Late July Snacks: Nicole Bernard Dawes. Crackers and Cookies were Failing… Tortilla Chips Saved Them

In this episode, Nicole Bernard-Dawes shares her entrepreneurial journey, beginning with her family's Cape Cod Potato Chips business. Her father founded the company, setting a precedent for her future in the snack industry. Nicole launched Late July Snacks, focusing on organic snacks that initially struggled until they found their hero product—organic tortilla chips. Despite facing personal losses and a financial crisis, including a multi-million dollar loan call following her father's death, she persevered, turning Late July into a successful brand.

After being acquired by Snyder's-Lance and eventually Campbell's Soup Company, Nicole left Late July to start Nixie Beverage Company, focusing on organic sparkling waters and sodas. She emphasizes the significance of taste, quality, and maintaining a mission-driven approach in the highly competitive beverage industry. Throughout her story, Nicole reflects on the balance of luck, hard work, and the connections to her family's legacy, maintaining an optimistic view of entrepreneurship and the joys of building products that contribute to people’s lives.