Ashley Nickelson is the Founder and CEO of B.T.R. Nation, which produces on-the-go, better-for-you snacks that reimagine typical vending machine food. B.T.R. Nation has tens of thousands of customers nationwide and is distributed in over 600 stores. After her parents were diagnosed with cancer, Ashley became their primary caretaker and spent years eating out of hospital vending machines and cafeterias. With a background in biochemistry and food studies, she began making protein-packed plant-based snacks.  In this episode… With many consumers becoming more health-conscious, the market is saturated with natural, better-for-you food options. However, even while promoting fresh ingredients, some brands begin manufacturing their products with refined and engineered ingredients over time, replicating their original flavors while cutting costs. How can you maintain a commitment to real food ingredients while differentiating yourself in the market? With a unique mission to replace toxic vending machine snacks with plant-based, protein-packed snack bars and bites, Ashley Nickelsen produces her products with real food for authentic flavors. She launched her brand in DTC channels to build initial brand awareness before transitioning into retail, where she focused on creating eye-catching packaging to attract new consumers. Yet consumers are often inundated with innumerable snack options, so to generate a loyal customer base, you must instill your mission into every endeavor from marketing and packaging to manufacturing, expansion, and innovation. In this episode of the Brand Alchemist Podcast, Taja Dockendorf welcomes Ashley Nickelson, the Founder and CEO of B.T.R. Nation, to talk about the brand's evolution. Ashley shares why you shouldn't focus on cost when manufacturing products, how to raise capital to build brand awareness, and her vision for the brand's expansion and innovation.

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