Ep 17. Hip Pops

In season 4 episode 17 of The Profit, Marcus Lemonis meets with the owner of Hip Pops, a gourmet popcorn company based in Miami, Florida. The company was founded by Kari and her husband, who both share a passion for healthy snacking. However, despite their efforts to create unique and delicious flavors, they have struggled to grow the business and maintain profitability.

Upon arriving at the Hip Pops production facility, Marcus quickly notices that the company's branding and packaging are inconsistent and lacking in appeal. He suggests a complete overhaul of their packaging, as well as the creation of a more cohesive brand image that accurately reflects the gourmet and health-conscious nature of their product.

Next, Marcus turns his attention to the company's financials, which reveal that they are relying too heavily on corporate orders, and that their production process is inefficient and costly. He encourages Kari to focus on direct-to-consumer sales and invest in more efficient equipment to streamline their production process and reduce costs.

In an effort to showcase the quality and uniqueness of Hip Pops' product, Marcus takes Kari to a popular local farmer's market, where they set up a booth and offer free samples to potential customers. The response is overwhelmingly positive, and Kari is encouraged by the newfound interest in her product.

However, as Marcus delves deeper into the company's operations, he uncovers some troubling issues with Hip Pops' leadership and employee morale. He discovers that Kari and her husband have drastically different management styles, which has led to confusion and discord amongst their staff. Additionally, some employees express frustration at feeling undervalued and underutilized, leading to high turnover rates and instability within the company.

Marcus recognizes the importance of a strong, united team in any successful business, and urges Kari to take steps to improve her company culture and foster a sense of teamwork among her staff. He also recommends implementing a profit-sharing program to incentivize and retain key employees.

Throughout the episode, Marcus provides Kari with invaluable guidance and support, ultimately helping her to find a clear path forward for Hip Pops. By the end of the episode, Kari is inspired and motivated to take her business to the next level, armed with the tools and knowledge she needs to succeed.