Peggy Bakes wins 2024 NEW Launch Alliance Pitch Event

December 16, 2024

NORTHEAST WISCONSIN – Peggy Sonnenburg – creator of Peggy Bakes, which offers a baked granola product, was the winner of the NEW Launch Alliance Pitch Event held earlier this month at TitletownTech in Green Bay.

Creative Crusts Pizza and Kristin’s Kitchen Bakery took second and third place, respectively.

The three winning entries were selected from a group of 12 entrepreneurial pitches that had advanced from local pitch competitions held across Northeast Wisconsin in mid-November.

Judges for the pitch competition were Lexi Hanson of CLA, Kyle Kuntz of WBD Inc., Stephen Pounds of Vadar Alpha and Anna Steinfest of AFF Research.

Along with receiving prize money, the three winners will be invited to give an update to an even wider investor and business audience during the New North Summit June 5, 2025, at Lambeau Field.

“I continue to be impressed by the depth and breadth of creative business ideas within the New North,” Barb LaMue, president/CEO of New North Inc., said. “Any one of our 12 participating entrepreneurs could have been chosen as a winner. The continued growth of these companies and many others will be a catalyst for economic growth in our region.”

As the winner, Sonnenburg received the $2,000 first-place prize. 

Sonnenburg said her baked granola product is free of refined sugars, is gluten-friendly and uses high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients and natural sweeteners without artificial additives.

She said she expects to utilize the prize money for additional digital advertising and an enhanced social media presence beginning in January 2025, with further hopes to expand into wholesale product distribution – growth that requires a move to a commercial kitchen.

Second place and $1,000 in prize money went to Creative Crusts Pizza of Little Chute, presented by Shawn Brokaw. 

The chicken-based pizza crust is designed for those who haven’t been able to enjoy traditional pizza due to health or dietary restrictions, Brokaw said. 

He said its appeal is that “it tastes good and feels like a real pizza,” is high in protein and lower in calories and carbs.

Brokaw said he is optimistic that being a winner in the pitch contest will provide the product with additional exposure, and he plans to utilize the prize money for both equipment and advertising.

Third place was won by Kristin’s Kitchen Bakery, presented by Kristin Lambrecht of Wild Rose. 

Lambrecht said the bakery provides her small, rural community the fresh, custom-baked products it had been lacking and features a drive-thru option and an inclusive gathering space.

The bakery offers, among other things, breads, baked donuts, cakes/cupcakes, scones, cinnamon rolls and brownies.

Lambrecht said her prize winnings will be directed towards expansion within her current building and additional equipment.