From Layoff to Walmart: How a Husband and Wife Duo Brewed Up a National Brand After 40
Llance Kezner of Millie's Sipping Broth shares his secrets including winning 2 golden tickets that paved the way to get his product into 2,000 Walmarts
When I sat down with Lance Kezner, I knew we were going to talk about soup broth in tea bags, but what I didn’t expect was to hear a story that simmered with perseverance, family, and deep reinvention. Lance, a former tech VP, and his wife Lori, a kindergarten teacher, didn’t just create a product, they created a new category. And they did it after 40, in the face of grief, job loss, and uncertainty.
Top 5 Takeaways:
Purpose starts at home.
The original idea came from Lori's teacher breakroom struggle. She wanted something warm, savory, and healthy—and nothing on the market fit. The solution? A tea bag filled with sipping broth.Adversity catalyzes creativity.
In 2009, Lance was laid off and lost several family members—including his dad. Instead of spiraling, he and Lori decided to regain control through entrepreneurship.
Start scrappy, learn fast.
The couple tested their early version at Pike Place Market. The feedback was immediate, brutally honest, and invaluable. They thought they knew how to characterize their new category, but the customers didn’t buy it. By listening to the customers, they narrowed in on what to call their product and category. The customer is always right!Know when to pivot.
Their first product, a garlic condiment, won awards. But it wasn’t scalable. Lance and Lori had the discipline to let go and focus on what truly resonated.
Success compounds with belief and community.
A viral moment with Weight Watchers during COVID led to a life-changing Golden Ticket from Walmart. Now, Millie’s Sipping Broth sits next to legacy brands like Campbell’s.
For anyone out there wondering if it’s too late to start, Llance’s story will inspire you to lean in TODAY.
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