Podcasts about cpg

What happens when a former tech manager buys a 20-year-old health food business - and turns it into a modern, fast-growing CPG brand?In this episode, I'm talking with Philip Macaulay, the founder of Vital Purple and the new owner of NaturalZing, a raw food company he's rebranded and expanded. Philip shares how he took over an outdated brand with 500 SKUs, fixed the packaging, introduced new products, launched an entirely new superfood line, and is now building something he believes will disrupt the cacao industry.Whether you're a designer working with CPG clients or a founder yourself, this is a rare behind-the-scenes look at rebranding, packaging, retail strategy, and launching innovative products from the ground up.You will learn:What it's like to rebrand a legacy brand while managing existing retail relationshipsHow much he invested in branding and packaging for both product linesWhy visual identity directly impacted retail growth and customer trustHow Vital Purple is shifting the narrative around cacao productsThe overlooked link between design, storytelling, and sales in wellness brandsGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink what great branding actually means in the CPG space!And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It's the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy's Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

Scaling CPG Brands with Roadmap CPG's Michelle Prychidny and Koreann WebsterIn this episode of This Commerce Life, hosts Phil and Kenny welcome the dynamic duo behind Roadmap CPG - Michelle Prychidny and Koreann Webster. Together, these industry veterans share their combined decades of experience helping emerging CPG brands navigate the treacherous waters of retail scaling.From their early days at Vega and their rocket ship journey with SmartSweets to launching their own consultancy, Michelle and Koreann break down the critical foundational pieces that make or break growing brands. They dive deep into the most common pitfalls they see repeatedly: cash flow nightmares, pricing disasters, and the fundamental disconnect between profit and loss versus actual cash in the bank. check out Roadmap CPG here: https://www.roadmapcpg.com/Find Koreann here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koreann-webster-42b43160/Find Michelle here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-mckay-prychidny-b6b0492/Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast. https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

Entrepreneur Sasha Millstein shares her journey launching Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies and scaling this frozen comfort food brand from idea to shelves. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/581-sasha-millstein-aunt-ethels-pot-pies/ Sasha Millstein, founder and CEO of Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies, joins Henry Lopez to share her inspiring entrepreneurial journey from concept to scaling a consumer packaged goods (CPG) business. Launched in 2020 during the pandemic, Aunt Ethel's has sold over 75,000 units, secured placement in 100+ Wegmans stores, sold out on QVC in under six minutes, and earned features in The New York Times and How I Built This. In this conversation, Sasha reveals the origin story of Aunt Ethel's, including her family's entrepreneurial influence, the pivotal pop-up that validated the concept, and her innovation of the first-ever two-part pot pie that solves soggy crusts and long cook times. Sasha also discusses the challenges of packaging, co-packers, funding, navigating consultants, and ultimately landing major distribution. “In the first three years, I think I cried every single day. But ultimately what keeps me focused is having that North star - you have to know why you started this company.” – Sasha Millstein Listeners will gain valuable insights into perseverance, the realities of the CPG space, fundraising challenges, and why doing your research and knowing your numbers is non-negotiable for entrepreneurs. Sasha Millstein is the founder and CEO of Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies, a Brooklyn-based frozen food company reinventing comfort food with innovation and hustle. Since launching in 2020, Sasha has scaled the brand into national retail and online channels, earning acclaim for her patented two-part pot pie design. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How are leading retailers and brands using AI to transform shopping? Nordstrom's Brad Tucker, Mars' Shashank Kadetotad, and HCLTech's Debraj Bhattacharya join Rethink Retail to explore: - Smarter personalization and recommendations - Greater operational efficiency - Faster product innovation - AI's role in sustainability and customer loyalty From generative to agentic AI, discover how companies are turning data into insight and creating the future of retail.

Michael Fisher was making gummy worms in his kitchen during COVID when he realized candy hadn't been reimagined for today's consumer. With no food science background, he started experimenting—less sugar, no artificial dyes, and all the nostalgia of sour gummies. That tinkering turned into Rotten, a candy brand with its own world, characters, and cult following. From a Kickstarter launch in 2023 to landing in retailers like Foxtrot and Hy-Vee within months, Rotten has grown fast by pairing bold branding with better-for-you candy that doesn't compromise on taste. In this episode, Michael shares how he built Rotten from scratch, why brand world-building matters in CPG, and what the future of candy looks like when it's fun and functional. Make sure to check out Rotten at: https://eatrotten.com/   Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle

What's the latest thinking in managing patellofemoral pain? Drs Erin Macri (Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, The Netherlands) and Harvi Hart (Michigan State University) join JOSPT Insights ahead of the International Patellofemoral Research Network meeting to share the latest in patellofemoral research, and what it means for clinical practice. ------------------------------ RESOURCES JOSPT Insights Ep 229: Best practice in managing patellofemoral pain, with Dr Brad Neal: https://pod.link/1522929437/episode/ZDBkY2Q0ZDYtMzNhZS00OWVjLWJlYTQtNTYwMzBkZTVhM2Iw Patellofemoral pain CPG: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2019.0302 Clinical priorities for psychological factors in patellofemoral pain: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2022.10647 Prognosis for patellofemoral pain: https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2025.13491 Find out more about the International Patellofemoral Research Network's work: https://ipfrn.org/

If strategic planning in the consumer goods sector feels different right now, you're not imagining it. For the past 15 years, leaders in CPG categories have struggled to build plans that deliver the kinds of predictable, reliable profit of days past. Former General Mills Chief Strategy Officer, and a leading independent voice in long range strategic planning, Peter McDonald joins us to discuss the shifting expectation of corporate strategy, where it is necessary to provide a long range lens into the future beyond a short term fiduciary focus. At the heart of this strategy challenge today is a preoccupation with old playbooks in new competitive landscapes, prioritizing the shareholder at the expense of the consumer, and operating with false confidence - denial, even - that things will revert to the way they were.----------More:Looking Outside podcast www.looking-outside.comConnect with host, Jo Lepore on LinkedIn & X & jolepore.comLearn more about Peter McDonaldFollow Peter on LinkedIn----------⭐ Follow & rate the show - it makes a difference!----------Looking Outside is a podcast exploring fresh perspectives of familiar topics. Hosted by its creator, futurist and strategist, Jo Lepore. New episodes every 2 weeks. Never the same topic.All views are that of the host and guests and don't necessarily reflect those of their employers. Copyright 2025. Theme songs by Azteca X.

On this week's episode, Wade and Gavin will dig into the good, the bad, and the ugly with Brokers featuring the Founder & CEO of SMB Sales & Marketing, Shawn Berg. Shawn has an extensive background in consumer goods, and natural sales at conventional grocers. He is a veteran broker in the CPG industry with previous brokerage experience at; Presence Marketing, iLevel, and now his own company, SMB Sales & Marketing. Shawn has grown in the brokerage world from AE, to SVP, and to Founder/CEO. SMB Sales & Marketing is a regional southeast focused brokerage with a current team of four teammates.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Ben Johnson, SVP of Marketing at Red's All Natural. Red's is on a mission to cook food better for people with big things to do. They know they are a good small part of consumers' great big lives, and they take that seriously. Follow Ben Johnson on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-w-johnson-/Follow Red's on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/red's-all-natural-llc/Follow Red's online at: https://www.redsallnatural.com/Here's what we asked him : Red's positions itself as an authentic, premium foods brand with a strong emphasis on ingredient integrity and product innovation. How do you keep that authenticity alive in marketing while still scaling the brand?In the competitive grocery segment, how do you approach balancing spending between in-store and digital channels to both delight consumers and drive awareness?What strategies is Red's using to build deeper, more personalized consumer relationships—whether that's through loyalty programs, social media storytelling, or in-market experiences?With big players leading the pack, what creative plays or differentiators has Red's leaned into to stand out in a category so saturated with competitors?Have you experimented with newer forms like influencer activations, experiential pop-ups, or TikTok campaigns? If so, which ones are resonating most with Red's audience right now?Sustainability is often top of mind for natural-focused brands. How do you communicate Red's environmental or wellness commitments transparently—but without coming across as “preachy” or performative?How are you collaborating with retail partners—whether getting shelf innovation, exclusive SKUs, or co-promotions—to drive both trial and repeat purchase?What marketing metrics (e.g., repeat rate, social engagement, retail velocity) are giving you clear signals on whether your campaigns are advancing the brand's long-term health?Looking into the future: What CPG and food trends are you most excited (or concerned) about? Are there new innovation territories Red's is exploring?As a senior marketer, what's one piece of advice you'd give to emerging marketers looking to lead marketing in the CPG grocery food space today?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.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.

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we're joined by Sammy Kestenbaum, Co-Founder and CEO of PRETZELIZED — the snack brand pioneering a whole new category by combining pretzels with other classics to create two favorites in one. What started with the idea for a pretzel-meets-pita-chip hybrid has quickly grown into a national brand, now found in over 15,000 doors across the country with products like oven-baked Pretzel Crackers and twice-baked Pretzel Pita Chips.In our conversation, Sammy shares the inspiration behind PRETZELIZED, how he and his team carved out white space in the brutally competitive snack aisle, and what it takes to convince retailers to back a brand-new snack format. We talk about scaling fast, standing out against industry giants, and the bold bets he's making to grow PRETZELIZED into a household name. Sammy also opens up about the challenges of launching something new, the lessons he's learned from building other iconic snack brands, and his vision for the future of snacking.Whether you're a lifelong snacker, a food industry insider, or a founder curious about breaking into CPG, this episode is full of insights and inspiration you won't want to miss. Now on The Kara Goldin Show. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Sammy Kestembaum and PRETZELIZED:https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-kestenbaum-26154418/https://www.linkedin.com/company/pretzelized/https://www.instagram.com/pretzelized/https://www.7milebrands.com/https://pretzelized.com/ Sponsored By:Odoo - Discover how Odoo can take your business to the next level, by visiting Odoo.comRange Rover Sport - The Range Rover Sport is your perfect ride. Visit RangeRover.com/us/Sport and check it out.LinkedIn Jobs - Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.Apple Card - Visit apple.co/cardcalculator today and discover just how much Daily Cash you can earn. Check out our website to view this episode's show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/740

In this conversation, Rona Williams, Senior Director of Strategic Innovation at Bragg Live Foods, shares insights into the company's rich legacy, innovative product development, and commitment to wellness. She discusses the importance of maintaining brand integrity while navigating market trends, the role of B Corp certification, and lessons learned from her previous experience in the toy industry. Rona emphasizes the significance of efficacious ingredients in their products and offers advice for aspiring marketers. The conversation also touches on creative uses for apple cider vinegar and the vision for a better world where everyone has access to healthy food.Takeaways:Bragg Live Foods is a legacy brand with a focus on innovation.The company supports plant-based diets and wellness.Maintaining brand integrity is crucial for legacy brands.Efficacious ingredients are essential for consumer trust.B Corp certification aligns with Bragg's values of wellness and community.Lessons from the toy industry can apply to food marketing.Storytelling is key in marketing and brand positioning.Creative uses for apple cider vinegar extend beyond consumption.Access to healthy food is a fundamental right.Younger generations are more open to exploring diverse career paths.Sound bites:"We're a hundred plus year old startup."“Becoming a B Corp was a natural extension of who we've always been.”“60 % of our management team is women.”“Acetic acid is the compound within apple cider vinegar that brings forth the efficaciousness, if you will, or the benefits.”“With 750 milligrams of acetic acid, it's been shown to support healthy weight levels, blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels.““We ensure that every serving has that 750 milligrams of acetic acid in it so that when you're consuming you have those benefits as well.”“People are using our pineapple turmeric ACV, which is absolutely delicious and perfect for summer, in all things, including salad dressings and mocktails.”"Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is an amazing for hair."“If you're in marketing, being a good storyteller is super critical because if your message doesn't ever come across, then you're not being effective as a marketer.”“Everyone deserves to have access to good food, housing, and education”Links:Rona Williams on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronawilliams/Bragg - https://www.bragg.com/Bragg on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/bragglivefoods/Bragg on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bragglivefoods/Bragg on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bragg/Bragg on X - https://x.com/bragglivefoodsBragg on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2abWlKZUOCSDoYg0ORz6EgBragg on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/bragglivefoodproducts/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Bragg Live Foods and Rona Williams06:04 Exploring Bragg's Product Range and Legacy08:45 Innovation and Product Development at Bragg11:47 Consumer Insights and Market Research15:01 The Role of B Corp Certification18:02 Sustainability and Packaging Innovations20:50 Maintaining Brand Integrity and Focus26:12 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar34:21 The B Corp Movement and Community Engagement37:24 Transitioning from Toys to Food Marketing40:38 Finding Your Niche in the Food Industry45:36 Advice for Aspiring Marketers53:18 Personal Insights and Career Advice57:36 Creative Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar60:07 Building a Better World Through Access to FoodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Natan Bershtel is the Director of Business Development at Pelagic, a fractional supply chain partner for growing brands and CPG companies. Before Pelagic, Natan spent nearly 20 years as a public school teacher before joining and eventually running his family's contract packaging business—where he worked with iconic names like Seed, Liquid IV, Celsius, and Element. After his company's exit, Natan teamed up with John Morgan to help brands avoid common operational pitfalls and build supply chains that scale.In this episode of DTC Pod, Natan breaks down what it takes to build a resilient supply chain at every stage of brand growth. He shares practical strategies to avoid common pitfalls, tips on sourcing the right partners, and insights on how successful brands approach manufacturing, fulfillment, and logistics. Natan also highlights why supply chain is core to a brand's success and how founders can create real competitive advantages by making supply chain decisions based on quality, relationships, and flexibility.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Importance of supply chain in DTC and omnichannel brands2. Key players: sourcing, manufacturing, co-packers, 3PLs, and fulfillment3. Differences in supply chain needs for emerging vs. established brands4. Supply chain pitfalls and how to avoid them5. Vetting, relationship-building, and collaboration with your supply chain partners6. Overlooked areas of supply chain where founders lose time/money7. How to approach minimum order quantities and negotiations8. When to outsource fulfillment vs. doing it yourself9. Logistics of manufacturing, packaging, and distribution10. The impact of scale on supply chain decisions11. Using data and timelines to make faster, smarter choices12. Leveraging agency and partner networks for supply chain speed13. Why in-person vendor relationships are crucial14. How truly great supply chains build brand moatsTimestamps00:00 Intro and the state of supply chain in DTC01:40 Natan Bershtel's background and path to Pelagic02:24 Lessons from growing a contract packaging family business04:11 Why supply chain is the backbone of every brand05:28 The role of execution vs. creative vision in CPG07:09 How to find and vet the best manufacturing/packaging partners11:15 The agency advantage: getting reps and sharing supply chain intel12:41 Core players in bringing a product to market15:04 Aligning supply chain strategy with brand vision and goals16:56 Two playbooks for scaling: bootstrap profit vs. capital-intensive growth19:48 Timelines—how to ask supply partners the right questions21:41 How and when to ask for what you need from partners26:32 End-to-end product launch: manufacturing, packaging, and fulfillment28:42 When to move fulfillment to a 3PL (and when to keep it in-house)33:15 Tech and process innovation at leading 3PLs35:14 Strategic decisions: packaging, location, and unit economics38:58 Challenging assumptions and reviewing supply chain regularly42:08 Supply chain as brand moat and advantage44:13 Final tips: Always go in-person and build real relationshipsShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokNatan Bershtel - Director of Business Development at PelagicBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Albertsons introduces three new retail media channels with investment matching programs, brought to you by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and Quorso. The grocer's Media Collective now offers organic influencers, premium in-store screens, and enhanced on-site placements, plus matching CPG investments with enterprise media dollars. Chris and Anne analyze the competitive implications and strategic hooks for competing against Amazon and Walmart's retail media dominance.

What does it really take to become a Car Specialist at the world's leading collector car auction house? In this episode, I sit down with Gord Duff, President of RM Sotheby's, to explore the skills, knowledge, and passion required to succeed in one of the most exciting careers in the automotive world. Gord shares his personal journey, offers insider advice for aspiring specialists, and explains how RM Sotheby's evaluates and markets the rarest cars in the world. We also review the recent Monterey results, highlighting market trends, record-setting sales, and what they mean for collectors moving forward. I also open up about my own not-so-typical career path — how I transitioned from the consumer packaged goods industry into the collector car world, and how launching The Collector Car Podcast ultimately played a key role in consigning the $51.7M Ferrari 330 LM/250 GTO, the most expensive Ferrari ever sold at auction.

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

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we're joined by Mark Brooks, Co-Founder and CEO of Brainiac — the science-driven snack brand on a mission to close the brain nutrition gap and give families better options that fuel brilliance. With most Americans consuming less than 20% of the Omega-3s and choline needed for optimal brain health, Mark and his team are changing that with kid-favorite snacks powered by the BrainPack®, their proprietary blend designed to support memory, mood, focus, and adaptability.In our conversation, Mark shares the inspiration behind launching Brainiac, the personal journey he and his Co-Founder Jonathan Wolfson went through as dads that sparked the idea, and how they built the brand alongside pediatricians, neuroscientists, and nutritionists. We dive into the science of brain nutrition, the challenges of educating parents in a crowded food space, and what it takes to grow a mission-driven brand into national distribution at Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, and beyond. He also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the lessons learned from his time leading Truvia and Thrive, the decision to certify Brainiac as a B Corp, and the future of the brain food category.Whether you're a parent, a wellness-focused consumer, or a founder in the CPG space, this episode is filled with insights and inspiration you won't want to miss. Now on The Kara Goldin Show. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Mark Brooks and Brainiac:https://www.instagram.com/brainiacfoods/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-brooks-083a6458/https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainiacfoods/https://www.brainiacfoods.com/ Sponsored By:Apple Card - Visit apple.co/cardcalculator today and discover just how much Daily Cash you can earn.Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/karaSquare - Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/karagoldin Check out our website to view this episode's show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/739

In this episode, host Matt Muller, Principal Consultant at Rethink Retail and author of The Mindful Innovator, welcomes Rocquan Lucas, VP of Content at GroceryShop, to talk about the flagship event shaping the future of grocery and CPG. Key Insights: - How GroceryShop has grown since its 2018 debut into a global stage for grocery and CPG innovation - The rise of agentic AI and its real-world applications - Balancing efficiency with customer engagement in stores - Why planning with purpose (and breaking silos) is key for innovation

My guest today is Sean Black, CEO of Happy Belly Food Group (CSE: HBFG | OTCQB: HBFGF). Happy Belly is a Canadian consolidator of emerging Quick Serve Restaurant (QSR) brands, with expansion plans into the U.S. The company started as Plantingco, a niche plant-based CPG business, but under Sean's leadership pivoted to become food agnostic—focused on scalable, cash flow positive QSR concepts. The model is straightforward: acquire small, profitable, debt-free brands, grow corporate stores with free cash flow, and scale through franchising. The portfolio is intentionally diversified with no duplication—think Rosie's Burgers as a Shake Shack equivalent, IQ Foods as Canada's Sweet Green, and Pyro as a Cava-style concept. I spoke with Sean to learn more about the company, as well as: The pivot from Plantingco to QSR consolidation M&A model and brand strategy Growth targets and the $100 million milestone Risks, alignment, and long-term vision For more information about Happy Belly Food Group, please visit: https://happybellyfg.com/ This podcast was recorded and is being made available by SNN, Inc. (together with its affiliates and its and their employees, “SNN”) solely for informational purposes. SNN is not providing or undertaking to provide any financial, economic, legal, accounting, tax, or other advice in or by virtue of this podcast. The information, statements, comments, views, and opinions provided in this podcast are general in nature, and such information, statements, comments, views, and opinions, and the viewing of/listening to this podcast are not intended to be and should not be construed as the provision of investment advice by SNN. The information, statements, comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast do not constitute and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any securities or to make or consider any investment or other course of action. The information, statements, comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast (including by guest speakers who are not officers, employees, or agents of SNN) are not necessarily those of SNN and may not be current. Reference to any specific third-party entity, product, service, materials, or content does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the SNN. SNN assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. The views expressed by guest speakers are their own and their appearance on this podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. SNN does not make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information, statements, comments, views, or opinions contained in this podcast, which may include forward-looking statements where actual results may differ materially. SNN does not undertake any obligation whatsoever to provide any form of update, amendment, change, or correction to any of the information, statements, comments, views or opinions set forth in this podcast. SNN 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, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST. By accessing this podcast, the listener acknowledges that the entire contents and design of this podcast, are the property of SNN, or used by SNN with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this podcast may save and use information contained in the podcast only for personal or other non-commercial educational purposes. No other use, including without limitation, reproduction, retransmission, or editing of this podcast may be made without the prior written consent of SNN.

In case you've JUST discovered Brand Growth Heroes podcast, we're digging into the treasure trove of our most downloaded episodes from our back-catalogue so YOU don't miss A SINGLE BUSINESS INSIGHT!From slow-burn visionaries to fast-moving disruptors, the show has featured founders of brands like Perfect Ted, Lucky Saint, Seedlip, Wild, Strong Roots, Oddbox, and global challengers like Waterdrop, Mid-Day Squares, Olipop, and Tony's Chocolonely and many many more…Next up in this special series, we are re-releasing one of the most loved and downloaded episodes of all time, an interview with Ben Branson, founder of Seedlip. In this replay, Fiona sits down with Ben Branson, founder of Seedlip, the world's first distilled non-alcoholic spirit and arguably the original poster child of the No & Low alcohol movement.Started on a garden table in 2016, Seedlip didn't just disrupt the drinks industry — it invented a new category. Now sold in 49 countries, with a sales value in the tens of millions, Seedlip has become a global benchmark for what true brand disruption looks like.In this episode, Ben shares:How to build a brand that redefines an entire categoryWhy he chose to partner early with Diageo, and how it changed Seedlip's trajectoryHis unconventional approach to culture, team-building, and rolesWhat inspires him creatively from robot chefs to the 47,000+ plant-based ingredients that fuel innovationThis is an episode that founders still rave about and for good reason. It's full of insights for anyone trying to scale something bold, disruptive, and lasting.If you do learn some good stuff from this episode (and we hope you do), please, please share it, follow the show, AND leave a quick review. It all helps bring more brilliant founders and insights to you, our Brand Growth Heroes community!============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!==============================================A tiny favour: If this episode inspires you to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.You won't want to miss the next episode, in which Fiona Fitz talks with another successful founder of a challenger brand who shares more valuable insights into driving growth.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

Retail isn't dead—it's evolving. Despite the noise about Amazon taking over, brick-and-mortar still drives the majority of CPG sales, and the smartest brands are using it as their exponential growth engine. In this episode, Mark and Justin break down why e-commerce isn't replacing retail, which categories thrive in stores versus online, and how omni-channel strategies are shaping the future of CPG. You'll discover what retailers like Walmart are doing right, why “commodities” are in trouble, and how to position your brand for both stability and growth. Listen now to find out why the future of CPG isn't about choosing online or in-store—it's about mastering both.

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute:Hy-Vee RedMedia launches Instacart Carrot Ads on Hy-vee.com, giving CPG brands new opportunities to reach high-intent shoppers through performance-driven, native advertising placements.Walmart opens its third automated perishables distribution center in South Carolina, a 725,000-square-foot facility that can process double the volume of traditional DCs while serving 180 store locations.A new survey reveals that almost half of AI search tool users prefer them to Google for speed and clarity, with younger consumers leading adoption and nearly 60% using AI to research products before purchasing.The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there!

Points of discussion:1. M&A Mania: Why Craft Beer Acquisitions Are Everywhere Right Now2. Is a House of Brand right for your brewery? [BBT Newsletter]3. Rebranding Wachusett [Case Study]-Learn more at: www.craftbeerrebranded.com / http://www.beyondbeerbook.com-Have a topic or question you'd like us to field on the show? Shoot it our way: hello@cododesign.com-Join 8,000+ food and bev industry pros who are subscribed to the Beer Branding Trends Newsletter (and access all past issues) at: www.beerbrandingtrends.com 

We sit down with Sanaz Bahrami, founder of Melts Infusions, who shares her remarkable journey from aspiring surgeon to herbal wellness entrepreneur. After nerve damage derailed her medical career dreams, Sanaz discovered the power of adaptogenic herbs during a challenging period in graduate school studying biomedical engineering.What started as brewing "peace tea" in her apartment to manage anxiety and depression has evolved into a thriving business with over 500,000 TikTok followers and a loyal customer base. Sanaz opens up about her early struggles with mental health, the limitations she found with traditional pharmaceutical approaches, and how a lab mate's suggestion to try herbal remedies changed her life. Check out Melts Infusions here: https://meltsinfusion.com/Find Sanaz here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanaz-bahrami-7a067014a/Sanaz's Tiktok page is here: https://www.tiktok.com/@meltsinfusions Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

In Episode 92 of the Digital Velocity Podcast, Erik Martinez talks with Timothy Peterson—an executive leader with 25+ years across retail, e‑commerce, data, and operations—about how to integrate artificial intelligence thoughtfully and profitably. Drawing on roles from Bloomingdale's and Pottery Barn to CPG business intelligence and today's fractional CEO work, Timothy shares a pragmatic, cross‑industry view of what it really takes to make AI create business value.  Timothy highlights hyper‑personalization at scale as the standout opportunity: using hundreds of relevant data sources to tailor experiences that deepen engagement and drive growth. But he cautions that rushing in can erode trust—especially when AI replaces human judgment in customer service or when proprietary content is scraped into training sets without authorization. The takeaway for brand leaders is clear: protect your data, protect your customers, and don't let AI tools redefine your value proposition without intent.  To prioritize investments, Peterson lays out a simple sequence: first upskill people (think weekly lunch‑and‑learns, practical workshops, and targeted certifications), then pilot tools to learn what really moves the needle, and only then fund larger infrastructure. He also introduces “governance as a service,” ensuring responsibility for privacy, compliance, and ethics is shared across legal, marketing, and operations—rather than bolted onto a single role within the company. Clear accountability and measured rollout beat shiny‑object adoption every time.  For direct‑to‑consumer marketing leaders, the playbook is refreshingly grounded: personalize to lift conversion and LTV, document and simplify processes so AI augments what already works, narrow your focus to the channels and products that matter, and measure the impact on sentiment, conversion, lead flow, and revenue. Above all, stay adaptable and keep learning—the real competitive advantage isn't any one model or tool, but a culture that can turn new capability into sustained customer value. 

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we're joined by Mike Adair, Founder of Red's — the premium frozen food brand on a mission to reinvent the frozen aisle with clean, convenient, and crave-worthy options. What began with a simple idea and a nod to his beloved dog Red has grown into the largest premium frozen burrito and breakfast sandwich brand in the country. Red's is now a staple in grocery stores nationwide, delivering real food made with fresh-baked tortillas, non-GMO ingredients, antibiotic-free meats, and cage-free eggs.In our conversation, Mike shares how Red's went from a small startup to a national category leader, the bold bets he made on clean ingredients before it was trendy, and why bringing manufacturing in-house was a game-changing move. We explore the realities of competing with legacy giants in the freezer aisle, how frozen food can actually drive sustainability by reducing food waste, and what it takes to balance rapid growth with relentless quality. Mike also opens up about the toughest challenges he's faced as a founder, his perspective on the future of frozen food, and the advice he'd give to anyone building a mission-driven CPG brand today.Whether you're a busy parent, a frozen food skeptic, or a founder looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with stories and insights you won't want to miss. Now on The Kara Goldin Show. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Mike Adair and Red's:https://www.instagram.com/redsfoodshttps://www.tiktok.com/@redsfoodshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-adair-4b70988/https://www.redsallnatural.com/ Sponsored By:Open Phone - OpenPhone is offering 20% off your first 6 months! Just go to OpenPhone.com/KaraGoldinRange Rover Sport - The Range Rover Sport is your perfect ride. Visit RangeRover.com/us/Sport and check it out.Bitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security - Save 30% when you go to Bitdefender.com/kara.Greenlight - start your risk-free Greenlight trial today at GREENLIGHT.com/KARAGOLDIN Check out our website to view this episode's show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/738

Joelle Weinand is the Founder of Nutcase Milk, the cashew-based chocolate milk brand taking on Nesquik with a cleaner, more sophisticated option built for adults.What started as a boredom-fueled kitchen experiment during COVID: blending cashews, cocoa, and dates in her Vitamix, quickly evolved into a business. A chance brunch in Las Vegas with old poker friends turned into a pre-seed round when investors tried and liked her “ChocoMilk”. Soon, big names like Ninja and Steve Aoki came on board, and an ops expert from Mezcla Bars helped Joelle scale.Joelle's path blends relentless scrappiness with an instinct for spotting white space in crowded categories. From shelving the idea when no co-packers picked up the phone, to saying yes when opportunity appeared in unexpected rooms, to relaunching her formula based on real customer feedback, she's showing how a so-called “nutcase” idea can capture the market's imagination.Whether you're trying to break into CPG, find your first investors, or take a product from Instagram post to retail shelf, Joelle shares a candid look at how to move fast, embrace serendipity, and build a brand people are proud to carry.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:42] Intro[00:57] Launching nostalgia as a premium product[01:24] Testing a concept with friends at brunch[07:02] Highlighting the power of simple ideas[08:13] Running small tests before scaling up[09:10] Connecting with ops partners through luck[12:46] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap, Grow[15:59] Meeting investors at random events[17:23] Building trust with passion and clarity[18:23] Raising a pre-seed with friends[22:18] Asking founders for advice directly[25:04] Reducing friction in early startups[26:55] Gathering feedback to guide reformulationResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeDelicious, healthy and nostalgic cashew milk https://drinknutcase.com/Follow Joelle Weinand https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelledSchedule an intro call with one of our experts https://electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization https://www.heatmap.com/honestThe Premier Conference for Ecommerce Operators https://www.joingrow.comIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

This week we're so excited to be joined by Whitney Eckis, an entrepreneur and angel investor who launched her first agency at 22. Whitney takes us through the real journey of building businesses—hiring her first team, stepping into the CPG world, and eventually selling two companies. She opens up about the challenges no one talks about, what she learned from navigating acquisitions, and why she started The Legacy Circle. For all the creators / founders listening, this episode is full of lessons and motivation!Whitney's Instagram: @whitneyeckisWAE Holdings: @wae.holdingsThe Legacy Circle: @thelegacycircle.coDanielle's IG: @shestyledwhatAllysa's IG: @allysa.larsonThe Influence Community IG: @theinfluencecommunityAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Can we talk about how Red Bull suddenly stopped overlooking the fitness crowd? It was more than a decade ago when Bang Energy popularized performance energy drinks, which was instrumental in broadening the appeal of energy drinks. And even if they won't ever admit it publicly, large energy drinks incumbents like Red Bull and Monster Energy both incumbents have become increasingly worried about brands incubated within the sports nutrition niche of the supplement industry, aka the “often imitated, never duplicated” influential epicenter of the CPG industry. But while it wasn't forced into a defensive product strategy like how Monster Beverage created Reign Total Body Fuel…Red Bull has more recently started focusing sports sponsorships and marketing activations on fitness enthusiasts. In fact, Red Bull exhibited at this year's Arnold Sports Festival, has gotten involved with fitness racing leagues like HYROX, and created branded fitness competitions like Red Bull Gym Clash. Finally, Red Bull just signed a multi-year global partnership with the functional group workout community F45 Training…integrating product sampling, branded coolers, and leveraging content creators.

Ain't no party like a Beatbox party, cause a Beatbox party don't stop…except when the production lines get foreclosed on! But to better understand that last statement, it requires a brief four-year “rise and fall” history lesson surrounding the small Canadian public company named Flow Beverage Corporation. In mid-2021, a reverse takeover transaction was completed on the premium water company, and Flow Beverage began trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange. After that liquidity event, the total fundraising amount of Flow Beverage ballooned to around $100 million (which included celebrities like Post Malone and athletes like Russell Westbrook). And I'm mentioning that financial snapshot of total amount raised by Flow Beverage for interesting several reasons. Firstly, irrespective of CPG category…raising nine-figures of capital is substantial (and shouldn't be overlooked). Also, it appears even more significant after realizing the company's highest annual revenue never expanded beyond merely one-third of that total fundraising amount…a far cry from the founder (and CEO) Nicholas Reichenbach stating in 2021 that he'd “take Flow Beverage to multi-billion dollars of revenue annually.” Next, capital structure challenges became a central reason for the demise of Flow Beverage…a mere four years after going public. And arguably the “straw that broke the camel's back” happened in May 2025 when Nicholas Reichenbach signed a series of binding term sheets (requiring personal guarantee) that seemed (even at the time) unlikely to solve any working capital issues. But as you've likely been able to determine already…Flow Beverage wasn't Liquid Death. And since Flow Beverage wasn't a highly skilled marketing company that just so happened to sell packaged beverages…burning nine-figures of capital on advertising would've been frankly absurd! Instead, at the time of the reverse takeover transaction, Flow Beverage owned two artesian springs and operated two North American Tetra Pak-capable production facilities. So, Flow Beverage was the opposite of the typical beverage company deploying an asset-light business model. And while those Tetra Pak manufacturing sites were used to produce Flow Alkaline Spring Water, the company also utilized them for contract manufacturing…servicing customers like BeatBox Beverages, BioSteel, and Joyburst. But a few weeks ago, Flow Beverage was forced to enter into a support agreement and transfer ownership of the business and its assets to primary lenders (i.e. NFS Leasing Canada and RI Flow) after they demanded repayment. And this foreclosure obviously leaves uncertainty around what could happen during the restructuring process...especially for its largest contract manufacturing customer Beatbox Beverages (one of the fastest-growing and top-selling RTD alcohol brands in the United States). If you aren't familiar, Beatbox Beverages has become the brand that's bringing the party to the alcohol industry. Yet, the “original party punch” has proven its way more than just a music festival favorite…becoming the most engaged alcohol brand on social media, with availability in over 125K stores across all 50 states. In 2025, BeatBox Beverages is expected to sell over 12 million cases…amounting to over $250 million in retail sales. And with BeatBox Beverages experiencing triple-digit YoY retail sales growth over the past few years…it must consistently reach for operational excellence, or the proverbial party could end abruptly.

Listen in on Cultivation Station while we chat with Bravo CPG. At Bravo, they specialize in pinpointing opportunities to stream operations, leverage technology, drive cost efficiencies and propel our clients towards sustainable growth.

I sit down with Kyle Stoulil, founder of Kyle's Organics, to explore how a trained chef turned his home-kitchen experiments into a pioneering brand in the nut and seed milk space. From the creation of his quinoa milk to developing clean-label nutrition bars, Kyle shares the story of building the brand, the strategic choice behind quinoa, and the realities of marketing two very different product lines under one umbrella.If you're a founder navigating a crowded category, wondering how to stand out, or looking for lessons in tenacity and taste, this conversation will give you practical insight and inspiration.Startup to Scale is a podcast by Foodbevy, an online community to connect emerging food, beverage, and CPG founders to great resources and partners to grow their business. Visit us at Foodbevy.com to learn about becoming a member or an industry partner today.

In this episode of the Product & Packaging Powerhouse, host Megan Young Gamble reconnects with longtime friend Marc Winston, Senior Director at National Minority Supplier Development Council Inc.® (NMSDC®) and the President and CEO of Marc Winston Enterprises. Marc and Megan reminisce on growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, along with Marc's journey from early sports and educational influences, a robust corporate career in logistics, supply chain and supplier diversity at Walmart. The conversation dives deep into the value of supplier diversity, the power of certifications (like NMSDC and WBENC), and the importance of intentional networking and relationship-building for brands and businesses seeking corporate partnerships. Marc emphasizes how certifications provide access, not guarantees,  sharing actionable advice on leveraging networks, staying resilient, and scaling businesses. The episode wraps with rapid-fire fun facts and practical takeaways for entrepreneurs looking to grow through inclusion and strategic connections.Affiliate & Other Links: [Megan Young Gamble Links][AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie”  [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager [FREEBIE] Access commonly referenced organizations and tools in ONE PLACE with our handy guide HERE [link] https://bit.ly/OSTPlay 2[WATCH OUR EPISODES] Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTubeJoin our Email List  [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b [FOLLOW & CONNECT] with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangambleLearn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.com[WORK WITH MEGAN]  @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call   [link] https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-session[Powerhouse Guest Marc's LINKS]LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marc-winston-774179151 Email Address: mwinstonenterprises@yahoo.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/_m.winston/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/m.winston.8?mibextid=ZbWKwLNational Minority Supplier Development Council Inc.® (NMSDC®) : https://nmsdc.org/Episode Quotes:.Certification is like a passport,  it opens the door, but you still have to take the trip.Everybody needs someone advocating for them in rooms they're not in.A fast no isn't failure. Sometimes it's the first step toward a slow yes.Supplier diversity is about access, advocacy, and advancement, not handouts.Your why gets you in the room. Your execution keeps you there.The salt from rejection today can turn into sugar tomorrow, if you put in the work.Resilience in sports taught me resilience in business, you adjust, you pivot, and you keep playing.Success in supplier diversity isn't about luck. It's about showing up, following up, and staying ready.

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute:Albertsons launches three new retail media channels including organic influencers, premium in-store screens, and expanded onsite placements, while offering free curated advertising packages that match CPG investment with enterprise media dollars.Walmart taps OpenAI to develop a customized AI certification program for frontline and office employees, launching in 2026 as part of the retailer's nearly $1 billion skills training commitment through 2026.Gap Inc. bets big on beauty and accessories, with CEO Richard Dickson calling them "sleeper categories" as Old Navy prepares to launch beauty products in 150 stores this fall while other brands develop "brand-right expressions."The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there!

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Jordan Bass, CEO & co-founder of HOP WTR - a new beverage startup that is scaling quickly. HOP WTR is the hop-infused, non-alcoholic sparkling beverage that's making serious waves in the functional beverage space. Jordan's background spans finance, brand-building, and strategic ops — and with HOP WTR, he's tapped into a white-hot consumer insight: people want to cut back, not miss out. Follow Jordan Bass on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordantbass/Follow HOPWTR on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hopwtr/Follow HOPWTR online at: https://hopwtr.com/Here's what we asked him : Jordan, what inspired the creation of HOP WTR? Was there a specific “aha” moment that sparked the idea? You left a career in finance and business to launch a beverage startup — what pushed you to take that leap?Let's talk about Hopwtr's actual product. How do you balance functionality (like adaptogens and nootropics) with taste and consumer satisfaction?How did you approach flavor development — and what have you learned from early consumer feedback? HOP WTR isn't just non-alcoholic — it's functional. How important is that dual-positioning for your brand?You started DTC but have moved into retail — how have you managed that shift in distribution strategy? What was your first major retail win — and what did it teach you about scaling a beverage brand?How do you think about retail execution in-store vs. online visibility and conversion?What's been the most effective way to build brand awareness in such a competitive category? You've leaned into wellness and lifestyle messaging — how do you ensure authenticity in your branding?How do you think about community? Who is the HOP WTR consumer, and how do you stay connected to them?Where do you see the future of the functional beverage space heading in the next 3–5 years? Are we witnessing a permanent cultural shift around drinking behavior and moderation?What's been your biggest mistake as a founder — and what did it teach you? What advice would you give to other CPG founders entering a crowded category?Finally, What's next for HOP WTR — new flavors, new formats, international expansion?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.

Yuval Selik is co-founder and CEO of Promomash, a software platform and managed service for Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands to manage their trade promotions and field marketing activities. Yuval is a former CPG founder who encountered the expensive, complex, and crucial process of managing trade promotions with stores and distributors. Promomash launched in 2015 to serve mid-sized CPG companies that don't have custom software and their own teams to manage promotion spend and budget compliance with retailers. With 125 employees, they now serve over 500 customers with their software and optional analysts who can perform complex sell-through reconciliation and spend analysis. Yuval and his co-founder raised under $1 million from angel investors to get started, and the company is now profitable and growing steadily. Yuval also hosts The 7 Hats Podcast, which helps entrepreneurs master the seven key areas of their lives, ensuring both success and fulfillment. Quote from Yuval Selik, the founder and CEO of Promomash “That's really the reason why we did not raise funds from big investors, because I don't want to have the pressures of somebody on my board telling me that I have to grow 50%, 80%, or 100% year over year.  “Sometimes you need to pull back in order to fix your product. Sometimes you need to push forward and step on the gas a little bit. But that decision needs to be my decision, not a VC investor's decision.  “Others in our market that raised big VC funding, in our competitive landscape. They are not run by their founders; they're run by their investors”   Links Yuval Selik on LinkedIn Promomash on LinkedIn Promomash website  The 7 Hats Podcast The Practical Founders Podcast Tune into the Practical Founders Podcast for weekly in-depth interviews with founders who have built valuable software companies without big funding. Subscribe to the Practical Founders Podcast using your favorite podcast app or view on our YouTube channel. Get the weekly Practical Founders newsletter and podcast updates at practicalfounders.com.

On this episode, we're talking with Isabel Washington, the founder of Laurel's, a rapidly growing ready-to-drink coffee brand powered by regenerative A2 dairy. We dive into Isabel's personal journey discovering A2 milk, how it transformed her relationship with dairy, and why it became the cornerstone of her brand. You'll hear how she spotted a massive gap in the RTD coffee aisle — where 90% of products were non-dairy — and why she designed Laurel's first three SKUs to reflect what people actually order at real coffee shops. Isabel also pulls back the curtain on the scrappy, behind-the-scenes grind of building a CPG brand from scratch — from tying up all her money in the first production run to grinding through 40 demos in 50 days at Erewhon. And we talk about the bigger picture — how content, culture, and motivated moms will determine the future of regenerative food and beverage. Episode Highlights:

From college campuses to cannabis aisles, this episode explores how emerging CPG brands are carving out space in crowded categories. The hosts unpack Better Sour's rapid retail expansion – including an exclusive Sprouts flavor and placement on United Airlines – while also spotlighting Toom's strategic refresh that helped turn a niche garlic dip into a national brand. Plus, the challenges of adaptogen overload, and how design influences consumer trust. Show notes: 0:15: Joe Who? Better Breakfast. Too(m) Good. Old Gold? Stock & Shot. Review & Win. – Jacqui's unfamiliarity with football legend Joe Montana sparks lighthearted banter about generational divides and the pitfalls of marketing to “old men.” While Mike is understandably deflated by the moment, he and Ray quickly pivot to recap a recent breakfast with the co-founders of Better Sour, a better-for-you gummy brand. The brand has secured new retail placements at Boston University, Total Wine, United Airlines, and is gearing up to launch an exclusive tart cherry flavor at Sprouts. The hosts also shine a spotlight on Toom, a garlic dip brand led by founder Matt Joyce, and commend his deliberate, slow-growth strategy. Later in the episode, the conversation turns to the relevance of endorsements from athletes of past eras and whether they still hold sway with today's consumers. The hosts also sample a range of new THC and functional beverages from brands including Woodstock, Tonik, and Golden Root. Ray gives a special shoutout to Elephant Green Chili Chutney, a zesty new condiment featured on Taste Radio's Elevator Talk series. The episode wraps with a call for listeners to review the podcast, sweetened with the promise of free T-shirts in return. Brands in this episode: Better Sour, Poppi, Toom, Yaza, Gold Bar Distillery, Spindrift, Woodstock, Golden Root, Tonik, Elephant Green Chutney

I had such a powerful and heartfelt conversation with Cara Dumaplin, the CEO & Founder of Taking Cara Babies.  Cara shared her deeply personal journey—from her background as a neonatal nurse and wife of a pediatrician to her own struggles with sleep deprivation as a new mom. What I loved most about this interview is how Cara took her hardest moments, the valleys of her life, and turned them into seeds that grew into a mission to help parents everywhere. We talked about how sleep impacts not only babies but the entire family, and how Cara's work is about so much more than swaddles or schedules—it's about empowering parents to believe in themselves, find grace in the learning process, and realize they are the true experts of their own children. Her wisdom, compassion, and dedication shine through every word. Here are a few highlights from our conversation:   How Cara's darkest moments as a new mom inspired her mission   Why helping parents get just a few extra hours of sleep is life-changing   The philosophy behind Taking Cara Babies: empowering parents as the experts   Practical guidance for parents at any stage, from newborns to toddlers   Why grace, compassion, and presence are essential in parenting   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this episode and hear how Cara is transforming the lives of parents and babies with wisdom, heart, and hope. For more on Taking Cara Babies, visit: https://takingcarababies.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/ REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands it believes in. Are you curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today. Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/ Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.

What happens when your best sales strategy from a year ago is now driving customer attrition instead of acquisition? Agility requires brands to rethink how they create consumer value in real time, especially when traditional strategies no longer work as consumer behavior shifts unpredictably. Today we're going to talk about driving sales growth amidst economic uncertainty—something every brand leader is trying to figure out right now.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Chris Cubba, Chief Revenue Officer at Snipp. About Chris Cubba Christopher Cubba is a seasoned executive with over two decades of expertise in the loyalty and promotions industry, focusing on the CPG, Retail, and Technology sectors.In his previous agency, Cubba was pivotal in scaling the business through its private equity transaction in 2016 and its eventual acquisition by a strategic buyer in 2021. Currently serving as the Chief Revenue Officer at Snipp, Christopher oversees the sales, strategy, and customer success teams.His deep industry knowledge, coupled with a passion for delivering impactful data driven results, has made him a trusted partner to companies aiming to expand their customer base and strengthen brand loyalty. Chris Cubba on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cubba/ Resources Snipp: https://www.snipp.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I'm joined by Xeba Zareie, Founder of Preme — the gut health brand making daily digestion support simple, science-backed, and actually doable for even the most sensitive stomachs. What started in her Dallas kitchen has become a line of low-FODMAP prebiotic powders and drink mixes, co-developed with a functional medicine doctor, that are redefining what gut care looks like.Before launching Preme, Xeba spent years battling chronic gut issues with little relief from conventional medicine. After discovering functional medicine and the power of a low-FODMAP diet, she set out to create products that not only worked for her but could help countless others struggling in silence. Today, Preme stands out for its transparency, third-party testing, and clean sourcing — offering the only FODMAP-friendly prebiotic beverage on the market. Xeba opens up about the highs and lows of starting a wellness CPG brand, why she chose to focus on prebiotics over probiotics, and the lessons she's learned about building with integrity and intention.Whether you're interested in health, wellness, or the grit it takes to launch a consumer brand from scratch — this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Now on The Kara Goldin Show. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Xeba Zareie and Preme:https://www.instagram.com/premefoods/https://www.instagram.com/x_eba/https://www.linkedin.com/in/xeba-zareie/https://www.premefoods.com/ Sponsored By:Apple Card - Visit apple.co/cardcalculator today and discover just how much Daily Cash you can earn. Check out our website to view this episode's show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/736

After last week's cliffhanger, let's jump back in. If you missed it, Michael was on the Hopeaholic's podcast and we're running it back with Part 2 today!In this episode, Michael shares about his early days in sobriety, meeting the love of his life, and how becoming a father reshaped everything. He also dives into his journey of building restaurants in Manhattan, exiting for CPG, and what it really takes to run a successful D2C brand. Plus—his “no matter what” mindset, the value of commitment in sobriety, and the work ethic that continues to fuel every area of his life.Whether you're chasing recovery, building a business, or just trying to level up your habits—this episode is packed with inspiration and real-life lessons.TIMESTAMPS:1:15 Meeting the love of his life10:47 Commitment in sobriety: the secret weapon for addicts & alcoholics20:48 Pivoting during the pandemic → moving into D2C35:20 Why being a dad is the most important job42:00 Meeting Gary Vee & adopting a “NO MATTER WHAT” mentality51:42 The power of work ethic in business & life1:01:14 Why most restaurants fail (and what to do differently)

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Claudia Johnson, Technical Advisor to the CEO of Flywheel Commerce Network, the commerce acceleration division of Omnicom.Follow Claudia on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-johnson-b133436/Follow Flywheel on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-johnson-b133436/Follow Flywheel Next online at: https://www.flywheeldigital.com/Claudia answers the following questions : How has your role at Flywheel evolved, especially since Flywheel's acquisition by Omnicom? What new opportunities or challenges has this created?Your work emphasizes capability building in digital commerce. How are ecommerce strategies evolving today, and how does Flywheel help brands stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape?In a recent podcast episode, you described retail media as advertising that occurs “close to or at the point of sale.” Could you walk us through how that concept fits into broader brand strategy and which brands are using it most effectively right now?Flywheel's research shows that the most impactful drivers of sales on Amazon are media spend and organic shelf ranking, ahead of price and inventory. How should brands prioritize investments given these insights?What are the biggest roadblocks brands face when trying to scale digital commerce capabilities? How do you approach "connecting the dots" across teams and markets?With Flywheel now within Omnicom's ecosystem, what new tools or data synergies have emerged to help your clients achieve growth in commerce?You've recently discussed how unified ecosystems and AI-driven insights are transforming retail. How are you leveraging AI and ecosystem integration to deliver more relevant consumer experiences?At the 2025 Syndigo Connect event, you spoke about optimizing product and commerce experiences for long-term success. What storytelling techniques or content strategies are driving retention and loyalty beyond the initial purchase?Are there emerging trends in retail media, ecommerce infrastructure, or omnichannel tech that you're watching closely—and that CPG brands should be paying attention to?On a more personal note: What first drew you into digital commerce, and what advice would you give someone aspiring to lead capability-building in this fast-evolving space?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.

The consumer goods and retail industries face an overwhelming challenge: too much fragmented data and too little clarity. From mismatched retailer reports to legacy systems that can't keep up with today's SKU volumes, many organizations find themselves bogged down in “data indigestion” instead of actionable insights. Today's guest is Henrique Wakil Moyses, Vice President of Data Science at Crisp. Crisp is a data platform designed for the consumer goods ecosystem, helping brands, retailers, and distributors harmonize fragmented data from multiple sources. By providing real-time visibility into sales, inventory, and supply chain signals, Crisp enables faster, data-driven decisions that reduce waste and improve business outcomes. Henrique joins Emerj Editorial Director Matthew DeMello to break down how CPG and retail leaders can cut through this complexity. He explains why building a data-driven culture is the first barrier to overcome, how to align AI adoption with ROI, and where brands are already seeing the biggest payoffs—such as supply chain optimization, inventory forecasting, and personalized retail experiences. Want to share your AI adoption story with executive peers? Click emerj.com/expert2 for more information and to be a potential future guest on the ‘AI in Business' podcast! This episode is sponsored by Crisp. Learn how brands work with Emerj and other Emerj Media options at emerj.com/ad1.

In this conversation, Jason Burke, founder of New Primal, shares his journey of building a purpose-driven business from the ground up. He shares how growing up poor influenced his mindset, the importance of resilience, how he overcame his challenges with fundraising, and that authenticity wins in entrepreneurship. He also reflects on the evolution of his brand and the importance catering to an underserved consumer segment — in his case, women and children. The discussion concludes with insights on personal growth and his vision for a better world through access to wholesome food.Takeaways:Jason Burke founded New Primal to change the course of his family tree.Resilience and grit are essential in entrepreneurship.Purpose-driven businesses are more likely to succeed in tough times.Many entrepreneurs quit due to financial constraints.The evolution of a brand is crucial for survival in a competitive market.Fundraising in the CPG industry has become increasingly challenging.Authenticity is key to building a successful brand.Building for the long term is more beneficial than seeking quick exits.Women and children are often overlooked in the protein snack market.Pivoting can prevent the need to quit.Sound bites:“When you start from nothing there's really not a lot to lose.”"I made a commitment to myself many years ago, even before I started New Primal, that I was gonna change the course of my family tree forever.""I've never once thought, God, this is too hard. I'm going to quit.""You have to have something you're aiming for."“The last couple of years, the wells of CPG fundraising ran dry.”“Confidence and conviction are the are two key pillars of fundraising.”“The people who show up authentically in the world are the most successful people I know.”“Sometimes those pivots help you find your new focus.”Links:Jason Burke - https://www.jasonburke.co/Jason Burke on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/burkejason/Jason Burke on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jasonmichaelburke/Jason Burke on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmichaelburkeNew Primal - https://newprimal.com/New Primal on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-primal/New Primal on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thenewprimal/New Primal on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thenewprimal/New Primal on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/thenewprimal/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Jason Burke and New Primal04:48 The Grit of Entrepreneurship13:45 Common Reasons Entrepreneurs Give Up21:57 Evolution of New Primal33:07 Targeting Women and Kids in the Protein Market39:11 Finding Opportunities in Saturated Markets42:57 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Entrepreneurship51:03 The Journey to Authenticity53:43 The Evolution of the Podcast60:47 Giving Back Through Mentorship01:07:27 Building for the Long GameSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on Startup to Storefront, we're diving into the story of Nicole and Brent Slone, the San Diego couple behind Above Board Liqueurs, the award-winning brand that is reinventing what cocktails can be. What started in Nicole's kitchen has now become a movement: sugar-free and low-sugar liqueurs that deliver all the flavor without the guilt. Together, Nicole and Brent are challenging a stagnant spirits industry, proving that health-conscious and indulgent do not have to be opposites. In this episode, we cover the leap from passion project to thriving business, the ups and downs of launching a startup with your spouse, and how Above Board is carving out a whole new category for the modern, health-focused consumer. This is the story of disrupting an industry one cocktail at a time and building a brand that is truly Above Board. On this week's episode of Startup to Storefront you'll learn: How Nicole and Brent Slone are revolutionizing the spirits industry with sugar-free and low-sugar liqueurs that don't compromise on taste The challenges and rewards of building a company as a husband-and-wife team Why modern consumers are demanding healthier cocktails and how Above Board is leading the charge Nicole and Brent share the journey behind Above Board Liqueurs, the San Diego brand that is crafting a healthier cocktail experience and reshaping how we think about indulgence.

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

Since their humble beginnings at the farmers markets of Austin, TX in 2009, GoodPop has become known for producing some of the cleanest, most innovative and most delicious frozen treats available on the market. what we chat about:what were the early days of Good Pop like and how did its grassroots beginning shape the company's values and growth?Scaling a brand with clean ingredients, organic sourcing, and no added sugarThe mission behind the Good Food CollectiveHow to navigate building a values-driven business while operating in the competitive world of CPG and large-scale retailIG goodpop | goodpop.com | Good Food CollectiveJordan & I are back this week chatting about the most exciting happenings in the food & beverage world! Here's a sneak peak of our convo:Design: Cracker Barrel rebrand & Billie x Chia PetStrategy: YSL gifting influencers cherry pies & Blondery closing in publicFood: Vermouth spritz & She's the Sauce protein-ificationFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#madeonzencastr

Welcome back to Your World of Creativity, the podcast where we explore creative insights from leaders across the arts, innovation, business, and beyond.Today's guest is John Pawlowski, a seasoned brand strategist and marketing executive with over a decade of experience leading innovation and growth in the consumer packaged goods industry.From household names like Marie Callender's and PF Chang's to the bold new frontier of premium pet food with Heckova, John brings a creative mindset to every stage of brand development.John's Website @heckovapet on Instagram linkedin.com/in/pawlowskijohn1: The Brand-Building MindsetYou've launched and revitalized iconic brands in the highly competitive world of frozen foods. What's your process for identifying the creative white space in a crowded category—and turning that into a compelling brand identity? What lessons from CPG branding did you find most transferable when you transitioned into pet food marketing?2: The 'Mega' MomentAt Conagra, you spearheaded the launch of a 'Mega' brand, which went on to surpass $200 million in sales. What was the creative spark behind that brand, and how did you translate that into product, messaging, and ultimately, consumer loyalty? Were there any big risks or bold decisions in that process that paid off?3: The Humanization of PetsThe humanization of pets is one of the biggest trends in the pet food industry. How do you creatively tap into the emotional connections people have with their pets when crafting messaging for Heckova? What role does storytelling play in gaining the trust of pet parents?4: Innovation in a Regulated SpaceCPG and pet food are both highly regulated, especially with claims and ingredients. How do you foster creativity within those constraints, especially when developing new products or campaigns? How do you balance the creative drive with the analytical, P&L-focused mindset required in your role?5: Creative Leadership in ActionFrom managing agency partners to internal teams, you're constantly leading others through the creative process. What's your approach to building a culture of innovation and alignment? What advice would you give to young brand marketers who want to lead with both strategy and imagination? John, this has been a great look into the creative strategies behind some of the most recognizable brands—and now, one of the most exciting in pet food. Thanks for joining us on Your World of Creativity.This episode was brought to you by White Cloud Coffee Roasters. Get 10% off your first order of freshly roasted, ethically sourced coffee with the code CREATIVITY at checkout. Visit WhiteCloudCoffee.com.If you enjoyed today's episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast app—and come back next time for more conversations at the intersection of imagination and industry. John has classical training as a brand marketer and P&L manager and over a decade of experience leading brand growth in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry at Conagra Brands (Omaha and Chicago) and Bellisio Foods (Minneapolis). He led growth, turnaround, and new launch strategies on major brands such as Marie Callender's, Banquet, Kid Cuisine, PF Chang's, Boston Market, and Atkins. While at Conagra, John spearheaded the launch of a new “Mega” brand that surpassed $200MM in sales. With the humanization of pet food as the biggest...

Katlin Smith is the founder and CEO of Simple Mills, a food company that makes a wide array of delicious gluten-free, grain-free, paleo-friendly, and non-GMO foods. Before starting her own company from scratch, Smith was a strategy and operations consultant. After years of relying on processed foods because of her demanding job, she switched to a Paleo diet in hopes of reaping the health benefits. Disappointed with the lack of store-bought options for her new lifestyle, Smith started making recipes of her own using healthier ingredients like almond flour and coconut sugar. With no background in food production or distribution, Smith reached out to her local Whole Foods when she was ready to sell her now-famous Almond Flour Muffin Mix. When the chain agreed to sell it on its shelves, Smith was eager to grow her business. She went back to school to build on the skills she acquired as a consultant and develop new ones so she could expand her line of products and distribute them widely. Today, Simple Mills is sold in over 30,000 stores nationwide, and Flowers Foods recently acquired the business for $795 million, marking one of the biggest female-founder exits in recent CPG history.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.