S11E4: Transforming Sweet Treats using Clean Ingredients with Kevin McCarthy, CEO of Unreal

In this episode of The Room Podcast, we sit down with Kevin McCarthy, the CEO of Unreal, a company dedicated to creating healthier alternatives to classic candy. Unreal is known for creating delicious, better-for-you snacks that ditch artificial ingredients, offering cleaner, more natural options in the world of sweets. We discuss the intersection of entrepreneurship and health-conscious innovation, bringing a refreshing approach to an industry ripe for disruption. Kevin shares his journey to becoming CEO at just 24 years old, the pivotal changes Unreal made to become a leader in the health-conscious snack market, and how leadership lessons from his political campaign days shaped his approach to business.

Key topics in this conversation include; the challenges of rebranding during and after a pandemic, what it takes to lead a company and board room through major pivots, and the value of a transparent and in-person DTC strategy. 

(00:00) Introduction

(04:54) Where did Kevin grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?

(05:39) Did Kevin always believe he was going to be a CEO?

(06:46) How did Kevin's early passion for government shape his career?

(09:38) What lessons has Kevin learned that he employs on a day-to-day basis?

(10:50) How and why did Kevin join Unreal?

(13:49) When did Kevin realize he would be with Unreal for a long time?

(15:27) What is the original Unreal core product?

(18:06) What is Unreal's approach to the supply chain layer?

(20:10) How did Unreal incorporate a DTC approach to their business model?

(21:57) How has Kevin built a relationship with the Board of Unreal without being the founder?

(23:44) What advice does Kevin have for people entering a board room for the first time?

(25:34) What was a moment while CEO of Unreal when things didn't go as planned?

(27:47) How does Unreal think about "URL vs. IRL" in their go-to-market and sales strategy?

(29:35) What challenges can arise when running an omni-channel strategy for a business?

(31:58) How is Unreal cultivating a community around their product?

(34:41) What is Kevin's favorite Unreal snack?

(36:12) What's next for Kevin personally?

(37:05) Who is a woman that has had a profound impact on Kevin and his career?

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Brought to you by Perkins Coie and Mercury.*
*Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust; Members FDIC.

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