The RISE Summit for Entrepreneurs and Innovators on Thursday, August 27, 2026 in Danville, VA will include networking opportunities and breakout sessions featuring amazing speakers to support entrepreneurs at each stage of business, from ideation to starting, growing, and scaling.

45 MINUTE SESSION

TRACKS: RURAL INNOVATION, BUSINESS SKILLS

Join Robin Allen, the powerhouse behind Birdie’s Pimento Cheese, as she reveals the secrets to transforming a local favorite into a nationally recognized brand. Discover how she navigated product development, tackled the challenges of scaling a business, and tapped into new markets to expand her reach. This session will equip you with practical strategies and motivational insights to elevate your own business from a small operation to a major player in your industry.

Learning objectives for this workshop include:

• Identify the steps to successfully develop and distribute a product, drawing from Birdie’s Pimento Cheese’s journey.
• Understand the key differences between growing and scaling a business and how to apply these strategies effectively.
• Learn how to identify new market opportunities and make the right decisions for expansion.
• Gain actionable insights into building a brand that resonates with customers at both local and national levels.

Speaker: Robin “Birdie” Allen

Moderator: Hope Harris-Gayles

About the Speaker

Robin “Birdie” Allen

President and Co-Founder, Birdie’s Pimento Cheese

Robin Allen, affectionately known as “Birdie,” successfully transitioned from a long-standing career owning a print shop in Southern Virginia to becoming the face behind Birdie’s Pimento Cheese – a brand that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many. Her journey from the print shop to the kitchen is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of passion.

​