This Founder Explains Why He Had to Start Telling Retailers ‘No’ — and How It Helped His Business Succeed

Greg Steltenpohl set out to make plant-based milk. But when his product became too popular, he had to make some tough decisions.

By Jason Feifer Jun 12, 2018
Califia Farms

This is an episode of our podcast Problem Solvers. Each week, an entrepreneur reveals how they overcame an unexpected problem in their business — and were happier and more successful as a result. The show is hosted by Entrepreneur’s editor in chief, Jason Feifer. Listen below, or subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Califia Farms makes a popular line of plant-based milks, yogurts and coffees — but they became too popular, too quick. In 2017, demand began significantly outstripping supply. The company had to start telling retailers “no,” while it fixed its entire production system.

Learn about the drastic measures Califia made and how they were able to rebound in this week’s Problem Solvers podcast.

Related: A Founder Shares What to Do When Your Staff Can’t Agree on a Vision for the Company

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Small business never stops moving, so Dell’s US-based Small Business Advisors are trained to keep up. Just call 877-BUY-DELL to get connected. You’ll get tailored solutions you can trust, from an advisor who knows your business — like which Dell PCs with Intel® CoreTM processors are right for you. That way, you can focus on your business and leave the tech questions to Dell.

This is an episode of our podcast Problem Solvers. Each week, an entrepreneur reveals how they overcame an unexpected problem in their business — and were happier and more successful as a result. The show is hosted by Entrepreneur’s editor in chief, Jason Feifer. Listen below, or subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Califia Farms makes a popular line of plant-based milks, yogurts and coffees — but they became too popular, too quick. In 2017, demand began significantly outstripping supply. The company had to start telling retailers “no,” while it fixed its entire production system.

Learn about the drastic measures Califia made and how they were able to rebound in this week’s Problem Solvers podcast.

Related: A Founder Shares What to Do When Your Staff Can’t Agree on a Vision for the Company

Thanks to our sponsors:

Small business never stops moving, so Dell’s US-based Small Business Advisors are trained to keep up. Just call 877-BUY-DELL to get connected. You’ll get tailored solutions you can trust, from an advisor who knows your business — like which Dell PCs with Intel® CoreTM processors are right for you. That way, you can focus on your business and leave the tech questions to Dell.

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Jason Feifer

Editor in Chief at Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur Staff
Jason Feifer is the editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine and host of the podcast Problem Solvers. Outside of Entrepreneur, he writes the newsletter One Thing Better, which each week gives you one better way to build a career or company you love. He is also a startup advisor, keynote speaker, book author, and nonstop...

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