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.

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4:54 - Where did Kevin grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?
5:39 - Did Kevin always believe he was going to be a CEO?
6:46 - How did Kevin’s early passion for government shape his career?
9:38 - 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?

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.

WX Productions