Podcasts about consumer products

What happens when a marketing agency invests $10 million in AI—not to replace people, but to empower them?  In this episode of Leader Generation, Tessa Burg talks with Eric Bertrand, CEO of Mod Op, to reveal how the agency's bold investment is reshaping the future of marketing. Together, they break down how AI is transforming the work behind the work—from automating repetitive tasks to unlocking new levels of creativity, personalization and speed to market. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at Mod Op's people-first approach to AI and hear how it's helping clients move faster, think smarter and deliver more value than ever before. Eric shares insights on what it really takes to integrate AI responsibly, build connected data systems and evolve teams into strategic powerhouses. If you're curious about the real-world impact of AI in marketing — beyond the headlines — this episode offers an inside look at how a forward-thinking agency is transforming both its own operations and its clients' success. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.  About Eric Bertrand: C-level executive and entrepreneur having operated and managed Companies, including start-ups, growth stage and publicly traded Companies. PE/VC fund manager having invested over $400 million in 50+ companies over the past 20 years. Investments have been in multiple industries, with expertise in Media & Entertainment, Retail, Consumer Products, Business Services and Information Technology. Eric can be reached on LinkedIn or at Eric@ModOp.com. About Tessa Burg: Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at Tessa.Burg@ModOp.com.  

A CMO Confidential Interview with Dwight Hutchins, Senior Managing Director of Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and a Northwestern Adjunct Professor, previously Managing Director at Accenture focused on Consumer Products, Health Care and Public Service. Dwight shares his thinking on why marketers should be prepared to reduce expenses and shift resources into a re-imagined future versus incrementally evolving spend and structure. Key topics include: his belief that the complexity of marketing has resulted in many instances of wasted spending; the importance of "unaided first brand response;" why it's important to be "ahead of the expense reduction game;" and how to focus on working versus non-working dollars. Tune in to hear how about reducing $1B in spend to fund new initiatives and a "wild west" story about a battery on-pack promotion.The Fine Art of Reducing Marketing Expense in an AI WorldThis week on CMO Confidential, Mike Linton sits down with Dwight Hutchins—Senior Partner & Managing Director at Boston Consulting Group and adjunct professor at Northwestern—to tackle the question every CMO hears from the CFO: “Keep the top line growing… and cut your budget.”Dwight explains how to find waste without hurting performance, where AI actually improves efficiency (and where it doesn't), how to test into cuts with confidence, and why many brands still miss “sufficiency” by spreading spend like peanut butter. We dig into frequency capping, working vs. non-working ratios, zero-based budgeting (used sanely), org design, insource vs. outsource, and a real-world case where a company freed up billions and redeployed it to growth channels. Stay for his “Wild West” in-store marketing story—complete with batteries taped to milk.Sponsored by Typeface — the AI-native, agentic marketing platform that turns one idea into thousands of on-brand assets across channels, safely integrated with your MarTech stack. See how leaders like ASICS and Microsoft scale personalized content with Typeface.⸻⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Intro & guest: Dwight Hutchins (BCG)02:05 – The market reality: uncertainty, shifting buyer values06:10 – CFO pressure: “grow and cut” in the same breath09:20 – AI spend vs. payoff: recalibrating expectations12:25 – Media fragmentation & the “peanut butter” budget problem15:55 – Where AI helps most: measurement, targeting, creative ops19:10 – Forensic cuts case study: freeing up massive dollars23:10 – Finding waste: frequency caps, ad length, quality controls27:05 – “First Fast Response”: demand spaces & brand power30:20 – Sufficiency & focus: stop starving campaigns33:05 – Working vs. non-working: ratios that actually move results35:20 – Zero-based budgeting (in moderation, with data)37:10 – Org & ops: redesigning execution, in/outsourcing lines38:55 – Fun story: the “batteries-on-milk” promo & promo ROI40:00 – Final takeaways & sponsor⸻CMO Confidential, Mike Linton, Dwight Hutchins, Boston Consulting Group, BCG, marketing efficiency, reduce marketing spend, AI in marketing, marketing analytics, media mix optimization, frequency capping, working vs non-working, zero-based budgeting, ZBB, demand spaces, brand strategy, executive leadership, CFO CMO alignment, budget cuts, marketing operations, insource vs outsource, creative operations, measurement and attribution, marketing governance, content at scale, Typeface, Typeface AI, generative AI for marketing, agentic AI, MarTech integration, CMOs, marketing leadership, board expectations, growth and efficiency, case study, social media shift, campaign sufficiencySee 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 Grow Everything, hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez sit down with Dr. Alessandra Zonari, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at OneSkin. Alessandra shares her personal journey from Brazil to biotech, driven by a mission to transform how we think about aging. She explains the science of cellular senescence, the discovery of the groundbreaking OS-1 peptide, and why skin is more than a beauty surface—it's a window into systemic health and longevity. Listeners will hear candid insights into the challenges of translating biotech discoveries into consumer products, the importance of radical transparency in science communication, and where peptides and personalized skincare fit into the future of the longevity movement. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about synthetic biology, sustainable innovation, and the science of healthy agingGrow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverythingChapters:(00:00:00) Welcome to Grow Everything Podcast(00:00:18) London's Bio Fab Fair Recap(00:02:34) Biotech's Bottom Line Impact(00:05:49) Pharma's Path to Consumer Products(00:08:00) The Accidental Discovery of Splenda(00:09:26) Meet Dr. Alessandra Zonari(00:10:54) A Scientist's Personal Mission(00:13:15) "Zombie Cells" and Skin Aging(00:16:30) Longevity Science vs. Marketing(00:18:28) The Hunt for the OS-01 Peptide(00:21:39) The Five-Year Path to Market(00:22:49) Science-First Communication(00:28:21) The Challenge of Going to Market(00:31:16) Communicating to Beauty vs. Biotech(00:33:45) The Future: Personalized Peptides(00:36:24) Why Science Storytelling Fails(00:38:42) Advice for Scientist-Founders(00:40:00) Peptide vs. SPF(00:40:42) Busting the Biggest Aging Myth(00:41:11) The Future of Personalized Aging(00:43:33) Why Aging is "Excited"(00:44:15) Actress or Astronaut(00:46:17) Peptides as "Cell Messages"Episode Links:Julie wolf episodeOneSkinTopics Covered: skincare, cellular senescence, peptides, OneSkin, skin health, anti aging  Have a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553

In today's private equity landscape, the CFO role has become one of the most difficult and misunderstood jobs in the business world. Everybody thinks it's about reporting numbers, tracking financials, and cutting costs.  But in reality, being a PE-backed CFO means living at the intersection of cash obsession, strategy, and leadership, while managing more stakeholders than anyone else in the C-suite. Too many CFOs still act like historians, closing the books weeks late and delivering rearview-mirror data. Meanwhile, companies are flying blind, making decisions without visibility into the most critical factor: cash flow. With leverage levels higher than ever and private equity funds demanding fast exits, that blind spot isn't just dangerous, it's fatal. That's why the best private equity CFOs don't just manage numbers.  They manage people, processes, and partners. They accelerate closes, implement real-time reporting, and educate leadership teams on how every decision hits the cash cycle.  One of the best at articulating this reality is my guest, Bob Gold. Bob has been CFO at public companies, private firms, and multiple private equity-backed businesses.  What are the biggest financial challenges in private equity, and why are they so common? How can CEOs set their CFOs up for success?  In this episode, Bob and I break down what it really takes to succeed as a CFO in private equity, from managing cash and banking relationships to designing the right KPIs and building a team you can trust.   You'll also learn: Why the first 90 days of a CFO's tenure should be focused on cash and team assessment How extending customer terms or delaying closes can quietly destroy a business Why private equity's reluctance to invest in technology creates hidden risks The difference between “knowledge” and “intellect” and why holding onto knowledge can sink a finance team How great CFOs educate divisional leaders on the financial impact of their decisions Why operating on “two clocks” is the real PE playbook What it takes to build a true CEO–CFO partnership that drives both strategy and execution Guest Bio Bob Gold is a CFO, operating partner, transformation expert, treasury and turnarounds specialist. He is a leader and finance executive with a track record of matching execution with strategy to drive improved results in global organizations. Bob led three private equity portfolio companies through successful exits. His industry expertise includes Industrial B2B, Defense Government Contracting, Defense Electronics, and Consumer Products. Bob is a key “influencer” using fact-based data and superior communication skills to drive business and financial strategy. He's recognized for building highly responsive finance teams and leading process improvements supporting rapid growth and organizational change in complex international companies. As a CFO, Bob has transformed complacent finance organizations into business partners that are a sought-after resource and advisor to internal business partners. Connect with Bob on LinkedIn.    About Your Host Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker, and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years' experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women's Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association.    Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you! 

In this episode of Future Finance, hosts Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Hopper welcome Jeff Seibert, CEO and founder of Digits, a cutting-edge accounting platform. Jeff shares how Digits is transforming the finance world by automating accounting workflows and providing real-time visibility into financial data. He explains how integrating modern technology into the general ledger (GL) and other accounting processes is streamlining the financial close and eliminating inefficiencies that have long been part of traditional systems.Jeff Seibert is the founder and CEO of Digits, a groundbreaking accounting platform. Previously, he was Twitter's Head of Consumer Product and appeared in the Emmy-winning Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma. Jeff co-founded Crashlytics, acquired by Twitter in 2013 and now owned by Google. A self-taught programmer, he started coding at 13 and graduated from Stanford with a B.S. in Computer Science. Jeff is also an angel investor in over 100 startups and was named one of Insider's Top 100 Seed VCs.Expect to Learn:The difference between traditional and AI-native accounting systemsHow Digits uses machine learning for near-perfect transaction classificationWhy legacy systems struggle with AI and how Digits solves itHow predictive models enable real-time financial insightsJeff's predictions on AI's future in finance, automation, and reconciliationJeff Seibert provides a fascinating insight into the future of finance, showcasing how AI can transform the accounting space from a slow and manual process to one that's fast, predictive, and automated. His journey from self-taught programmer to CEO of a company revolutionizing accounting highlights the power of innovation in today's tech-driven world.Follow Jeff:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jseibert/Website - https://jeffseibert.com/Company - https://digits.com/Join hosts Glenn and Paul as they unravel the complexities of AI in finance:Follow Glenn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbhopperiiiFollow Paul: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguyFollow QFlow.AI:Website - https://bit.ly/4i1EkjgFuture Finance is sponsored by QFlow.ai, the strategic finance platform solving the toughest part of planning and analysis: B2B revenue. Align sales, marketing, and finance, speed up decision-making, and lock in accountability with QFlow.ai. Stay tuned for a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future of finance and what it means for businesses and individuals alike.In Today's Episode:[00:00] - Introduction to Jeff Seibert[02:25] - What Inspired Jeff to Start Digits[05:24] - How Did Jeff Overcome the Data Gap[08:11] - Did You Expect the Digits Timeline[12:38] - AI Agents in Classification[16:50] - The Future of Real-Time Accounting[18:43] - Wrapping Up with Jeff Seibert

Send us a textIn this special edition of the WTR Small Cap Spotlight Flashcast, host Tim Gerdeman sits down with Doug Lane, WTR's Head of Consumer Products, to discuss the recent introduction of the WTR Consumer Stock Index with launch this summer of our Consumer Products Monthly industry report.  The discussion covers the thought process behind the companies chosen for the Index, how it is further broken down into 6 Sub-Indexes, and what are the indexes telling us about the state of Consumer investing so far in 2025.  The episode also covers the foreign exchange work that we include in the Monthly, as well as what broader trends we may expect to see for consumer stocks during the remainder of the year.

Organizations have contended with several "black swan" events in recent years, severely interrupting global supply chains, including the COVID-19 pandemic, global conflicts, trade route disruptions, and now the specter of tariffs. These events have put massive strain on supply chains, increasing prices. Recently at SAP Sapphire & ASUG Annual Conference, SAP used the example of tariffs as a way to demonstrate how its integrated business suite can help customers contend with business disruptions. This week on ASUG Talks, we dive deep into this topic, examining the role SAP solutions can play as enterprises seeks to bolster their supply chains, and prepare for the next inevitable disruption. Two supply chain experts--John Buckley, Consumer Product Industry Advisor at SAP; and  Ron Gilson, Executive Advisor and Principal of Consumer Products and Agribusiness at NTT DATA--join the podcast to cover the ways supply chains have changed, and how listeners can take steps to improve them.  Key Insights How organizations can (and should) respond to supply chain disruptionsSAP's approach to developing solutions meeting its customers supply chain needsThe importance of integrated business planning as a process Related InsightsRead how Brent Potts, Senior Director of Global Marketing for Oil, Gas, and Energy at SAP, is seeing the industry change to embrace energy diversification. Join ASUG on Aug. 28 for a customer influence opportunity focused on data privacy in the SAP HANA database

Connect with me at https://experimentrealestate.com/connectGet the FREE Mid-Term Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprint In this high-impact episode of In The Lab, Ruben sits down with Brandon Rickman, an Atlanta-based investor, entrepreneur, and general contractor who has flipped over 500 houses, developed 100 new-construction single-family homes, and built vertically integrated businesses spanning private lending, self-storage, and consumer products. With over 25 years in real estate, Brandon shares how his career evolved from flipping houses to raising private capital for large-scale developments—including a three-story, Class A self-storage facility outside Atlanta.Brandon opens up about the peaks and valleys of entrepreneurship, from multi-million-dollar exits in the consumer products world to surviving the 2008 market crash when banks abruptly called his loans. He reveals the data-driven criteria he uses to reverse-engineer self-storage projects for REIT buyers, the add-on revenue strategies that maximize NOI, and why private lending has become a major growth focus.If you're looking for a transparent blueprint to scaling across multiple real estate verticals while building resilience through challenges, this conversation is packed with insights on strategy, mindset, and execution.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:14:46 Brandon talks about self-storage investment strategy44:55 Brandon talks about entrepreneurial resilience and scaling across multiple real estate verticalsKEEPING IT REAL:05:20 – Why self-storage is Brandon's top focus today06:47 – How syndication works for self-storage investors10:04 – Understanding demand: square footage per capita and site selection data14:46 – Reverse-engineering self-storage for REIT buyers17:47 – Pricing power and tenant retention in self-storage22:05 – Increasing NOI through add-on services and rentals26:27 – Automated vs. manned self-storage operations30:08 – From consumer products to multi-million-dollar exits44:51 – Surviving the 2008 market crash and negotiating with banks59:22 – Big wins: high-margin flips, 7-figure syndication potential, and legacy deals1:10:08 – Building a $20M/year private lending business1:14:10 – Advice for 20-year-old entrepreneurs CONNECT WITH THE GUESTLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-rickman-9885a22/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonrickman08/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfQGTzF6JvH4qqT_V8Lx2cw#RealEstateInvesting #SelfStorage #EntrepreneurMindset #PrivateLending #FlippingHouses #ResilientEntrepreneur #CommercialRealEstate #BusinessGrowth #REITStrategy #FinancialFreedom

Is private equity destroying your favorite consumer products? Today we discuss economic news, recent Trump-era tariffs, and private equity. We touch on corporate profit margins, wage growth versus price increases, and how different industries—like autos—are affected unevenly. We also explore interest rates and the possibility that traditional cause-and-effect in markets is “broken,” questioning whether metrics like CPI, GDP, and rate changes meaningfully influence market behavior anymore, given recent patterns where markets defy economic logic. We discuss...  Recent economic updates included the rollback of several Trump-era tariffs, though many remain in place. Companies are currently absorbing most tariff-related costs instead of passing them directly to consumers. Concerns were raised that if companies start passing these costs along, price increases could hit consumers later in the year. Wage growth trends are compared with rising prices, raising questions about future consumer spending strength. Industry impacts from tariffs vary, with the auto sector singled out as experiencing specific pressures. Recent market resilience even in the face of economic data could historically trigger volatility or declines. Earnings reports no longer move markets as much because companies lower expectations to easily beat estimates. The focus on quarterly earnings is misleading; long-term company growth matters more on an individual level but less on a macro scale. Value investing has underperformed for about 20 years because fundamentals matter less in today's market. The Fed's interest rate tools are less effective because global capital flows and supply shocks weaken their control. The Fed can still cause recessions by raising rates too high but can't fine-tune the economy like before. Supply-driven inflation (like energy and supply chains) is less responsive to Fed rate hikes. Market rates often lead Fed policy, meaning bond traders set financial conditions before the Fed acts. Private equity often overleverages companies, leading to bankruptcies despite popular products, like Instapot. Private equity uses dividend recapitalization to extract value quickly, saddling companies with unsustainable debt. Examples like Sears, Joanne Fabrics, Red Lobster, and Toys “R” Us show how private equity can ruin beloved brands. Private equity has been successful for investors but often at the expense of the long-term health of companies. Financial planning for college funding is increasingly critical given new loan limits and repayment changes.   Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/favorite-consumer-products-737 

Now in its seventh year, the Real California Milk Excelerator has become a powerhouse for commercializing breakthrough dairy innovations. With over 60 startups and 100+ mentors participating to date, the program continues to elevate the dairy category by fueling scalable, consumer-ready products. In this episode, Bob Carroll, CEO of the California Milk Advisory Board, shares what's new in the program and why dairy is having a major moment. From wellness trends to sustainable innovation, Carroll reveals how legacy industries can stay ahead through bold thinking and fresh partnerships. If you're into food innovation, scaling startups, or future-proofing traditional sectors, you don't want to miss this conversation. For founders go to www.realcamilkexcelerator.com to apply by Aug 4, 2025.

AP correspondent Ed Donahue reports the Supreme Court is backing President Trump after he fired Democrats from a commission.

A highlight from Barbara Kahn and Americus Reed's conversation with Damian Valdes, Global Consumer Product Marketing Lead at Spotify, discussing how the company designs personalized, tech-driven listening experiences, the evolution of music consumption, and the future role of AI and identity in marketing digital products. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed the Chief Business Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group, J.R. McCabe.McCabe joined Sinclair, Inc. in the fall of 2020 and currently serves as Chief Business Officer, Consumer Products. In this role, McCabe is proving the tremendous growth potential of the convergence of media, sports, and entertainment. He is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of consumer products strategies, driving enterprise-wide revenue growth, and enhancing the company's market position. McCabe also co-leads Sinclair's Media for Equity business. McCabe's strategic vision and dealmaking skills have driven Sinclair's expanding footprint in the sports arena, most recently in tennis which, through the company's Tennis Enterprises initiative, partnered with the ATP, WTA and top US tournaments to deliver a landmark multi-year partnership deal for the sport with Verizon. His work continues to further the company's evolution as a leader in the industry. McCabe currently serves on the Microsoft Industry Customer Advisory Board for Media and Entertainment.Prior to joining Sinclair, McCabe and his partners built a competitive gameplay and esports portfolio that included Poker Central and Estars Studios. Using data to drive strategic decisions, McCabe has monetized and accelerated new business models by combining assets, forging partnerships, and making acquisitions. When he assumed his role at Poker Central, he quickly realized its potential to be the brand umbrella for experiential events, a TV and video studio, asset holdings, and the first-of-its-kind subscription VOD channel, PokerGO. Previously, McCabe served as SVP/Head of Video at Time Inc. and Chief Video Officer at Meredith Corporation, where as an intrapreneur, he created new businesses that pioneered how to leverage digital video to capitalize on the IP of a diverse portfolio of legacy brands. McCabe also launched Parents TV, the first national video network aimed at parents. While in his role, the first-ever of its kind at a major corporation, McCabe and his team outperformed revenue targets, hitting more than a billion streams, and tripling reach through deals with Amazon, Microsoft, Hulu, Yahoo, and more. McCabe has also held several sales executive positions, including VP, Eastern Sales Manager for CBS Paramount Television and SVP, Program Partnerships and Sales for Universal Studios. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing from James Madison University.J.R. McCabe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-r-mccabe-0040995/

Damian Valdes, Global Consumer Product Marketing Lead at Spotify, joins Barbara Kahn and Americus Reed, to explore how Spotify designs personalized, tech-driven listening experiences, the evolution of music consumption, and the future role of AI and identity in marketing digital products. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We welcome Sonia Hounsell, Founder of Fletcher Road Capital and the CEO & Co-Founder of FunkkOFF!® Inc., to share her experiences taking risks on her path to entrepreneurship.  She shares her journey creating the innovative brand, FunkkOFF!,  her appearance on the TV show Shark Tank, and how we can navigate and learn from taking risks to embrace them and start on our own path of growth, evolution and transformation.  Sonia Hounsell has deep professional experience in Management, Marketing, Branding & Entrepreneurship including C-suite leadership roles in Consumer Packaged Goods, Consumer Healthcare, McKinsey & Co., and Venture Capital. Sonia has been recognized with a number of awards including, a Gold Effie for the Stride® Gum Launch Advertising Campaign, named Advertising Age “Marketing 50” and was a Media Post (OMMA) Online Media, Marketing & Advertising) Winner for Advertising Creativity.  Sonia is Founder of Fletcher Road Capital and the CEO & Co-Founder of FunkkOFF!® Inc.. FunkkOFF!® a lifestyle brand company that is disrupting the personal and oral care category with innovation. In July 2021, FunkkOFF! launched their flagship product FunkkOFF! TeethRefreshers® the 1st and only two-in-one toothbrush and toothpaste that's reusable to keep your teeth white and fresh on-the-go. In February 2023, Sonia appeared on Shark Tank and received a deal from Robert Herjavec. FunkkOFF! has won a number of awards including the International Grand Prix Du Design Award for Consumer Products, a Gold Stevie® Award for Women in Business Start-up of the Year and a Silver Stevie® Award for International for Start-up of the Year. The brand has also been recognized for its unique innovation by leading press including NBC News, Travel & Leisure, Los Angeles Times, SHAPE, Real Simple and Essence, among others.  Please join us again as we continue our Warriors At Work conversations to guide us in transforming our personal & professional lives.     (3:44) Sonia shares her journey to becoming an entrepreneur.  (6:34) We learn more about FunkkOFF! and its early days, and what Sonia learned about herself along the way.  (9:54) What are some of the ways Sonia manages risk?  What works for her?  (10:59) What was the first year like, launching a brand new product and brand?  (12:40) How did Shark Tank approach her team and what was the process like being on the show?  (15:44) Sonia shares what she learned about herself, throughout the whole Shark Tank experience? (17:15) How did the business change after their appearance on Shark Tank?  (18:35) What are some of the triumphs she has experienced throughout this journey?  (20:51) What advice would Sonia share with new entrepreneur starting out?  (22:24) How did Sonia deal with people who might have doubted the path she was taking?  (23:50) How has Sonia changed from the beginning of her journey to now?  (26:05) What inspires Sonia?  (28:15) For anyone watching/listening, what does Sonia want you to remember?  (29:51) For the students and upcoming entrepreneurs, what is Sonia excited to see from the next generation?    Connect with SONIA HOUNSELLhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-hounsell-9185a32/ Subscribe: Warriors At Work PodcastsWebsite: https://jeaniecoomber.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/986666321719033/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanie_coomber/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeanie_coomberLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanie-coomber-90973b4/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbMZ2HyNNyPoeCSqKClBC_w

Join Mike as he discusses the new Slate pickup and how it fits into the future of how consumer projects may become more customizable instead of disposable. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend or on social media. Also, don't forget to "like", "follow," and "comment", which helps the share more than you know. #Sustainability #EcoFriendly #SustainableLiving #ZeroWaste #Recycle #PlasticFree #GoGreen #ClimateChange #Realsustain Please join our socialsFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/michael.nazarian.79⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RealSustainGYL⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠: @realsustaingyl⁠⁠Treads⁠⁠: realsustaingylBlueSky: @realsustaingyl.bsky.socialwww.GreeningYourLife.org

On this episode, we discuss the latest products coming to Coinbase as well as top user questions about coinbase. Coinbase allows borrowing against Bitcoin for USDC loans, with rates as low as 5%, no monthly payments, and up to $1,000,000 USDC available. ~This episode is sponsored by iTrust Capital~iTrustCapital | Get $100 Funding Reward + No Monthly Fees when you sign up using our custom link! ➜ https://bit.ly/iTrustPaulGuest: Max Branzburg, Head of Consumer Product, CoinbaseBuy $50 & Get $50 for getting started on Coinbase➜ https://bit.ly/CBARRON00:00 Intro00:18 Sponsor: iTrust Capital01:20 Bitcoin backed loans03:30 Borrowed USDC can't be used for trading crypto?04:50 Coinbase One Card: Why only Bitcoin?06:45 How do you get on the list?07:53 Coinbase basic vs Regular Coinbase One09:20 Coinbase favoring Bitcoin over ETH?14:40 New customers18:30 Wen DEX trading?21:30 Coinbase prioritizing Aerodrome vs Uniswap?23:50 Will Coinbase take an added fees on DEX buys?24:06 Coinbase Fees27:30 Is Coinbase ONE Membership vs Robinhood Gold29:45 When Wallet Beta release?31:10 Account lockouts still a thing?34:40 Coinbase AI?36:00 Ready for bullrun?38:06 Outro#Coinbase #Crypto #Bitcoin~Coinbase Loans Skyrocketing

Because Sam Altman hates opening his laptop, OpenAI is merging with iPhone guy Jony Ive's design firm in the name of some mysterious new ChatGPT-enabled consumer products: Alex and Emily go full Mystery Science Theater and dissect the announcement video. Plus how tech billionaires like Sam Altman mythologize San Francisco while their money makes it less livable for everyone else.References:Sam Altman and Jony Ive are merging (Video)Emplacedness, real estate, and gentrification in San FranciscoAnthropic? More like anthropomorphicKaren Hao on her new book "Empire of AI" in conversation with Alex and EmilyFresh AI Hell:Don't use ChatGPT to summon demonsAI prompts accidentally left in novels"AI" tutors are teaching fentanyl recipesxAI's data center polluting Memphis with unpermitted methane generatorsGemini's on Bluesky - block itFamily uses "AI" generated avatar to give victim impact statementThe market for "AI friends"? Lonely losersNo, LGBTESCREAL isn't a thing*****You can check out future streams at on Twitch, and send us any AI Hell you see for future episodes.Our book, The AI Con, is out! Get your copy now.Follow Emily: Bluesky/Mastodon Follow Alex: Bluesky/MastodonMusic: Toby Menon. Production: Christie Taylor. Graphic Design: Naomi PleasCheck out future streams at on Twitch, Meanwhile, send us any AI Hell you see.Our book, 'The AI Con,' comes out in May! Pre-order now.Subscribe to our newsletter via Buttondown. Follow us!Emily Bluesky: emilymbender.bsky.social Mastodon: dair-community.social/@EmilyMBender Alex Bluesky: alexhanna.bsky.social Mastodon: dair-community.social/@alex Twitter: @alexhanna Music by Toby Menon.Artwork by Naomi Pleasure-Park. Production by Christie Taylor.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter sit down with Erin Price, General Manager of Consumer Products at Sargento. Erin shares how Sargento's identity as a family-owned business has shaped its category leadership, commitment to long-term value, and approach to consumer-driven innovation.Erin discusses how the company's newest brand platform, “The Sargento Family Promise,” is rooted in transparency and trust, and how deep consumer insights, rather than fleeting trends, guide the development of new products. She also offers her perspective on recruiting top CPG talent to Wisconsin, managing through change, and developing the next generation of business leaders.Key takeawaysA long-term mindset enables more meaningful innovation and stronger retailer relationshipsConsumer trust is earned through consistency, transparency, and product qualityData is only powerful when paired with focus, agility, and real-time consumer understanding Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary:In this episode, Jonathan Boyar welcomes Chris Halpin, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer of IAC—a holding company known for its savvy capital allocation and track record of building internet leaders like Expedia, Match Group, and Ticketmaster. Chris brings a unique perspective shaped by senior roles at the NFL and Providence Equity before joining IAC. He and Jonathan explore how IAC is navigating today's market, why the stock is significantly undervalued, and how the company is positioning key holdings like Dotdash Meredith, Turo, and Care.com for long-term success. Whether you're an investor, media strategist, or just someone fascinated by the business of the internet, this episode offers a front-row seat to how IAC is building value in unconventional and often overlooked digital businesses. Topics Discussed Chris's unique journey from private equity to the NFL to IAC The transformation of Dotdash Meredith The business case behind IAC's OpenAI partnership How IAC is thinking about Turo's valuation, growth trajectory, and timing around a potential IPO Margin structure and monetization strategy in digital media IAC's approach to valuation, capital allocation, and market mispricing “Sacred cows” and how IAC avoids them Lessons from working with media rights at the NFL Why Chris thinks IAC is trading at a dramatic discount to fair value To learn more visit:www.boyarvaluegroup.comhttps://boyarresearch.substack.com/or follow us on X @boyarvalue    Biography:Christopher Halpin is Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of IAC. Mr. Halpin leads corporate finance, accounting, M&A, investor relations, and administration functions while also overseeing the day-to-day function and execution of IAC's businesses. Prior to his appointment at IAC, Mr. Halpin spent nearly a decade in leadership roles at the National Football League (NFL), most recently serving as Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer. In this role Mr. Halpin oversaw strategic planning and data and analytics, as well as key growth areas, including managing the NFL's international business and leading its legalized sports betting strategy. Other past leadership roles at the NFL include Senior Vice President, Consumer Products & Licensing, and Vice President of Media Strategy & Business Development. Before joining the NFL in June 2013, Mr. Halpin was a Partner and Managing Director at Providence Equity Partners. During his 13 years at Providence, Mr. Halpin worked across the firm's investment activities in the Media & Entertainment, Wireless/Satellite and Business Services sectors, and also opened and served as Co-Head of the firm's Hong Kong office. Mr. Halpin started his career in the Merchant Banking Division of Goldman Sachs & Co. Mr. Halpin is a graduate of Princeton University with an A.B. in Economics (Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude), and is a board member of Turo, the Children's Scholarship Fund, the Ladies ProfesUnlocking Investment Opportunities Since 1975 At the Boyar Value Group, we've dedicated nearly five decades to the pursuit of value on behalf of our clients. Founded in 1975, our firm has earned a reputation as a trusted source for uncovering undervalued opportunities in the stock market. To find out more about the Boyar Value Group, please visit www.boyarvaluegroup.com

This week, we are revisiting a conversation between Lightspeed partner Michael Mignano and Anthropic's head of product, Mike Krieger. Mike is known for co-founding Instagram, one of the most beloved pieces of consumer technology, and now he has taken his talents to Anthropic. They discuss the challenges AI product builders face and the evolution of product innovation and draw parallels between two transformative eras: the social media revolution that gave birth to Instagram and today's AI renaissance. Episode Chapters: (00:00) Introduction(00:54) Mike Krieger's Journey to Anthropic(03:17) Building Product Strategy at Anthropic(07:43) Rapid Iteration and Safety(10:58) Differentiating AI Models and User Experience(17:57) Impact of AI on Consumer Products and Business Models(24:39) Enterprise vs. Consumer Product Strategy(29:19) AI in Personal Life Management(30:15) Open Source and Claude Integrations(33:09) AI-Assisted Product Development(37:13) Scaling Teams and Processes at Anthropic(42:17) Reflections on AI and Future ProspectsStay in touch:www.lsvp.comX: https://twitter.com/lightspeedvpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightspeed-venture-partners/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightspeedventurepartners/Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: generativenow.coEmail: generativenow@lsvp.comThe content here does not constitute tax, legal, business or investment advice or an offer to provide such advice, should not be construed as advocating the purchase or sale of any security or investment or a recommendation of any company, and is not an offer, or solicitation of an offer, for the purchase or sale of any security or investment product. For more details please see lsvp.com/legal.

Check out my newsletter at TKOPOD.com and join my new community at TKOwners.com.I sat down with Connor Gross (https://x.com/c_gro), a regular on the podcast, and we went deep on some wild business ideas. We talked about plastic-free products, AI voice agents, and even how a company selling stuffed animals in a box did a million orders. We also got into the idea of turning everyday kids products into $100M brands and how AI is reshaping who wins and who gets left behind. This one's packed, don't miss it.Timestamps below. Enjoy!---Watch this on YouTube instead here: tkopod.co/p-ytAsk me a question on or off the show here: http://tkopod.co/p-askLearn more about me: http://tkopod.co/p-cjkLearn about my company: http://tkopod.co/p-cofFollow me on Twitter here: http://tkopod.co/p-xFree weekly business ideas newsletter: http://tkopod.co/p-nlShare this podcast: http://tkopod.co/p-allScrape small business data: http://tkopod.co/p-os---00:00 The Rise of E-commerce and Gifting Ideas02:54 Innovative Business Concepts in AI and Gifting05:45 The Future of AI Wrappers and Personal Assistants09:09 Navigating the Impact of AI on Labor Markets12:00 Microplastics and Sustainable Alternatives14:53 Creative Solutions for Everyday Problems17:49 The Evolution of Consumer Products for Kids21:11 The Future of AI in Business and Society

Hiring great recruiters should be second nature for recruitment business owners—after all, it's what we do for clients daily. But when it comes to growing your own team, the stakes are higher, the risks are real, and the margin for error is razor-thin. In today's episode, we dive into what it really takes to attract, hire, and retain high-performing recruiters—especially in a competitive market where top talent has options. You'll hear the inside story of how one firm scaled from 7 to 50 people and 7X'd its revenue in just five years—not by chance but by building a values-driven hiring and retention strategy. Whether you're hiring your first or your fiftieth recruiter, this episode will give you the mindset, methods, and metrics to do it right. Episode Outline and Highlights [03:21] From psychology to recruitment - Andy shares how he started his recruitment career, leading to the foundation of Brainworks. [07:34] How making and learning from many mistakes are key to Andy's success. [10:20] Factors that lead to growth and scaling. [20:05] What can help you decide when considering investing in a high-compensation recruiter joining your team? [26:17] Andy reveals their hiring process when recruiting a recruiter. [31:32] How to retain top recruitment talent. [35:49] Fostering a collaborative and supportive culture - Andy elaborates on their specific action points. [43:50] Thoughts on remote work and performance management. [48:34] What the next five years look like for Brainworks. [50:53] Andy shares their tech stack that paid off. Andy Miller Bio and Contact Info Andy Miller started BrainWorks in 1991 and continues to lead the Consumer Products practice, placing talent ranging from mid level to general management and presidents, with an eye for impacting the business regardless of the level or function. Andy's client roster ranges from large Fortune 50 companies to smaller entrepreneurial organizations that are looking to grow and believe that finding the right talent makes a difference. Andy received a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and spent 3 years in social services settings. After transitioning to business, Andy spent 10 years in the Telecommunications field, winning numerous sales awards including 5 consecutive years in the Gold Club and Salesman of the Year in 1987 and 1988. His passion and experience from competitive sports in addition to his psychology background provides a unique blend of competitiveness and people skills which has influenced how he works with both clients and candidates. This background is the basis of his philosophy -- to help clients win the competitive wars for talent by assessing, training and developing people towards greater productivity. Andy on LinkedIn Brainworks website link DRM Foundation Pinnacle Society Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter

My guest today is Gustav Söderström. Gustav is the Co-President, Chief Product Officer & Chief Technology Officer at Spotify. Gustav lets us behind the scenes on how Spotify thinks about the future of audio and video, and what leadership lessons he's learned from making mistakes and taking risks in a rapidly changing technological landscape. He shares fascinating insights on their synchronized team structure and how they have positioned themselves as "the R&D department" for the entire music industry. We discuss their integration of AI, their unique "bets board" process for allocating resources, and how they've evolved from a music service into a multimedia platform with over 650 million users. Please enjoy my conversation with Gustav Söderström. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page⁠ here.⁠ ----- This episode is brought to you by⁠ Ramp⁠. Ramp's mission is to help companies manage their spend in a way that reduces expenses and frees up time for teams to work on more valuable projects. Go to⁠ Ramp.com/invest⁠ to sign up for free and get a $250 welcome bonus. –  This episode is brought to you by⁠ AlphaSense⁠. AlphaSense has completely transformed the research process with cutting-edge AI technology and a vast collection of top-tier, reliable business content. Invest Like the Best listeners can get a free trial now at⁠ Alpha-Sense.com/Invest⁠ and experience firsthand how AlphaSense and Tegus help you make smarter decisions faster. – This episode is brought to you by⁠ Ridgeline⁠. Ridgeline has built a complete, real-time, modern operating system for investment managers. It handles trading, portfolio management, compliance, customer reporting, and much more through an all-in-one real-time cloud platform. Head to⁠ ridgelineapps.com⁠ to learn more about the platform. ----- Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠). Show Notes: (00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like the Best (00:05:27) Spotify's Journey Through Technological Shifts (00:06:28) The Impact of Generative AI on Consumer Products (00:09:36) AI in Coding and Productivity (00:11:11) Consumer Engagement and AI Playlisting (00:14:43) Strategic Frameworks and Decision-Making at Spotify (00:19:39) The Bets Process: Structured Innovation (00:31:11) The Future of AI and Business Models (00:44:31) The Future of AI and Inference Costs (00:46:21) The Concept of Computronium and Infinite Computing (00:47:02) David Deutsch and the Beginning of Infinity (00:48:55) The Power of Explanations and Human Understanding (00:54:03) Spotify's Free Tier and Consumer Needs (00:56:45) Spotify's Relationship with the Music Industry (01:03:03) The Rise of Podcasting and Audiobooks (01:15:45) Personal Interests and Continuous Learning (01:20:32) The Kindest Thing Anyone Has Ever Done For Gustav

There's a traveling museum of failures coming soon to a town near you - so what are the exhibits?

The 5th China International Consumer Products Expo has concluded in the southern island of Hainan. Matchmaking sessions at the expo yielded dozens of potential agreements valued at over 90 billion yuan, or 13 billion U.S. dollars.

On this encore episode, I sit down with a colleague from back in my work on the brand side, Craig Baxter, Group President of Techtronic Industries Canada Inc., part of a global 13 billion dollar powerhouse tool house of brands that includes Milwaukee, Ryobi, andHoover. In a wide-ranging and engaging conversation, Craig talks about radical innovation, retail go-to-market strategy, leadership for growth, and the epic come-from-behind marketplace win for his Milwaukee brand of power tools as the sixth horse in a five-horse race.  About CraigSixteen years ago, I was given the opportunity to become the president of TTi Canada; a world class leader in design, manufacturing, and marketing of power tools and accessories, outdoor product equipment and floor care for consumers, professional and industrial users in the home improvement, repair, and construction industries.Since then, I have had the privilege of working alongside a team of outstanding performers who share the same belief in setting audacious goals and holding ourselves accountable to deliver those goals while continuing to cultivate a best in class working environment.Along with our unrelenting strategic focus on powerful brands, innovative products, operational excellence, and exceptional people, we strive to continuously build upon a corporate culture where our employees can realize more and more of their abundant potential. What inspires me, is seeing people striving to do great work and growing into the best version of themselves. By continuously improving our culture through all of our success we have further leveraged our biggest differentiator as a company, and that is something I am very proud of.“Show class, have pride, and display character. And if you do, winning takes care of itself” – Bear Bryant 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, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. 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, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. 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.

What if your struggle to follow through isn't a discipline problem — but a signal? This week, Dan unpacks why many entrepreneurs bounce between ideas early on, and how that phase might be necessary, not broken. He shares a simple framework for telling the difference between just another project… and a business worth going all-in on. CHAPTERS (00:00:13) Intro + Listener Question (00:02:03) Why $150/Month Is a Great Start (00:02:58) The 100 Ideas Phase (00:03:48) Recognizing Early Market Signals (00:04:51) Execution Only Matters After Momentum (00:07:18) The Classic Founder Venn Diagram (00:07:59) Pitfalls of Passion Projects (00:11:54) High Ticket vs. Consumer Products (00:13:54) Designing Your First Offer (00:15:04) Why Market Feedback Solves the Focus Problem (00:16:17) Final Advice: Stay Playful and Keep Experimenting CONNECT Dan “at” tropicalmba dot com Ian “at” tropicalmba dot com LINKS Join the DC (http://dynamitecircle.com/) Subscribe to the newsletter (https://tropicalmba.com/subscribe) Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmba/) MORE EPISODES The Roadmap for Turning a Skill Into a $1M Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/7-figure-productized-business) The Unexpected Downsides of Selling Your Business (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/exit-founders-disappointed) Success Without Sacrifice? (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/success-without-sacrifice) Shiny Object Syndrome (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/shiny-object-syndrome) The Anti-Agency Agency + High ROI Customer Service Strategies (https://tropicalmba.com/episodes/anti-agency-high-roi)

Many of us scroll through applications on our phones when we shop. But imagine a tropical island where you can explore hundreds of thousands of products from more than 4,000 brands—no algorithms, just real-world browsing. Walk through pavilions of innovation, from household essentials to the latest tech. Suddenly, your wishlist just got a whole lot bigger! On the show: Laiming, Steve Hatherly & Yushan

About this episode: Consumer products from auto makers to housing developers to streaming and food delivery services all have impacts on our health. In this episode: A look at the Building H Index, which calculates a health score for these products and services and makes recommendations to companies about how to make their products healthier. Note: Building H is a program of the nonprofit Public Health Institute and the Index does not receive any funds from the companies that are rated. Guest: Steve Downs is a cofounder of the Building H Index. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a faculty member in health policy, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland's Health Department. Show links and related content: Building H Index Public Health Institute Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @‌PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @‌JohnsHopkinsSPH on Instagram @‌JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @‌PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.

This episode of the Woodworking Network podcast was sponsored by FDMC magazine. FDMC magazine is your vital source of information to improve your woodworking business. Whether it is keeping you apprised of the latest advances in manufacturing, helping you solve your wood technology problems with Gene Wengert, or inspiring you with case histories about successful businesses and best practices, FDMC magazine is there to be the sharpest business tool in your shop. Learn more and subscribe for free at woodworkingnetwork.com/fdmc.Woodworking Network is a home for professional woodworkers, presenting technology, supplies, education, inspiration, and community, from small business entrepreneurs to corporate managers at large automated plants.You can find all of our podcasts at WoodworkingNetwork.com/podcasts and in popular podcast channels. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. Thanks again to today's sponsor, FDMC. If you have a comment or topic you'd like us to explore, contact me at will.sampson@woodworkingnetwork.com. And we would really appreciate it if you fill out the survey at woodworking network.com/podcast-survey. Thanks for listening.Intro music courtesy of Anthony Monson.

The CPGGUYS are joined in this episode by Sargento Foods General Manager, Erin Price. She is a General manager with significant experience in strategic planning, marketing, communications and brand management at leading CPG firms like General Mills, Johnson & Johnson & spectrum brands.Apply to join the Cornell retail media program https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/marketing/retail-media-strategy/Follow Erin Price on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-price-5199008/Follow Sargento Foods on Linkedin at :https://www.linkedin.com/company/sargento/Follow Sargento foods online at : https://www.sargento.com/Erin answers the following questions : Can you share insights into your journey from Marketing Manager to General Manager of Consumer Products at Sargento Foods?How has your leadership style evolved throughout your various roles at Sargento?What are the key strategic initiatives you're focusing on in your current role?How do you envision the Sargento brand evolving under your leadership?Can you discuss any recent product innovations that have been particularly impactful?How does Sargento leverage consumer insights to drive product development?How does Sargento differentiate its products in a competitive market?What emerging market trends do you believe will influence the cheese industry in the coming years?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

As any venture capitalist knows, not every investment pays off. Half of all new businesses fail within the first five years–but today's podcast guest has learned to spot the winners. Brandon T. Adams is a 2X Emmy® Award-Winning Producer, Podcaster, Media Expert, Investor, and Advisor. In 2017, he founded Accelerant Media Group, an agency that produces commercials, social media content, and TV shows. Accelerant Media Group has produced TV Shows and Documentaries such as Ambitious Adventures, Success in Your City, Red Flags, and Beyond Small Town Dreams.  Brandon is the Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Big Brand Ventures, an advisory and marketing firm that helps scale companies from 7 figures to 8-9 figures in revenue. His expertise in business growth has led to successful campaigns across diverse industries, such as Tech, TeleHealth, Marketing, Blockchain, Entertainment & Film, Franchising, and Consumer Products. From Crowdfunding to Equity Consulting Brandon entered the investing world through crowdfunding. After helping people raise money for their businesses, he realized there was an opportunity to trade his consulting talents and network in exchange for a piece of the company. He could get paid to help the founders increase the value of their company.  Not every investment pays off. No one can predict the future and many businesses fail within their first few years, but some turn into other opportunities–and it just takes one good bet to make it a win for all parties.  What Makes a Successful Entrepreneur When Brandon is choosing his investments, he bets on the founder more than the business. Part of their vetting process involves auditing the founder to see how coachable they are, if they're open to different ideas, or if there's a real reason they haven't been able to scale on their own. Some of the qualities they look for are integrity, grit, and adaptability.   Being open to change is essential because every level of business requires something different from the founder: a different operating system, team, and skill set. To go from zero to $100,000 takes a different person than $100,000 to $1 million or $1 million to $10 million. The most successful founders are able to evolve into what their business needs at that new level. Enjoy this episode with Brandon T. Adams… Soundbytes 15:47-16:03 “I bet on the person, the CEO, the founder. I've seen really good products and opportunities that fail and don't scale because the person running or operating the business is their own worst enemy. They're not open to change.”  17:39-18:04 “What it takes you to go from zero to 100,000 is one thing. Going from 100,000 to a million is one thing. To go from a million to 10 million is a whole other story. To go from 10 million to 100 million…That whole process takes different people, different conversations, different structures, different systems, and you, as the founder and CEO, have to become a different person.” Quotes “If you want anything in life and you surround yourself with the right people and work towards it, you'll achieve it.” “If you can communicate the story, and obviously the brand around it, that's what people buy into.” “When you're around certain people that do things at a certain level, it opens your mind to that level.”  “That's the thing with this world, you never can predict the future, and it just takes one time to be right to make it a big win for all parties.”  Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: http://www.BrandonTAdams.com Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandontadams1/ Connect with brandiD Download our free guide to learn 16 crucial website updates that attract more leads and convert visitors into clients: https://thebrandid.com/website-tweaks/ Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

This week a drink can bring you a little of the parks, we talk about Han and Leia redux and how Today lost, we may be getting Coyote vs. Acme after all, another Disney sequel is in the works, The Simpsons gets a dedicated streaming channel on Disney+, plus DIsney announces a new VP of Creative for Consumer Products which has the potential to change the landscape of the merchandise we're current available. Listen now at: https://www.podketeers.com/561 or watch this episode at: YouTube.com/Podketeers   Our most frequently requested links can be found at: https://www.podketeers.com/links/   Help us make a difference!  Teamboat Willie is the official charity team of the Podketeers Podcast. For more information on the charity that we're currently supporting, head to: http://www.teamboatwillie.com   Check out our series of Armchair Imagineering episodes here:  https://www.podketeers.com/armchair-imagineering/ --- Join the FGP Squad Family! Support for Podkeeters is provided by listeners and viewers like you! We like to call our supporters our Fairy Godparents (they call themselves the FGP Squad). You can find more info on how to become part of the FGP Squad family by going to:  https://www.podketeers.com/fgp --- We're on Discord! Join other members of our community and us on our Discord server! Use the invite link below to join us: https://discord.gg/gG8kJ2a ---  

The feds say Amazon's liable for unsafe third-party products. Amazon's counter? The Safety Commission itself is unconstitutional.

Explore the emerging role of AI in retail and consumer Products in this episode featuring Deloitte sector lead Kevin Bryne. Learn how AI is driving end-to-end process transformation, from making product innovation more efficient to improving customer experience through AI shopping assistants.

Retailers face mounting challenges—from rising labor costs to evolving customer expectations. In this episode of Retail Tech Tips, we explore how AI, cloud computing, and data integration are transforming in-store experiences. Featuring industry leaders: - Roy Horgan, Group SEVP Strategy, Marketing & Communications at VusionGroup -Zach Whigham, Associate Director, Retail and Consumer Products at Kyndryl -Trevor Sumner Top Retail Expert Key takeaways from this episode: -AI and computer vision are redefining in-store engagement -Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) are driving efficiency at scale -Retailers are moving from theory to action—focusing on ROI-driven solutions VusionGroup is a leader in electronic shelf labels (ESLs) and retail digitalization, helping retailers optimize pricing, promotions, and in-store experiences. Kyndryl is a global IT infrastructure powerhouse, working with retailers to modernize their technology ecosystems for scalability and efficiency. Listen now and stay ahead of the curve.

Mike Krieger is the Co-Founder of Instagram and now CPO @ Anthropic.  In Today's Episode with Mike Krieger We Discuss: 03:07 Where Will Value Be Created and Sustained in a World of AI? 04:59 Are Foundation Models Commoditised Today? 08:36 Should Founders Build for the Models of Today or Build for Models of the Future 12:19: Why Will Models Become More Different Than More Similar 16:38: Will Human or Synthetic Data Be More Prominent in the Future  19:28 Model Quality vs. Product UX 23:36 The Competitive Landscape of AI 32:27 Do We Underestimate China's AI Capabilities 33:59 What Did Anthropic Learn from Deepseek 34:07 Is Deepseek a Sustaining and Credible Threat? 37:04 Transitioning from Model Provider to Application Provider 38:26 Where Has Anthropic Chronically Under-Invested 39:08 Why Has Anthropic Been Slow On Consumer Product Development 43:50 What is the Role of a Software Developer in the Future 48:29 Balancing API and Consumer Products 51:09 Is Europe Stronger or Weaker in a World of AI 52:40 Quickfire Round: Insights and Reflections  

This episode is shorter than usual and will be featured in RevenueCat's State of Subscription Apps report.On the podcast: balancing freemium and premium experiences, how The Weather Company uses AI to predict subscriber behavior, and why focusing on user value rather than monetization is the key to subscription success.Top Takeaways

Are the products you use every day poisoning you? In this episode of Super Life, Darin Olien dives into phthalates, a class of toxic chemicals found in food packaging, personal care products, medical devices, and even children's toys. Despite mounting evidence linking phthalates to hormone disruption, infertility, obesity, and chronic illness, these chemicals remain largely unregulated in the United States. Darin breaks down why phthalates are everywhere, how they impact your body, and what you can do to protect yourself. He also highlights Minnesota's groundbreaking SF 188 bill, which aims to force food manufacturers to test and disclose phthalate contamination for the first time in U.S. history. If you care about your health, your family, and the toxic load in your daily life, this is a must-listen episode that will make you rethink what you're consuming. Government Responsibility in the Spread of Phthalates Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable. Since the mid-20th century, they've been incorporated into countless consumer goods, from food packaging to personal care products. This widespread use is largely due to regulatory inaction and the prioritization of industrial interests over public health. In the United States, agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been slow to regulate phthalates, despite mounting evidence linking them to serious health issues. These include endocrine disruption, reproductive harm, and chronic illnesses such as obesity and diabetes. Unlike Europe, which has banned certain phthalates in food packaging and children's products, the U.S. has often allowed industry self-regulation, leading to widespread contamination in consumer goods. The Industrial Agricultural Revolution and Processed Foods The post-World War II industrialization of food production significantly increased the use of phthalates. As food manufacturing scaled up, plastics became integral in packaging and processing equipment, leading to phthalate leaching into our food supply. Highly processed foods are particularly susceptible due to multiple points of plastic contact during production and storage. Studies have shown that individuals consuming more processed and fast foods have higher levels of phthalates in their bodies. Minnesota's Legislative Action: A Step Forward In January 2025, Minnesota State Senator Heather Gustafson introduced Senate File 188 (SF 188), a bill requiring food manufacturers to test their products for phthalates and publicly disclose the results. If passed, this legislation would be the first of its kind in the U.S., aiming to increase transparency and encourage manufacturers to reduce phthalate levels in their products. According to Senator Gustafson, "Minnesotans have the right to know whether the food they are eating and serving their families is contaminated with toxic phthalates. My bill will help consumers make healthier buying decisions and create a strong incentive for food manufacturers to get plastic chemicals out of our food."  advocacy.consumerreports.org Why This Matters This bill is crucial because it: Increases Transparency: For the first time, food companies would be required to test for and disclose phthalate levels, creating public awareness of the contamination problem. Encourages Stricter Regulations: Public disclosure could lead to consumer pressure for stronger nationwide bans and restrictions. Prioritizes Public Health: It challenges the longstanding prioritization of industry preferences over public health, acknowledging that chemical exposure is a public health crisis. Addresses Chronic Illness: With rising rates of metabolic disorders and hormone-related diseases linked to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates, holding manufacturers accountable is a step toward reversing this trend. Products Commonly Containing Phthalates and Associated Health Risks Phthalates are pervasive in many consumer products. Here's a breakdown of common sources and the potential health implications: Personal Care Products: Items such as nail polishes, hair sprays, aftershave lotions, cleansers, and shampoos often contain phthalates.  fda.gov Food Packaging and Processed Foods: Phthalates can leach into food from packaging materials and during processing. Diets high in dairy and meat have been associated with higher levels of phthalate exposure.  webmd.com Medical Devices: Some medical devices, including intravenous bags and tubing, contain phthalates to increase flexibility.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Household Items: Products like vinyl flooring, shower curtains, and certain furniture may contain phthalates.  toxicfreefuture.org Children's Toys: Some toys, especially those made from flexible plastics, can contain phthalates.  toxicfreefuture.org   Health Risks Associated with Phthalate Exposure Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body's hormonal systems. Potential health effects include: Reproductive Issues: Exposure has been linked to reproductive problems, including reduced fertility.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Developmental Problems: Prenatal exposure may lead to developmental issues in children.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Respiratory Issues: There is evidence suggesting a link between phthalate exposure and respiratory problems, such as asthma.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Metabolic Effects: Some studies have associated phthalate exposure with metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance and obesity.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov   Steps to Reduce Phthalate Exposure To minimize exposure to phthalates: Choose Phthalate-Free Products: Opt for personal care items labeled as phthalate-free. Limit Processed Food Intake: Reducing consumption of processed foods can decrease phthalate exposure. Use Alternatives to Plastic: Whenever possible, choose glass, stainless steel, or other non-plastic materials for food storage and household items. Stay Informed: Regularly check resources like the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database to find products free from harmful chemicals. How You Can Take Action While Minnesota is leading the way, collective action is essential to drive nationwide change. Here are steps you can take: Support the Bill: If you're in Minnesota, contact your state legislators to express support for SF 188. You can find more information and track the bill's progress here. Sign Petitions: Look for petitions advocating for the reduction of phthalates in consumer products and add your voice. Stay Informed: Follow organizations like Consumer Reports and Clean Water Action, which are actively involved in this issue. Reduce Personal Exposure: Limit consumption of highly processed foods, use glass or stainless steel for food storage, and avoid products with "fragrance" listed as an ingredient, as it can be a source of phthalates. Active Petition to Support Minnesota's SF 188 As of now, there isn't a specific petition available for Minnesota's SF 188 bill. However, you can take proactive steps to support this legislation: Contact Legislators: Reach out to Minnesota state legislators to express your support for SF 188. Personalized messages can be impactful. Stay Informed: Monitor the bill's progress through the Minnesota Revisor's Office website. Conclusion Minnesota's initiative is a significant step toward addressing the pervasive issue of phthalate contamination. However, true accountability requires federal-level bans, a shift toward non-toxic alternatives, and a rethinking of industrial food production. By staying informed and taking action, we can collectively push for a healthier future.   Bibliography Consumer Reports. "Minnesota Senator Gustafson introduces bill to protect consumers from toxic plastic chemicals in food." January 21, 2025.  advocacy.consumerreports.org Food Safety Magazine. "Bill Introduced in Minnesota to Require Phthalate Testing for Packaged Foods." January 21, 2025.  food-safety.com Minnesota Revisor of Statutes. "SF 188 as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025)."  revisor.mn.gov Food & Wine. "Minnesota Just Became the First State to Target Plastic Chemicals in Food." January 22, 2025.  foodandwine.com Thank you for joining us on "SuperLife with Darin Olien." Let's continue to strive for a healthier, more informed world.   Research Summaries: "Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health" Authors: Ying Wang, Hongjun Zhu, and Yanan Kannan Summary: This study discusses the widespread use of phthalates as endocrine disruptors and their detrimental effects on human health. It highlights that phthalates are present in numerous products that come into contact with plastics during production, packaging, or delivery.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov "Critical Review on the Presence of Phthalates in Food and Evidence of Their Impact on Human Health" Authors: Giuseppe Latini, Valentina Del Vecchio, and Andrea Massaro Summary: This review examines the presence of phthalates in various foods and their potential health impacts, including their role in increasing the risk of developing allergies and asthma.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov "Why Phthalates Should Be Restricted or Banned from Consumer Products" Authors: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Summary: This article discusses how phthalates can leach into food from vinyl plastic equipment and materials, emphasizing the need for restrictions or bans due to associated health risks.  hsph.harvard.edu "Phthalates and Diet: A Review of the Food Monitoring and Epidemiology Data" Authors: Rolf U. Halden Summary: This review highlights epidemiological studies showing positive associations between the consumption of meats, discretionary fats, and dairy products with increased phthalate exposure.  ehjournal.biomedcentral.com "Personal Care Product Use Patterns in Association with Phthalate and Bisphenol A Exposure" Authors: Jessica T. Barson, John D. Meeker, and Kelly K. Ferguson Summary: This study investigates the relationship between personal care product usage and exposure to phthalates and BPA, finding significant associations that suggest these products are notable sources of exposure.  nature.com "What Are Phthalates and How Do They Affect Your Health?" Authors: National Center for Health Research Summary: This article provides an overview of phthalates as synthetic chemicals used to make plastics flexible and to add fragrance to products, discussing their role as endocrine disruptors and potential health effects, especially in young children.  center4research.org   Bibliography: Wang, Y., Zhu, H., & Kannan, Y. (2021). Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health. Frontiers in Public Health, 9, 1-8.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Latini, G., Del Vecchio, V., & Massaro, A. (2020). Critical Review on the Presence of Phthalates in Food and Evidence of Their Impact on Human Health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(16), 5655.  pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2019). Why Phthalates Should Be Restricted or Banned from Consumer Products.  hsph.harvard.edu Halden, R. U. (2014). Phthalates and Diet: A Review of the Food Monitoring and Epidemiology Data. Environmental Health, 13(1), 43.  ehjournal.biomedcentral.com Barson, J. T., Meeker, J. D., & Ferguson, K. K. (2023). Personal Care Product Use Patterns in Association with Phthalate and Bisphenol A Exposure. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 33(1), 45-54.  nature.com National Center for Health Research. (2021). What Are Phthalates and How Do They Affect Your Health?.  center4research.org       What You'll Learn in This Episode: (00:00:00) Introduction – The toxic truth hiding in your everyday products. (00:03:19) What Are Phthalates? – The chemicals making plastics flexible (and your health fragile). (00:04:24) How Phthalates Get into Your Body – Food, air, water, and even medical devices. (00:05:50) The Devastating Health Effects of Phthalates – Endocrine disruption, infertility, and metabolic disease. (00:07:45) Why the U.S. Fails to Regulate Phthalates – The FDA, EPA, and corporate influence. (00:10:14) Why Europe Banned Phthalates (and the U.S. Didn't) – A look at the regulatory failures. (00:12:38) The Connection Between Phthalates & Infertility – How they are lowering sperm counts and harming pregnancy. (00:15:10) Processed Foods & Fast Foods—A Phthalate Hotspot – Why eating out could be dosing you with toxins. (00:18:49) The Hidden Dangers in Medical Devices – Why even hospitals aren't safe. (00:21:20) Minnesota's Groundbreaking SF 188 Bill – Why this legislation could change everything. (00:24:30) How Phthalates Are Even in Your Children's Toys – The shocking reality parents need to know. (00:27:15) The Impact of Phthalates on Weight Gain & Diabetes – How they disrupt metabolism. (00:30:07) The Fight for Transparency in the Food Industry – What's being done to expose these chemicals. (00:33:12) How to Reduce Your Phthalate Exposure – Simple swaps to detox your home and body. (00:36:40) What You Can Do Today – Advocacy, petitions, and making informed choices. (00:40:12) The Call to Action – Why raising awareness is the key to change.     Thank You to Our Sponsors: Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Use code DARIN for 10% off at fromourplace.com. Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off     Find More From Darin: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences     Key Takeaway: "Phthalates are everywhere—but they don't have to be inside you. Awareness is power, and it's time to fight back against the toxic chemicals hiding in plain sight."

It would not be surprising if U.S. state efforts to address toxic chemicals in consumer products picked up the pace this year as the Trump administration reduces the federal workforce and focuses on other priorities.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and mentor Lori Harder, the podcast host of 'Earn Your Happy' and the founder and CEO of Gloci. Lori shares her incredible journey from an in-debt high school dropout to a multimillionaire serial entrepreneur. We dive deep into her experiences, from her initial venture in fitness and network marketing to the challenging yet rewarding pivot from her first iteration of Gloci, originally called Light Pink.   Lori opens up about the emotional and strategic challenges of pivoting a business, the importance of persistence, and how to handle the fear of making or facing tough decisions. This episode is a must-listen if you've ever been afraid to pivot in your business or felt the weight of entrepreneurial challenges. Don't miss Lori's invaluable insights and her advice on maintaining confidence and navigating through the messy middle of business.   What You'll hear in this episode: [1:20] Meet Lori Harder [3:30] Lori's Entrepreneurial Journey and Personal Development [5:55] The Importance of Mindset in Business [7:55] Lori's Venture into Consumer Products [14:35] The Birth of Glossy and Overcoming Challenges [26:50] Facing Hard Truths in Business [27:25] The Emotional Weight of Investor Money [28:55] Pivoting to a New Business Model [29:45] Communicating the Pivot to Investors [30:50] Learning from Business Mentors [34:00] The Importance of Asking for Help [36:10] Embracing Hard Conversations [47:15] The Role of Financial Clarity [48:15] Mastermind Programs and Mentorship   If you like this episode, check out: How Katie Savarise Built a Culture, Not Just a Brand Hiring the Right Pro (Interview on She Leads First Podcast) One Why and How to Embrace More Failure in Business with Lynn Smith   Want to learn more so you can earn more?    Visit keepwhatyouearn.com to dive deeper on our episodes  Visit keepwhatyouearncfo.com to work with Shannon and her team  Watch this episode and more here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ  Connect with Shannon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/    The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.

Mike Krieger is known for cofounding Instagram, one of the most beloved pieces of consumer technology, and now he is leading product at Anthropic. This week, host and Lightspeed Partner Michael Mignano talks to the product building legend to discuss the challenges AI product builders face and the evolution of product innovation. They draw parallels between two transformative eras: the social media revolution that gave birth to Instagram and today's AI renaissance.Episode Chapters(00:00) Introduction(00:54) Mike Krieger's Journey to Anthropic(03:17) Building Product Strategy at Anthropic(07:43) Rapid Iteration and Safety(10:58) Differentiating AI Models and User Experience(17:57) Impact of AI on Consumer Products and Business Models(24:39) Enterprise vs. Consumer Product Strategy(29:19) AI in Personal Life Management(30:15) Open Source and Claude Integrations(33:09) AI-Assisted Product Development(37:13) Scaling Teams and Processes at Anthropic(42:17) Reflections on AI and Future ProspectsStay in touch:www.lsvp.comX:https://twitter.com/lightspeedvpLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightspeed-venture-partners/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lightspeedventurepartners/Subscribe on your favorite podcast app:generativenow.coEmail: generativenow@lsvp.comThe content here does not constitute tax, legal, business or investment advice or an offer to provide such advice, should not be construed as advocating the purchase or sale of any security or investment or a recommendation of any company, and is not an offer, or solicitation of an offer, for the purchase or sale of any security or investment product. For more details please seelsvp.com/legal.

SwRI researchers used the machine-learning tool Highlight™ to evaluate dozens of consumer products for chemicals, and the potential for human exposure. They looked at clothing, upholstery, fabrics, rubber and plastics samples and subjected them to various heat settings and solvents. They determined what chemicals were present and whether they could be emitted or extracted with normal use. Researchers identified both chemicals known to be harmful to human health and safe chemicals in the household products. The collaborative study with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was published in the Environmental Science & Technology Journal. Listen now as SwRI analytical chemist Dr. Kristin Favela and chemical engineer William Watson discuss how the study will advance the field of exposomics, the type of products that tested as most risky and the SwRI software tool that illuminated the data.

If you want to turn your product idea into a retail success story that dominates its category, our guest on today's episode of The Harvest Growth Podcast is your perfect resource. Tyrone Hazen is a visionary entrepreneur and founder of Puffin Drinkwear, whose innovative beverage holders have expanded to over 5,000 retail stores nationwide, becoming the 12th fastest-growing consumer product business in the US in 2023. His journey from a simple inspiration to retail powerhouse offers invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs at every stage.His signature product line, Puffin Drinkwear, is a pioneer in stylish beverage insulation - transforming the simple idea into fashionable "drinkwear" that includes everything from sleeping bag designs to licensed NCAA and Peanuts collections. The brand has successfully carved out its niche in the market, thriving across multiple retail channels from outdoor stores to gift shops, while maintaining strong profit margins and customer loyalty.In this engaging interview, Tyrone shares his strategy for retail success, revealing how he leveraged early local wins into national distribution, mastered the complexities of licensing deals, and built a sustainable growth model through strategic partnerships. His practical insights on cash flow management, using sales groups, and retail merchandising provide a blueprint for turning a simple product idea into a thriving business empire.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we'll cover:Why starting small with local retailers can lead to massive growth opportunitiesThe strategic approach to licensing deals that helped Puffin secure NCAA and Peanuts partnershipsHow to leverage rep groups to expand retail presence without hiring a large sales teamThe importance of proper merchandising and store placement in retail successWhy entrepreneurs should prioritize growth over immediate profit in the early stagesAnd so much more!To learn more about Puffin Drinkwear's innovative products, visit www.puffindrinkwear.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! 

Craig Shapiro of Collaborative Fund joins Nick to discuss The Villain Test, Lessons from an OG at Sequoia, Spotting Superstars at Seed, Mastering Follow-on, and the Future of Consumer Tech. In this episode we cover: Mission-Driven Founders and Impact Investing Future of Consumer Products and Personalization Consumer Behavior and Building Long-Term Brands Data Privacy and Consumer Behavior Later-Stage Investing and Identifying Breakouts Hiring and Talent Development The Villain Test and Consumer Decision-Making Guest Links: Craig's LinkedIn Collab Fund's LinkedIn Collab Fund's Website Twitter/X Collab Fund Twitter The host of The Full Ratchet is Nick Moran of New Stack Ventures, a venture capital firm committed to investing in founders outside of the Bay Area. Want to keep up to date with The Full Ratchet? Follow us on social. You can learn more about New Stack Ventures by visiting our LinkedIn and Twitter. Are you a founder looking for your next investor? Visit our free tool VC-Rank and we'll send a list of potential investors right to your inbox!

Our guest on this episode of Data Driven Finance is Steve Szpytek, SVP and Head of Consumer Product Development at Axos Bank. Axos Bank is a diversified technology-driven financial services company with a well-balanced portfolio of verticals within the bank. Topics discussed include: How technology is moving so fast, there's always a new product out there to help you service or enhance your platform that needs to be vetted. Balancing what's available vs. what really going to move the need for customers. The importance of mobile and why 70-75% of Axos Bank's customers interact with the bank on the mobile app. How connecting accounts provides a better, fuller picture of the customer than the traditional small deposit verification method. The enormous advantages of account linking for personalization and more targeted customer offers. The four pillars that comprise Axos Bank's strategy: customer/user experience, tracking, training, and communication. The move toward better, easier, faster, simpler loan applications and processing. The vital nature of transparency for trust building. What's most on the minds these days of those tasked with creating financial customer products. Are physical banks on their way out? Some Helpful Links Steve Szpytek on LinkedIn Axos Bank Envestnet Yodlee

Jesse has founded, operated and sold multiple online ventures. Jesse started SportsMemorabilia.com, growing it from a raw domain into the world's biggest autograph store and a Top 500 Internet Retailer. The company was sold to Fanatics, the global leader in sports merchandise. Before that, Jesse started and ran a direct-to-consumer online skincare brand that generated $48M in revenue in the first two years. Jesse sold the company to a direct-marketing conglomerate. Jesse is also Founder & CEO of DietSpotlight.com, a nutrition website with more than 130 million visitors and an Inc 5000 fastest-growing company in 2018. Jesse also purchased, developed and sold category-defining domain names, including Hobbies.com, Boating.com, Yachting.com and Biking.com. Before that, Jesse was Co-Founder and CEO of Soho Digital, a $32M digital agency with 200+ clients. He sold Soho Digital to a portfolio company of Insight Venture Partners. Before his endeavors in the Internet, Jesse worked and lived in Tokyo for six years. Jesse is a member of Young President's Organization (YPO), where he was Chapter Chairman and served on the regional board. He was also also a finalist in Retail and Consumer Products for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Jesse is an angel investor in Integral Ad Science, TMRW, Dstillery, Data.world, SKTCHY, Blanket and WhereBy.Us. Jesse holds an MBA from The Wharton School, an MA in International Studies from the University of Pennsylvania's Lauder Institute and a BA, with Honors, in Sociology and Asian Studies from UC Santa Barbara and Sophia University in Tokyo. [PARTNER WITH US] Get instant 1-on-1 access to over 26 of the top agents in the country to help scale your business.

Jesse has founded, operated and sold multiple online ventures. Jesse started SportsMemorabilia.com, growing it from a raw domain into the world's biggest autograph store and a Top 500 Internet Retailer. The company was sold to Fanatics, the global leader in sports merchandise. Before that, Jesse started and ran a direct-to-consumer online skincare brand that generated $48M in revenue in the first two years. Jesse sold the company to a direct-marketing conglomerate. Jesse is also Founder & CEO of DietSpotlight.com, a nutrition website with more than 130 million visitors and an Inc 5000 fastest-growing company in 2018. Jesse also purchased, developed and sold category-defining domain names, including Hobbies.com, Boating.com, Yachting.com and Biking.com. Before that, Jesse was Co-Founder and CEO of Soho Digital, a $32M digital agency with 200+ clients. He sold Soho Digital to a portfolio company of Insight Venture Partners. Before his endeavors in the Internet, Jesse worked and lived in Tokyo for six years. Jesse is a member of Young President's Organization (YPO), where he was Chapter Chairman and served on the regional board. He was also also a finalist in Retail and Consumer Products for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Jesse is an angel investor in Integral Ad Science, TMRW, Dstillery, Data.world, SKTCHY, Blanket and WhereBy.Us. Jesse holds an MBA from The Wharton School, an MA in International Studies from the University of Pennsylvania's Lauder Institute and a BA, with Honors, in Sociology and Asian Studies from UC Santa Barbara and Sophia University in Tokyo. [PARTNER WITH US] Get instant 1-on-1 access to over 26 of the top agents in the country to help scale your business.

Jesse has founded, operated and sold multiple online ventures. Jesse started SportsMemorabilia.com, growing it from a raw domain into the world's biggest autograph store and a Top 500 Internet Retailer. The company was sold to Fanatics, the global leader in sports merchandise. Before that, Jesse started and ran a direct-to-consumer online skincare brand that generated $48M in revenue in the first two years. Jesse sold the company to a direct-marketing conglomerate. Jesse is also Founder & CEO of DietSpotlight.com, a nutrition website with more than 130 million visitors and an Inc 5000 fastest-growing company in 2018. Jesse also purchased, developed and sold category-defining domain names, including Hobbies.com, Boating.com, Yachting.com and Biking.com. Before that, Jesse was Co-Founder and CEO of Soho Digital, a $32M digital agency with 200+ clients. He sold Soho Digital to a portfolio company of Insight Venture Partners. Before his endeavors in the Internet, Jesse worked and lived in Tokyo for six years. Jesse is a member of Young President's Organization (YPO), where he was Chapter Chairman and served on the regional board. He was also also a finalist in Retail and Consumer Products for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Jesse is an angel investor in Integral Ad Science, TMRW, Dstillery, Data.world, SKTCHY, Blanket and WhereBy.Us. Jesse holds an MBA from The Wharton School, an MA in International Studies from the University of Pennsylvania's Lauder Institute and a BA, with Honors, in Sociology and Asian Studies from UC Santa Barbara and Sophia University in Tokyo. [PARTNER WITH US] Get instant 1-on-1 access to over 26 of the top agents in the country to help scale your business.