In this episode of Shelling Peas, Chef Ryan Jennings sits down with Maureen Ballatori, founder and CEO of Agency 29, and a key supporter in Sweet Pea’s 2022 Grow-NY competition win. Following last week’s Grow-NY series featuring a few of this year’s finalists, we're gearing up for the 2024 Summit on November 6th & 7th. As we prepare to hear from this year’s innovators, Ryan and Maureen reflect on the challenges, pivotal moments, and strategies that shaped Sweet Pea's journey to success. Maureen shares her own entrepreneurial story, from growing up on a dairy farm in upstate New York to building a thriving food and agriculture-focused agency, offering candid insights into the power of persistence, strategic pivots, and finding work-life balance in a demanding industry.Mentioned in this episode:Joe Bean RoastersJoe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.comFood About TownFood About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover! https://foodabouttown.captivate.fm/Pauly Guglielmo ShowPauly Guglielmo is a former radio guy turned food business entrepreneur. While running a manufacturing facility is his day job, he likes to dust off his broadcasting skills once a week on this podcast and talk to entrepreneurs and other influencers.