About

LBV Advisors is a boutique consulting firm that works with clients on strategy and innovation in the food and beverage industry. We have varied direct to consumer and B2B experience in retail, e-tail, food service, restaurants and consumer packaged goods. Our unique insight and background puts us at the center of the growing convergence of these areas.  

We thrive in fast-paced environments and bring an entrepreneurial know-how with outcome driven results to client engagements. Our goal is to ensure our clients are innovative in capturing and engaging their customers. 

 
 

Approach

LBV Advisors lead each engagement with energy and clear focus that is built around the client. We are adaptable and collaborative recognizing that the landscape and priorities of growing businesses sometimes change to meet market conditions. We typically engage in two distinct phases, and plans are customized based on client needs and resources available to execute LBV recommendations.

 
 
 

PHASE ONE: IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITY

LBV works with clients to identify the outcomes they want to achieve in their business and then develops an approach to deliver on these goals. We learn how clients currently do business and look at that against market trends and the competitive landscape. At the end of this phase, clients receive a strategy with a recommended approach and understanding of what is needed to execute on the recommendations.

PHASE TWO: MAKING THE OPPORTUNITY REALITY

LBV works with clients on either a short or long-term basis to execute and manage the integration of new strategies into their business environment. We are strategic, creative problem solvers who effectively communicate and ensure clients have a playbook for success.

Services

Services

  • BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

    Whether it’s sales or partnerships, we get deals done. We explore and evaluate opportunities to ensure they align with our client’s needs. We ensure the details and expectations are clear for both sides and are able to continue managing the relationship, if needed.

  • PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

    We have strategic insight and know how to take new products through concept to launch. We use data, research and trends to introduce new ideas for clients to incorporate into their businesses that will enhance their current goods and services.

  • MARKETING STRATEGY

    LBV works with business leaders and internal marketing teams to maximize our clients’ presence in brick and mortar and digital marketplaces. We help to deliver the right message at the right time across relevant platforms to create loyal customers who are also brand advocates.

Case Studies

  • Managed business line for e-retailer

    LBV Advisors was the long-term manager of the meal solutions portfolio for an e-retailer with distribution throughout the midwest and east coast. During that time LBV was responsible for the daily operations and helped reposition, expand and reinvigorate the partnerships, marketing and promotion of the category.

  • Increased sales through improved marketing and customer acquisition strategy

    LBV Advisors engaged with a local bakery wholesaler with the goal of increasing revenue through client acquisition. Over the course of three months, LBV created sales materials, made website improvements, engaged social media and led business development initiatives. LBV’s involvement resulted in more than doubling the number of clients - multiple with scaleable relationships and ultimately leading to gross revenue growth that surpassed initial projections.

  • Elevated brand presence to drive new customer acquisition and improve retention

    An innovative Chicago food delivery start-up engaged LBV Advisors for strategic assistance and brand elevation in their first year of business. LBV developed new revenue streams, introduced new products and helped with online presence improvements. We were brought on for a second engagement to analyze and suggest improvements in the customer acquisition and retention process. LBV’s involvement resulted in business growth for the start-up which is in the process of expanding to other U.S. cities.

  • Managed high profile marketing partnership

    A national food delivery company brought LBV Advisors on to oversee the strategy and execution of a high profile partnership, with the goal of increasing market exposure and new customer acquisition. In a tight turnaround, LBV led the formulation and execution of a successful plan that met the client’s goals. Additionally, LBV evaluated other potential partnerships to determine how and if those relationships should be maximized and integrated into the client company’s portfolio.

Meet the Team

LBV Advisors are experienced, creative problem solvers who bring passion and depth of knowledge to each engagement. We’re passionate about the food and beverage industry but also enjoy working with other lifestyle brands. Here’s more about our leadership team:

  • Angie Holleb leads marketing strategy consultation for LBV clients. She brings extensive experience in brand strategy, marketing and advertising with an emphasis on the food and beverage industry. Formerly, at DDB, Angie worked for global, iconic brands from food/beverage companies including McDonald’s, and Hershey’s and Anheuser-Busch as well as CPG and retail companies, Procter & Gamble and JCPenny. Angie has a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri and is also very philanthropically involved.

 
 

  • Margaret Unetich has vast experience working with start-ups, growing to mid-sized companies and non-profit organizations helping them to strategically grow, build business lines and optimize market presence. Prior to founding LBV Advisors in 2018, Margaret previously held positions as Vice President of Product Development for Maple & Ash where she developed and managed the Mavens & Aficionados Wine Club and managed product development for retail. As Vice President of Strategy and Business Development for Chicago Community Ventures, she consulted minority and women-owned businesses on track for venture funding and developed the model for the State of Illinois DCEO Entrepreneurial Center Network employed throughout the state. Margaret has a MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, MPP from the University of Chicago Irving B. Harris School of Public Policy and is actively involved on multiple non-profit boards.