Meet the Team | Vencat Wellness

Co-Founder

Emily Vencat

Founder, Vencat Wellness

Emily Vencat is a food innovation leader, journalist, and wellness advocate with nearly two decades at the forefront of nutritional product development. Her path began with a Barnard College, Columbia University education in English & Philosophy and an Oxford postgraduate foundation — a grounding in critical thinking that shapes everything she does.

Before entering the food world, Emily built an acclaimed career in journalism as a London-based Correspondent for Newsweek covering global business trends, and as a Business Writer for The Associated Press during the 2008 global financial crisis. That discipline of research and storytelling now infuses the way she approaches food science and product development.

Since joining YouBar in 2006, Emily has overseen the creation and launch of hundreds of nutritional products, helping visionary food entrepreneurs bring their ideas to market and onto the shelves of Whole Foods, GNC, The Vitamin Shoppe, and beyond. She is also a published author, co-authoring Custom Nation with Anthony Flynn, published by Simon & Schuster.

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Food Science & Innovation Formulating protein bars, pastries, snacks, and functional foods

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Published Author & Journalist Newsweek, The Associated Press, Simon & Schuster

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Columbia & Oxford Educated B.A. in English & Philosophy from Barnard College, Columbia University

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Co-Founder

Anthony Flynn

Founder & CEO, YouBar Inc.

Anthony Flynn is the Founder and CEO of YouBar, the Los Angeles–based manufacturer and developer of custom nutritional products that has become a leading name in the protein and better-for-you food industry. Under his leadership, YouBar has grown from a bold startup idea into an industry powerhouse recognised by The New York Times, Good Morning America, ABC News, and The Today Show.

A graduate of the University of Southern California, Anthony brings a forward-thinking entrepreneurial mindset to everything he does. He created the innovative Celebrity Dieticians programme, enabling nutrition experts to monetise their fan bases through customised nutrition bars — with manufacturing and fulfilment handled entirely by YouBar. This programme exemplifies his commitment to finding creative, scalable solutions in the wellness space.

Anthony is also a published author, co-writing Custom Nation with Emily Vencat — the definitive guide to mass customisation in business, published by Simon & Schuster. Known for his dedication to product quality and his reputation as an innovative, forward-thinking leader, Anthony has built YouBar into one of the most respected co-manufacturers in the nutritional food industry.

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Entrepreneurial Visionary Founded YouBar and grew it into an industry-leading co-manufacturer

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Published Author Co-author of Custom Nation, published by Simon & Schuster

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Celebrity Dieticians Programme Pioneered a platform for nutrition experts to create branded products

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USC Graduate University of Southern California

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Founder

Daniel Hare

Founder, CR Citrus

Daniel Hare — known in the food world as “Smokin’ Connie” — is the founder of CR Citrus, a smoked citrus brand rooted in California sunshine and craftsmanship. What began as a hobby in 2017, when he discovered an heirloom Meyer Lemon tree at his father’s childhood home in Eagle Rock and purchased his first Traeger pellet smoker, has grown into a nationally recognised brand available in all 50 states.

Before his current work in health and wellness at CR, Daniel spent 26 years as a high school teacher and Head Water Polo Coach at Flintridge Prep, where he led student athletes through years of disciplined training, performance development, and team building. Coaching at a highly competitive academic and athletic environment gave him a deep, practical understanding of physical conditioning, mental resilience, habit formation, and long term health.

His decades of experience mentoring young athletes and leading teams make him a grounded, empathetic, and effective health and wellness coach with a strong foundation in leadership, accountability, and sustainable performance.

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Smoked Citrus Pioneer Founded CR Citrus, now available DTC in all 50 states and select retailers

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Featured in Media NBC Los Angeles, SHOUTOUT LA, Bold Journey Magazine

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26-Year Educator High school teacher and coach before founding CR Citrus

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Brand Partnerships Activations with food & spirit brands at conventions, concerts, and events

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