Aaron Brodkey

Experience

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  Michigan Dining

  Feb 2019 - Jul 2020

  Marketing MIT

  Duties:1. Supported marketing efforts for a diverse portfolio of 9 dining halls, 20 retail locations, and a catering business, contributing to over $40M in annual sales.2. Collaborated with the senior leadership team on all major marketing and operational decisions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.3. Led the development and execution of marketing campaigns, including digital, print, and on-campus promotions to increase customer engagement and sales.4. Led a sustainability initiative focused on increasing plant-based options in dining halls, successfully securing a grant to support the program. Accomplishments:1. Designed and launched Buy-Ahead program for campus meal plans that drove $250,000 in additional revenue.2. Developed the University's Plant Forward strategy to meet University of Michigan climate goals, which introduced more plant-based options to the university. Show less

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  Renewal Mill

  Jun 2019 - Feb 2020

  Marketing Specialist
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  Big Idea Ventures

  Oct 2020 - Jan 2022

  Big Idea Ventures is a venture capital firm with teams in New York, Singapore, and Paris, combining capital and partnership to support and grow the world’s most compelling plant-based and cell-based food companies. The first fund is the New Protein Fund (US$50M), anchored by major institutional investors including AAK, Bel Group, Bühler Group, Givaudan, Temasek Holdings, and Tyson Foods, and the portfolio will invest in over 100 alternative protein companies across the globe.Duties:1. Managed the New Protein Fund I accelerator program for the New York office, leading the end-to-end process from startup application to program completion.2. Developed and executed program curriculum tailored to the needs of early-stage alternative protein companies.3. Supported investment decisions by conducting due diligence, analyzing business models, and presenting findings to the investment committee.4. Managed relationships with over 25 pre-seed startups, providing ongoing mentorship and guidance to drive growth and development.5. Coordinated with a global network of employees, limited partners, mentors, investors, and industry experts to deliver value-added support to portfolio.6. Monitored portfolio performance, tracking key metrics and reporting to investment committee.Accomplishments:1. Invested in 25 pre seed alternative protein companies.2. Doubled the number of applications to the fund’s New Protein Accelerator.3. Helped secure follow-on investments for portfolio companies. Show less

  • Program Manager

    Aug 2021 - Jan 2022

  • Program Associate

    Oct 2020 - Aug 2021
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  Theo's (Arbor Foods)

  Jan 2022 - Sept 2024

  Co-Founder & Co-CEO

  Theo's is making it easier than ever to get your veggies with chewy veggie snacks!Duties:1. Developed and executed comprehensive sales strategies for Arbor Foods’ healthy snack brand Theo’s to drive revenue growth and expand market share.2. Led distribution and logistics operations, optimizing supply chain efficiency and reducing costs while ensuring timely delivery of products to retail partners.3. Spearheaded business strategy development by analyzing market trends, identifying growth opportunities, and setting long-term company objectives.4. Managed financial planning and budgeting, overseeing all aspects of financial analysis, forecasting, and cost control to maximize profitability.5. Directed fundraising efforts, successfully securing capital through investor relations, pitch presentations, and financial modeling.6. Built and maintained key client relationships, ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat business while expanding the company’s retail footprint.7. Coordinated product development and innovation initiatives, aligning new products with market demands and consumer preferences.8. Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, achieving favorable terms to enhance supply chain reliability and cost-effectiveness.Accomplishments:1. Launched snack innovations into 800 retail stores, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, and The Fresh Market.2. Served over 200,000 servings of vegetables to customers across the US!3. Grew sales to $550,000 run rate within first 18 months on the market.4. Raised $500,000 in funding from grants as well as angels and institutional investors.5. Awarded 3X pitch slam finalists at Expo West, IFT FIRST, and Naturally Chicago. Show less