Retail War Games

CVS Can Make or Break Your Brand | What Every CPG Founder Needs to Know CVS is one of the biggest retail chains in the U.S.—but getting on their shelves (and staying there) isn't as simple as sending samples and hoping for the best. In this live studio session, Jeremy Brockbank shares what really happens behind the scenes with CVS buyers: How CVS evaluates brands (and why buyer dynamics matter more than you think) What payment terms you'll face — and why net 30 might not be the full story Why shelf space isn't free — and the hidden costs most brands overlook If you're pitching national retailers, this is the blueprint. Watch before you make the pitch.Subscribe for more raw retail insights

Not everyone has to agree—but everyone has to commit. We sat down with Ben Capell from Peterson Ventures to talk about how venture capital decisions actually get made behind the scenes. It's not a vote. It's not about getting everyone on the same page. It's about making your case, standing by it, and trusting the people around you to go all in once the decision is made. We talk about: • Why debate is part of the process • How conviction can outweigh consensus • What real trust looks like inside a winning team • And yes… even a Rudy reference made its way in This episode is a must-listen if you're a founder raising capital, a leader making tough calls, or just curious how high-stakes decisions actually happen at the top.

Andrea Thomas has led at the highest level—Walmart, PepsiCo, and now as CEO of the University of Utah. In this episode, she sits down with Kassi and Surae to talk about the moment early in her career that shaped how she leads today. They dive into the power of mentorship, leading without ego, and what it really takes to show up for the people you serve. This conversation is full of insight from someone who's been in the room, made the calls, and stayed grounded through it all. Watch the full episode now on Youtube! Youtube Link  

Have you heard of influencer whitelisting? Brandon Doyle, founder of Wallaroo, sat down with entrepreneur and influencer Bubba Page to talk about what actually drives sales. Brandon shares how Wallaroo runs paid ads through influencer accounts. So you're not just posting for awareness, you're pushing real traffic straight to your site. It's one of the most effective ways to turn content into cash. If you're not doing it yet, you should be. If you're not working with Wallaroo, you also should be!  

Nate Randle—2023 CEO of the Year and former Nike and Callaway exec—is now leading Gabb, one of the fastest-growing tech companies for kids and families. In this episode, Nate shares how his upbringing in a single-parent home shaped his mission, how he landed his dream job at Nike, and why he walked away to build something with real impact. We dive into Gabb's approach to building safer tech for kids, the launch of Gabb Music, and their newest partnership with Mark Burnett to take the brand to the next level. It's a conversation about leadership with purpose, building what the world actually needs, and staying grounded in your "why" as you scale.

Ever wonder how influencers really pick their brand deals? What does it take to get someone like Mayci Neely to say yes? She goes into exactly what she looks for, what's an automatic no, and how her fertility journey led to the creation of Baby Mama.

Speed to lead isn't just a sales tactic—it's a standard. When a buyer reaches out, the clock starts ticking. Trey Boyer shared that while at Podium, the bar was clear: respond within 2 minutes. Why? Because speed builds trust—and trust closes deals. In today's world, if you're not answering fast, someone else is. And they're the ones winning the business.

Swig is everywhere right now—and here's the woman behind it. Nicole Tanner built something real while raising six kids. Home life. Mom life. Work life. She's doing it all—and doing it well. “When I'm with you, I'm with you.” That mindset shaped everything—and it shows.

She quit her 9–5, saw a gap in the market, and built a brand women can't stop talking about. Lexi Cuillard didn't have a business plan or a background in fashion—what she did have was a bold idea, relentless drive, and a front-row seat to what it takes to build something real. In this episode, the founder of Kaxi Co breaks down how she went from assistant to CEO, what she's learned about taking risks, and why listening to your gut (and your customers) can change everything. This episode was a standout for a reason—one of our most loved and shared interviews to date. We're bringing back Lexi Cuillard's story for anyone who missed it the first time (or just needs the reminder that risk pays off).

Overcoming Fear of Failure.  "Find somebody that makes the thing you want to sell." – Connor Macarthur, President of Mission Belt In this episode, Anna and Kassi dive deep with Connor into what it really takes to launch: using your network, embracing uncertainty, and not letting fear of failure stop you from making moves. You don't have to do it alone. The people you know might have exactly what you need — you just have to start. Watch the full episode now and subscribe for more insider conversations every week!

“We're not chasing trends—we're building something that lasts.” — Mike Alexander Mike Alexander, CEO of Borboleta Beauty, joins Jeremy Brockbank to talk about building a brand with depth, not just speed. They dive into how Borboleta is scaling through strategy, education, and intentional retail presence—while staying true to what matters most. From leading a strong team to turning retail into a storytelling platform, Mike shares a grounded, thoughtful approach to long-term growth—and the mindset shifts that come with it.

“There's no secret formula—we just refused to stop.” In this episode, the founders of Ivy City Co—Natasha Thomas, Whitney Smith, and Madeline Hamilton—sit down with Jeremy Brockbank and Bri Ray to unpack the real story behind one of the fastest-growing fashion brands in the country. They talk about launching without industry connections, growing a team from scratch, and how staying relentlessly focused on the customer has shaped every decision—from design to operations to scale. It's not about perfection—it's about persistence, learning as you go, and never losing sight of your why. If you're building something meaningful and ambitious, this conversation is a blueprint worth hearing. #VolcanicRetail #RetailCollective #IvyCityCo #ModernRetail #BrandGrowth #FounderJourney #BuiltDifferent #NextGenRetail

Matty Gay, Co-Founder of Primo Golf, joins us to talk about how they built one of the most talked-about brands in modern golf. From getting roasted in Facebook comments to leading a style shift in a traditional sport, Primo didn't play it safe—and that's exactly why it worked. We dive into the early days of launching with nothing but joggers and a camera, how they handled the backlash, and the moments that made them realize they were onto something big. This episode is a front-row seat to building a brand with confidence, content, and controversy.

There's no better way to kick off Season 2 than with Jeff Durham. There's no better way to kick off Season 2 than with Jeff Durham. He's not just talking about the industry—he's challenging it. From the untapped potential of women in business to the real reasons brands struggle, Jeff breaks it down with honesty and experience. This conversation was more than just insightful—it was personal. And for us, it's exactly why we're taking Retail War Games nationwide.

Kacie Malouf, co-founder of Malouf Companies, shares her journey from starting a bedding business in 2003 to building a global enterprise. She discusses the challenges of scaling operations, balancing innovation with practicality, and fostering a strong company culture. Learn how her focus on quality and customer experience has shaped the company's success.        

At the Retail Collective's CEO Roundtable in September, a dynamic influencer panel shared insights on building brands and navigating the creator economy. Panelists included Bubba Page, a serial entrepreneur and investor connecting influencers with startups; Lindsay Arnold, a former "Dancing with the Stars" professional turned mom influencer and founder of The Movement Club; Sarah Merrell, a marketing professional turned creator collaborating with over 40 brands annually; Daniel Harmon, co-founder of the Harmon Brothers and an expert in viral video marketing; and London Lazerson, a marketing expert and co-founder of Final Boss Sour, blending content creation with entrepreneurial ventures. Their diverse experiences offered actionable strategies for leveraging influencer marketing effectively.

In this episode, Jeremy Andrus, CEO of Traeger Grills, speaks to a group of CEOs at the Retail Collective Roundtable on September 23rd. He dives into the essence of community, describing it as the highest expression of a brand's mission and values. Jeremy shares inspiring stories of individuals like Benny Kendrick and Amanda Reagan, whose lives were transformed through their connection with the Traeger community. By focusing on authenticity, shared passion, and purpose, Jeremy emphasizes the power of community to transcend transactions, foster belonging, and create a lasting impact in business and personal lives.      

In this episode, Brian Garofalow, CEO of Skullcandy, shares his journey from his roots in Southern California to leading a globally recognized brand. He reflects on his early days snowboarding in Big Bear, building a career in action sports marketing, and working with iconic brands like DC Shoes and Ruca. Brian discusses the importance of staying authentic to a brand's heritage while navigating modern challenges in direct-to-consumer retail and social media. He emphasizes the value of fostering community, staying innovative, and maintaining a strong point of view in competitive markets. 

In this episode, Spencer P. Eccles, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Cynosure Group reflects on his family's deep legacy and its impact on his values and career. From his father's lessons on resilience, hard work, and giving back, to the rich history of the Eccles family's entrepreneurial journey, Spencer shares personal anecdotes and wisdom. He discusses the importance of stewardship, living with purpose, and building a life that leaves things better for future generations. With stories of skiing, family traditions, and navigating challenges, this conversation offers insights into leadership, legacy, and the power of perseverance.    

Join us as we chat with Aaron Hennings, co-founder of Stance Socks, about transforming socks into a global fashion statement. Discover how Stance disrupted the market through bold designs, high-profile partnerships, and a focus on individuality. Aaron shares key lessons on innovation, scaling a brand, and staying authentic in a competitive space.  

In this episode, Rachel Nilsson, CEO of Rags, shares her entrepreneurial journey, from selling handmade kids' clothing on Instagram to scaling her brand into a successful business. She recounts her early struggles, including financial hardships and navigating direct-to-consumer sales, which helped her develop a passion-driven, authentic approach to building her company. Rachel emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's vision, creating unique products, and embracing challenges, such as her appearance on Shark Tank. Her story highlights resilience, innovation, and the value of authenticity in connecting with customers and sustaining growth.    

    In this episode, Garrett Blood, founder of Arctic Zero, shares the story behind creating a revolutionary healthy ice cream alternative. Garrett explains how a craving for post-gym ice cream led to countless experiments with protein-packed, low-calorie recipes, resulting in a product that appealed to fitness enthusiasts, diabetics, and anyone seeking a guilt-free treat. He highlights pivotal moments, like being discovered by food influencer Hungry Girl, which catapulted Arctic Zero's popularity and sales. From distribution challenges to scaling to 18,000 stores and even negotiating with Amazon, Garrett's journey is an inspiring mix of innovation, perseverance, and smart marketing strategies.      

In this episode, CJ Peterson, CEO of Nature's Fusions, shares a deeply personal journey that led his family into the world of essential oils. Growing up in a large family with limited resources, CJ recounts how his sister's battle with thyroid cancer prompted his parents to explore alternative medicines, despite skepticism and misinformation within the industry. Motivated to uncover the truth, CJ and his family dove into scientific research, revealing the real benefits and risks of essential oils. He discusses the challenges of misinformation in multi-level marketing, the complexities of the essential oil supply chain, and the unique extraction processes for different oils. CJ also highlights Nature's Fusions' success on Amazon and the shifting wellness trends, emphasizing education, science, and transparency as the foundation of their brand.      

In this episode, we chat with the Bradley family, the founders of Fijn Co., a brand offering a healthy, clean-ingredient cocoa mix. What started as a solution to Annie's stomach issues with store-bought hot chocolate evolved into a family-run business that prioritizes health and wellness. After perfecting their recipe over 18 months and sourcing ingredients from the U.S., Fijn is now a beloved brand with a mission to create a product that improves customers' health. The Bradleys share insights on working together as a family, branding, packaging, and navigating the challenges of running a health-focused business.

In this episode, Mikel Certudi, CEO and co-founder of Warranty Hive, shares insights from his diverse career, including his time at Omniture and Adobe, where he helped scale the company's revenue from $3 billion to $10 billion. Mikel discusses his entrepreneurship journey, founding companies like Strala, which organized big data for better business insights, and now leading Warranty Hive and Peak, two AI-driven businesses focused on reducing operational costs and enhancing customer and employee experiences. He also talks about the importance of mental health, grounding habits, and serving in your community.

In this episode, Chet Linton shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a buyer at Nordstrom and now the CEO of Aegix, a SaaS company specializing in incident management solutions. He reflects on the lessons he learned in retail, including the importance of hard work, customer service, and adaptability in evolving industries. Chet also discusses the challenges of leadership, building a strong organizational culture, and navigating hiring decisions in a rapidly changing workforce. His insights offer a unique perspective on balancing humility and confidence in leadership, as well as the importance of strategic thinking in both retail and technology sectors.      

In this podcast episode, Tyler Dickman, co-founder of Simply Mac, shares his journey as an entrepreneur, starting with his early experiences working in his family's video rental business. He recounts the challenges and successes of building Simply Mac, which grew into one of the largest Apple product resellers in North America. Tyler describes the creative strategies he employed, like branding accessories and implementing rigorous inventory management, to ensure profitability in a competitive retail space. He also reflects on the importance of intentional company culture, leadership training programs, and the lasting relationships formed during the business's growth.      

  In this episode, Sean Luangrath, CEO of Inergy, shares his journey from escaping Laos as a refugee to becoming a successful entrepreneur and leader in the clean energy space. He recounts life-changing experiences, including his immigration to the U.S., navigating education as an immigrant, and his early professional challenges. Sean discusses his career at Apple, highlighting the company's logistical excellence and lessons in leadership. Finally, he reflects on his decision to lead Inergy, a clean energy startup, which has grown to achieve over $35 million in revenue while focusing on government and consumer markets.

In this episode, Sam Alexander, CEO and owner of PMD Beauty, shares his journey of transforming the beauty and skincare industry through innovation and persistence. Sam reflects on the early days of scaling PMD Beauty, leveraging Google AdWords, and harnessing the power of influencer marketing and partnerships with retailers like Neiman Marcus. He recounts pivotal moments, including a feature on Dr. Oz and the launch of PMD's flagship device, which helped establish the brand's identity of "brilliant confidence." Sam also discusses the challenges and rewards of bootstrapping the company, fostering a collaborative team, and navigating product launches to maintain PMD's growth and relevance in the competitive beauty space.      

  In this podcast episode, Alex Bean, Co-founder of Divvy, shares his entrepreneurial journey, from growing up in a family of entrepreneurs to co-founding a successful fintech company. Alex recounts pivotal moments, including the risks he took, the challenges of navigating the highly regulated banking space, and the innovative solutions Divvy implemented to streamline expense management for businesses. He reflects on the lessons learned from rapid growth, overcoming setbacks, and the importance of having a clear vision and product-market fit. Alex also discusses his current venture, Tandem, where he invests in and mentors the next generation of founders, emphasizing the value of clarity, resilience, and a strong moral compass in building impactful businesses.    

  In this podcast episode, London Lazerson shares his evolution from failed sketch comedy attempts to viral digital content creation. His journey began with a humorous video about blowing the world's largest bubble, which received 80 million views. He later shifted focus to Tesla-related content, garnering 100 million views in a year. Hired as a creative director at an ad agency in 2018, he gained critical insights into consumer behavior and content strategy, which helped him rapidly grow his TikTok following. Lazerson emphasizes the importance of value-driven content and adapting to high-attention platforms, leveraging these lessons to co-found Final Boss Sour, a unique sour gummy candy brand that is now one of the top food items being sold on TikTok shop.       

In this episode, we sit down with Johnathan Ruggiero, CEO and founder of Manly Bands, to explore how he's revolutionizing the wedding ring industry with bold innovation and creativity. From crafting rings out of meteorites, World War II rifles, and even Fender guitars, to forging meaningful partnerships with iconic brands like Jack Daniels and Harley-Davidson, Johnathan shares the journey of turning a lackluster wedding band experience into something truly extraordinary.

In this episode, Paul Stone, CEO of Sportsman's Warehouse, shares his incredible career journey, starting at age 15 and working his way up through retail giants like Walmart and Sam's Club. He discusses lessons learned in leadership, navigating complex retail landscapes, and driving customer-centered transformations. Paul also dives into the unique passion behind outdoor retail, emphasizing the importance of creating memorable experiences for customers and fostering meaningful partnerships with vendors.    

In this episode, Vivien Bohme, founder and CEO of Bohme, shares her inspiring journey from growing up in an immigrant household to building a successful fashion retail brand. She reflects on how early responsibilities shaped her entrepreneurial mindset, including advocating for her family and managing household logistics at a young age. Vivien discusses the challenges and strategies behind Bohme's growth, including navigating store design, maintaining brand relevance, and fostering talent within her organization.    

In this episode with Justin Drage, VP of Solutions 2 Go and founder of Gadget Gaurd, he shares his entrepreneurial journey in the screen protection business. He recounts how his team began by filling a gap in the market for screen protectors, initially working out of his home and relying on trial and error to create products. They built partnerships with retailers and leveraged distribution networks to expand their reach, becoming industry pioneers in wireless store screen protection. Drage emphasizes the challenges of scaling, the role of luck, and the importance of adaptability in their success.        

In this podcast episode, Brad Lunt, CEO of Goat Guns, discusses the evolution of his company, which specializes in highly detailed, 1/3 and 1/4 scale model guns that serve as realistic, non-functional replicas. These miniature guns, which are customizable and often painted to resemble historical military models, have found a niche market among gun enthusiasts, hobbyists, and collectors. Lunt explains how the company started, its challenges in finding a unique market space, and the viral success they've experienced through social media, despite struggling with consistent retail traction.    

In this episode, Dustin Tate, Executive Vice President of Cariloha, shares the fascinating story of how his career journey led him to help build the global retail brand Cariloha, known for its sustainable bamboo-based products. From his early days working in luxury hospitality to his time in Mexico, where he worked on the front lines of retail, Dustin details how Cariloha was born out of an innovative vision to fill a gap in the cruise port market. He also talks about the company's pivot to bamboo textiles after seeing a market need for eco-friendly, luxury products and how Cariloha has expanded to more than 60 stores across major cruise ports. Additionally, Dustin discusses the challenges of running a business in the face of natural disasters and how Cariloha responded to the devastating wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii.

In this podcast episode, Ryan Moss, CEO of Little Giant Ladders, shares his journey from an entry-level role sweeping floors to leading the company. Ryan recounts how he initially joined Little Giant after working in construction and, over the years, has been deeply involved in nearly every part of the business. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of building Little Giant's brand, including a pivotal moment when the company invested in an infomercial to counteract a competitor's knockoff product. This high-stakes move turned into a critical branding success, illustrating both the resilience and innovation that have been central to Little Giant's growth and partnership strategies.      

Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox discusses the state's impressive growth and collaborative culture, which has positioned it as a top business destination with a strong economy and 12% growth in recent years. He attributes Utah's success to a “coopetition” mindset, where mutual success is prioritized over competition, creating a business-friendly environment supported by cooperation and a non-zero-sum approach. Cox also highlights Utah's unique strengths, such as a high bilingual population and the inland port project, which facilitate international business and trade. Addressing challenges like housing and infrastructure, he outlines initiatives for affordable housing, expanded road connectivity, and future-ready public transit, ensuring Utah's continued growth and community well-being.

In this podcast episode, President of Covesmart, Mark Stokes discusses how the company has simplified the home security industry with its affordable and easy-to-install DIY system, aiming to eliminate the hassle associated with traditional setups. He emphasizes Covesmart's approach of using an e-commerce model and online content creation rather than relying on sales reps, making the buying process more accessible for customers. Stokes shares how strategic hires and product innovations, like the industry-first feature of streaming video footage to a keypad, have set Covesmart apart in the market. He also touches on the company's digital marketing strategy, leveraging content creators to reach audiences effectively and bypass traditional, more complex sales channels.      

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Jeremy Andrus, CEO of Traeger, who emphasizes the importance of authenticity in both personal and professional life. Jeremy shares his philosophy on interweaving life's experiences with business, asserting that success comes from being true to oneself and creating a brand that resonates with that truth. He discusses the culture he's built at Traeger, exemplified by their coveted "Go Pig or Go Home" ring, which reflects a commitment to quality and passion for grilling. Join us as we explore how Jeremy's journey and values shape not only Traeger but also the broader grilling community.  

In this episode of Tru Tone, hosts Sean Hunt and David Andora take us through their journey of creating the perfect vintage-style Christmas lights—lights they always hoped to find but could never quite get. Starting as a side project, Tru Tone's unique, vintage-inspired lights quickly gained traction, selling out in their first year. Sean and David talk about the overwhelming response, their DIY beginnings packing orders from a basement, and how their brand grew organically through word-of-mouth and social media, all while keeping the magic of Christmas alive. They also reflect on navigating the challenges of shipping fragile products, balancing personal creative passion with business demands, and finding fulfillment in the joy their lights bring to people's holiday traditions.      

In this episode, Romney Williams, CEO of DRYOUT, discusses his journey from his first startup to leading DRYOUT, a company focused on emergency water removal and structural drying. He shares the challenges he faced early on in building DRYOUT, including managing partnerships and scaling the business. Encouraged by his wife to take the leap and focus full-time on DRYOUT, Romney reflects on key lessons learned from failure and how they shaped his leadership approach. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear "why" in driving DRYOUT's purpose and growth, and how this focus helped the company thrive in a competitive market.

In this podcast episode, Nicole Tanner, founder and CEO of Swig, discusses the journey of building Swig into a beloved brand with over 70 locations. She emphasizes the importance of creating a fast, high-quality customer experience where people feel known and valued. Nicole shares how Swig grew from her own need for a better drink experience and how it has evolved by maintaining strong leadership and a focus on people. She also talks about balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship and navigating the challenges of expanding the brand while protecting its core values.    

This episode features James Clarke, Founder and CEO of Clearlink. In this engaging episode as he shares his journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. Dive into heartfelt stories about family, resilience, and the power of relationships that shaped his life. James reflects on the influence of his generous aunt, the lessons learned from his hardworking father, and the importance of a strong work ethic in today's world. With candid insights into his business ventures, including the origins of Clearlink, he emphasizes the significance of genuine connections and mentorship in both personal and professional growth. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends humor, wisdom, and a reminder that hard work pays off in the long run.    

Sandi Hendry, CEO of Minky Couture, shares her journey from a 30-year teaching career to becoming a business owner in her 50s. Sandi discusses how her daughter's illness inspired her to create cozy, stylish blankets, leading to the founding of Minky Couture. She highlights the challenges of starting a business from scratch, from selling blankets out of her car to growing a nationwide company. Sandi also touches on the importance of maintaining quality, customer connections, and giving back to the community.   .

In this episode, we sit down with Jay Davis, CEO of Pillow Cube, to explore his entrepreneurial journey from working with industry giants like Vivint to founding his own successful ventures. Jay shares his insights from his early days with The Color Run and how he later applied his marketing expertise to launch Pillow Cube. We dive into the unique challenges of scaling a business, the importance of creative advertising, and how strategic partnerships with major retailers like Walmart have played a role in Pillow Cube's growth. This episode offers a deep dive into building brands that resonate with both consumers and partners.      

In this episode featuring Tyler Howells, CEO of Cozy Earth, the conversation explores the intersection of music, surfing, and entrepreneurship. Tyler shares his journey from playing in a band and meeting Jack Johnson to leading Cozy Earth, a brand renowned for its high-quality, sustainable bed linens and clothing. The company has gained significant acclaim, including multiple features in Oprah's Favorite Things. Tyler discusses the importance of direct-to-consumer sales, strategic partnerships, and the challenges of balancing supply and demand within global supply chains, while emphasizing the cultural connections that enhance business relationships.

In this podcast episode, Jess Toolson, CEO and co-founder of Mixhers, discusses the founding and growth of her company, which specializes in female-specific health supplements. Starting in a modest 900 sq ft office, Mixhers has rapidly expanded, now employing a growing team. Their flagship product, Her Time, was inspired by Jess's personal struggles with hormone imbalance and menstrual symptoms. The company has effectively utilized social media to foster a strong community and has partnered with retailers like CVS, although distribution varies by state. As part of their rebranding efforts, Mixhers aims to enhance clarity and consistency, while also donating excess inventory to support local communities. Looking ahead, Jess envisions making Mixhers a nationwide household name in female hormone health.

Rob DeMartini, CEO of Purple, discusses his journey from leading major brands like New Balance to taking on new challenges at Purple. He shares insights from his time running companies in different industries, including cycling, sneakers, and now mattresses. DeMartini highlights the unique qualities of Purple's innovative mattress technology, developed by the Pierce brothers, and the differences in leading a private family-owned company versus a public one. He also reflects on the growth driven by the pandemic and the importance of brand, people, and intellectual property in maintaining a competitive edge.

Lindsay Arnold, give us insight on her in the dance world, starting with their family-owned dance studio and progressing to their career as a professional dancer. They discuss the challenges of balancing dance with school, the impact of their parents' support, and their transition to a professional dancer, including auditioning for a dance show and eventually joining "Dancing with the Stars." Speaker 1 also talks about their shift to entrepreneurship, creating a workout program called Movement Club, and the importance of authenticity and consistency in influencer work. They emphasize the value of genuine connections and slow, steady growth in business.