The Harvest Growth Podcast

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Whitney Glum, co-founder and COO of Farmers Defense, to explore how finding the right audience, testing ad creative, and listening to customers helped build a successful consumer brand.What started as protective sleeves for cannabis growers evolved into an outdoor apparel brand serving gardeners, cyclists, hikers, and even dog groomers. Whitney shares how early advertising challenges pushed the company to rethink its target market and discover a much larger audience for its products.We dive into the ecommerce marketing strategies behind that growth, including user-generated content, Meta advertising, and building a direct-to-consumer website that outsells the brand's Amazon channel. Whitney also explains how appearances on Good Morning America and QVC generated sales spikes and helped build customer trust.Beyond marketing, Whitney reveals how she used AI to build custom shipping and receiving software without a software engineering background. She also shares a simple way to uncover new product opportunities: paying attention to what customers search for on your website that you don't yet sell.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:• How expanding beyond your original target audience can unlock new growth• Why relatable user-generated content works for Farmers Defense's core customers• How testing ad creative helps identify the messaging your audience responds to• Building website sales while expanding into Amazon• The impact of Good Morning America and QVC on sales and brand credibility• Using AI to solve shipping and inventory challenges• Turning website searches and customer feedback into new product ideas• Encouraging repeat purchases through new styles and complementary productsWant to learn more about Farmers Defense?Visit FarmersDefense.com to explore their protection sleeves, sun hoodies, hats, and outdoor apparel, or search for Farmers Defense on Amazon.Do you have a product you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn about The Perfect Launch Blueprint, our process for identifying the right audience, messaging, offer, and marketing strategy before you spend heavily on media. Our team has helped launch and grow hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenues.

In this episode, Jon LaClare sits down with Anderson Schoenrock, founder of Memory Ventures, whose entrepreneurial journey took him from investment banking at Lehman Brothers to nearly two decades of building, buying, and growing ecommerce businesses.Anderson shares how a simple customer problem sparked his first business, Scan Digital, and how that company expanded into printing, Amazon sales, and third-party fulfillment. He explains why moving his business from California to Indiana improved its economics and how overlooked inventory and operational problems can eat away at profits even when sales are growing.We also explore why centralizing marketing across multiple brands proved more difficult than expected, what Anderson learned from acquiring Crema Coffee Products, and why email marketing remains his top-performing channel for return on time and cost. You'll discover how repeat purchases increase customer lifetime value—and how understanding that value can help you make smarter customer acquisition decisions.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we'll cover:• Why growing revenue alone isn't enough to build a profitable ecommerce business• How overstocking, stockouts, and fulfillment inefficiencies erode margins• Lessons from expanding into Amazon and acquiring an ecommerce brand• Why individual brands need dedicated marketing attention• How email marketing drives repeat purchases and increases customer lifetime value• Why capturing an email address matters when shoppers aren't ready to buyIf you're launching a product, scaling an ecommerce brand, or managing multiple businesses, this episode offers practical lessons for building a stronger foundation for growth. To learn more about Anderson Schoenrock and his portfolio of businesses, visit MemoryVentures.com. For ecommerce fulfillment support, visit VictoryLaneSolutions.com.To be a guest on our next episode of the podcast, contact us today!Do you have a brand that you'd like to launch or grow? Do you want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenues? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation with us today!

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with physician and Sirica Center founder Uli Chettipally to explore how his family's personal experience with autism inspired a new approach to therapeutic support—and how authentic, mission-driven storytelling helped the center attract immediate interest.Uli's daughter, Siri, was diagnosed with autism at three years old. As he studied which activities helped her remain regulated, focused, and engaged, he discovered the significant role that physical movement could play in her daily life. Those experiences eventually inspired Sirica Center, which combines virtual reality, video gaming, controlled sensory experiences, and whole-body exercise to make therapy more immersive and enjoyable.Uli explains why support can become especially difficult to access as children with autism reach adolescence and adulthood. Sirica Center is working to fill that gap with experiences designed to encourage movement, engagement, and an improved quality of life—particularly for individuals who cannot communicate through speech.The conversation also reveals an important marketing lesson for any mission-driven founder. Long before opening the center, Uli consistently shared his family's story, educated people about the problem, and built an online community around the mission. That transparency created trust and anticipation, helping the first Sirica Center fill quickly and develop a waiting list.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:How Uli's daughter inspired the creation of Sirica CenterWhy physical exercise became an important part of Siri's daily lifeHow virtual reality, gaming, and whole-body movement can make therapy more engagingThe growing support gap for teenagers and adults with autismWhy limited access to trained professionals remains a major challengeHow technology could make therapeutic experiences more widely accessibleWhy educating your audience before launching can build anticipationHow personal storytelling creates trust around a mission-driven businessThe importance of recognizing and respecting the intelligence of every person with autismAnd so much more!If you're building a mission-driven business, introducing an unfamiliar solution, or looking for a more authentic way to connect with your audience, this episode demonstrates how personal purpose, consistent education, and community building can turn an ambitious idea into genuine demand.To learn more about Uli Chettipally and Sirica Center, visit SiricaTX.com or SiricaCenter.com. You can also connect with Uli on LinkedIn.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or grow? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate more than $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Nic Lamb, professional big-wave surfer and founder and CEO of IceBeanie, to explore how a devastating surfing accident inspired a breakthrough consumer product.After falling from a 70-foot wave in Nazaré, Portugal, Nic suffered a serious concussion and months of migraine headaches. Frustrated with holding bags of ice against his head, he developed IceBeanie—a wearable compression cold-therapy product designed to provide convenient cooling relief.Nic shares how he launched with an imperfect first product, listened closely to customer feedback, and continually improved the design. That process eventually brought IceBeanie to Shark Tank, where Mark Cuban invested in the company. Following the episode, the brand generated nearly seven figures in sales in a single day—but that sudden success also triggered a series of major operational challenges.From a hacked email server and a fulfillment center shut down by a historic storm to walking away from a Walmart offer on Mark Cuban's advice, Nic explains how resilience, focus, and courage helped him keep the company moving forward. He also reveals why founders should master one product and one sales channel before chasing their next opportunity.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:How a 70-foot-wave accident inspired the creation of IceBeanieWhy an imperfect minimum viable product can be the best place to startHow customer feedback helped Nic improve the product through seven iterationsWhat Mark Cuban contributed beyond the exposure of Shark TankWhy IceBeanie walked away from a major Walmart opportunityHow the company survived a hacked email server and fulfillment shutdownWhy founders should focus on one product and one sales channel firstHow big-wave surfing prepared Nic for the fear and uncertainty of entrepreneurshipWhy courage is essential when building and scaling a businessAnd so much more!If you're developing a new product, navigating a business crisis, or struggling to stay focused while scaling, this episode offers an inspiring and practical look at what it takes to keep moving forward when everything seems to go wrong.Want to learn more about Nic and IceBeanie? Visit IceBeanie.com or search for IceBeanie on Amazon.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped launch hundreds of brands that have generated more than $2 billion in revenue.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Sylvia Ortiz, founder and CEO of MacroLife Naturals, to share how she transformed 250 bottles, 17 credit cards, and an unwavering belief in her product into a business that has generated millions of dollars in revenue.Sylvia's entrepreneurial journey began during one of the most difficult periods of her life. After losing her mother and husband while facing a serious health crisis within her family, she decided to create MacroGreens—a nutritional greens supplement developed with holistic nutrition expert Dr. Edward Wagner. With no established customers and no traditional bank willing to finance an unfamiliar product category, Sylvia relied on resourcefulness, careful financial planning, and relentless persistence to get started.She explains how chiropractors became her first customers, why product samples helped MacroLife Naturals earn trust, and how she built demand through independent retailers and Whole Foods before approaching major distributors. Sylvia also shares how a professional business plan eventually helped her move beyond credit cards and secure traditional bank financing.Beyond the numbers, this conversation explores the mindset required to survive the difficult early years of entrepreneurship. Sylvia reveals the three principles that guided her journey—persistence, preparation, and positive thinking—and explains why helping people live healthier lives remains more important to her than revenue.If you're launching a consumer product, building a supplement brand, or trying to grow without outside investors, this episode offers an inspiring look at what can happen when a founder combines a meaningful mission with the determination to keep moving forward.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:How Sylvia launched MacroLife Naturals with only 250 bottlesWhy she used 17 credit cards to finance the company's early growthHow she found her first customers through an existing professional networkWhy sampling remained one of MacroLife Naturals' strongest marketing strategiesHow building demand with independent retailers opened the door to larger distributorsThe importance of creating a professional business plan before approaching banksSylvia's three principles for overcoming entrepreneurial challengesHow personal experiences can create confidence in a product and its missionWhy persistence and preparation matter more than having the perfect backgroundHow focusing on helping customers can fuel long-term business growthAnd so much more!Want to connect with Sylvia?Visit MacroLifeNaturals.com to explore MacroGreens, Miracle Reds, and the complete line of MacroLife Naturals products. You can also follow MacroLife Naturals on Facebook and Instagram for weekly health tips.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped launch and grow hundreds of consumer brands, generating more than $2 billion in revenue.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Chris and Jason Abboud, co-founders of Pressure on Wounds, to discuss how they developed an entirely new approach to bleeding control—and what it took to bring their patented invention to market.The idea began when a dialysis nurse described having to manually apply pressure to patients' wounds for at least 15 minutes after treatment. Because these patients are often older, have sensitive skin, and take blood-thinning medications, stopping the bleeding can be especially challenging. Chris, a mechanical engineer and inventor, immediately began developing a bandage that could apply constant, targeted pressure automatically.Chris and Jason share how they tested early prototypes in a dialysis clinic, refined the product through repeated iterations, and solved the challenge of combining textiles, plastic components, gauze, and adhesives into something simple enough for anyone to use. By proving the product in one of the most difficult bleeding-control environments, they created what marketers call a “torture test”—demonstrating that a product capable of solving an extreme problem can also handle more common situations.The conversation also explores the business behind the invention. Chris and Jason explain how live demonstrations at trade shows helped them validate the product, improve their messaging, earn support from experienced first responders and military professionals, and form a strategic partnership with another exhibitor. They also reveal how much work remains after a product is finished—from packaging and product photography to Shopify, Amazon, social media, trade-show materials, and other essential launch assets.If you're developing an original product, testing a new idea, or preparing to launch a brand, this episode offers valuable lessons about identifying real problems, validating difficult use cases, improving through customer feedback, and building the marketing infrastructure needed to reach the market successfully.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:How a dialysis nurse inspired the creation of Pressure on WoundsWhy constant, targeted pressure can be more effective than applying pressure manuallyHow Chris and Jason validated the concept through real-world testingWhy testing against the most difficult use case can strengthen your marketingThe challenges of combining textiles, plastics, gauze, and adhesivesHow repeated prototyping helped simplify the final productWhy an effective product demonstration can communicate value instantlyHow trade-show conversations helped refine the brand's messagingWhy fellow exhibitors can become valuable customers and strategic partnersThe hidden work required between completing an invention and launching itHow Harvest Growth helped accelerate the brand's path to marketAnd so much more!Want to learn more about Pressure on Wounds?Visit PressureOnWounds.com or search for Pressure on Wounds on Amazon to explore its pressure strips, pressure wraps, and first-aid solutions.Do you have a product you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped launch hundreds of products and generate more than $2 billion in sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Carina Hamel, co-founder of Bivo, to reveal how the company transformed a familiar plastic cycling bottle into an innovative stainless steel product—and built a rapidly growing brand around it.Carina shares how Bivo worked with a former NASA engineer to solve one of its biggest product-development challenges: creating a lightweight metal bottle that delivers water quickly without being squeezed. The resulting design gives cyclists cold, clean-tasting water through a simple high-flow system that customers often find easier to use than traditional plastic bottles.Beyond the product, Carina explains how customer feedback shaped Bivo's messaging, product features, and marketing strategy. Through approximately 70 in-person events across the country, the team discovered an underserved audience of everyday cyclists who care more about enjoying the ride than competing at the highest level.The conversation also explores Bivo's pivotal transition from push marketing focused on immediate sales to pull marketing built around authentic storytelling. That shift helped increase blog readership by 650% in one year, with approximately one-third of website visitors now engaging with the company's stories.Carina also breaks down how Bivo expanded into independent retailers, built a network of 35 sales representatives, supported retail staff, protected wholesale relationships, and turned tariff uncertainty into international growth opportunities.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:How Bivo engineered a high-flow stainless steel cycling bottleWhy customer feedback can uncover unexpected selling pointsWhat in-person events reveal that online analytics cannotHow Bivo identified an underserved audience within the cycling industryWhy storytelling outperformed product-focused push marketingHow Bivo increased its blog readership by 650%The strategy behind building a network of 35 independent sales representativesWhy product sampling helps retail employees become brand advocatesHow to balance direct-to-consumer sales with wholesale partnershipsHow Bivo responded to tariffs by expanding internationallyThe brand-building strategy that helped the company grow 70%If you're developing a consumer product, expanding into retail, or trying to build a more sustainable marketing strategy, this episode offers practical lessons on listening to customers, creating authentic content, and turning product users into passionate advocates.Want to learn more about Bivo?Visit DrinkBivo.com, find Bivo on Amazon, or look for its stainless steel cycling bottles at your local bike shop.Do you have a product you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Robert Strong, co-founder and Head Saucier of Pretty Thai, to uncover how a food truck recipe grew into a successful sauce brand selling more than 5,000 bottles per month on Amazon.Robert shares how Pretty Thai began as an Austin food truck called Pretty Thai for a White Guy, where an unexpected request from a late-night customer inspired Thai nachos that eventually appeared on national television. More importantly, listening closely to customers led Robert and his wife to begin bottling their sauces and later create the Thai peanut sauce that became the number-one product in its Amazon category.The conversation explores how Pretty Thai moved beyond slow eCommerce growth by investing in professional Amazon content, properly optimizing its listings, targeting the right keywords, and carefully balancing paid advertising with organic growth. Robert explains how the brand increased sales from approximately 500 to more than 5,000 bottles per month without increasing its advertising spend at the same rate.Robert also offers an honest look at Amazon Vine, the importance of choosing the right products for review programs, and why Amazon may be more effective than a direct-to-consumer website for certain lower-priced products.Beyond the business strategy, Robert shares the deeply personal story of his son, Palmer, and how that experience gave Pretty Thai a greater purpose. Through the Palmer Nicholas Foundation, Robert and his family support families with children facing serious medical challenges through meals, financial assistance, hospital programs, and meaningful experiences.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:How Pretty Thai evolved from an Austin food truck into a national sauce brandWhy listening to customers can reveal your best product opportunitiesHow Robert created Amazon's number-one Thai peanut sauceThe listing content and keyword strategies that helped Pretty Thai growHow the brand increased monthly sales from 500 to more than 5,000 bottlesWhy Amazon can outperform a Shopify website for lower-priced productsHow to balance Amazon advertising with profitable organic growthWhen Amazon Vine can help a product—and when it may hurtHow the Palmer Nicholas Foundation supports families in the fightWhy a deeper purpose can provide lasting motivation for entrepreneursIf you're building a consumer product, trying to improve your Amazon sales, or looking for sustainable ways to scale without sacrificing profitability, this episode offers practical lessons from a founder who transformed customer feedback, strategic marketing, and personal purpose into meaningful growth.To learn more about Robert and explore Pretty Thai's chef-crafted sauces, visit PrettyThaiBrand.com or search for Pretty Thai on Amazon.To learn more about the Palmer Nicholas Foundation or support its work with families facing serious childhood medical challenges, visit PalmerNicholasFoundation.org.Do you have a product you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped launch and grow hundreds of brands, generating more than $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Adria Marshall, founder of Ecoslay, to reveal how an unexpected product idea grew into a multimillion-dollar haircare brand without sacrificing quality, sustainability, or its handmade roots.Ecoslay began when Adria, a software engineer struggling to find the right products for her curly hair, started experimenting with natural ingredients from her local farmers market. After she sent her handmade flaxseed gel to a YouTube creator, the product went viral—taking Ecoslay from zero to 1,000 orders in fewer than 15 days.Adria explains how her engineering background helped her approach product development and business growth as a series of problems to solve. She also shares why she refused to let contract manufacturers change her formulas, how Ecoslay scaled its handmade production, and how its memorable food-inspired product names helped create a cohesive, recognizable brand.The conversation also explores Ecoslay's multichannel strategy across its direct-to-consumer website, Amazon, wholesale, Google, Meta, SEO, and organic social media. Adria explains how Amazon supports product discovery while the company's website allows Ecoslay to own its customer relationships, personalize future marketing, and generate repeat purchases through its recycling and rewards programs.Adria also reveals how each advertising platform contributes differently to the business. Amazon consistently generates a return on ad spend above four, Google Search averages around three, and Meta produces a less-direct but important impact on organic traffic, website sales, and Amazon performance. She explains why accurate attribution matters, why retargeting is just as important as prospecting, and why looking only at a platform's reported ROAS can obscure its true value.Finally, Adria shares the video content that performs best for Ecoslay: concise, product-in-use demonstrations that show the product's texture, application process, and final results. She also explains why trusted salon professionals are becoming more effective than traditional influencers—and how she protects her personal time through morning routines, scheduled self-care, exercise, faith, and firm boundaries around her weekends.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:How Ecoslay generated 1,000 orders in fewer than 15 daysHow an engineering mindset can help founders solve business problemsWhy Adria rejected contract manufacturing and kept production handmadeHow memorable product names and cohesive branding increase customer connectionWhat Ecoslay has learned by working directly with local farmersHow the company's B Corp values, volunteer work, and community hiring support long-term growthWhy Ecoslay treats Amazon as a product-discovery channelHow recycling and rewards programs move customers toward the company's websiteThe different roles of Amazon, Google Search, Meta ads, SEO, and organic social mediaWhy retargeting campaigns are as important as customer-prospecting campaignsHow more accurate attribution leads to better advertising decisionsWhy product demonstrations outperform static advertisingWhy salon professionals can be more credible than traditional influencersHow Adria protects her personal time while leading a team of more than 20 employeesIf you're building a consumer product brand, managing multiple sales channels, or trying to scale without compromising what makes your product special, this episode offers practical lessons from a founder who has successfully navigated more than a decade of growth.Want to connect with Adria?Visit Ecoslay.com to explore Ecoslay's handmade haircare products for wavy, curly, coily, and kinky hair.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Steve Anderson, president of Anderson's Maple Syrup, to explore how his family transformed a small farming operation into a nationally distributed brand available in nearly 18,000 retail locations.Founded in 1928, Anderson's Maple Syrup has remained a family-run business for nearly a century. Steve shares how the company expanded from delivering syrup to local stores in a van to working with major retailers such as Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, and H-E-B.One of the company's biggest turning points came when Steve hired a hungry, growth-focused sales broker. Anderson's was already available in approximately 3,000 to 4,000 stores, but Steve credits this relationship with helping the brand secure roughly 15,000 additional retail locations. He explains why finding the right salesperson, broker, agency, or growth partner can completely change the trajectory of a business.Steve also reveals how Anderson's differentiated itself in a category where retailers often view competing products as interchangeable. By emphasizing its 100% American-made syrup and using a unique bottling process that preserves freshness and flavor, the company created clear reasons for buyers and consumers to choose its brand.The conversation also explores the operational challenges of running a seasonal business. Steve explains how Anderson's plans an entire year of inventory around a short maple harvest, maintains trusted relationships with independent producers, and balances supply, cash flow, storage, and demand without running out of product.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:How Anderson's Maple Syrup grew from a local family operation to nearly 18,000 retail locationsThe sales relationship that helped the brand secure approximately 15,000 additional storesWhy hiring a hungry, growth-focused partner can transform a businessHow Anderson's broke into major national grocery chainsWhy clearly communicating your product's differentiation is criticalHow one additional production step created a noticeable advantage in freshness and flavorHow Anderson's plans inventory around a short and unpredictable harvestWhy long-term supplier relationships can become a competitive advantageHow maple sap travels from the tree to the grocery store shelfWhy direct-to-consumer growth requires the right fulfillment infrastructureHow NASCAR partnerships became part of the company's retail sales strategyHow a family business preserves its quality and values across multiple generationsAnd so much more!If you're building a consumer product, pursuing retail distribution, or looking for the right partner to accelerate your growth, this episode offers valuable lessons from a family business that has continued evolving for nearly 100 years.Want to learn more about Steve and Anderson's Maple Syrup?Visit AndersonsMapleSyrup.com to explore their products and learn more about the company's story.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Joan MacIsaac, founder of Effie's Homemade, to reveal how strategic product sampling, customer feedback, and steady retail expansion helped grow the brand from just 13 stores to more than 5,000 locations.Joan shares how her mother's traditional Nova Scotia oatcake recipe became the foundation of a nationally distributed food brand. She explains why Effie's focused on building a distinct product niche, expanding through new flavors, and working with specialty cheese shops before pursuing larger retailers such as Whole Foods and Kroger.The conversation explores why sampling has been one of Effie's most effective marketing strategies, with 5% to 7% of the company's production dedicated to samples. Joan explains how sampling not only drives purchases but also creates valuable conversations with customers—revealing the exact language brands should use in their packaging and marketing.Joan also offers an honest look at the challenges of retail distribution, including distributor fees, billbacks, promotional deductions, unsold inventory, and the risks of expanding into too many warehouses too quickly. Her advice is simple: grow organically, review every agreement carefully, and never expect a distributor to market your product for you.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:How Effie's Homemade grew from 13 stores to more than 5,000Why product sampling can drive both sales and customer researchHow customer feedback transformed Effie's packaging and messagingWhy finding a clear niche makes product-line expansion easierHow to grow organically through specialty retailersThe distributor fees and contract terms every founder should reviewWhy expanding too quickly can leave products expiring in warehousesHow online sampling can introduce your brand to new audiencesWhy brands must work directly with retailers to support sell-throughAnd so much more!If you're building a food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods brand, this episode offers practical lessons for improving your product marketing, navigating retail distribution, and scaling without losing control of your business.Want to learn more about Joan and Effie's Homemade?Visit EffiesHomemade.com to explore their full collection of crisp, buttery, lightly sweet biscuits.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate more than $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Angelica Ford, founder of Fueled by AF, to explore how she transformed homemade protein snacks into a growing food brand with a mission extending far beyond the products themselves.Angelica began making high-protein, low-sugar snacks while training for an Ironman. She combined that passion with her experience as an adaptive personal trainer to create Chicago's first adaptive manufacturing plant, providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.But Angelica is clear about one important lesson: you can't have philanthropy without profitability. She explains why mission-driven companies must maintain high standards, build efficient systems, and grow sustainably if they want to create a lasting impact. Her inclusive workforce has helped make the company 28% more efficient, maintain virtually zero employee turnover, and build a waitlist of 94 people seeking employment.The conversation also explores how Fueled by AF expanded through Amazon and retail, including why certain products perform better online, how convenience stores can offer emerging brands an advantage over crowded grocery aisles, and how networking and accelerator programs helped Angelica add more than 100 retail locations.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:How Angelica turned homemade Ironman snacks into a growing food brandWhy profitability is essential for building a sustainable mission-driven businessHow inclusive hiring made Fueled by AF 28% more efficientWhy Angelica maintains the same standards for every employeeHow better systems can help employees with different abilities succeedWhy Fueled by AF waited to launch on Amazon and focused on the right productsThe key differences between marketing through Amazon and physical retailWhy convenience stores can outperform grocery stores for emerging snack brandsHow networking and accelerator programs helped secure more than 100 retail locationsHow AF Manufacturing Group helps small food brands move from the kitchen to larger-scale productionIf you're building a purpose-driven company, expanding a consumer product brand, or trying to balance meaningful impact with sustainable growth, this episode offers practical guidance for creating a business that can help more people as it becomes more profitable.Want to connect with Angelica?Visit FueledByAFSnacks.com to explore Fueled by AF's protein bites and premium nut butters. For questions about small-batch food manufacturing, formulation, packaging, or scaling production, contact hello@afmanufacturinggroup.com.Do you have a product you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and discover how the Perfect Launch Blueprint can help clarify your audience, messaging, offer, and marketing strategy before you invest heavily in advertising.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Jonathan Packer, co-founder of GOAT Foods—the parent company behind Licorice.com, Pretzels.com, Caramels.com, Chocolate.com, Cashews.com, and other category-defining food brands.Jonathan explains how GOAT Foods turned simple, memorable domain names into powerful brands that instantly communicate what they sell. He shares why customers should understand your product within the first three seconds, how a brand name can double as a call to action, and why clear positioning makes every part of your marketing more effective.The conversation also explores how GOAT Foods used concise 15-second television commercials to triple its business, then applied the same clear messaging across paid social media, packaging, and its direct-to-consumer websites. Jonathan breaks down why simplicity helped the company advertise more efficiently without sacrificing the quality of its message.Beyond customer acquisition, Jonathan shares how premium products, gift-worthy packaging, cross-selling, email marketing, and the GOAT membership program encourage customers to purchase across multiple brands. He also discusses the importance of financial modeling, repeatable launch systems, and using platforms like Shopify and Klaviyo to scale efficiently.If you're building a consumer product brand and want to create clearer messaging, improve customer retention, or expand into new products and sales channels, this episode offers practical lessons from a company that has achieved exponential growth by making its marketing remarkably easy to understand.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:How GOAT Foods built a portfolio of category-defining food brandsWhy customers should understand your product within three secondsHow a memorable domain can become both a brand and a call to actionWhy simple 15-second TV commercials helped triple the businessHow premium packaging and product quality drive gifting and repeat purchasesHow cross-selling and email flows increase customer lifetime valueWhy repeatable systems make launching new brands easierHow financial modeling helps founders protect their marginsWhy Shopify and Klaviyo can support rapidly scaling ecommerce brandsWant to learn more about Jonathan Packer and GOAT Foods?Visit GOATFoods.com to explore the company's portfolio, including Licorice.com, Pretzels.com, Caramels.com, Chocolate.com, and Cashews.com.Do you have a product or brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate more than $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Matt Olen of Grip Spritz to reveal how a struggling product found new life through a smarter target market, relentless content creation, and strategic Amazon optimization.Grip Spritz originally served the golf industry, but the team recognized that the product could solve a much more urgent problem for basketball players: slippery shoes and dusty courts. Matt explains how they repositioned the product for basketball, traveled to tournaments to demonstrate it firsthand, and earned credibility by winning over respected coaches, athletes, and industry leaders.The conversation also explores the Amazon changes that helped unlock rapid growth. Grip Spritz had already built significant brand awareness through years of social media and in-person marketing—but its Amazon listing was incorrectly placed in the gardening category. Once the listing was rebuilt and moved into sporting goods, the company was finally positioned to capture the demand it had already created. A goal of $25,000 in annual sales quickly turned into approximately $100,000 during one fourth quarter alone.Matt also breaks down the content system that keeps Grip Spritz visible across seven social media platforms. By publishing three core videos across multiple channels every day, recreating proven content, answering customer objections, and giving audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the company, the brand remains consistently top of mind without reinventing its strategy every morning.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:How to identify a more profitable market for an existing productWhy repositioning can be more effective than abandoning a struggling brandHow live demonstrations and trusted industry voices build product credibilityThe Amazon listing mistake that prevented Grip Spritz from reaching its audienceHow organic social media can create demand before a product is widely availableMatt's system for publishing 21 video posts across seven platforms every dayWhy recreating successful content often works better than constantly chasing new ideasHow responding to comments turns customer questions into effective marketing contentWhy founder-led videos help customers feel like they are buying from a person—not a corporationHow local manufacturing helps Grip Spritz respond to sudden demand and avoid Amazon stockoutsWhy complementary products, bundles, and accessories can increase average order valueHow attainable goals help founders maintain momentum during the difficult early stages of growthIf you have an older product, a plateauing brand, or an eCommerce business that needs a new growth strategy, this episode offers a practical lesson in meeting customers where they are, creating consistent demand, and going deeper into the problems your business already solves.Want to learn more about Matt and Grip Spritz?Visit GripSpritz.com or follow Grip Spritz on your favorite social media platform to explore its shoe traction, team, and court-care products.Do you have a product or brand you'd like to launch, reposition, or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and discover how the Perfect Launch Blueprint can help you identify the right audience, messaging, offer, and marketing strategy before you invest heavily in advertising.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Victoria Eicher, co-founder and CEO of WeFoods, to explore how product founders can uncover overlooked sales channels, build strong customer relationships, and compete against much larger companies.Victoria shares the story behind Bagelitos, a handheld breakfast product that combines the chewy texture of a bagel with the convenient shape of an empanada. Rather than immediately competing for space in crowded grocery-store aisles, Victoria and her team selected convenience-store hot food as their focused entry point.Drawing from years of experience in convenience food service, Victoria explains how identifying a neglected market allowed WeFoods to solve problems that larger food manufacturers often overlook. From creating products that are easy for customers to eat on the go to simplifying preparation for store employees, every element of Bagelitos was designed specifically for the needs of convenience-store operators.The conversation also explores how smaller brands can compete when larger companies have more money, employees, and established relationships. Victoria explains why dependable fulfillment, meaningful communication, thoughtful packaging, and a genuine commitment to the customer can create opportunities whenever larger competitors fail to deliver.You'll also learn how WeFoods is building consumer recognition in a traditionally unbranded category through distinctive packaging, localized influencer marketing, social media, and Tito, the energetic Bagelitos brand mascot.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:● Why starting with a focused niche can be smarter than entering a crowded market● How to identify sales channels that larger competitors are overlooking● What makes convenience-store distribution different from traditional retail● Why operational simplicity matters when developing a food product● How dependable fulfillment and strong relationships help smaller brands compete● Why solving problems for retailers can make your product more attractive● How packaging can improve product performance while building brand awareness● The value of localized influencer marketing when entering a new market● How to build consumer loyalty in a traditionally unbranded product category● Why establishing a strong beachhead can support future national expansionIf you're launching a product, searching for the right first sales channel, or competing against companies with significantly larger budgets, this episode offers practical strategies for finding an underserved opportunity and turning focused execution into scalable growth.To learn more about Victoria Eicher, WeFoods, and Bagelitos, visit WeFoods.co. You can also follow Tito Bagelitos on Instagram and TikTok.Do you have a brand that you'd like to launch or grow? Do you want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling more than $2 billion in revenues? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and schedule a free consultation with our team today!

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Jason Carman of Pop Darts and Pretty Dope Games to explore how an entertaining product became a viral social media success—and eventually a nationally televised sport on ESPN.Jason shares the marketing lessons Pop Darts learned through years of testing hundreds of videos, live streams, sales channels, and promotional opportunities. He explains why brands must capture attention within the first few seconds of a video, entertain customers before selling to them, and continually test what works for their specific product instead of blindly copying another company's strategy.The conversation also dives into the challenges of measuring marketing performance across TikTok, Amazon, a direct-to-consumer website, retail, and television. Jason explains how Pop Darts combines attribution tools, Media Efficiency Ratio, sales data, and founder intuition to determine which marketing investments are actually growing the business.Jason also shares practical ways his team uses AI to solve real operational problems, including connecting Notion, Klaviyo, and Claude to plan email campaigns based on upcoming promotions and product launches.Beyond digital marketing, you'll hear how Pop Darts transformed livestreaming success into televised tournaments, built a relationship with ESPN, and used entertainment-focused events to establish Pop Darts as more than a game. Jason also discusses the difficult realities of protecting a successful product from thousands of copycat sellers and why intellectual property enforcement must be taken seriously.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:● How to capture customer attention within the first three seconds of a video● Why entertaining your audience should come before explaining your product● How Pop Darts tests social media content and connects views to sales● The difference between ROAS and Media Efficiency Ratio● How founders can combine analytics with intuition when attribution is unclear● A practical way to use AI for email marketing and campaign planning● How livestreaming helped Pop Darts generate measurable sales growth● How Pop Darts turned a consumer product into a sport broadcast on ESPN● Why strong business relationships can unlock unexpected opportunities● How successful product brands can protect themselves from copycats● And so much more!If you're building a consumer product brand and want to learn how viral content, careful testing, AI, live video, strategic partnerships, and traditional television can work together, this episode offers valuable lessons from a company that successfully turned attention into long-term brand growth.To learn more about Pop Darts, visit PopDartsGame.com or follow @PopDartsGame on social media.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or grow? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team can help you identify the right audience, messaging, offer, and marketing strategy before you invest heavily in media.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Chris Salerno, founder and CEO of QC Capital Group, to explore how strategic marketing can help businesses attract investors, raise capital, and build stronger portfolio companies.Chris shares how his fascination with business growth and consumer psychology led him from the real estate industry to founding a private equity company focused on businesses that support people's essential daily needs. He explains why branding, storytelling, customer acquisition, and a compelling pitch are just as important in the investment world as they are when marketing a consumer product.The conversation breaks down how QC Capital reaches accredited investors through social media, educational content, newsletters, targeted podcast appearances, professional referral networks, and memorable in-person experiences. Chris also explains why understanding your ideal investor's needs—including diversification, cash flow, and potential tax advantages—is critical when developing an effective marketing message.Jon and Chris also discuss the growing importance of Answer Engine Optimization, or AEO. As more consumers and investors use tools like ChatGPT and other AI platforms instead of traditional search engines, businesses must create credible, useful content that helps both people and AI systems understand their expertise.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we'll cover:● Why raising capital requires a strong brand, story, and marketing strategy● How to understand and communicate directly to your ideal investor● Why educational content builds trust with high-value prospects● How social media and newsletters can support investor acquisition● Why targeted podcast appearances can reach the right audience● How professional referral partners can become powerful growth channels● Why memorable experiences can outperform traditional networking events● What Answer Engine Optimization means for the future of marketing● How third-party content helps businesses establish authority online● Why businesses must adapt as customers move from Google to AI-powered searchWhether you're preparing to raise capital, looking for investors, or simply trying to reach a highly specific audience, this episode offers practical lessons for building authority, strengthening your message, and getting your business in front of the right people.Want to connect with Chris?Visit qccapitalgroup.com to learn more about QC Capital Group and its current investment opportunities.To be a guest on an upcoming episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, contact us today!Do you have a brand that you'd like to launch or grow? Do you want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling more than $2 billion in revenue? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and schedule a free consultation with our team today!

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Brian Potvin, founder of Ballusionist, to explore how creativity, positioning, and old-school professionalism helped him build a standout entertainment business over 25 years.Brian shares how he challenged the traditional balloon artist business model by refusing to work only for tips. Instead, he created a flat-rate model for restaurants that made the experience feel free and welcoming for customers while opening the door to more birthday parties, private events, corporate work, and long-term referrals.The conversation also dives into the power of thinking differently from your competitors. Brian explains why copying what everyone else does can keep your business stuck, while solving problems in a more customer-friendly way can create a real competitive advantage. From cold calling local restaurants to rebuilding momentum after COVID, his story is a reminder that sometimes the best way forward is to return to the basics.Jon and Brian also discuss the importance of professionalism, communication, showing up early, and making customers feel confident that you'll deliver. Plus, Brian shares how he uses content repurposing to stay active on social media without constantly creating something new from scratch.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:● How Brian built a unique business as The Ballusionist● Why he stopped relying on tips and created a flat-rate restaurant model● How doing the opposite of your competitors can help you stand out● Why customer comfort and experience matter in every business● The importance of showing up early, communicating clearly, and acting professionally● How Brian rebuilt momentum by going back to the basics● Why repurposing old content can strengthen your social media marketing● How service-based business lessons apply to product brands, agencies, consultants, and entrepreneursIf you're building a business and trying to stand out in a crowded market, this episode is packed with practical lessons on positioning, customer experience, content marketing, and the simple habits that help brands earn trust over time.Want to connect with Brian?Visit Ballusionist.com or follow @Ballusionist on social media to learn more about his work.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Jeff Mroz of Pioneer Pastures to explore how a truly differentiated product can drive growth across Amazon, Target, Sprouts, and beyond.Jeff shares the story behind Pioneer Pastures' ultrafiltered A2 dairy products and explains why the brand focuses so heavily on gut health, clean ingredients, and products that people can actually feel good drinking. From higher-protein milk to shelf-stable protein shakes, Pioneer Pastures is working to change the way consumers think about dairy by combining taste, nutrition, and science-backed education.The conversation also dives into one of the biggest challenges facing innovative product brands: how do you explain a complex health benefit in just a few seconds? Jeff breaks down how Pioneer Pastures uses health partners, educational content, customer testimonials, and sampling to build trust with skeptical consumers and help people understand why the product is different.Beyond the product itself, Jeff shares practical lessons on retail growth, including how the brand earned shelf space in major retailers like Target and Sprouts, why driving traffic into stores matters after you get on the shelf, and how brands can use online discovery, influencers, shopping hauls, and retail websites to support in-store sales.If you're building a product brand, launching into retail, or trying to educate consumers about a new category, this episode offers valuable insight into how great products, clear messaging, and smart channel strategy work together to create lasting growth.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:● Why Pioneer Pastures built its brand around ultrafiltered A2 dairy● How gut health, clean ingredients, and product formulation influence consumer trust● Why education is critical when launching a product people may not immediately understand● How health partners, testimonials, and sampling help overcome skepticism● What it takes to drive traffic into major retailers after earning shelf space● How Target.com, influencers, and shopping-haul content can support retail sales● Why Sprouts and Target can help innovative brands build credibility● Why great products create stronger retention, repeat purchases, and word-of-mouth● How founders can balance product quality, consumer insight, and marketing strategy● And so much more!Want to learn more about Pioneer Pastures?Visit PioneerPastures.com or look for Pioneer Pastures products at Target, Sprouts, and Amazon.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Allie Egan, founder of Veracity, to discuss how she built a science-backed wellness brand by combining product innovation, expert-led marketing, and a deep understanding of the consumer health space.Allie shares how her background in finance, product marketing, eCommerce, and consumer brands helped shape her approach to entrepreneurship. From early experience with companies like Glossier and Estée Lauder to helping scale Cynthia Rowley's direct-to-consumer business, she explains how understanding product, brand, finance, and marketing together can help founders build something that truly stands out.The conversation dives into the decision to raise outside capital, especially when building clinically backed consumer products that require more investment than a simple private-label launch. Allie explains why funding can help founders reduce personal risk, invest in better science, and tap into experienced consumer investors who bring more than just money to the table.Jon and Allie also discuss how Veracity has grown through expert-led content, including physicians and health professionals who genuinely believe in the product and science behind the brand. Rather than relying only on traditional influencers, Veracity has built trust by creating content rooted in education, authenticity, and real expertise.If you're launching a product in a competitive category, trying to build trust with customers, or wondering how to scale a consumer brand without losing focus, this episode offers valuable insight into what it takes to create a brand with long-term potential.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why science-backed consumer products often require more capital than simple product launchesHow outside investment can support product development, clinical research, and growthWhy the right investors can bring valuable connections and brand-building experienceHow expert-led content can outperform generic influencer marketingWhy authenticity matters when working with influencers, physicians, and affiliatesHow to personalize marketing content for different customer segmentsWhy innovative products should build on what customers already understandimportance of focusing on one hero product before expanding too quicklyHow sampling and free trials can become powerful marketing enginesAnd so much more!Want to learn more about Veracity?Visit veracityhealth.co to explore their products and research. You can also follow Veracity on Instagram and TikTok at @veracityhealthco.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Jim Pathman of Three Lollies, the company behind Preggie Drops and Queasy Drops, to talk about the real-world lessons that come from building a product brand over more than 20 years.Jim shares how the business started as a passion project rooted in helping people, then grew into a nationally recognized brand available through major retailers like Walmart, H-E-B, Meijer, and Amazon. Along the way, he learned hard but valuable lessons about retail contracts, chargebacks, partnerships, and why founders need to slow down and read the fine print before jumping into exciting opportunities.The conversation also explores how sampling became one of Three Lollies' most powerful growth strategies. By getting products into the hands of OB-GYNs, doulas, midwives, hospitals, oncology teams, and other trusted healthcare professionals, Jim's team built awareness through credibility, trust, and word-of-mouth.If you're launching or scaling a consumer product brand, this episode offers practical insight into retail growth, Amazon strategy, sampling, founder mindset, and the value of building long-term relationships.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why early business mistakes can become valuable growth lessonsWhat founders should understand before entering retail partnershipsHow hidden retail fees and chargebacks can impact profitabilityWhy the right sales reps and brokers can make retail relationships strongerHow Three Lollies grew through Walmart, H-E-B, Meijer, and AmazonWhy sampling through trusted sources can drive word-of-mouth marketingHow healthcare professionals helped introduce the product to the right audiencesWhy slow, sustainable growth can be an advantage for foundersThe importance of relationships in building a business that lastsWant to learn more about Three Lollies?Visit threelollies.com to explore Preggie Drops, Queasy Drops, and their other natural queasiness relief products. You can also find their products on Amazon or in select retailers including Walmart, H-E-B, and Meijer.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Paul O'Brien, co-founder of AirPhysio, to break down how a respiratory health product grew from a competitive medical device category into a global brand sold in 118 countries.Paul shares how AirPhysio approached product development by studying competitors, identifying gaps, working with medical professionals, and prioritizing safety, testing, and education. He explains why cheaper alternatives can create serious trust and safety concerns, especially in the medical device space, and how strong educational marketing helps customers understand why quality matters.The conversation also dives deep into international expansion, distributor relationships, and the realities of selling across cultures, languages, regulatory environments, and sales channels. Paul explains why global growth can reduce risk by preventing dependence on one country, but also creates major challenges around compliance, documentation, local market strategy, and distributor performance.Paul also shares why AirPhysio shifted from the traditional doctor-referral model to a more direct B2C education strategy, helping customers discover the product first and then bring that awareness back to healthcare professionals. From Amazon growth to pharmacy support, localized marketing, social media targeting, and choosing the right distributors, this episode offers a practical look at what it really takes to scale internationally.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why product safety and testing matter when competing against cheaper alternativesHow customer education helps build trust in medical device marketingWhy understanding competitors can improve product design and messagingThe benefits and challenges of selling in 118 countriesHow global expansion helps reduce dependence on one marketWhy local distributors are critical for understanding culture, language, and buying behaviorHow to evaluate distributors based on channel strengths and follow-throughWhy B2C marketing can outperform traditional doctor-referral strategiesHow social media can support retail, pharmacy, and distributor growthWhy science, track record, and vision are essential when pitching distributorsIf you're building a product brand, entering a regulated category, or trying to expand internationally, this episode offers valuable lessons on trust, education, distributor strategy, and global growth from a company that has successfully scaled around the world.To learn more about AirPhysio, visit AirPhysio.com or search for AirPhysio on Amazon.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Rachel Hasson, Amazon expert and founder of Evolve Ad Agency, to break down what brands need to know to compete and convert on Amazon today.Rachel shares how she built her Amazon expertise from the ground up, starting with listing optimization work on Fiverr while managing Amazon accounts in a full-time marketing role. Today, she helps brands improve their Amazon presence through better listing strategy, conversion optimization, PPC campaigns, and channel growth.The conversation dives into why so many brands make the mistake of copying their website content directly onto Amazon — and why that rarely works. Rachel explains what she looks at first when evaluating a brand's Amazon presence, including main images, infographics, listing copy, backend attributes, A+ Content, and how well the listing is built to convert shoppers in a crowded marketplace.Rachel also shares timely insight into Amazon's AI shopping assistant, Rufus, and why sellers need to start optimizing not only for shoppers, but also for how AI understands and recommends products. From alt text in A+ Content to image copy and product attributes, she explains how Amazon's changing search experience is reshaping listing optimization.The episode also covers Amazon PPC, including why brands should fix conversion problems before spending more on ads, how video can help products stand out, and why sellers should be careful about trying to manage campaigns without fully understanding how quickly Amazon advertising changes.If you're selling on Amazon, launching a new product, or trying to improve an existing listing, this episode offers a practical look at what actually drives visibility, clicks, conversions, and long-term marketplace growth.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why your Amazon listing should not simply copy your websiteHow to optimize your main image to stand out in search resultsWhy infographics and listing images matter for both shoppers and AIWhat Amazon Rufus is and why sellers need to optimize for itHow A+ Content, alt text, FAQs, and product specs can improve visibilityWhy conversion issues should be fixed before scaling PPCHow video ads can help brands stand out on AmazonWhy founders should be cautious about managing PPC themselvesHow to handle Amazon support issues with persistence and the right framingWhy TikTok Shop and Walmart.com can complement Amazon growthWant to connect with Rachel?Visit EvolveAdAgency.com to learn more about Rachel Hasson and Evolve Ad Agency.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Evan Zhao of Pacagen to discuss how his team developed and marketed a new kind of pet allergy solution designed to help people live more comfortably with the animals they love.Evan shares the challenge of bringing a product to market when customers do not already understand the category. Unlike products built around familiar trends like magnesium, creatine, or protein, Pacagen had to educate customers on why pet allergies happen, how their solution works, and why it is different from traditional options.The conversation dives into what it takes to build demand for a new product category, including how Pacagen approached longer sales cycles, performance marketing, website sales, Amazon, and customer education. Evan explains why products that require more explanation often perform better on a brand's own website, where companies can capture customer information, retarget visitors, and continue educating them over time.Evan also shares why lifetime value is one of the most important drivers of growth, especially for a product customers may come back to repeatedly. From customer service to packaging, scent, shipping, and the full product experience, Pacagen focuses on improving every touchpoint to make sure customers have a reason to return.This episode also explores Pacagen's work with shelters, where the company gives away free samples to help more people keep their pets instead of giving them up due to allergies. Evan explains why this is one of the few initiatives his team does without focusing directly on ROI — because helping pets stay in loving homes is valuable on its own.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:● How Pacagen created a new category in pet allergy relief● Why educating customers is critical when selling an unfamiliar product● How longer sales cycles impact performance marketing strategy● Why website sales can be more effective than Amazon for products that require explanation● How Amazon can serve as a demand capture channel● Why lifetime value depends on the full customer experience● How customer service helps improve product retention● Why product sampling can build trust, create goodwill, and support a larger mission● How Pacagen is helping pet owners and shelters reduce allergy-related pet surrenderIf you're building a new product category, marketing a product that requires education, or trying to improve long-term customer value, this episode offers practical insight into how product quality, customer experience, and clear messaging work together to support sustainable growth.To learn more about Pacagen, visit Pacagen.com or search for Pacagen on Amazon.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Colton Forth, President of Juke Audio, to discuss how a personal home audio problem turned into a fast-growing consumer electronics brand.Colton shares how he and his father originally developed Juke Audio for their own family home after receiving expensive five-figure quotes for an in-ceiling speaker system. What started as a practical solution for their own needs eventually became a commercial product designed to make whole-home audio more affordable, elegant, and reliable.The conversation explores the advantages of built-in audio systems over bulky “wireless” speakers, especially for new construction, remodels, and retrofits. Colton explains why hardwired, centralized audio systems can offer better aesthetics, stronger reliability, and higher sound quality than many plug-in alternatives.Colton also walks through the early days of launching Juke Audio, including the unforgettable first sale around Thanksgiving 2019, the simple website that helped validate demand, and the handwritten notes that helped create early customer loyalty. From there, he shares how the company built trust through industry trade shows, awards, customer support, Crutchfield, Amazon, authentic founder-led social media content, and user-generated videos.This episode also dives into one of the toughest challenges product brands face: copycats. Colton explains how Juke Audio dealt with a company that copied its product design, logo, listings, and marketing assets — and how patents, legal action, strong branding, and founder authenticity helped protect the business.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why built-in home audio can outperform bulky wireless speaker systemsHow Juke Audio started as a solution for Colton's own family homeWhat Colton learned from the company's very first saleHow handwritten notes and accessible customer support built early trustWhy industry awards and trade shows helped validate the brandHow Juke Audio earned a major retail partnership with CrutchfieldWhy authentic founder-led video ads can outperform overproduced contentHow user-generated content can fuel both marketing and product developmentWhat product founders should know about copycats, patents, and brand protectionWhy the best time to start building your business may be right nowIf you're building a premium product, launching a technical consumer brand, or trying to create trust in a competitive market, this episode offers practical insight into product validation, customer support, authentic marketing, and long-term brand protection.To learn more about Juke Audio, visit JukeAudio.com. You can also find Juke Audio on Amazon and Crutchfield.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Scott Anderson, entrepreneur, Air Force veteran, and founder behind multiple growing businesses, including iFlex, Optimal Weight and Wellness Med Spa, and Get VA Help.Scott shares the story of iFlex, a phone holder product that saw exciting early momentum in retail stores like Walmart, Office Depot, Staples, and Fred Meyer. But what looked like success on the surface quickly revealed a painful lesson: revenue does not always equal profit. After cutting pricing dramatically to meet Walmart's requirements and splitting already-tight margins between multiple partners, Scott realized the retail path was not the right long-term solution for his business.The conversation dives into how Scott took the product back, canceled the licensing deal, and rebuilt iFlex around customer feedback. By launching the improved iFlex Buddy, optimizing Amazon listings, investing in PPC, and paying closer attention to reviews, Scott was able to regain control of the brand and drive renewed growth on Amazon.Scott also shares how the lessons he learned from product development carried into his next venture: Optimal Weight and Wellness Med Spa in Sun City West, Arizona. What started as a one-room weight loss clinic quickly expanded into a seven-room med spa offering medically supervised weight loss, GLP-1 support, facials, dermaplaning, microneedling, massage therapy, red light therapy, and more.Finally, Scott introduces Get VA Help, a new platform designed to help veterans better understand their VA disability ratings. Powered by the Veteran Rating Intelligence System, or VRIS, the platform helps organize medical records, decision letters, exams, and supporting statements so veterans can better see how their records align with VA rating criteria.If you're building a product brand, considering retail, growing on Amazon, launching a service business, or looking for a real-world example of how customer feedback can shape better decisions, this episode is packed with practical lessons.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why getting into Walmart is not always as profitable as it looksHow retail pricing pressure can destroy product marginsWhy Scott took iFlex back from a licensing dealHow customer feedback helped create the improved iFlex BuddyWhy Amazon reviews, PPC, and listing optimization helped restart growthHow Scott's mindset shifted from passive licensing to hands-on business managementWhat product founders can learn from listening closely to customersHow Optimal Weight and Wellness Med Spa grew from one room to seven roomsWhy Google reviews and community trust matter for local service businessesHow Get VA Help is being built to support veterans with VA disability rating clarityAnd so much more!Want to connect with Scott?Search for iFlex phone holder on Amazon to find the iFlex Buddy. To learn more about Optimal Weight and Wellness Med Spa, visit myoptimallifeaz.com. If you are a veteran or family member of a veteran, visit getvahelp.org to learn more about Get VA Help.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Andy Auble, entrepreneur behind Gluetread and Proof Razor, to explore how American manufacturing, fast product development, and customer trust can create a powerful competitive advantage.Andy shares the story behind Gluetread, a unique off-road tire sidewall repair product that was born from a real problem and eventually grew into a patented solution trusted by off-roaders, agricultural users, and even organizations like the U.S. Border Patrol. He explains how early skepticism was overcome through product demos, customer reviews, word-of-mouth, and a bold Rubicon Trail “torture test” that proved the product could perform under extreme conditions.The conversation also dives into Proof Razor, Andy's premium Made-in-USA razor brand built around long-term quality, honest pricing, universal blades, and freedom from subscription lock-in. Unlike Gluetread, which created a new product category, Proof Razor competes in a crowded market—making its positioning, materials, customer experience, and manufacturing story even more important.Andy also shares practical advice for founders, including why entrepreneurs should fail fast, test minimum viable products, get feedback from people outside their personal circle, and avoid getting stuck chasing perfection before launch.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why moving quickly can be a major advantage for American-made product brandsHow domestic manufacturing can improve speed, quality control, cash flow, and relationshipsThe story behind Gluetread and how it solved a real off-road tire repair problemHow customer reviews, real-world demos, and torture tests build credibilityWhy premium products need strong proof, trust, and clear positioningHow Proof Razor challenges the traditional razor-and-blades business modelWhy founders should test minimum viable products before scaling too quicklyThe importance of failing fast, setting goals, and learning from real customersIf you're building a product business, launching a new idea, or trying to stand out in a crowded market, this episode offers practical lessons on product validation, manufacturing, brand trust, and long-term growth.Want to connect with Andy or learn more about his products?Visit Gluetread.com or ProofRazor.com.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

Over the past 20 years, the team at Harvest Growth has helped launch and grow hundreds of consumer products, generating more than $2 billion in revenue. On the Harvest Growth Podcast, we break down what actually works in product marketing—real stories, real strategies, and lessons you can put to work right away.In this episode, Jon LaClare sits down with Alex Penfold, co-founder of Jaxon Lane, to share how he built a leading men's skincare brand by combining Amazon dominance, strategic PR, and a smart omni-channel expansion strategy.Alex explains how starting with a niche focus on long-tail keywords helped Jaxon Lane stand out on Amazon—even as competition and costs increased. From there, he leveraged PR exposure, including major publications and editorial features, to drive awareness, organic growth, and retail demand.The conversation dives deep into how Jaxon Lane expanded beyond Amazon into direct-to-consumer, Meta advertising, TikTok, and major retail partners like Urban Outfitters, Bloomingdale's, and Saks Fifth Avenue—turning each channel into a growth engine that feeds the others.Alex also breaks down what it really takes to win with PR, why having a compelling product story matters more than just launching something new, and how consistent product innovation keeps brands relevant year after year.If you're building a product brand and wondering how to scale beyond a single channel—or how to fund growth without outside investment—this episode offers a practical roadmap from someone who's done it successfully.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why niche positioning and long-tail keywords drive early Amazon successHow PR exposure can accelerate brand awareness and organic growthThe role of retail as both a revenue channel and top-of-funnel marketingWhy omni-channel strategies outperform single-channel businessesWhat it takes to succeed on TikTok (and why it's a completely different model)How to approach influencer and UGC strategies more efficientlyWhy product quality and manufacturing decisions directly impact growthThe advantages and challenges of bootstrapping vs. taking outside investmentHow to fund growth by reinvesting profits across channelsAnd so much moreIf you're launching a product, scaling on Amazon, or looking to expand into retail, PR, or TikTok, this episode will help you think more strategically about long-term growth.To learn more about Jaxon Lane, visit jaxonlane.com or search for their products on Amazon.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or grow?Want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenue?Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation with our team today.

Over the past 20 years, our team at Harvest Growth has helped launch and grow hundreds of consumer products, generating more than $2 billion in revenue. On this podcast, we break down what actually works in product marketing—real stories, real strategies, and lessons you can put to work right away.In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Dave Maloney, founder of a rapidly growing skincare brand built around simple, effective formulations and a commitment to product quality over hype.Dave shares how what started as a personal project—creating a product to help his mom—evolved into a thriving business, with his lip balm becoming a standout best-seller on Amazon. Drawing from his background in biotech and chemistry, Dave explains how understanding natural ingredients, testing formulations, and focusing on performance helped him create products that customers truly love.The conversation dives into why his lip balm outperformed other products, how customer behavior and repeat purchases drive growth, and why many competing products fail to deliver lasting results. Dave also breaks down his lean business model, explaining how he scaled quickly without building a large internal team by leveraging contractors and maintaining flexibility.You'll also learn why starting small was one of his biggest advantages—testing products with minimal inventory, refining based on real customer feedback, and avoiding costly mistakes early on. Dave shares his perspective on Amazon as a sales channel, including its advantages, challenges, and why being where customers are ready to buy can make all the difference.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we'll cover:Why products that truly work drive repeat purchases and organic growthHow Dave formulated a high-performing product using natural ingredientsWhy his lip balm became the #1 seller—and what made it differentThe importance of starting small and validating product-market fit earlyHow to scale a business while keeping your team lean and flexibleWhy Amazon can be a powerful channel (if used strategically)The realities of getting reviews and building trust on AmazonWhy focusing on one “hero product” can accelerate growthThe importance of community and mentorship for entrepreneursAnd so much more!If you're launching a product, scaling an eCommerce brand, or trying to build something that customers come back to again and again, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.To be a guest on our next episode of the podcast, contact us today!Do you have a brand that you'd like to launch or grow? Do you want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenues? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation with us today!

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Hank Cheatham to explore what it really takes to build and scale a supplement brand in one of the most competitive—and skeptical—categories on the market.With a background rooted in a Japanese pharmaceutical company, Hank shares how Daiwa Health Development brought a unique brain health supplement to the U.S., powered by a specialized ingredient designed to support memory and cognitive function. But beyond the product itself, this conversation dives into the bigger picture: why scientific validation, quality standards, and strategic channel expansion are essential for long-term success.You'll learn how an aging global population is driving demand for cognitive health solutions, why most supplements lack meaningful testing, and how clinical studies can become a powerful differentiator in a crowded marketplace. Hank also breaks down the realities of launching a product in the U.S.—including the importance of direct-to-consumer channels, Amazon growth strategy, and the challenges of maintaining control over your brand.From leveraging existing distribution relationships to navigating unauthorized sellers on Amazon, this episode is packed with practical insights for founders, marketers, and anyone looking to build a trusted product brand.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why scientific validation is critical in the supplement industryHow clinical studies can dramatically increase credibility and trustThe growing demand for brain health products driven by aging populationsWhat most supplement brands get wrong about proof and differentiationHow to successfully launch a product from overseas into the U.S. marketThe three core distribution channels: direct-to-consumer, retail, and professionalWhy Amazon is essential—but shouldn't be your only strategyHow to protect your brand from unauthorized sellers on AmazonThe role of quality, testing, and cultural standards in product developmentWhy products that truly work ultimately drive repeat customers and growthEXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR LISTENERSHank and his team are offering Harvest Growth Podcast listeners an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on their official website:Visit https://www.dhdmed.com/Use promo code DBH2026 at checkout to receive 20% off your orderThis offer is available directly through their website, where you can explore their full product line and learn more about their science-backed approach to brain health.If you're building a supplement brand—or any product in a competitive category—this episode offers a clear roadmap for standing out through real results, strong positioning, and smart channel strategy.To learn more about Daiwa Health Development and their products, visit their website or search for their offerings online.Do you have a brand that you'd like to launch or grow? Do you want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenue? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation today!

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Seth Spears, founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Wellnesse, a B Corp-certified brand that has sold over 1 million units in the highly competitive personal care space.Seth shares how he transitioned from building a content-driven audience over more than a decade into launching a product-based business—and why that foundation gave him a powerful advantage when entering the market. He explains how Wellnesse identified a major gap in personal care: products that are both clean and high-performing, without sacrificing one for the other.The conversation dives into the realities of building a brand in a crowded category, including how to differentiate beyond price, why most competitors fail to build long-term trust, and how storytelling, product quality, and consistency drive sustainable growth. Seth also breaks down how direct-to-consumer strategy enabled premium pricing, why customer feedback remains central to product development, and how the brand continues to evolve through testing and iteration.If you're building a product brand—especially in health, wellness, or any saturated market—this episode offers a practical blueprint for standing out, earning trust, and scaling with purpose.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:How Wellnesse sold over 1 million units in a competitive categoryWhy “clean” products often fail—and how to fix thatThe advantage of building an audience before launching a productHow to differentiate when competitors are copying your spaceWhy brand > product for long-term successHow to use customer feedback to drive product innovationThe role of direct-to-consumer in premium pricing strategyWhy most founders fail by chasing profits instead of purposeLessons learned from scaling too fast and hiring too earlyHow consistent storytelling builds trust and lifetime customersIf you're launching or scaling a product brand and want to stand out in a crowded market, this episode delivers actionable insights you can apply immediately.To learn more about Wellnesse, visit Wellnesse.com or search for their products online.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or grow?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Nik Hall, founder and CEO of Revive Amazon Partners, to break down what it really takes to grow and scale a product-based business on Amazon.Nik brings a unique perspective, having built and exited his own multi-million dollar CPG brand before launching an agency focused on helping other companies succeed on Amazon. Through firsthand experience, he's seen what works, what fails, and why so many brands grow quickly—only to hit a frustrating plateau.The conversation dives into the real drivers of Amazon success, from identifying the right products to scale, to optimizing listings for conversion, to structuring ad campaigns in a way that actually drives sustainable growth. Nik also explains why most brands focus too heavily on tactics like keyword bidding, while ignoring the bigger operational and strategic factors that ultimately determine success.We also explore how Amazon's evolving AI ecosystem is beginning to change product discovery, and what brands should be doing now to stay competitive as the platform continues to evolve.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we'll cover:Why many Amazon brands plateau—and how to break throughHow to identify which products in your catalog are worth scalingThe role of conversion rate and sales velocity in Amazon's algorithmWhy most Amazon listings fail to convert (and how to fix them)The difference between main images and A+ content—and when each mattersHow campaign structure impacts your ability to scale profitablyWhy pricing, reviews, and CPC determine your growth ceilingThe importance of operations, inventory, and supply chain in scalingHow Amazon's AI is reshaping search and product discoveryA practical 90-day strategy for launching and growing on AmazonIf you're selling on Amazon—or planning to—this episode provides a clear, practical framework for building a business that doesn't just grow quickly, but continues to scale over time.Want to connect with Nik?Find him on LinkedIn or visit revivemp.com to learn more about Revive Amazon Partners and how they help brands grow on Amazon.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with James Harris, founder and CEO of High Impact Analytics, to break down what it really takes to succeed in Walmart and Sam's Club.With nearly two decades of experience working with brands inside the Walmart ecosystem—including time at Unilever—James shares insider insights on how retail has evolved, why Walmart is becoming more open to emerging brands, and the biggest mistakes that can get your product pulled from shelves.You'll learn why getting into retail is only the beginning—and why execution, supply chain discipline, and operational excellence are what ultimately determine long-term success.The conversation also explores how omnichannel retail is reshaping the customer journey, how Walmart is attracting higher-income shoppers, and why brands should start building relationships with retailers earlier than ever before.If you're an eCommerce brand thinking about retail—or already in retail and struggling to scale—this episode is packed with real-world strategies you can apply immediately.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:How Walmart and Sam's Club evaluate new and emerging brandsWhy retail is becoming less risk-averse and more open to innovationThe shift to omnichannel—and how it impacts product distributionWhat it really means to be “ready” for retail (it's not just revenue)Why supply chain, forecasting, and logistics matter more than marketing in retailThe biggest mistakes that cause brands to get kicked off the shelfHow to maintain strong relationships with buyers and build long-term trustWhy staying in stock is the #1 driver of retail successHow Sam's Club can be a powerful launchpad for new productsIf you're planning to expand into retail, improve your in-store performance, or better understand how Walmart operates today, this episode delivers a practical, behind-the-scenes look at what works—and what doesn't.To learn more about James Harris and High Impact Analytics, visit highimpactanalytics.com or connect with James on LinkedIn.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com and book a free consultation to learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Rebeca Sanchez, founder and CEO of Besha Inc., to break down how scientific validation and product quality helped her stand out in one of the most competitive categories in eCommerce: supplements.Rebeca shares how her patented collagen formula—backed by clinical research and third-party testing—set her brand apart from hundreds of competing products on Amazon. The conversation dives into why most supplements lack real proof, how independent validation like Consumer Reports can create massive growth inflection points, and what it takes to build long-term trust with customers.Beyond the product, Rebeca walks through her journey from starting with just $2,500 to building a multi-million dollar brand. She explains how starting small, listening to customer feedback, and focusing on product quality over short-term profits created a foundation for sustainable growth.If you're launching a supplement—or any product in a crowded market—this episode is a masterclass in differentiation, validation, and building a brand that customers come back to again and again.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why most supplements don't have real scientific backingHow clinical studies and patented formulas create true differentiationThe impact of third-party validation (like Consumer Reports) on growthWhy customer reviews can be your most powerful marketing assetHow starting small gives you a competitive advantageThe importance of feedback and iterative product improvementWhy subscription-based products scale faster than one-time purchasesThe role of perseverance in building a successful brandWant to learn more about Besha?Visit https://beshainc.com or search for Besha on Amazon to explore their collagen products.Do you have a product you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Andrew Reist, founder and CEO of Valley Pets, to share the story behind Belly Guard — a pet recovery suit that started with just 26 test units and grew into an eight-figure brand. Drawing from his background in engineering and product development, Andrew explains how a personal problem with his own dog led to a practical innovation that now helps pets recover more comfortably after surgery.Andrew walks through the early stages of building the business, including why he intentionally started small, lost money on every unit at first, and treated those early sales as a way to buy learning instead of immediate profit. The conversation highlights the value of product-market fit, low-risk validation, and why founders should focus on learning quickly before scaling aggressively.The episode also explores how Belly Guard expanded beyond Amazon, broke into Chewy, and grew by adding sales channels instead of immediately broadening the product line. Along the way, Andrew shares lessons on hiring contractors, using freelance experts strategically, managing the transition from founder-does-everything mode, and making the leap from a full-time job into entrepreneurship.If you're building a product brand, testing a new idea, or trying to scale without overcommitting too early, this episode offers practical insight from someone who grew steadily, learned fast, and built a category-leading business through smart decisions over time.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:How Belly Guard was inspired by a real problem with Andrew's own dogWhy Andrew started with just 26 units instead of a large inventory orderHow losing money early helped validate the product and reduce long-term riskWhat founders should learn before worrying about short-term profitsHow Belly Guard got into Chewy and why that accelerated growthWhy expanding channels can sometimes matter more than expanding product linesHow Andrew used contractors and freelance experts to grow more efficientlyThe realities of leaving a full-time job to run a business full timeWhy a great product makes marketing easier — but never replaces itAnd so much more!Want to connect with Andrew?Visit ValleyPets.com or TheBellyGuard.com to learn more. You can also search for Belly Guard on Amazon.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Ron Tobb, Founder & CEO of Minor Decliner, to expose a startling statistic: more than 10% of IDs scanned with advanced detection technology are fake.Not expired. Not suspicious. Fake.For any business selling age-restricted products — alcohol, tobacco, vape, cannabis, or operating in casinos — this isn't just a compliance issue. It's a serious legal and financial liability.Ron shares how Minor Decliner provides easy-to-implement age verification solutions that scan government-issued IDs, instantly verify age, and layer in advanced fake ID detection powered by continuously updated technology. The system eliminates math errors, detects sophisticated fake IDs in seconds, and creates a digital compliance record retailers can rely on.Ron explains how the company was born after his daughter worked as an underage compliance investigator and discovered how often businesses unintentionally sold to minors. As a quality engineer, Ron saw a solvable systems problem — and built a company to fix it.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why retailers sell to minors up to 15% of the time without ID scannersThe real scale of the fake ID problem — including 20–40% fake rates in some college marketsWhy traditional ID scanners fail to detect high-quality fake IDsThe three biggest risks retailers face: fines, lawsuits, and reputational damageHow a recurring software model strengthened Minor Decliner's businessWhy hardware-based systems build more trust than app-based scanningLessons learned pivoting to Amazon and hiring experts to unlock growthNew innovations including theft-reduction beer cooler access, mobile driver's license scanning, and biometricsThis episode is essential listening for any retailer or entrepreneur operating in a regulated environment. It's not just about avoiding fines — it's about protecting your business, your license, your reputation, and potentially even lives.To learn more about Minor Decliner, visit MinorDecliner.com.Interested in launching or scaling your own product? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Scott Brown, founder of Snax Depot and VendingAd.com, to explore a surprising but powerful advertising opportunity hiding in plain sight: vending machines.Most advertising today competes in speed mode — scrolling, swiping, skipping, and digital fatigue. But what happens when you reach people in a true moment of pause?Scott shares how modern, AI-powered vending machines equipped with 15-inch HMI screens are transforming everyday snack stops into high-attention marketing moments. With 10-second visual ads placed directly at eye level, local businesses can reach a captive audience in gyms, warehouses, apartment complexes, and office spaces — where repetition, frequency, and exclusivity drive real brand recall.This isn't about chasing clicks. It's about being remembered.You'll learn why physical-world visibility still matters in a digital-first era, how QR codes bridge real-world impressions with measurable online results, and why limiting each machine to just 10 advertisers dramatically increases brand impact.If you serve local customers and want repeated, real-world exposure in places where people actually pause — this conversation may change how you think about marketing.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why “paused attention” is more valuable than endless digital impressionsThe psychology of repetition and frequency in local advertisingHow vending machine screens create credibility in physical spacesWhy limiting advertisers per screen increases impactHow QR codes make offline ads measurable and retargetableWhich types of businesses benefit most from vending machine advertisingWhy exclusivity (no competitors per machine) strengthens brand recallHow physical and digital marketing can work together seamlesslyVisit VendingAd.com to learn more or schedule a strategy call to see if this opportunity is a fit for your business — especially if you serve customers in the Boston market.To be a guest on our next podcast, contact us today!Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or grow? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation with our team.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Brian Samson, founder of Plugg Technologies, to break down what nearshoring really is, when it works best, and how founders can use it to unlock growth without overextending their budgets.Brian has spent more than a decade working across the U.S. and Latin America, building three companies from zero to over $4 million in revenue and helping hundreds of businesses build high-performing global teams. He shares real-world insight into the difference between offshoring and nearshoring, why time zones matter more than ever, and how today's remote tools and AI have completely changed the game.If you've ever wondered whether nearshoring could work for your business — or had a bad experience years ago and wrote it off — this episode will give you a practical, modern perspective.In today's episode, we cover:The difference between offshoring and nearshoring (and why it matters)Which roles and company types benefit most from nearshoringHow to safely “test the waters” without overcommittingThe cultural and structural differences between Latin America and AsiaHow remote work infrastructure and AI have made global teams easier than everWhen to DIY with platforms like Upwork or Fiverr — and when to work with a partnerHow scaling with international talent can increase flexibility and optionality for growing brandsWhether you're a startup founder, agency owner, or scaling eCommerce brand, this episode offers a clear roadmap for building smarter teams in 2026 and beyond.To learn more about Brian and Plugg Technologies, visit https://plug.techInterested in growing your brand with proven direct response strategies? Visit https://harvestgrowth.com and book a free consultation with our team.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review — and we'll see you next time on the Harvest Growth Podcast.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with trade show industry veteran Mike Van Valey, who has spent more than 35 years in the business and over two decades running his own trade show contracting company.From selling books door-to-door in college to managing trade shows for major consumer brands, Mike shares firsthand insights into how the trade show landscape has evolved — and why so many companies are doing it wrong.You'll learn how technology, rising costs, and changing buyer behavior have reshaped the industry. Attendees no longer arrive ready to write orders on the show floor — they come to evaluate, compare, and research. That shift means your strategy needs to change too.Mike breaks down the biggest mistakes exhibitors make, including overspending on flashy booths while neglecting staffing and follow-up — and explains why the “software” (your people and process) matters more than the “hardware.”If you've ever wondered whether trade shows are still worth the investment, this episode gives you a clear, strategic answer.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:How trade shows have changed in the digital eraWhy lighting and booth design can dramatically increase trafficThe right way to staff your booth (and how many people is too many)Why pre-show marketing can make or break your resultsThe most common post-show follow-up mistakesHow to know if a trade show is right for your businessAnd so much moreWant to connect with Mike?Visit tradeshowsolutions.net to learn more or reach out directly for guidance on improving your trade show strategy.Do you have a brand you'd like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with John Fry, VP of Marketing and Sales at Allerpet, to unpack how a simple, problem-solving product built lasting success through trust, emotional connection, and smart channel strategy.John explains how Allerpet helps reduce pet dander at the source—allowing people with pet allergies to stay close to the animals they love—by mechanically removing allergens rather than masking symptoms. The conversation dives into what pet dander really is, why traditional solutions like shampoos fall short, and how consistent, safe use of Allerpet can make a life-changing difference for allergy sufferers.Beyond the product, John shares the story behind Allerpet's growth since being acquired in 2014, including its major shift to Amazon as a primary sales channel. He breaks down the key inflection point that drove rapid Amazon growth: better merchandising, smarter bundling, and optimized product presentation—paired with the unexpected power of authentic influencer storytelling on platforms like TikTok.This episode also explores why genuine customer stories outperform paid promotion, how emotional connection fuels word-of-mouth marketing, and why products that truly solve a painful problem naturally earn trust and advocacy.In today's episode, we cover:What pet dander actually is and why it causes allergic reactionsHow Allerpet works differently than shampoos or medicationsHow often allergy sufferers should use Allerpet safelyThe emotional connection between pet owners and problem-solving productsAllerpet's biggest Amazon growth inflection pointWhy better merchandising drove rapid sales accelerationHow unpaid influencer content sparked massive awarenessIf you're building a product that solves a real problem—and want to understand how trust, emotion, and smart channel strategy drive long-term growth—this is an episode you won't want to miss.To learn more about Allerpet, visit Allerpet.com or search for Allerpet on Amazon.To explore how to grow your own product, visit HarvestGrowth.com and book a free consultation with our team.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Jim Warren, founder of Infomercial.com and one of the most respected voices in direct response and infomercial marketing.With decades of experience spanning traditional DRTV, long-form infomercials, and modern digital campaigns, Jim breaks down what still works — and why the core principles of infomercials are more relevant than ever in today's TikTok, YouTube, and CTV-driven world.Together, Jon and Jim explore how to build marketing creative that actually converts, why long-form storytelling continues to outperform short ads for many brands, and how smart marketers blend TV and digital to scale profitably. They also dive into attribution challenges, creative burnout, audience connection, and where brands should start when launching a new product in 2026.Whether you're running Meta ads, launching on TikTok, testing YouTube, or considering TV for the first time, this episode is packed with timeless insights you can apply immediately.In this episode, you'll learn:Why infomercials still work — even in a digital-first worldThe biggest misconceptions about direct response TV todayHow to create marketing videos with longevity (not one-hit gimmicks)Why long-form content builds deeper trust and connectionThe reality of attribution across TV, digital, and multi-screen viewersWhere Jim would launch a brand-new product right now (and why)Learn more at Infomercial.comGet Jon's book The Perfect Launch System at PerfectLaunch.com

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare breaks down a hard truth many product founders don't want to hear: building your entire business on Amazon is far riskier than it looks.While Amazon can be an incredibly powerful sales channel—with built-in trust, massive buyer intent, and fast early revenue—speed does not equal control. Jon explains how fees quietly erode margins, why Amazon always puts its own interests first, and how even successful products can be replaced or undercut without warning.More importantly, this episode dives into the long-term consequences of not owning your customer relationship. When you sell exclusively on Amazon, you don't control the data, the follow-up, or the lifetime value of your buyers. Jon contrasts this with selling through your own website, where customer ownership becomes a compounding business asset rather than a one-time transaction.This episode isn't anti-Amazon—it's anti Amazon-only. Jon shares how to think strategically about Amazon as a channel, not the foundation of your business, and why the brands that win long-term are the ones that build on assets they actually control.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we'll cover:Why Amazon fees quietly destroy margins over timeHow Amazon competes with its own best-selling productsThe real risk of not owning your customers or their dataWhy selling direct increases lifetime value and defensibilityHow to use Amazon as a channel without building on “rented land”What brands should prioritize if they want to survive long-termIf you're launching a new product or already selling on Amazon, this episode will help you rethink your strategy before hidden risks become real problems.Want to take the next step in growing your business? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to connect with our team and book a one-on-one conversation focused on your business.

In this episode, Jon LaClare sits down with Jim Wilkinson, a multi-patented inventor, author, manufacturer, and longtime mentor to inventors and entrepreneurs. With more than three decades of hands-on experience, Jim has helped bring countless ideas from concept to real products found in homes, and even automobiles, around the world.Jim shares how his lifelong passion for innovation led him to write "The Practical Inventor," a no-nonsense guide designed to help inventors avoid costly mistakes and follow the correct sequence when developing a product. He explains why rushing into patents, branding, or marketing too early often derails promising ideas and why simplicity, planning, and discipline matter more than enthusiasm alone.We dive into product validation, profitability, and how inventors can use modern tools like AI and basic market research to determine demand before spending significant money. You'll also discover why American manufacturing can be more beneficial than many realize when factoring in quality, communication, speed to market, automation, and overall value. In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we'll cover:Why inventors should focus on sequence and planning before patents or marketingHow to validate product demand and profitability earlyThe biggest mistakes that prevent inventors from ever launchingWhy defining a clear minimum viable product is critical to successThe hidden costs and risks of overseas manufacturingThe value of mastermind communities for mentorship, collaboration, and growthIf you're looking to bring an idea to market, to improve manufacturing, or to scale, this episode delivers practical, real-world guidance from someone who's been through it all. And to learn more about Jim Wilkinson, schedule a conversation, or receive a complimentary copy of The Practical Inventor, visit www.veritek.com.To be a guest on our next episode of the podcast, contact us today!Do you have a brand that you'd like to launch or grow? Do you want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenues? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation with us today!

In today's episode, your host, Jon LaClare, leads an important conversation that healthcare marketing rarely explains: the placebo effect and why it deserves far more attention. This discussion is inspired by the launch of Pluseebo, a transparent, intentionally humorous product designed to spark awareness around belief, expectation, and honesty in healthcare.While Pluseebo is lighthearted on the surface, its launch highlights a much deeper reality supported by published scientific research. Placebo responses can produce real, measurable biological effects in the body, including changes in brain chemistry, pain perception, and overall wellbeing. These effects are not imagined, and in many clinical trials they closely mirror the average performance of widely prescribed medications.Tune in as Jon breaks down what healthcare advertising often leaves out, including how modest the average benefit of some antidepressants, pain medications, sleep aids, and other common prescriptions can be when compared to placebo, and why side effects and transparency must be part of the conversation. Grounded in respected medical journals and FDA-reviewed data, this episode offers a research-driven perspective designed to inform, challenge assumptions, and elevate the discussion around modern healthcare. Don't miss this timely conversation on belief, biology, and why understanding the placebo effect changes how health products, treatments, and claims should be evaluated.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we'll cover:What the placebo effect actually is, and why it's not “fake.”What large studies reveal about SSRIs, opioids, sleep medications, anxiety medications, ADHD drugs, and statins.Why prescription drug commercials rarely tell the full storyHow transparency in healthcare affects trust and decision-makingHow Pluseebo is designed to spark honest conversations.To learn more about Pluseebo, visit Pluseebo.com.To be a guest on our next episode of the podcast, contact us today!Do you have a brand that you'd like to launch or grow? Do you want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenues? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation with us today!

AI is transforming the job market faster than many of us realize, and that's creating both challenges and opportunities. In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, your host Jon LaClare breaks down why entrepreneurship is becoming one of the most future-proof career paths, how to validate a business idea, and how to leverage AI rather than be replaced by it.Through decades of launching products for hundreds of companies, the team at Harvest Growth has developed a simple framework to identify profitable opportunities and build businesses that withstand automation and technological disruption. Join us now to discover the framework and how you can use it.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we'll cover the following:How AI is reshaping tech and traditional jobs.Why entrepreneurship offers ownership and security even as automation takes over tasksThe Perfect Launch Framework for launching products successfully.Skills to develop today that AI struggles to replace.How to turn your professional experience into a niche business or product to stay ahead of disruption.Ready to take ownership of your future and launch your next business? www.harvestgrowth.com/perfectlaunchsystembook to get a copy of The Perfect Launch System.To be a guest on our next podcast, contact us today!Do you have a brand that you'd like to launch or grow? Do you want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenues? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation with us today!

In today's episode, we sit down with Tyler Hall, owner of Hall Contracting, to unpack his nearly 20-year journey from evenings-and-weekends side work to leading one of Colorado's most respected landscape construction and maintenance companies.What started as a small operation focused on craftsmanship, specifically water features, has grown into a business with nearly 100 employees, a powerful reputation, and a culture rooted in service, accountability, and family values. Tyler shares the real story behind that growth: the risks taken, the mistakes made, and the mindset shifts required to scale without losing what matters most.You'll hear how Hall Contracting built a thriving business primarily through word of mouth, why leadership at scale requires letting go of perfection, and how investing in people and culture creates long-term stability, even in a seasonal industry.Whether you're an entrepreneur just getting started or a business owner navigating growth pains, this episode delivers practical lessons on leadership, resilience, and sustainable expansion. In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we'll cover: How side hustles and calculated risk-taking can lay the foundation for long-term growthThe mindset shift required to lead a company with 80–100 employeesWhy word-of-mouth and relationships outperform traditional advertisingBuilding a strong company culture that drives retention, professionalism, and referralsNavigating major setbacks, costly mistakes, and learning faster because of themHabits and routines that help business owners stay sharp, focused, and resilientAnd much more!Looking for high-quality commercial or residential landscape construction in the Denver Metro area? Learn more about Hall Contracting and their award-winning work at www.hall-contracting.com.To be a guest on our next podcast, contact us today!Do you have a brand that you'd like to launch or grow? Do you want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenues? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation with us today! 

Today, we sit down with Steve Waddell, award-winning author of Valuepreneurs and the inventor behind the innovative Nasoni fountain faucet. Steve shares a complete roadmap for transforming an idea into a viable, profitable product, while avoiding the common pitfalls that cause 90% of startups and 95% of new products to fail.In this episode, Steve breaks down his Value Driven Product Development (VDPD) system, a proven 5-stage, 15-step framework designed to reduce risk, validate your customer, and ensure your product is truly ready for launch. From early concept development to funding strategies, including how Steve personally secured over $5 million in grants. This conversation is a masterclass for inventors, founders, and product creators at any stage.You'll also hear the story behind Nasoni's creation, how Steve handled three major “black swan events,” and why starting with your customer is far more important than starting with why.Whether you're developing your first prototype, considering licensing, or preparing for a full launch, this episode offers the insights you need to move forward with confidence.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, you'll learn:A killer strategy that helps you create products with immediate demand.When to file a provisional patent to protect your idea without wasting money.How to determine whether licensing or launching is the best path for your product.Why adaptability and creativity are just as critical as capital in early-stage entrepreneurship.How shifting your target customer can unlock entirely new funding and market opportunities.And so much more!Want to learn more? Explore Steve's book, resources, and frameworks at www.valuepreneurs.com. You can also find Valuepreneurs on Amazon in four formats: audiobook, Kindle, paperback, and hardcover here.To be a guest on our next podcast, contact us today!Do you have a brand that you'd like to launch or grow? Do you want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenues? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation with us today! 

Did you know that one of the oldest marketing formats can still be one of the fastest ways to scale a product in today's digital world? Join host and CEO of Harvest Growth, Jon LaClare, as he breaks down why infomercials continue to thrive in a modern, AI-first world. In less than ten minutes, you'll learn how the best marketers leverage TV, streaming, and digital long-form promotions to drive awareness, conversions, and explosive product growth, and how you also can. Tune in now!In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we'll cover the following:The timeless marketing formula that turns attention, demonstration, and storytelling into consistent sales.How modern infomercials on TV, streaming, and social media outperform short-form ads for both scale and precision.The secret to reaching older audiences on cable TV while simultaneously converting younger audiences on digital platforms.How to know if your product is a perfect fit for the direct-response infomercial model before you spend a dollar.And so much more!Want the complete roadmap to launching and scaling your products? Grab the full book in hardcover or Kindle on Amazon, or get your free digital copy at PerfectLaunch.com.To be a guest on our next podcast, contact us today!Do you have a brand that you'd like to launch or grow? Do you want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenues? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation with us today!

Today, we talk with Jacob Beckstead, the Chief Marketing Officer of Bailey's Group, one of America's oldest and most trusted moving and logistics companies. Founded in 1952, Bailey's has grown from a small family business in Provo, Utah, into a multi-location enterprise across Colorado and Utah while embracing cutting-edge marketing and operational innovations that keep it thriving in the digital age.Jacob shares how Bailey's Group is leveraging AI technology, data-driven marketing, and human connection to modernize a 70-year-old industry. From research surveys to crafting detailed, original content that ranks in both Google and AI search results, he reveals how brands can adapt and excel in today's evolving landscape. You'll also hear insights on managing small marketing teams, building customer trust, and why taking action beats waiting for perfection.Whether you run an established brand or are just starting, this episode offers powerful lessons in adaptation, authenticity, and sustainable growth.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we'll cover the following:How AI-driven tools and virtual surveys are improving customer experience and operational efficiency.Why helpful and original content is key to being discovered through AI search engines like ChatGPT.The role of clear communication and empathy in preventing negative reviews and building long-term trust.How collaboration between customer-facing and content teams leads to more effective storytelling.The importance of launching quickly, testing, and refining instead of waiting for perfection.Planning a move or curious about how technology is reshaping the moving industry? Visit www.baileysgroup.com/ to explore Bailey's Group's moving resources, guides, and services that make every move smoother.To be a guest on our next podcast, contact us today!Do you have a brand that you'd like to launch or grow? Do you want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenues? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation with us today!

What if doubling your business didn't require doubling your effort—or your budget? In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, your host Jon LaClare breaks down a simple but powerful framework that has helped hundreds of brands achieve what he calls “uncharacteristic growth.”Through years of running marketing campaigns across industries, the team at Harvest Growth has discovered a proven system: if you improve three key metrics—traffic, conversion rate, and average order value—by just 27% each, your business will double. And in this episode, Jon explains exactly how the 27% Rule works, why small, compounding improvements are more sustainable than giant leaps, and how real brands are applying this principle to scale smarter, faster, and with less risk.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we'll cover the following:The 27% growth formula that can double your business through compounding improvements.Simple ways to increase your traffic without increasing ad spend.Conversion tactics that turn more visitors into paying customers.Quick strategies to raise your average order value with upsells, bundles, or subscriptions.Why consistency in optimization drives sustainable long-term growth.Ready to see how small changes can lead to massive results? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to learn more about implementing the 27% Rule or get your copy of John LaClare's book, “The Perfect Launch System,” at www.perfectlaunch.com.To be a guest on our next podcast, contact us today!Do you have a brand that you'd like to launch or grow? Do you want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenues? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation with us today!

Are you struggling to stand out in a crowded, competitive market? Then you'll love today's episode featuring Landon Bellum, a Colorado realtor who turned his marketing background and love for storytelling into a powerful real estate brand.After a challenging first year where he made zero income, Landon refused to give up. Instead, he focused on creating genuine, high-quality video content that helped people trust him and ensured that everyone he knew understood what he did and that he did it well. By combining authentic marketing with cutting-edge AI tools, he's built a thriving business and a recognizable personal brand in an industry where 88% of agents quit within two years.From leveraging YouTube and SEO to reach new audiences organically to using tools like Descript and ChatGPT to transform one video into dozens of posts, Landon has mastered the art of scaling trust through technology. His journey proves that consistency, creativity, and courage can transform any career or business.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we'll cover: How to stand out in an oversaturated industry using authentic contentWhy AI tools can save you hours and multiply your reach without sacrificing qualityThe content strategies that helped Landon grow from $0 to consistent successHow tracking performance and focusing on what works can simplify growthAnd much more!Are you ready to make your marketing more personal and more powerful? Check out Landon's content and connect with him via his Linktree: https://linktr.ee/bellumrealty. You can also call or text him at 720-300-6242.To be a guest on our next podcast, contact us today!Do you have a brand that you'd like to launch or grow? Do you want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenues? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation with us today!