Natalie Young is the founder of middleman, where email marketing gets treated like the main character.

She brings a human-first lens to everything she builds, drawing inspiration from culture, curiosity, and a healthy resistance to playing it safe. Providing big wins for cool brands is a major source of joy for Natalie, especially when those brands are doing better for people’s health or the planet.

Outside of work, Natalie is an avid holistic wellness advocate and healer, a mom and homeschool teacher, a yogi, and potter. You’ll usually find her cooking something nourishing, getting her hands muddy in a ceramics studio, or thinking about how creativity, care, and commerce can coexist beautifully.

  • Hometown:
    San Diego, CA

    Better-for-you Brand:
    Impossible for me to choose just one! But a few favorites are Li Organics, west~bourne, WTHN, and Chella.

    Mantra:
    Lead with kindness.

    Local Recs:
    I’m based in Scottsdale, AZ and my number one restaurant recommendation is Valentine - look it up! It’s worth it. Churchill’s in the Roosevelt area is also full of great small businesses.

    Unique Talents:
    Hmmm… I can bake a mean sourdough, though I think that’s more of a learning than a talent.

  • Hometown:
    San Diego, CA

    Band/Artist on Repeat:
    Sublime

    Mantra:
    Mmm, that sounds good - I’ll have that.

    Favorite Food:
    California Burrito

    Better-for-you Brand:
    Olipop

    Morning or Night Person?
    Night Owl

    Best Part of the Job:
    Getting to work alongside some of the coolest brands on earth.

  • Hometown:
    Charlotte, NC

    Local Recs:
    Little Mama’s (Italian food is my love language)

    Morning or Night Person?
    Some days we rise, others we rest.

    Favorite Food:
    Eggs Benny Florentine w. avocado (or ice cream: will eat any time of day)

    Mantra:
    Be happy and a reason will come along.

    Best Part of the Job:
    My team! Their passion, joy, and motivation to make the most of every day and exceed expectations is inspiring.

  • Hometown:
    Austin, TX

    Better-for-you Brand:
    Pecana! Pecan milk in coffee is the BEST!!

    Mantra:
    I am exactly where I am meant to be!

    Favorite Movie:
    Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion

    Morning or Night Person?
    Morning! I love seeing the sunrise to start my day.

    Best Part of the Job:
    Being surrounded by so many talented, creative people that are as passionate about CPG brands as I am!

  • Hometown:
    La Grande, OR (Currently on a sailboat nowhere near there)

    Mantra:
    Take your dreams seriously

    Favorite Food:
    Pho (I will even eat this on the hottest day of the year)

    Morning or Night Person?
    A little bit of both

    Band/Artist on Repeat:
    Quinn XCII

    Best Part of the Job:
    This incredible group of people!

  • Hometown:
    Sunny San Diego

    Local Recs:
    Toro in North Scottsdale, AZ. Look it up.

    Favorite Food: Raw dead fish wrapped in seaweed. Then wrapped in rice. Oh, and dipped in a brown salty liquid. Yum!

    Mantra: Everyday better

    Unique Talents:
    Manufacturing time

    Best Part of the Job:
    Trailblazing

  • Hometown:
    Lake Forest/Hermosa Beach, but I was born in West Lake Village, CA

    Favorite Band:
    Pink Floyd never disappoints.

    Better-for-you Brand:
    WTHN

    Mantra:
    Wisdom begins in wonder. | Socrates

    Local Recs:
    Home is number 1 for food and coffee.

    Best Part of the Job:
    The people you get to create with and learn from.

  • Mantra:
    “Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.” - John Wooden

    Band/Artist on Repeat:
    Romain Virgo

    Unique Talents:
    Singing, dancing, graphic design, and playing netball & volleyball

    Local Recs:
    The Coppers Jamaica & Chez Maria Restaurant

    Best Part of the Job:
    Definitely the people. It’s a vibrant team with great energy, open communication, and a willingness to support each other.