In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Operations and Finance Contributor Hannah Dittman sits down with Todd Hoffman, Chief Operating Officer at Brightland, to discuss the strategic and operational challenges of scaling a modern CPG brand.

Todd shares his unique transition from a decade in investment banking to leading operations at Chloe’s and now Brightland. The conversation explores the evolving role of the COO, key considerations for omnichannel growth, and the tactical realities of expanding from direct-to-consumer into retail. Todd also offers valuable insights on supply chain strategy, co-manufacturer relationships, inventory planning, and when to implement infrastructure such as 3PLs or ERP systems.

Whether you're a founder entering grocery for the first time or an operator looking to build scalable processes, this episode delivers practical guidance and candid reflections from an industry leader.

Listen in as they share about:

Overview of Brightland
Role of COO & Operations in CPG
Operations & Supply Chain Best Practices
Retail Strategy & Grocery Channel Expansion
Product Development Insights
Co-Manufacturing Relationships & Contracts
Scaling Strategy & Infrastructure
Lessons from Operations

Episode Links:

Website: https://brightland.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-hoffman-97aa6a4/

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Show Links:

Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
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Visit host Hannah's Linkedin
Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com
Episode music by Super Fantastics

Ops Spotlight: Todd Hoffman, COO at Brightland