Meet Holly Goodenow | CEO/Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Holly Goodenow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Holly, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have worked in the Food/Beverage industry for a little over 20 years. I worked on the manufacturer, distributor and broker side of the business and have seen how each part functions. I wanted to create something innovative to my industry so I started Good Now Foods. We are the only sales agency that focuses only on Organic, Clean and Non-GMO CPG products. We don’t accept any product that does not meet our standards even if its a high volume sales item. We also work closely with our clients (the manufacturer) by having a “hands on” approach as if we are an extension of there sales arm. We have used this model for three years and have grown 900% YOY.

What should our readers know about your business?
Good Now Foods is the only sales agency (brokerage) that focuses only on Clean, Organic and Non-GMO CPG brands. We are w woman-owned business that has grown 900% YOY. I have worked in this industry for over 20 years and have seen what products come to market. A lot of what we eat is tainted with chemicals, preservatives, GMOs, binders, etc. I wanted to focus on products that would be not only good for our health but also good for the environment. I started my business not focusing on making a large income but I rather to help small/emerging brands to get their products out in the market place. We care more about our clients than our pocket books.
The challenge was to get noticed in a large sea of conventional brokerages. We had to work harder than anyone else to get our unknown brands to market. This effort has put us in a place where we now get referrals for national chains and do label business for one of the nation’s largest natural food retailers.
We would like for people to know that we care about our clients, the consumer’s health and the environment first. If we are profitable then that’s a bonus.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would first take them for a hike at Griffith Park. There is an outstanding view from the old helicopter pad. It’s especially stunning at sunset. The following day I would take them to Malibu beach. We would have lunch at Kristy’s Village Cafe and then hang out at the beach until sunset.
Day three we would go and have breakfast at Urth Cafe in Santa Monica and walk the promenade and pier. The Beach is great for sunsets.
Towards the end of the week I would take them to either Universal Studios or Disney Land. If Universal Studios we would eat dinner at Black Market Liquor Bar afterwards in Sherman Oaks. Its a great Tapas bar.
Only the final day I would take them around the city to areas like Hollywood and West Hollywood. Dinner would be at Le Petit Four. Its the best French restaurant located on the Sunset Strip.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have had numerous people encourage me to start my own company. My stepmother Janice Goodenow and great friend Rene Wagner both believed that it would be successful and it was up to me on whether I saw that in myself. I am now happy I took their advice as my company is changing the way people eat and buy food.

Website: www.goodnowfoods.com