Episode 115: Betsy Frost, CEO, Q Mixers

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Betsy Frost, CEO of Q Mixers, discuss her journey leading one of America's largest premium mixer brands and the realities of scaling consumer packaged goods (CPG) businesses. Betsy shares how her career evolved from purpose-driven startups to leadership roles at General Mills before ultimately returning to entrepreneurial companies. She reflects on the challenges of navigating both rapid business growth and difficult contractions, emphasizing the importance of transparent leadership, scenario planning, supply chain resilience, and maintaining a strong company culture. Drawing from years of experience advising founders, she offers practical insights into making tough strategic decisions, supporting employees through organizational change, and balancing innovation with sustainable growth. The conversation also explores how Q Mixers is positioning itself for its next phase of expansion through consumer-focused innovation, including the launch of Q Refreshers and new national partnerships such as American Airlines. Betsy discusses why understanding customer behavior, retailer priorities, and operational readiness are essential for long-term success, particularly in highly competitive consumer markets. Throughout the episode, she highlights the value of staying true to a company's core mission while adapting to changing market conditions, offering actionable advice for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to scale without losing the qualities that made their business successful in the first place. Connect: Website: https://qmixers.com LinkedIn:   / betsy-frost