WE HELP START AND GROW specialty FOOD BUSINESSES
The Apple Cart Company was planted proudly in Richmond, Virginia in 2014 by owners Stephanie Ganz and Barb Lamb. The two met while working for the Small Business Administration. Barb was the Director of the Women’s Business Center and Stephanie managed the Breadwinners program -- a grant-funded initiative designed to help women create food businesses. Together, they helped start food trucks, restaurants, catering operations, and specialty food brands. In 2019, Barb purchased the company from Stephanie as she expanded her writing career. The Apple Cart created a strategic partnership with Big Spoon Co. in 2024 and continues to collaborate with their creative team on client projects.
About Barb Lamb
Speaker, problem solver, marketing maven
Barb has been in marketing since the earth crusted over! She started Blueberry Marketing in 2001 in London. Upon moving back to the US, the company moved with her and she immediately starting marketing artists.
Blueberry then moved from Raleigh to Charlotte, and then to Richmond Virginia. Barb started teaching business workshops for the Small Business Administration, and they hired her to be the Director of the Women’s Business Center in 2010.
Next, the food obsession began. Barb met Stephanie Ganz, who ran the incubator kitchen and the Breadwinners program. The two hit it off and The Apple Cart Company was born.
Upon purchasing the business from Stephanie, Barb’s focus shifted to the specialty food & beverage market. She currently serves as the president of the Virginia Specialty Food Association.
“Having the Apple Cart and Barb Lamb on the Birdie’s team has made a huge difference in the trajectory of my company. Barb is an incredible collaborator. She’s never afraid to say no, or to challenge me to get us to a better position. Her very nature is one of teamwork. She takes great pride in the brands she represents. As a small business, it can get a little lonesome. The Apple Cart connects us with similar size brands allowing us to have a peer group support system. ”
“As the president of the Virginia Specialty Food Association, I have the privilege of meeting makers from across the state along with regulators and industry leaders. We have created an environment of inclusion and support throughout the specialty food and beverage community. We welcome all to join us so we can share challenges and successes.”
