Biography of Lindsey Cunningham: Founder of RollinGreens -Entrepreneur
Biography of Lindsey Cunningham:
Passion for Food and Entrepreneurship
Lindsey Cunningham's journey into the culinary world began
with a deep-rooted passion for food and entrepreneurship. Born into a family
that cherished both, she harbored dreams of owning her own restaurant from a
young age. This early aspiration set the stage for her future endeavors in the
food industry.
Academic Pursuits in Journalism
Pursuing her academic interests, Lindsey attended the
University of Colorado Boulder, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in
Broadcast Journalism in 2009. During her studies, she gained valuable
experience interning at NBC News for "Nightly News with Brian
Williams" and "Access Hollywood," honing her skills in media and
communication.
A Serendipitous Partnership
In 2007, Lindsey reconnected with Ryan Cunningham, a
childhood acquaintance who shared her enthusiasm for food. Their mutual passion
led to a partnership that would soon blossom into both a personal and
professional relationship, laying the foundation for future collaborative
ventures.
Reviving a Family Legacy
Discovering that Ryan's parents had operated Boulder's first
organic food truck, RollinGreens, in the 1980s, Lindsey and Ryan saw an
opportunity to revive this legacy. In 2011, they relaunched RollinGreens,
bringing organic and locally sourced meals back to the Boulder community
through a modern food truck.
From Food Truck to Farmers Market Favorite
The revitalized RollinGreens quickly became a staple at the
Boulder Farmers Market. Their commitment to quality and innovative plant-based
dishes garnered a loyal following, establishing them as a beloved presence in
the local food scene.
Biography of Lindsey Cunningham: Founder of RollinGreens -Entrepreneur# startup#age#net worth#investor#shark tank#RollinGreens story# Lindsey C story
Introducing Millet Tots
Among their culinary creations, the Millet Tots stood out as
a unique offering. These non-potato, whole-grain tots resonated with
health-conscious consumers seeking nutritious and delicious alternatives,
setting the stage for the company's next phase.
Transition to Retail Products
Recognizing the potential to reach a broader audience,
Lindsey and Ryan decided to transition from the food truck model to retail. In
2016, they launched their Millet Tots in local and national retailers, marking
RollinGreens' entry into the consumer packaged goods market.
Navigating Challenges and Growth
The shift to retail presented challenges, including scaling
production and managing distribution. However, Lindsey's background in public
relations and Ryan's culinary expertise enabled them to navigate these hurdles,
leading to significant growth and brand recognition.
Shark Tank Appearance
In May 2020, Lindsey and Ryan appeared on the season 11
finale of "Shark Tank," seeking investment to further expand
RollinGreens. Their presentation impressed investor Robert Herjavec, who
offered a deal, providing a platform for national exposure.
The Shark Tank Effect
Following their television appearance, RollinGreens
experienced a substantial increase in website traffic and sales. The
"Shark Tank effect" validated their efforts and highlighted the
growing consumer interest in plant-based, convenient food options.
Pivoting During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted Lindsey and Ryan to reassess
their product offerings. They pivoted from frozen products to shelf-stable,
plant-based meat alternatives, introducing the Plant-Based M'EAT line to meet
consumer demand for convenient and sustainable meal solutions.
Expanding Product Lines
Building on the success of their initial products,
RollinGreens expanded its offerings to include a variety of plant-based,
shelf-stable items. This diversification allowed them to cater to a wider
audience and adapt to evolving market trends.
Commitment to Sustainability
Throughout their journey, Lindsey and Ryan maintained a
commitment to sustainability. By focusing on plant-based ingredients and
shelf-stable products, they aimed to reduce their environmental footprint while
providing healthy options for consumers.
Nationwide Presence
As of 2023, RollinGreens' products are available in over
4,000 stores nationwide. This extensive distribution network reflects the
brand's growth and the increasing demand for plant-based, convenient food
options.
Looking Ahead
Lindsey Cunningham's journey with RollinGreens exemplifies
innovation, resilience, and a passion for providing healthy, sustainable food
choices. As the company continues to evolve, it remains poised to make a
lasting impact on the plant-based food industry.
Timeline for story
2007 – Reconnects with Ryan Cunningham, forming a personal and professional
partnership.
2009 – Graduates from the University of Colorado Boulder
with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.
2011 – Relaunches RollinGreens as a modern organic food
truck.
2016 – Introduces Millet Tots and transitions RollinGreens
to retail.
2020 (May) – Appears on Shark Tank and secures a deal with
Robert Herjavec.
2020 – Experiences a sales surge from the "Shark Tank
effect."
2021 – Pivots to plant-based meat alternatives with the
Plant-Based M’EAT line.
2023 – Expands to over 4,000 stores nationwide.
Present – Continues to innovate and grow in the plant-based
food industry.
