First Demand’s services are designed for brands to enter at the tier that aligns with where they are in their channel entry journey. Each tier builds the commercial foundation the next stage requires.
THE FIRST DEMAND MODEL
Evaluate. Sequence. Execute.
Founder-led, and built on over 25 years of foodservice industry experience from the operator’s kitchen to industry leading distributor. First Demand has been on both sides of every conversation you’re trying to have.
SCOPE CLARITY
Services are offered on a retainer model. No commissions. No success fees. Brokerage services are not offered at any tier. Tiers 1 and 2 are diagnostic and strategic. The brand executes. Active demand generation begins at Tier 3.
Step 1
Evaluate
Tier 1 identifies the gaps before outreach begins.
Brands that haven’t started foodservice outreach yet, or aren’t confident they’re ready for the distributor conversations ahead.
What it is.
A structured diagnostic that shows a brand exactly where they stand before they invest in channel outreach. This is not a checklist. It is a scored assessment built on 15 years of distributor-side channel knowledge, from the same perspective that sits across the table in every distributor conversation you’re trying to win.
SIX AREAS ASSESSED
Product-market fit for foodservice
Pricing architecture through the margin chain
Packaging and labeling readiness
Operator value proposition
Distributor pitch readiness
Channel fit and entry sequencing
What you receive.
A scored assessment across all six areas with detailed narrative findings, a prioritized gap list organized by urgency, and specific recommended actions. Delivered as a written report with an optional live debrief presentation.
ENGAGEMENT TYPE DETAILS
One-time engagement. Written report with optional debrief presentation. One revision round included. Work begins upon receipt.
02
Tier 2 – Sequence.
Commercialization Roadmap
Strategy
Who it’s for.
Brands that understand their gaps and need a sequenced, executable plan before outreach begins.
What it is.
Translates Audit findings into an executable 90-day channel entry plan with specific milestones, sequenced phases, and the materials framework to execute it.
SIX ROADMAP COMPONENTS
Gap remediation plan
Target segment strategy
Channel entry sequencing
Distributor approach framework
Outreach architecture
90-day activation calendar
What you receive.
A detailed, written Roadmap delivered within three to four weeks, with an optional two-hour collaborative Working Session to build out priorities together. One revision round included.
ENGAGEMENT TYPE DETAILS
Project-based. 50% upfront, 50% on Roadmap delivery. Delivered within three to four weeks of pre-work completion.
03
Tier 3 – Execute.
Fractional Commercialization Partner
Execution
Who it’s for.
Brands that have a plan but need an experienced partner embedded alongside them to execute it.
What it is.
Ongoing embedded partnership that drives operator outreach, distributor traction, and channel momentum month over month.
THREE ENGAGEMENT LEVELS
Level
Hours per Month
Scope
Advisory
8–10 hrs/month
Strategic direction only. Client executes all outreach.
Active Partner
20–30 hrs/month
Co-execution begins. Operator outreach and distributor development alongside the client.
Embedded Lead
40–60 hrs/month
Full fractional commercialization leadership. Operator sales calls, distributor meetings, active demand generation.
WHAT’S INCLUDED ACROSS ALL LEVELS
Monthly strategic direction
Materials development and refinement
Operator outreach co-execution
Distributor relationship development
Active demand generation
Monthly performance reporting
ENGAGEMENT TYPE DETAILS
Monthly retainer. Minimum three-month commitment. Personally led by Chris Carrier, Founder and Principal.