"Together Talks" feature # 86: Holi Scoops presented by KLS, freight company
Some Background on Holi Scoops
Today's edition of "Together Talks" campaign, KLS had the privilege to interview Co-Founders, Camille Lasker and Jenna Grossbart, of Holi Scoops. A plant based frozen dessert that promises more nutrition, more function, and more indulgence. After various health setbacks, both knew the way they consumed food had to change. Everywhere they looked, they found sweets focused on minimizing - less calories, less fat, less guilt - which meant less flavor and way less satisfaction.
The question arose: How do we bring more to our freezers without settling for less?
They set out to create a product that was better than "better for you," never sacrificing flavor. And after years of continuous formulation, they made something Holi.
They created Holi Scoops with a mission to feed our body and soul mindfully, using healing adaptogen plants and nutrient dense ingredients to prioritize health, while never skimping on indulgence.
So join Holi Scoops in taking a small scoop toward mindful, holistic living.
3 year formulation
While Holi Scoops formally launched in August 2021, it was years in the making. Camille and Jenna shared with us that in total it was over three years of preparation prior to launching. The biggest portion of that was the formulation of the product itself. Surprisingly it started with Camille making adaptogenic energy balls in her kitchen. That was her first foray into the food space. Both admitted that around this time Halo Top was making a big push into being widely accepted. The Co-Founders of Holi Scoops took notice of this traction. Eating ice cream almost nightly, they realized there was an opportunity to do it differently and in a better way.
With the "better for you" approach becoming more mainstream, Camille and Jenna sought out to truly innovate in the space. Their desire for ice cream would be their avenue into the space. "We were obsessed with ice cream and our passion to fix the problem with this product was too good of an opportunity for us to pass up.", Camille explained.
Ice Cream!
Entering the CPG space with no prior experience proved to be a challenge, but their optimism would ultimately lead them. The three years prior to launch they watched, researched, and gathered as much info as they could on brands and consumers. Camille and Jenna came to two realizations, "In order to be 'better for you' something had to be sacrificed, whether it was less fat, less sugar, etc. and in order to achieve those claims the quality and flavor was significantly impacted. With that they knew their entry into the market would cater to both issues.
Holi Scoops is dairy-free, plant based, and low in sugar. They believe they are truly unique and one-of-a-kind in this space. In addition to boasting those qualities, they also use adaptogenic ingredients which means their ice cream is infused with healing mushrooms and herbs which not only makes it truly better for you, but functional at the same time. Bringing transparency to their products via their ingredients was imperative when creating their company. Jenna explained the benefits of their product while tackling what the industry was lacking, " The mouth-feel experience wasn't there with similar products to ours. It would often taste chalky, it didn't feel or taste like ice cream. We were able to produce a product that is dairy-free, plant based, low in sugar, that feels and tastes like real ice cream."
Partner with KLS
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Our nationwide coverage provides companies a reliable, consistent, and dependable logistics partner to handle your trucking needs.
For more information on how we can help call our office today 708-980-0920 or reach us via our email quote request here!
Brand and Recognition
While the benefits of the product are very apparent, the duo had to get the word out about it to garner traction. Building hype around this innovative brand was another challenge for the company. Bringing a fresh, new, fun brand to the industry was their goal. They tried to achieve this with the bold colors, the imagery, the name, but also the feeling they hoped to communicate when seeing the brand and then trying it.
Camille and Jenna discussed with us on how they try to remember to step back and reflect when celebrating wins. Often times it is difficult to remove themselves from the day to day operations to acknowledge the growth or achieving a goal. They both mentioned how vital it is that they have each other, being able to rely on and celebrate with each other brings a true balance to the Holi Scoops equation. Jenna also mentioned that during their time running the company they have learned the lesson of staying in their own lane, "We have found it is important to focus on ourselves and not others. It can be easy to get caught up in what other companies are doing or achieving, but it is just a distraction. We have our company to worry about and invest that energy into where we want to go next."
Camille told us that people just need to try the product. Kids love the product and it comes with the easiest sales pitch in history, "You can have it for breakfast! But seriously, because it is low sugar and functional you can eat it at any point in the day for any meal." Who else can provide that? She shared an even more impressive fact with us, an entire pint of Holi Scoops ice cream has less sugar than half an apple.
We will wait while you read that again...
The duo said they anticipate big things for the upcoming year. While most of it needs to be kept under wraps their one big secret is that a new product will be launched and the release date will be at Expo West. Stay tuned to see what Holi Scoops is whipping up!
Challenges
Jenna and Camille explained that the one aspect they didn't fully grasp was the challenges that surround making, storing, and selling a frozen product. Fortunately they both said their passion for the product and the benefits they can provide to consumers allowed them to navigate the difficult learning curve. Another challenge was getting noticed in the space enough to get shelf space. Camille explained how difficult it is for a new brand, but how they adapted, "We don't have the millions that these large companies can spend on marketing. We have had to be resourceful and scrappy. Without the funding it creates additional obstacles for us, but we have put a premium focus on getting the word out organically and building that following to grow out brand."
Both Co-Founders acknowledged how supportive other individuals and companies can be in the CPG space. Initially in their journey they said they would try to lean on guidance of those who had experience and were grateful for the help the received. As they have grown and elevated to new levels, their demands have also changed. While they still try to network and find new connections in the space, the role has changed slightly where now they can provide help and guidance to others in the CPG space. Both commented how unique it is for individuals within an industry willing to help others.
We asked both Camille and Jenna about fears they had when starting Holi Scoops. Camille took us through the moment where they decided to act and move forward, "It was pre-launch, but I was in business school at UCLA Anderson and the head of the accelerator program asked me, 'When are you going to rip the band aid off?' We were so nervous and felt we needed more time and more pop-ups, but ultimately she was right. We couldn't be afraid of failing. We needed to give ourselves a shot, take a leap, and see what happened." She commented how it is scary, scary to make that leap and start something new, but until you start you won't know what you're capable of. And as time passes it gets easier if you continue.
We discussed a goal they achieved and how it made them feel and surprisingly it happened two months after they launched. Thats right two months after Holi Scoops was live they got into Sprouts. Getting accepted should have provided a joyful reaction considering it was one of their dream retailers, however they both said it was more of a panicked state. Jenna explained, "For a moment or two when we got the news we were appreciative and accepted the good news, but it just hit us like we have so much to do now. Looking back and reflecting on that moment has really shown how much we have grown. We got an opportunity and we succeeded with it." Back to ripping off that band aid, don't know what you possess until you bet on yourself.
Their journeys
Being the Co-Founders requires an incredible amount of work and getting lost in the sea of daily duties can make it a struggle to appreciate the victories. Camille and Jenna both stated they struggle with acknowledging it on their own. Both are focused on continuing to build and grow Holi Scoops. But they did credit receiving feedback is always validating and reminds them of the impact they sought out to create. They described it as "the goal post keeps moving", always on to the next thing, a true entrepreneurs' mindset. Jenna said it is important that they understood to dial in their focus during these opportunities and realize where energy needs to be directed. She said this can be a very hard practice, but achieving that balance is optimal.
In terms of the aspect of running a business they appreciate most it was the ability to control their destiny. For Camille, chasing her own dream resonates with her. The ability to make choices and decisions to reach the heights she hopes to reach rather than building someone for someone else is truly special. And for Jenna, the fact that nothing is off limits. She loves the creative aspect that she can continue to imagine new ways of doing things and not held back because she is the Co-Founder.
When we asked the duo about a moment that brings them the most joy they provided a really unique answer. "We had recently just got rejected on a new account. It was humbling. We were hoping to get into it, but we failed. We took this experience as an opportunity to step back and evaluate our company and ourselves. We took the time to revisit a lot of things. While it was a no now, we don't view it as a no forever. Instead we believe it is a sign from the universe that it isn't the right time. Something in this equation isn't ready, so although this isn't our moment, our moment will come."
They continued, "We took this humbling experience as a chance to reset. It almost lit a fire under us and said ok time to step up. We did a lot of self reflection on how we can improve from this opportunity to be better prepared for our next shot." They said while being eager to improve, it is important to remain patient. Understanding it isn't a race to the top, they want to appreciate the experience, good and bad. It is why it is so incredible that their moment they reflect on with appreciation is a moment of rejection.
Camille and Jenna discussed what they envision for the future with us, while they ultimately would love the fairy-tale exit, for them it is about following the process. They aren't envisioning steps and steps ahead, but rather what is the next step for them and how can they conquer it to the best of their abilities. They summed it up incredibly well, "There have been conversations where we thought we would move forward and ultimately didn't. It is a constant reminder that it wasn't the right fit for us. We want to be aligned every step of the way. We trust that all of the "no" we receive are leading us to the most aligned opportunities. Trusting the next right thing will be aligned, and leading us to the most aligned yes."
Piece of advice
The conversation with Camille and Jenna ended with each sharing their piece of advice.
Camille - " My two big ones are patience and resilience. You're going to have so many ups and downs and everything. I've learned to take a hit now and be like, okay, it's okay.
It's not going to ruin my company's life. You will survive and then resilience plays into that too, where you can continue no matter what the obstacle is. There's no obstacle that's too great. We're just like, we'll figure it out. So one way or the other, if we can't figure, who can we call that we'll know the answer. We believe we're very resourceful."
Jenna - " Everything can be figured out. Like Camille said, being resourceful, finding a way. But also I think it is critical to be present to what is. Being in the moment and understanding what you're doing, why you're doing it, and are you truly taking anything from the experience. How can we be present and learn and continue to grow from everything we encounter."
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Contact us as we would love to learn your story and share it amongst our audience.
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In Closing
KLS wants to thank Holi Scoops and Co-Founders, Camille Lasker and Jenna Grossbart, for today's "Together Talks" feature. Follow along for the Holi Scoops journey with their social handles below!
Klimson Logistics Solutions - Together Talks with Holi Scoops feature # 86
*Klimson Logistics Solutions is an Industry Leading Customer Service 3PL. Our focus and commitment to our clients has us striving to be the BEST customer service 3PL for LTL, FTL, Reefer, and Drayage in the country. KLS, freight company, is a 3PL providing nationwide logistics solutions. KLS shipping services include: LTL freight, FTL freight, Reefer LTL freight, Reefer FTL freight, and Drayage. Klimson Logistics Solutions thanks you for viewing our marketing campaign, "Together Talks". If you have any interest in being featured or questions regarding your freight operations please contact us today!
Why KLS?
Our precise and reliable effort.
We handle every shipment with the exact same process. It does not matter if you move one shipment a year or ten per day, you will receive the same level of customer service from us. When we started this company, we had one goal in mind, treat every shipment like it was our own. With our vast knowledge of the industry, we understood what a customer would want from a communication standpoint. We applied that process to be the standard here at KLS. Our reliability and being able to depend on our consistency is why we have such long-standing relationships with our clients.
Our Process?
Every shipment in our industry starts with a quote. We are firm believers that time is money, thus we strive to have quotes back in a 5-10 minute reply time for LTL and FTL, any FCL quotes are at the mercy of the carriers getting back to us. For LTL we have the flexibility to quote both off of NMFC and also Density depending on the carrier. Utilizing our services, you’re allowing us to use our expertise to class your freight accordingly to ensure we are providing the best rate we possibly can.
Once a quote has been submitted and a client chooses to proceed with KLS handling the arrangement of the shipment our full process begins. We create the BOL that will be used for the shipment. If it is a new location for our system, we will obtain all the important/special details (reference numbers, contact details, shipping hours, closed for lunch, dock/doors, etc.). We meticulously build every detail into our software for all future shipments involving that location. After we have both locations built and necessary reference numbers have been applied we will tender the shipment to the carrier. We use this method because it provides us a real time pickup number from the carrier to obtain updates prior to pickup. Our staff will either email the BOL directly to you or to the shipper (at your request) the minute after the tender has been accepted by the carrier. LTL carriers require a 2 hour window prior to close time in order to schedule it for a same-day pickup attempt.
The following morning you’ll receive an email from us. It will either provide the reason the pickup was missed (driver’s trailer filled up, driver missed the close time, truck broke down, shipper said no freight, etc.) or if the pickup was successful you will receive the PRO (tracking) number from us, along with the eta for delivery. Our staff will track it throughout the duration of transit and advise if anything happens that will alter the estimated delivery date. The day the shipment delivers we will email you with confirmation and the POD (Proof of Delivery), should you require it.
Your shipment has been quoted, scheduled, picked up, and delivered. The next step is waiting for the carrier to invoice us and make sure the rate matches up. If it does, we close out the invoice from the carrier in our system and automatically your invoice is created and sent to the requested party at your company. In the event the carrier has an additional charge on their invoice “Variance”, we will never send you an invoice with an additional charge without first identifying you of the charge.
Let us repeat, NEVER WILL WE JUST BILL OUT AN EXTRA CHARGE WITHOUT YOU BEING NOTIFIED.
You are our customer, we represent you. Should the carrier provide an extra charge on an invoice, “Lift gate, additional weight, reclass, detention, etc.) We notify you of the charge via email first. Second, within that email we identify what is required should you choose to dispute the charge. Again our goal is to honor your request, if you want to dispute, we will dispute. During a dispute we will provide you updates every step along the way. Once a dispute is closed out, whether it is approved or rejected, then we will invoice you as the invoice has been resolved.
For reference, our company only had 6.2% of all shipments go to dispute in 2022 and we successfully won 91% of those disputes on behalf of our customers.
This is our process for every single shipment you move with us. We don’t cut corners, we don’t hide from difficult situations. We believe in being available, honest, and transparent. We don’t ever want to tell you that a shipment is lost, damaged, misrouted, but it is our duty to notify you the second we find out something has gone wrong. We hate to present bad news, but it is part of the job. What you can guarantee is that we will work a shipment all the way through and turn over every stone until we get a resolution for our clients.
Services offered?
Our core business is LTL and FTL. Within these options we have options for both dry and refrigerated/frozen. We also offer FCL/Drayage options. Our company as a 3PL has nationwide options and services clients across the US.
Let’s breakdown our services more in-depth
LTL:
Standard and Guaranteed
CFS (Imports & Exports)
Tradeshows
Hazmat
Anything that is on a pallet can be moved LTL. Typically LTL is up to 10 pallets, but the sweet spot for a carrier is 6-8 pallets at most for an individual shipment. LTL quotes are good between 5-30 days depending on the carrier. LTL can be quoted either via NMFC or density to determine the class (we do this for you).
Volume:
Anything over 10-12’ of space in the truck is the technical rule for a volume shipment. When we run a quote for you we will determine if it qualifies for volume and provide you a rate if available. Volume moves allow you to get a reduced rate for larger shipments. The caveat to volume shipments it the quotes are only valid for 3-7 days and they move on capacity between terminals. If a terminal is backed up they will move their LTL freight first before the volume freight, which can lead to longer transit times for volume moves.
FTL/Dedicated/Expedited: 53’ Dry and Reefer 26’ Box trucks with lift gate Sprinter Van The main difference for FTL vs LTL is space and transit time. For standard pallets you can fit either 26 or 30 pallets in a 53’ dry van. The other main difference is transit time, for FTL each day counts in the transit time, whereas LTL does not count the day of pickup, weekends, or holidays in their transit time.
Reefer/Frozen:
LTL and FTL
We specialize working in the CPG space with food manufacturers. We regularly deliver to
the following locations:
Kehe
UNFI
Core Mark
DPI
Wegmans
Cugini
H.T. Hackney
Netrition
HEB
ALDI
Chambers and Owens
EBY Brown
Nassau Candy
Harris Teeter
Wakefern
NU INC
Long Distribution
What makes KLS different?
There are thousands of freight brokers and 3PL in our industry. Barrier to entry is rather easy and agents or owners will often hire sales people without any intention of properly training them. It results in high turnover for many freight companies and a forgettable experience for the client. We choose to operate differently through our consistency. We truly care about doing right by our clients and prospects too. While we would love to help provide our services to every company we speak with, that just isn’t realistic. We won’t always be the right fit for every company that moves freight and that is ok. Our authenticity as a shipping company sets us apart from the competition and that is backed up by our testimonials. We also run a marketing campaign bi-weekly called “Together Talks”. We interview, highlight, and promote two businesses every week. Our goal is to grow our network, make new connections, and learn something new with each collaboration. Check it out on our website and if you’re interested in being featured reach out.
Our company also runs a year long charity promotion. Book your first shipment through KLS and we donate to the charity of your choice in your name. Our way of thanking you for giving us an opportunity to show you the KLS way and what makes us one of a kind. This entire package is what we offer to every prospect and every client. Our goal is to help provide answers that customers may have when it comes to shipping. We want to always be available as a resource and will always offer a lending hand whenever we can.
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