Andy Whitman
“For the last 20+ years, Andy has devoted his uncanny acumen for what it takes to build successful brands, his unwavering focus on the fundamentals, and his unparalleled network to help dozens of entrepreneurs in rapidly building profitable companies. And, informally mentoring hundreds more.
His polite but direct, tell-it-like-it-is style delivers immeasurable value to entrepreneurs by demystifying investing, helping them see around corners, be better leaders and grow businesses that are built to last.
During his successful career with General Foods and Kraft Foods, Andy developed his strong marketing, sales, operations and finance backgrounds. During this time, he recognized that nurturing smaller businesses to achieve rapid growth was his passion and has been focused on investing in and helping to operate small consumer products companies ever since. Andy has been an active part of the emerging branded consumer products eco-system since founding our predecessor firm 2x Consumer Products Growth Partners in 2001.
What sets Andy apart is his passion for entrepreneurs and helping them succeed. He was named by Forbes Magazine of one of the “25 Most Influential Kingmakers in Consumer and Retailer Companies” and has participated in more educational webinars, workshops and panels than just about any person in the industry.
As a single dad by choice via surrogacy, Andy is passionate about making the world a better place for his (not so) little girl, and never tires of rooting for his Wisconsin Badgers or reliving the summer he spent traveling (for work!) with musical icon Jimmy Buffett.”
What area(s) of focus would you most like to address with your mentees?
Getting to the next stage, profitable growth, fund raising (from the right folks), etc.
How do you plan to structure your monthly meetings?
TBD; will figure out with the folks.
Finally, who would be an ideal mentee for you in this program, given your areas of expertise and experience?
Someone who’s doing it for the help not b/c they (a) think they should or (b) want to get to know an investor thinking they’ll write a check for their specific business.