Yaya’s Skordalia and Tots on the Street Named Runners Up
We’re thrilled to announce the winner and runners-up of this year’s Naturally Rising Wisconsin Pitch Slam competition! RecPak founder and veteran Deed Ziegler took home the top prize with an impressive pitch for his company’s product, a trusted lightweight nutrition solution for outdoor adventurers and professionals, driving positive social and environmental impact.
As the first-place winner, RecPak will receive a prize package valued at over $24,000. This includes a NIQ Byzzer Starter Package to help grow their brand, legal services from premier national law firm Polsinelli, and a booth at Newtopia Now, where they will compete in the national Naturally Rising pitch slam August 20-22 in Denver. RecPak will also receive an Exhibitor Package at the Food Finance Forum on September 18 in Madison, WI, and a Brand Audit with Katie Mleziva, Founder of Real Food Brands and a Naturally Wisconsin Advisory Council member.
Two outstanding runners-up were selected in the Naturally Rising Wisconsin Pitch Slam: Michael Anagnos of Yaya’s Skordalia (second place) and Hannah Kopplin of Tots on the Street (third place). Also competing as finalists were Shawn Brokaw of Creative Crusts Pizza, Olga White of I LOVE TAMALES and Rachel Smith of Sweet Pea’s Pies.
“The Naturally Rising Wisconsin Pitch Slam showcased the incredible talent and innovation emerging from our natural products community, and we’re honored to celebrate not only RecPak’s win, but also the inspiring pitches from Yaya’s Skordalia, Tots on the Street, and all of our passionate finalists,” said Naturally Wisconsin Executive Director Jamie Valenti-Jordan.
The Naturally Rising Wisconsin Pitch Slam was live-streamed Friday, May 16, 2025, to an audience of industry professionals and the public, gathering to share in the energy of emerging natural and consumer packaged goods brands. The event was sponsored by Naturally Wisconsin, a project of the Food Finance Institute and a chapter of the national Naturally Network.
