“I see contract manufacturing as a necessary partner in this industry,” Nicosia said. “A lot of companies are really thinking about their future and how they grow, and it’s clear that contract manufacturing is on trend now.”

At first glance, a move from beverage to baking might seem like a leap. But the truth is, there are vast synergies between running a beverage brand and the world’s largest food co-manufacturer.

“There are immense similarities that apply across all categories, even though what’s made at the end of the day is very different,” she said.

Many of those similarities revolve around processes — dosing, mixing, processing, packaging, palletizing and distribution — likely because processes are formulaic. However, what makes them successful is identifying the best practices that can be gleaned. Nicosia has an undeniable knack for drilling down into processes and creating razor-sharp efficiencies, especially when it comes to identifying the right equipment technology to suit the operation. Processes like injection moulding from a cup supplier or secondary packaging for aluminum cans have all bore best practices that can be applied at Hearthside, especially as this world-class company continues its global expansion.

“If you think about people in the roles that really drive this business — the supporting technologies, the disciplines, the skills that are applied — whether it relates to quality, food safety, maintenance or sanitation,” she said, “there’s tremendous opportunity to share best practices.”

At the heart of that sharing is the team.

“Successful leaders at all levels know how to contribute to the goals of the larger enterprise mission,” Nicosia said. “And they manage their teams by building trust and establishing purpose. In my experience, I have learned that you don’t just transact at a cost level. You try to understand how things are made and how we can work together to design to value.”