Sean Moran
Fan of Life & Good People, Business Explorer & Leader, Curious Investor
What I’ve been up to lately…
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Becoming COO at Evergreen Trading, a media investment agency powered by trade
As COO, I’m excited to scale a model that turns underperforming assets into powerful trade currency, helping marketers stretch every dollar further. With a sharp, entrepreneurial team and a flexible approach to media, Evergreen is built for today’s marketing complexity—and tomorrow’s growth.
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Chatting with Digiday about turning client challenges into intellectual treasure hunts
After nearly 30 conversations with a variety of executives attending Possible last week in Miami, a few topics bubbled to the surface, from a cooling of a merger and acquisition market to the opportunities and challenges of retail media, to the power of sports to unify a divided country and world.
These conversations were captured at Digiday’s studio at Possible (Digiday is a media partner of the conference), and the following is a sampling of interviews.
Things I’m proud to be a part of
Exciting updates on the founders & NewCo’s I invest in and support—recent wins, fresh ideas, and founder momentum worth sharing.
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Opening a full-service “Di Fara Pizza Tavern” in the Horseshoe at Hub RTP (Research Triangle Park), bringing 145 seats, bar service, gelato, and outdoor seating in late 2025
Launching a frozen pizza line through BossBites, now stocked in ShopRite, Foodtown, Uncle Giuseppe’s, Instacart—and aiming for national grocers like Kroger, Ahold Delhaize, LIDL, and HEB by late spring
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Whipnotic is now available in 250 Target locations nationwide.
In Q2, they saw their strongest quarter to date, generating $140K in gross revenue, representing a +57% increase over Q1'25.
Seeing triple-digit growth (+152%) in the category per SPINS L52W, outperforming the Cream+Creamers category (+13%).
Launched new packaging with updated Nutritionals, logo lockup, user instructions and QR code.
Set to preview new flavors Cinnamon Bun and Dubai Chocolate at the Fancy Food Show in July.
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Available in every major airport in the US, and the dominant water brand in SFO and LAX airports.
Finalized partnerships with Ball Arena in Denver (sales up 300% vs. historical products) and Cirque De Soleil; the NBA, and 7 other teams in pipeline (2 late stage), with an average revenue of $3M each.
Single bottle Velocities are 7.8x that of Liquid Death and 130% more than their next closest competitor. Working on several strategic distribution opportunities to accelerate the growth even faster.
Approaching annual sales of $100m!
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Launched 221 Target stores in Texas, Florida, and California—marking Target’s first-ever canned orange wine debut this March
Now available in 25 U.S. states via accounts like Whole Foods, Sprouts, Total Wine, and consistent momentum in off‑premise & lifestyle channels.
Highlighted in 2024 as a next‑gen beverage innovator with its sommelier‑curated, zero‑sugar, low‑intervention wines in eco‑friendly cans, spotlighting premium convenience & sustainability.
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Rolled out six products in 1,100 Target stores this February, featuring refreshed design and accessible price points ($14.99–$17.99), with projections aiming at $20 million in sales for the year
Sales doubled in 2023, and the brand is now on track to break even or cross into profitability
Closed a $3 million growth round early in 2024 to fuel retail expansion and broaden its product line, backed by investors including Willow Growth and Springdale Ventures
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Just raised $5.4 million in seed funding led by GV, enabling the launch of its “Gig marketplace”—where students find paid internships, part-time jobs, UGC roles, product testing, and consulting gigs with brands like Poppi, Aquaphor, Steve Madden, Etsy, and Burt’s Bees
Opened applications for a 30‑member Gen Z Advisory Board, selecting top students from the Home From College community to co-design platform features and influence future product direction
Platform now supports 100,000+ students and has facilitated “thousands and thousands” of paid opportunities—from social media gigs to resume‑studio services—helping young professionals build real‑world skills and launch early careers.
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Rolled out its CASTELVETRANO extra-virgin olive oil sourced directly from a Sicilian family farm—its first internationally harvested offering—selling out rapidly after a limited launch this spring.
Significantly increased its grocery footprint: now in 165 Whole Foods stores, with its flagship olive oils, balsamics, and popular Pizza Oil now in 125 additional locations, driving a 500% YoY grocery sales surge.
Continued strategic product expansion: from two SKUs in 2018 to a full lineup of flavored oils, vinegars, and honey, with revenue growing 5× last year.
Built a strong cultural presence: recognized as Oprah’s Favorite Things and praised by food communities—including being voted Reddit’s top olive oil brand in 2024.
Coming Spring 2026:
The Sunday Night Factor…The Book!
Ever wonder if your leadership is truly hitting the mark? Imagine a world where your team doesn't dread the end of the weekend, but actually looks forward to Monday morning. This isn't a fantasy; it's the core of The Sunday Night Factor. My upcoming book looks into this powerful concept, revealing how the feelings your team experiences on a Sunday night are a direct measure of your effectiveness as a leader. Discover how you can cultivate a culture where people not only love Sunday nights, but embrace Mondays with enthusiasm, unlocking unprecedented productivity and building the most engaged and high-performing teams. I've also had the privilege of including insights from some of the most influential leaders in media, entertainment, and sports, who share their secrets to fostering environments where passion and performance thrive.
About
My career has been characterized by a drive to build and contribute to impactful organizations. I have been blessed to have built a successful career in the wonderful Media landscape at such pioneering companies as Turner Broadcasting and Viacom (now Paramount Global). Alongside my entrepreneurial endeavors, I hold the position of Chief Operating Officer at Evergreen Trading, a prominent media solutions agency. Here, I am responsible for the operational excellence that enables us to deliver substantial media savings for Fortune 100 clients through innovative strategies involving distressed assets. This role demands a keen understanding of media valuation and strategic resource management.
My commitment to fostering innovation extends beyond established companies. I am also an enthusiastic investor and advisor to a diverse portfolio of high-potential consumer startup brands. It's incredibly rewarding to work alongside the founders of companies like PATH, Brightland, Nomadica, HomeFromCollege.com, Whipnotic, Bossbites/Di Fara frozen pizza, Antica frozen pizza, Jupiter hair products, and VICA-ai.com, contributing my experience to their journey of growth and market disruption. And finally - my love of family, life and good people continue to be my North Star that guide me to exploring new adventures on a daily basis that keep this lucky guy from Barrington, RI hungry for more knowledge and new great times.