LaRon Batchelor

LaRon Batchelor is a consumer-packaged goods executive, advisor, and ecosystem

builder whose work sits at the intersection of community, commerce, and culture. With

more than twenty years of experience across the food and beverage industry, his career

has been shaped not by products alone, but by a deep belief in the power of people,

relationships, and well-timed access to opportunity. 

LaRon currently leads East Coast, South, and Central sales at Whisha, the nation's

largest grocery-focused coffee distributor, where he works closely with founders and

retailers to help emerging and established brands scale thoughtfully within national and

regional grocery environments. In parallel, he is the founder of Passport Food &

Beverages, an advisory platform supporting purpose-driven brands as they navigate go-

to-market strategy, distribution, and sustainable growth.

Throughout his career, LaRon has become known for his ability to connect individuals

and organizations that might not otherwise meet, building trusted ecosystems that

unlock momentum and long-term value. His leadership philosophy is grounded in a

simple framework he calls L.A.R.O.N. Leveraging Access, Relationships, Opportunity,

and Networks. It reflects how he operates day to day by opening doors, prioritizing trust

over transactions, and helping others see possibilities beyond their immediate horizon.

In addition to his advisory work with founders, LaRon serves on the Advisory Board of

Chameleon Cold Brew, a Next In Natural portfolio company, where he supports strategic

growth, retail expansion, and ecosystem partnerships. He also serves on the Board of

Directors of Naturally New York, championing inclusive entrepreneurship and

community-driven growth across the CPG landscape.