups grow from day one. I’ve been both founder and Unfounder and now I want to share the stories no one hears; applauding the day one drivers behind brands.
You don’t have to start the brand to be the reason it made it. Forget founder fairy tales. We’re here for the Unfounders. Real talk from the people who took the leap (and what they ’d tell you before you do).
#62 - Jack Rutherford - Crosta Mollica [UK Managing Director]
The Unfounders
37 minutes
1 week ago
#62 - Jack Rutherford - Crosta Mollica [UK Managing Director]
Jack Rutherfood is the UK Managing Director at Italian food powerhouse Crosta Mollica
They have been dominating in the UK over recent years, and it was great chatting to Jack to try and understand some of the reasons why that is.
I also loved digging into Jack's background from his first role as a Junior Buyer at Sainsburys, to moving brand side and working at the likes of Diageo, Lily's Kitchen and THIS.
Jack is a fantastic guy - and I loved this one, I'm sure you will too!
As always thanks to our fantastic sponsor Mission Kitchen!
If you're a chef, baker of food brand looking to grow, then head on over to book a tour at their site in Nine Elms, London today.
Also if you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible new sponsor Against Ordinary - the masterminds behind my gorgeous new rebrand.
They also have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the Brand Scorecard a go today!
Check out the ever growing Unfounders Song Selection playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.
Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website here.
Intro by Free Flowin' from Uppbeat
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-head
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jack Rutherford and Crosstor Malika
01:40 The Story of Crosstor Malika
03:13 Brand Evolution and Rebranding Success
05:39 Joining Crosstor: The Attraction of the Brand
08:33 Market Insights: Chilled vs Frozen Pizza
11:46 The Secret Sauce of Crosstor's Success
17:40 Jack's Journey: From Aspirations to Leadership
20:10 The Evolution of Ready-to-Drink Beverages
22:02 Career Path: From Sainsbury's to Diageo
25:00 Transitioning to Challenger Brands
27:46 Navigating the Plant-Based Boom
30:44 Balancing Work and Family Life
33:22 Resilience in the Face of Challenges
35:43 The Soundtrack of Work Life
The Unfounders
Closing the door on my startup opened the door to more opportunities than I could have imagined. I’m proud to be an Unfounder, helping startups grow from day one. I’ve been both founder and Unfounder and now I want to share the stories no one hears; applauding the day one drivers behind brands.
You don’t have to start the brand to be the reason it made it. Forget founder fairy tales. We’re here for the Unfounders. Real talk from the people who took the leap (and what they ’d tell you before you do).
