Podcasts about consumer packaged goods

In this episode, we chat with Ben McKean, founder and CEO of Hungryroot, about pivoting from a CPG brand into a massive, AI-driven grocery platform. We explore how reducing consumer decision fatigue and managing owned inventory fueled their success, while Ben shares insider data on real-time household consumption patterns and what it takes for emerging brands to thrive on the platform.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Adam Siskin is the Founder of The Platform CPG, a firm helping emerging consumer brands navigate finance, operations, retail growth, and scale. On this episode of ITS, Adam and Ali discuss margin, trade spend, brokers, distributors, manufacturers and investors. Adam shares learnings from supporting more than 50 CPG companies.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thi Lam is founder and CCO at Garnish studios, a branding and production agency behind a number of emerging CPG brands across food, beverage, and wellness. On this episode of ITS, Thi and Ali talk content in the age of AI, and what emerging brands should focus on when it comes to creative assets, answering the bigger question: What actually creates brand value now?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jesse Konig is the Co-Founder and CEO of Jesse & Ben's, restaurant-quality frozen fries known for their simple ingredients and made with beef tallow and avocado oil. On this episode of ITS, Jesse tells Ali his story, breaks down why he and his partner Ben went into CPG from brick and mortar, and details about self manufacturing, building on social media, and holding off on full-time hiring until you find product-market fit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kiki Couchman is the co-founder of Sourmilk, the Greek yogurt designed for gut health with the probiotic levels of supplement. On this episode of ITS, Kiki and Ali talk through probiotics, dairy, building in public, finding your positioning, and how office delivery has become a killer channel for the emerging brand. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alec Jaffe is the Founder and CEO of Alec's Ice Cream, the A2 dairy brand make ice cream truly better for you. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Alec break down the freezer aisle and talk A2, probiotics, vertical integration and why emerging brands need to pick a priority.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The survival math behind Vancouver's independent restaurant scene — and why cheap food is never actually cheap. Phil and Kenny sit down with Robert Belcham — a 35-year Vancouver chef, restaurateur behind Campanolo, Monarch Burger, and Poppina Canteen, and board member of the Chef's Table Society of BC — for one of the most candid conversations about the business of food we've ever had on This Commerce Life. Robert pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to keep a restaurant alive in one of Canada's most expensive cities: the unforgiving margins, the perception-of-value trap that operators fall into, why independent restaurants are chronically underpricing themselves, and what it would take for the whole industry to collectively raise prices and survive.   Check out: https://chefstablesociety.com/  

Rachel Mansfield and Kiva Dickinson are co-founders of cadootz!, the kids' snack brand on a mission to bring Organic, nutrient-dense ingredients to delightful kids' snacks. On this episode of ITS, Kiva and Rachel share what they've learned and how they're applying their investor experience to building a new company.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this high-energy live episode of The Voice of Retail, Michael welcomes two dynamic voices shaping the future of retail and consumer brands: Jake Karls and Carl Boutet. Recorded live on location, this spontaneous conversation delivers powerful insights into what it takes to build a modern consumer brand in an increasingly crowded, algorithm-driven marketplace. Jake Karls shares the remarkable growth story behind Mid-Day Squares—from launching the company in Montreal with his sister and brother-in-law to building a vertically integrated manufacturing business producing more than 150,000 bars per day across North America. But this isn't just a product story. Jake explains how Mid-Day Squares intentionally built a media company mindset from day one, hiring content creators before traditional food scientists, documenting their journey, and turning storytelling into one of their most valuable growth engines. Listeners will hear how a major cocoa pricing crisis nearly disrupted the business—and how that challenge sparked one of their biggest innovations: their breakout “No Bread PB&J” product line. Jake reveals how combining product innovation with viral content, emotional storytelling, and fearless authenticity helped the brand secure retailer support and create consumer demand at scale. Carl Boutet brings his trademark strategic lens to the conversation, unpacking why brands must “take back agency” in an era increasingly dominated by AI-generated content and algorithmic sameness. Drawing from themes in his upcoming book, Carl argues that AI is quickly becoming table stakes—not differentiation—and that the brands that win will be those that create genuine emotional connection, distinctiveness, and memorability. The conversation also explores the evolving role of retail media, the power of founder-led storytelling, startup innovation in CPG, and why in a world of automation, human energy may be the ultimate competitive advantage. For retailers, brand builders, entrepreneurs, and marketers trying to understand what cuts through in today's attention economy, this episode delivers practical insights, inspiration, and plenty of laughs.   Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Josh Serlin is Head of Strategy at The Campbell's Company, where he leads strategic planning across one of the most important portfolios in food. On this episode of ITS, Josh breaks down what actually makes a company interesting to the "Big Kids," along with the impact of GLP-1s, the broader secular shifts shaping food and wellness, and how to build a business that holds up regardless.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hudson Davis-Ross is CEO and Co-Founder of Plant People, the doctor-formulated gummy supplement brand making functional wellness fun and accessible. On this episode of ITS, Hudson tells Ali the Plant People story, all about his18-month turn-around plan, and what 3-legged stools every successful emerging brand need to build.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pierson Krass is the founder and managing partner of Lunar Solar Group, a full-service growth agency and technology studio that has helped scale brands like Olipop, Vita Coco, Carbone, and Chomps. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Pierson talk direct response principles - once confined to DTC brands - and how Lunar Solar helps brands like Liquid Death apply them across retail, wholesale, loyalty, and lifecycle channels.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Firefighters in Ontario, California descended on a massive blaze just after midnight on Tuesday, when a distribution center erupted in flames.Local reports described an “orange glow” as the 1.2 million square foot warehouse burned for hours in a location the size of 11 city blocks, with smoke and flames reportedly visible for miles.The site is owned and operated by supply chain management company NFI Industries, but the warehouse had been leased by CPG giant Kimberly-Clark. It was stocked with paper products like Kleenex, toilet paper and diapers – ready fuel after the building became engulfed.Local law enforcement confirmed that the fire had been deemed “suspicious” due to its rapid spread and apparent evidence that suggested there may have been more than one point of origin. #WarehouseFire #BreakingNews #SupplyChain #Logistics #ManufacturingNews #IndustrialFire #ArsonInvestigation #KimberlyClark #NFIIndustries #FireResponse #EmergencyResponse #DistributionCenter #CPG #Operations #CrisisManagement #BusinessContinuity #Firefighters #USNews #IndustrialAccident #Safety

Alyssa Vescio is the Chief Merchandising Officer at The Fresh Market where she oversees merchandising strategy. Prior to TFM, Alyssa spend close to a decade at Whole Foods Market. On this episode of ITS, Alyssa explains the grocer side of the CPG equation: what their goals are, how to interact with them, what they're looking for from a brand.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jesse Merril is the Co-Founder and CEO of Good Culture, the company that made cottage cheese cool again. On this episode of ITS, Jesse tells the GC story, how they literally reinvented the cottage cheese company and why values may not always bring people into a brand, but definitely keep them there.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sean Connor is the Co-Founder of ForceBrands, the recruiting firm specializing in placing leadership and key operators across food, beverage, beauty, and wellness brands. On this episode of ITS, Sean and Ali talk people - from hiring, to firing, and full-time hires to fractional support. Sean also shares the best advice Ali's heard for early stage founders as they start.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Keegan Myles is Head of Business Operations at Confido, the end-to-end operations platform built specifically for CPG brands. On this episode of ITS, Keegan and Ali talk about how his experience at Simple Mills, MUSH, and PATHWATER led him to the team at Confido and why sales and operations planning with the right numbers are so critical to a brand's success.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cameron Gould-Saltman is a CPG growth leader, angel investor, and former Head of Food & Beverage at TikTok Shop, where he built one of the platform's fastest-growing verticals by connecting emerging brands, creators, and consumers through social commerce. On this episode of ITS, Cameron explains all things social commerce: How to meet consumers where they are today and where they'll be tomorrow. Don't miss this one!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lucy Dana is the co-founder and CEO of One Trick Pony, the peanut butter rapidly gaining fame for its bright packaging that sits upside down on the shelf. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Lucy talk peanut butter problem solving, the new rules of social media, and how to build certain, lean and ready for learning.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Boulos Beat, guest host Tony McDonald sits down with Luke Holden, founder and CEO of Luke's Lobster. Luke shares his journey from growing up in Maine's lobstering industry to working in New York investment banking, and how a search for an authentic lobster roll led to the founding of Luke's Lobster in 2009 with his father and business partner Ben Conniff.Now operating 28 locations across the United States, with international locations in Singapore and Japan, Luke's Lobster has become a globally recognized brand rooted in sustainability and quality. Luke discusses the importance of vertical integration, community relationships, and the strategic growth of the company's consumer packaged goods business. The conversation also explores how Luke's restaurant footprint and real estate strategy play a critical role in brand awareness and long-term growth.Perfect for listeners interested in entrepreneurship, food and beverage, brand expansion, sustainability, and real estate strategy.

Tenley Fitzgerald is the VP of Marketing & Brand Strategy at Yes! Apples, a brand bringing marketing, partnerships, and storytelling to family-run orchards in Upstate New York. On this episode of ITS, Tenley and Ali talk brand-thinking, consumer behavior, convincing farmers, retailers and consumers that "apples to apples" is a wild misunderstanding.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Griffin Spolansky is the Co-Founder and CEO of Mezcla, the protein bar brand known for its bold flavors and distinctive “puff-crispy” texture. On this episode of ITS, Griffin and Ali talk about the bar category, getting partners to bet on your brand, and keeping your business as simple as possible.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Abe Kamarck is the founder and CEO of True Made Foods, the clean-label ketchup and BBQ sauce brand made with real vegetables instead of added sugar. On this episode of ITS, Abe shares his experiences with Ali as True Made Foods has lived through the full arc of modern startup CPG: The go-go growth years, over expansion, broken partnerships, logistics chaos, and the hard work of cutting back to get profitable.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Isabel Washington is the Founder and CEO of Laurel's Coffee, the fast-growing RTD latte brand made with organic, regenerative A2 dairy. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Isabel talk about balancing conflicting consumer preferences, building for existing rituals, and the first thing you learn as a McKinsey consultant.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Scout Brisson reveals how De Soi converts skeptics into subscribers through sampling, why it's their largest marketing expense, and her ROI framework. Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Ilay Karateke is the co-founder and CEO of Bezi, the labneh brand on a mission to make the Middle Eastern spreadable cheese a mainstream category in America. On this episode of ITS, Ilay walks Ali through the primary questions she continually asks herself as she's building Bezi, explains why she is turning down bigger distribution, and why slow and steady is key when you're working with constraints like the refrigerator and awareness.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

YC Cheng is the CEO of Hero Bread, the better-for-you bakery brand making low net carb, low sugar, high protein products that actually taste like real bread. On this episode of ITS, YC walks Ali through his experience investing, founding and scaling World Golf Tour, and how he's growing Hero.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Andrea Hernández is the founder and author of Snaxshot, one of the most influential newsletters in food and beverage. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Andrea talk about where CPG is now, hypebeast grocery, colostrum snacks, suggestions for founders, and what to look out for in 2026.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rita Hudetz is the Chief Commercial Officer at Oishii, the vertical farming company behind some of the most talked-about strawberries in America. On this episode of ITS, Rita walks Ali through CPG and tech foundational theories and brand building and sales strategies she learned and developed at PepsiCo, Hu Kitchen and Milkbar.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pat Jammet is partner and VP of Growth at Promobile Marketing, the experiential agency behind memorable field campaigns from brands like Liquid IV, Truff, and AG1. On this episode of ITS, Pat shares what he's learned about field marketing at CPG brands including Honest Tea, Sir Kensington's, and Good Culture Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Melanie Bartelme is the associate director and global food analyst for Mintel's Premium Global Food & Drink Insights platform. On this episode of ITS, Melanie and Ali talk about food and beverage trends, what's happening with proteinification, what brands need to say out loud, and what consumers are looking for in today's uncertain world. Make sure to listen for a special discount at the end of the episode!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Food Chained, Vasa interviews Nicky Seaman, founder of Freestyle Snacks, discussing her journey in the food industry, the creation of her innovative snack products, and the challenges and successes she faced during the pandemic. Nicky shares insights on retail strategies, the importance of packaging, and her latest product launch of pickle chips. The conversation also explores personal growth, the importance of following through on commitments, and the future of food trends. NOTE: The audio is a bit spotty, but Nikki drops some amazing information. WHAT WE GO OVER:The idea behind Freestyle Snacks Scrappy, winning retail strategiesHow Nicky's experience at Whisps helped her launch her own brandWhat drove the recent launch of pickle chips?The importance of packaging in attracting new consumersHow to leverage exclusivity with retailersNicky's superpowerGrowing trend of pickles in the food industry.Growth during the holidaysCONNECT WITH US:Connect with Vasa on LinkedInConnect with Nikki on LinkedInPerfy's websiteCPGSPN by Growthbuster, a CPG newsletter with a sports themeCheck out Freestyle SnacksSPONSOR:Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster. Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage brands grow. Check out Growthbuster's newsletter, CPGSPN here. 

In this episode of Food Chained, Vasa interviews Fred Hart, founder of Hart Brands, discussing his journey from growing up in Hawaii to becoming a prominent figure in branding and design within the consumer goods industry. Fred shares insights from his agency experience, the importance of trade shows, and the evolving landscape of design trends. The conversation also touches on the significance of nostalgia in branding and the challenges faced by legacy brands. Fred offers valuable insights on agency selection and the crucial role of packaging in consumer engagement.TAKEAWAYS:Fred Hart emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes in a supportive environment.The design journey often starts from personal passions, such as sports and sneakers.Agency experience can accelerate learning and growth in the branding field.Independent consulting allows for flexibility and creativity in project work.Trade shows are vital for understanding industry trends and consumer behavior.Design trends are shifting towards more original and restrained aesthetics.Nostalgia plays a significant role in branding, but it must be balanced with modernity.Brands need to differentiate themselves in a crowded market to stand out.The importance of cohesive branding across all consumer touchpoints is critical.Legacy brands have opportunities for reinvention through strategic design.CONNECT WITH US:Connect with Vasa on LinkedInConnect with Fred on LinkedInPerfy's websiteCPGSPN by Growthbuster, a CPG newsletter with a sports themeCheck out Hart BrandsSPONSOR:Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster. Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage brands grow. Check out Growthbuster's newsletter, CPGSPN here. 

Troy Bonde & Winston Alfieri are CEO, CMO and Co-Founders of SAUZ, the pasta sauce brand known for its bright colors and killer flavors. On this episode of ITS, Ali and the SAUZ guys talk about brand building, true differentiation in a massive, commodity category, and how they acquire and then keep consumers.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nick Wiseman is the CEO and Co-Founder of Little Sesame, a chef-founded, hummus brand rooted in sustainable farming and ingredient integrity. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Nick talk about self-manufacturing, hospitality-focused CPG, brand building, and why choosing the best chickpea in America makes all the difference.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Emily Steele is the CEO and Cofounder of Hummingbirds, podcast sponsor, and a platform connecting everyday creators with CPG brands to drive awareness at retail. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Emily talk about how local content creators can support retail success, demographic differences, and the keys to a new launch (product, store or seasonal campaign).Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

MALK's president scaled the organic plant-based milk brand to $100M in revenue through smart growth strategies and tactics.For more on MALK and show notes click here.  Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Sarela Herrada is the CEO and co-founder of SIMPLi, the leading maker of regenerative organic pantry staples in the US, with products available in over 3,000 stores and on the menus of more than 3,000 restaurants across the country. On this episode of ITS, Sarela explains her food-service first approach to CPG, how her experience in supply chain led her to solve a food systems problem, and what shifts SIMPLi is making as they expand out of the natural channel into more conventional stores.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Willy is the Founder at Krack'd Snacks. A delicious, sweet snacks company that makes better-for-you Butterfingers and Samoas. WHAT WE GO OVER:When Willy pursues retail opportunitiesPod Foods as a distributorSelf-manufacturing vs. co-manufacturingThe evolution of Krack'd Snacks' brand nameWilly's hopeful next retailerMiscellaneous logistics and ops conversationCONNECT WITH US:Connect with Vasa on LinkedInConnect with Willy on LinkedInPerfy's websiteCPGSPN by Growthbuster, a CPG newsletter with a sports themeCheck out Krack'd Snacks Check out Krack'd Snacks on AmazonSPONSOR:Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster. Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage brands grow. Check out Growthbuster's newsletter, CPGSPN here. 

Gigi Lee Chang is the Co-Chair of Naturally New York, and has been in the natural food world for over 20 years. After selling her first venture, Plum Organics, to Campbells in 2012, Gigi went on to co-found BFY Capital, and most recently Lumi Growth. On this episode of ITS, Gigi and Ali talk about bringing In The Sauce back, the evolution of the industry, and how CPG founders and operators can use today's dynamic macro environment to their advantage.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jocelyn and Claudio of Budist join the show to discuss their story and the inaugural MJ Bowl, the first nationally celebrated cannabis competition. Open to licensed brands in California and New York, the MJBowl features two tiers of recognition in each state: MVPs (Most Valuable Products) for first place and All-Stars for second and third place, awarded across every category. The entry window closes on Oct 12, and product transfers are due by Oct 24. Winners will be revealed at an official awards ceremony at MJBizCon in Las Vegas on December 4, 2025.Jocelyn Sheltraw is the co-founder and CEO of Budist, the first professional review platform for cannabis products and brands. With 7 years of experience in the cannabis industry, Jocelyn has established herself as a recognized entrepreneur, advocate, public speaker, and thought leader. Claudio Miranda is an entrepreneur and C-level executive with expertise in marketing, consumer branding, business development, multi-channel retailing, organizational management, startups, and corporate development. 20 years of experience in Consumer Packaged Goods, Consumer Internet, Sustainability, and Cannabis. Named among the 100 most influential people in cannabis by High Times Magazine. 

This episode of The Drop-In CEO features a conversation with Kerim Kfuri, President and CEO of the Atlas Network, who shares his journey from a global upbringing to leading innovation in supply chain management. Kerim and host Deb Coviello discuss the complexities of modern supply chains, the impact of tariffs, the importance of agility and risk management, and how technology and mindset shape business resilience. Episode Highlights Kerim’s Global Upbringing and Entrepreneurial Journey [12:13]Kerim shares how his multicultural background and early entrepreneurial spirit shaped his approach to business and supply chain leadership. The Five Ways to Navigate Tariffs [31:15]Kerim breaks down five strategies for managing tariffs, including absorption, deferral, terms and conditions, cost re-engineering, and alternative supply chains. The Importance of Agility and Risk Management in Supply Chains [41:08]Discussion on how leaders can stress-test their supply chains, prepare for disruptions, and the value of contingency planning. Global Interconnectedness and Resilience [45:28]Kerim emphasizes the need for communication, cultural respect, and adaptability in a global economy, and how to become “disruption proof.” About Kerim: Kerim Antoine Kfuri is a leader in global supply chain innovation and media. As co-host of the Supply & Demand podcast, he brings together industry professionals to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of supply chain management. With a focus on fostering dialogue and community, Kerim shares insights that drive progress and transformation. He is also the founder of The Atlas Network, a trusted partner for businesses worldwide, offering consulting, logistics, and risk mitigation services. Kerim’s visionary leadership reflects his commitment to excellence, resilience, and creating value in an ever-evolving marketplace. Connect with Kerim: Company Website: https://kerimkfuri.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerimkfuri/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kerim-Kfuri For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at: https://dropinceo.com/contact/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jed is the Founder at Pirawna, Uptikk, and Refund Hawk. Pirawna is a performance agency for Amazon. Uptikk is a performance agency for TikTok. And Refund Hawk claws back erroneous fees from Amazon. WHAT WE GO OVER:Must-read tips for Prime DayAmazon reviewsManaging 3rd party sellersJed's 3-step checklist for BFCMCONNECT WITH US:Connect with Vasa on LinkedInConnect with Jed on LinkedInPerfy's websiteCPGSPN by Growthbuster, a CPG newsletter with a sports themeCheck out PirawnaCheck out UptickkCheck out Refund HawkSPONSOR:Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster. Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage brands grow. Check out Growthbuster's newsletter, CPGSPN here. 

This episode unwraps the story behind Mycoday functional mushroom chocolate, the first Consumer Packaged Goods company spun out of the Mycopreneur network. We discuss the origins of the company, growing pains, triumphs, and insights from the front lines of building a premium functional mushroom chocolate product.Please rate and review this episode wherever you're listening ( : Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elan and Kiki are the Co-founders at Sourmilk, a modern Greek-style yogurt made for your gut. WHAT WE GO OVER:Co-Founders' origin story at StanfordCease & Desist, Benny -> Sourmilk The bet on yogurt, reverse engineering the product to truly support gut healthThe Sourmilk "Drug Deal Model" - 5k units in 7 weeks! Who the founders look up toThe dairy company they think gets acquired nextCONNECT WITH US:Connect with Vasa on LinkedinConnect with Elan and Kiki on LinkedInPerfy's websiteCPGSPN by Growthbuster, a CPG newsletter with a sports themeCheck out Sourmilk SPONSOR:Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster. Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage brands grow. Check out Growthbuster's newsletter, CPGSPN here. 

Nate is the Founder at Express Checkout, a newsletter covering all things CPG, one of the most respected voices in CPG, and a friend to all. WHAT WE GO OVER:Newtopia NowSharing booths at tradeshowsNate's favorite brandsSome hot take acquisition predictionsNate's thoughts on Pepsi's new gut health sodasCONNECT WITH US:Connect with Vasa on LinkedInConnect with Nate on LinkedInPerfy's websiteCPGSPN by Growthbuster, a CPG newsletter with a sports themeSubscribe to Express CheckoutSPONSOR:Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster. Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage brands and local businesses grow. Check out Growthbuster's newsletter, CPGSPN here. 

Wade is the VP of Brand Management and Business Development at Vdriven Consulting. He has had a decorated career in the grocery industry, including stops at Buehler's, Rouses, Jimbo's, and The Fresh Market. WHAT WE GO OVER:Wade's storyA buyer's perspectiveVasa's POV on streamlining review schedules OBJECTIVELYIntegrating loyalty members into category management Innovation setsCONNECT WITH US:Connect with Vasa on LinkedInConnect with Wade on LinkedInPerfy's websiteCPGSPN by Growthbuster, a CPG newsletter with a sports themeGet in touch with Vdriven ConsultingSPONSOR:Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster. Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage brands grow. Check out Growthbuster's newsletter, CPGSPN here. 

From the archive: This episode was originally recorded and published in 2022. Our interviews on Entrepreneurs On Fire are meant to be evergreen, and we do our best to confirm that all offers and URL's in these archive episodes are still relevant. Bryan Freeman led Real Good Foods from startup in 2017 to IPO in 2021, listing with a 300 dollars plus million market cap. Bryan has built and sold three other Consumer Packaged Goods brands to large publicly traded firms. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. Stay curious and keep learning from others. 2. When investors see you're committed, they will invest. 3. Be very intentional, be constantly look for people with new ideas and experiences. Follow Real Good Foods on Instagram - Real Good Foods Instagram Sponsors High Level - The ultimate all-in-one platform for Entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies. Learn more at HighLevelFire.com. Airbnb - Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at Airbnb.com/host. Public - Build a multi-asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto, and more. Go to Public.com/fire to fund your account in five minutes or less. All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. Alpha is an experimental AI tool powered by GPT-4. Its output may be inaccurate and is not investment advice. Public makes no guarantees about its accuracy or reliability - verify independently before use. Rate as of 6/24/25. APY is variable and subject to change. Terms and Conditions apply.

This episode is brought to you by Walmart Connect. From homepage to home improvement. Win Carts and Minds with Walmart Connect.Next in Media spoke with Sarah Hofstetter, chairwoman of Profitero, a division of Publicis, about the haves and have nots in retail media, whether the big players TV presence is going to cause a bifurcation in the market, and what agentic shopping might do to the whole category.

Kiernan Laughlin is the General Manager and co-creator of Deep Indian Kitchen, a growing CPG brand whose mission is to bring a modern, high-quality Indian food experience to consumers worldwide. Kiernan previously held senior brand management roles at large CPG companies like Johnson & Johnson and Unilever, and he spent his early career in marketing, promotions, and partnership leadership at Gorton's Seafood.Highlights from our conversation include:Core business and leadership lessons from Kiernan's career in multi-stage CPG (1:26)Useful skills Kiernan picked up outside of work that have percolated into his leadership style (5:27)Going from a structured corporate environment to leading an emerging brand (8:01)The challenges and opportunities of building a team through rebranding (11:22)Elements that make a successful relationship between CEO and Founder (19:36)Keeping his team aligned and agile as the company evolves (21:48)Hiring for qualities that go beyond the resume (22:49)How Deep connects their mission to action through their foundation (27:08)Advice for the next generation of CPG leaders (30:13)Visit HowIHire.com for transcripts and more on this episode.Follow Roy Notowitz and Noto Group Executive Search on LinkedIn for updates and featured career opportunities.Subscribe to How I Hire:AppleSpotifyAmazon