From Mopping Café Floors to Leading National Brands: How Candace Pappas Built a Bold Career in Beverage, Retail, and CPG

Ever wonder how someone goes from mopping café floors to leading at the executive level for two powerhouse brands?

In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jenn Hahn sits down with Candace Pappas, SVP of Marketing at Blake’s Beverage Company and Blake Farms, for a no-fluff, straight-talking conversation about rising through the ranks, leading in two dynamic industries, and what happens when you stop waiting for permission.

Candace’s story is full of game-changing pivots—from starting as an AGM at Argo Tea to becoming its President & COO, leading the brand’s expansion across the U.S. and internationally. She shares how she navigated her "what’s next?" moment when she stepped away from Argo and  landed at Blake’s, and now leads a high-performing marketing team across agritainment, retail, hospitality and CPG.

If you're figuring out your next move or rethinking your leadership style, this episode is packed with takeaways.

What You’ll Learn:

• How “cans in hands” and “liquid to lips” became a brand-driving strategy
• What it really looks like to grow from the ground up inside an organization
• The story behind a cold LinkedIn message that led to a senior executive role
• Key mindset shifts for navigating acquisitions, pivots, and high-growth seasons
• How to lead with authenticity—and why it matters
• The power of curiosity in interviews, leadership, and career transitions

Whether you're leading a brand, building your own career, or just trying to figure out what’s next, Candace’s journey is a blueprint for what’s possible when you stay curious, bold, and honest about your value.

Guest Links:

Connect with Candace Pappas on LinkedIn

Learn more about Blake's Beverage Company 

Next Steps:
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