Building Vital Proteins: The Power of Relationships and The Long Table Project

The concept for The Long Table Project took root from firsthand CPG experience shared by its co-founders. One co-founder had a turning point in January 2015 at a Weston A. Price hotel ballroom in Times Square, where a modest folding table and a half-million-dollar brand footprint intersected with a functional doctor connected to Jennifer Aniston. Early support from key retail buyers at Whole Foods, Target, and Costco ultimately shaped the trajectory of Vital Proteins.

Recognizing that those early breakthroughs relied heavily on established industry figures opening doors, the co-founder hosted 125 people from the CPG community at her home last fall. The gathering tested a single core premise: what happens when founders deliberately invest in one another to build a network stronger than standard business connections. That experiment evolved into The Long Table Project.

The platform is led by three co-founders who bring distinct operational strengths to the organization:

• Jenn Paulson: Contributes deep CPG connectivity.
• Jessica Murphy: Focuses on funding and community building.

Unlike traditional networking groups that operate on exclusivity, the platform is built on the philosophy of creating seats rather than protecting them. The initiative connects early-stage founders with experienced operators, investors, and retail buyers willing to contribute mentorship, strategic guidance, or quarterly founder calls.

The inaugural gathering for The Long Table Project is scheduled for November 11 in Chicago. Organizers have opened registration for founders seeking direct access to experienced community leaders, as well as for operators, investors, and buyers interested in serving as mentors or partners. Interested participants can view event details and sign up through the official registration portal at Luma.