Matthew LaCasse

Matthew LaCasse is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Birch Benders, a natural pancake and waffle mix company he started with his wife Lizzi Ackerman in 2011.13 The company began as a solution to create restaurant-quality, easy-to-make pancake mixes that are healthier and more convenient than traditional options.1

LaCasse's entrepreneurial journey began in his youth in Maine, where he sold painted beach rocks and arbitraged candy bars. He later worked in restaurants, honing his skills in enhancing dining experiences through storytelling.1 After college, he opened a sandwich shop in Maine before relocating to Boulder, Colorado.1

In Boulder, LaCasse and Ackerman developed Birch Benders, initially creating a just-add-water pancake mix. They spent 18 months demoing their products at local Whole Foods stores, gaining valuable customer insights.1 The company experienced rapid growth, expanding to major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco.1

Under LaCasse's leadership, Birch Benders became the number one pancake and waffle mix brand in the natural channel and the fastest-growing brand in the conventional channel.3 The company was acquired by Sovos Brands in 2020 to support its next growth phase.1

LaCasse is based in Big Sky Meadow Village, Montana, and has over 500 connections on LinkedIn.2 He holds a degree from Yale University.2