Usually at the Road2Retail we share stories about emerging brands, but today we are going to offer some thoughts and observations about a re-emerging brand: The New York Knicks. And after 53 years of near irrelevance—and testing the limits of even their staunchest fans- the Knicks re-emerged in a big…
Usually at the Road2Retail we share stories about emerging brands, but today we are going to offer some thoughts and observations about a re-emerging brand: The New York Knicks. And after 53 years of near irrelevance—and testing the limits of even their staunchest fans- the Knicks re-emerged in a big way by winning the NBA Championship series vs the San Antonio Spurs. The feeling of indescribable euphoria was worth the wait!
Episode # 161. The Road2Retail attended 'The Future of Commerce 2020+ GROCERY" meeting event held last week at The Gaylord Hotel in Nashville. This excellent event covered a diverse set of topics preparing retailers, brands, and service providers for what the future may very well look like in a very…
The Road2Retail attended 'The Future of Commerce 2020+ GROCERY" meeting event held last week at The Gaylord Hotel in Nashville. This excellent event covered a diverse set of topics preparing retailers, brands, and service providers for what the future may very well look like in a very few short years. Change is coming... and it's already here! Well done by The Emerson Group, Haleon, Retailmediaiq, WSL, and oolie.
Details on how to follow the Road2Retail podcast are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Listen to the episode to get the full flavor of this excellent event.
Discussion points
Scott Galloway gives us a look into current events and trends he sees impacting us in the near future. GLP-1's and Space were key discussion points.
Ways both consumers and retailers are recognizing that 'food is medicine'
Carrie Underwood discusses women's health and how she and her team are positioning the HiNote brand
Ex Navy SEAL Jocko Willink shared his views on SEAL leadership and how these characteristics can be applied in the business world. His brand, Jocko Fuel, is rolling!
What the grocery shopper of the future will expect and how brands and retailers can prepare
The multifaceted power of TikTok!
Hear how The Store is impacting the Nashville community to relieve some pressure from families fearing food insecurity
Enjoy the show! Please share the Road2Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!
Episode # 160: On today's show the Road2Retail team speaks with Sudu Gupta, the CEO & Founder of Mirchi Labs. Sudu shares the struggles small and emerging brands have in the product set-up process at retailers and the details required to be successful. Please follow the Road2Retail podcast (details below).…
On today's show the Road2Retail team speaks with Sudu Gupta, the CEO & Founder of Mirchi Labs. Sudu shares the struggles small and emerging brands have in the product set-up process at retailers and the details required to be successful.
Please follow the Road2Retail podcast (details below). Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.
Discussion points
The struggle is real to get items set up at retailers in the US
The information a brand needs in advance of the set-up process-
Timing is everything-
Pricing is critical to a brand’s success- understand every line item in the P&L
The role of AI in catalogue operations
Advice for small and emerging brands just starting out
The Emerging Brands Launch & Growth Toolkit gives you retailer-ready evidence to answer every buyer’s hardest question before they ask – gaining shelf space through consumer-led insights, not hope.
Episode # 159: On today's show the Road2Retail team speaks with Colleen Kavanagh, the CEO and founder of Zego Foods and Civic Montana. Colleen shares her insights and learnings on her journey to provide healthy food to consumers and the importance of consumer facing purity verification. Please follow the Road2Retail…
On today's show the Road2Retail team speaks with Colleen Kavanagh, the CEO and founder of Zego Foods and Civic Montana. Colleen shares her insights and learnings on her journey to provide healthy food to consumers and the importance of consumer facing purity verification. Please follow the Road2Retail podcast (details below). Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.
Discussion points
The benefits of having your own brand and being an ingredient supplier
The importance of consumer facing purity verification
Using AI to grow the Zego Foods brand
Her decision process when entering brick and mortar retail
Vehicles the Zego brand uses to drive trial and awareness
Episode #158: On today's show the Road2Retail team speaks with Mark Young, the CEO of Jekyll & Hyde Labs and the author of the “27 Unbreakable Rules- Build a 100+ MM. Brick & Mortar CPG Brand”. Mark offers a wealth of insight and experience to emerging brands. Details on how…
On today's show the Road2Retail team speaks with Mark Young, the CEO of Jekyll & Hyde Labs and the author of the “27 Unbreakable Rules- Build a 100+ MM. Brick & Mortar CPG Brand”. Mark offers a wealth of insight and experience to emerging brands. Details on how to follow the Road2Retail podcast are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.
Discussion points
The importance of creating a brand that founders believe in- if you don’t believe in your brand no one else will.
A brand must meet a consumer need not just yours as a founder.
What do emerging and challenger brands must get right out of the gate?
Why is pricing so important as a brand enters retail?
How should brands think about expansion- more retailers? More SKUs?
For our Road2Retail Listeners Mark is offering his book 27 Unbreakable Rules- Build a 110+ MM brick-and-mortar brand. Click on the link below for your copy.info@jandhlabs.comJekyll & Hyde web site-Home | Jekyll + Hyde Labs
Enjoy the show! Please share the Road2Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!
Episode #.157 Today the Road2Retail team spends time with Courtney Law- Head of Creator Partnerships at Boldify. Hear how Boldify is driving awareness and demand differently across the Amazon and Tik Tok Shop platforms for their unique hair care brand. Details on how to follow the show are below. Plus-…
Today the Road2Retail team spends time with Courtney Law- Head of Creator Partnerships at Boldify. Hear how Boldify is driving awareness and demand differently across the Amazon and Tik Tok Shop platforms for their unique hair care brand. Details on how to follow the show are below. Plus- give us a follow on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.
Discussion points
How Boldify is different from other products for thinning hair
The different approaches Boldify utilizes on the Amazon and Tik Tok Shop platforms to build their business
Their approach to recruiting and managing affiliates on Tik Tok Shop
Courtney demystifies how affiliates are compensated (spoiler: many ways to address!)
How Boldify successfully manages its business across sales channels while avoiding pricing conflicts
is a marketing analytics and outsourcing company that partners with leading consumer brands and retailers to tackle their business challenges and capture their greatest opportunities.
Enjoy the show! Please share the Road2Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!
Episode # 156On today's show the Road2Retail team speaks with Caroline Grace, founder and CEO at Product & Prosper. Product & Prosper helps small and emerging brands with brand strategy, product feedback, and sales development on the wholesale platform Faire. Details on how to follow the Road2Retail podcast are below.…
On today's show the Road2Retail team speaks with Caroline Grace, founder and CEO at Product & Prosper. Product & Prosper helps small and emerging brands with brand strategy, product feedback, and sales development on the wholesale platform Faire. Details on how to follow the Road2Retail podcast are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.
Discussion points
Why a brand must have vision and a purpose to succeed
What is the 10 P’s methodology used by Product & Prosper?
What an emerging brand must get right at launch?
What mistakes do emerging brands make most frequently?
The best advice Caroline would give to a brand just starting out
Greatest career influences: Grace Beverley, Donald Miller
Episode #:155 On today's show the Road2Retail team speaks with Mary Kate Kloeblen, managing partner and co-founder at Golden Thread Operations. Golden Thread Operations is an outsourced logistics provider and consultant to small, emerging and challenger brands. Details on how to follow the Road2Retail podcast are below. Plus- give us…
Episode #:155
On today's show the Road2Retail team speaks with Mary Kate Kloeblen, managing partner and co-founder at Golden Thread Operations. Golden Thread Operations is an outsourced logistics provider and consultant to small, emerging and challenger brands. Details on how to follow the Road2Retail podcast are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.
Discussion points
When does a brand need to start thinking about hiring an outsourced logistics provider?
Examples of mistakes emerging brands make regarding logistics
Advice to brands when there are issues with their logistics- bad news needs to travel fast!
What is an OTIF score and why does it matter?
What to look for in a logistics provider & how are they compensated?
Episode # 154. Today the Road2Retail team recaps the recently completed NACDS Annual meeting. The event took place April 18-21 at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach, FL. Details on how to follow the Road2Retail show are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. The National…
Today the Road2Retail team recaps the recently completed NACDS Annual meeting. The event took place April 18-21 at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach, FL. Details on how to follow the Road2Retail show are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. The National Association of Chain Drugstores (NACDS) held its annual meeting last week.
Discussion points
The meeting kicked off with several major retailer presentations including Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Amazon, Instacart, and L & R Distributors. Key topics included a call for innovation, caution about brands having too many SKUs, a call to maintain focus on serving the end consumer, and the need for brands to have quality data to manage their business in concert with the retailer
A very interesting talk by presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin and another by author Salim Ismail. Evening entertainment by Andy Grammer and The Doobie Brothers (still rockin'!)
With the recent Wonderbelly purchase by P&G and Prestige's purchase of several Foundation Consumer Healthcare brands, the industry feels a new wave of business development activity may be emerging. Kimberly-Clark's purchase of Kenvue will likely result in some smaller brands becoming available
Big news was the retirement of NACDS CEO Steve Anderson. Steve had a long, distinguished 20 year run leading the association. Of special note- was the great work he and the board did leading during COVID.
The search for a new CEO is underway. Great internal candidates exist- highlighted by past and current Board chairs and members. Keeping this organization vibrant is critical and for NACDS to keep manufacturers and retailers focused on bringing healthcare solutions to consumers
A thanks to all the sponsors and NACDS personnel for running an excellent and informative meeting
A call out to The Fighting Irish and the New York Knicks!
Enjoy the show! Please share the Road2Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!
Episode #.153 Today the Road2Retail team meets with Sean Ogar- Co-founder and CEO of Big Chalk Analytics: a leading insights and analytics firm for CPG brands. On today's show, Sean unveils Big Chalk's new offering to help emerging, small, and challenger brands grow. Details on how to follow the show…
Today the Road2Retail team meets with Sean Ogar- Co-founder and CEO of Big Chalk Analytics: a leading insights and analytics firm for CPG brands. On today's show, Sean unveils Big Chalk's new offering to help emerging, small, and challenger brands grow. Details on how to follow the show are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.
Discussion points
Sean provides some details around Big Chalk's capabilities and the network they have built of over 1500 people well versed in CPG analytics
The exciting introduction of the Big Chalk 'Emerging Brands Launch & Growth Toolkit'
The toolkit delivers data for emerging brands across four key disciplines: concept testing, package design, pricing, and marketing communications testing
The toolkit delivers this data much faster and at a better price legacy research firms
The Big Chalk output is formatted in slides ready for your retailer presentations and investor meetings.
Included with the toolkit are eight hours of consulting with the Big Chalk team to ensure you and your people are comfortable with the information
A Cubs and who knew there was a #1 fan of Heinz Ketchup?To learn more about the emerging brands tool kit https://www.bigchalk.coe-mail- emergingbrandswin@bigchalk.co
Enjoy the show! Please share the Road2Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!
Episode # 152. On today's episode of the Road2Retail, we spend time with Mike Wysong- CEO of CARE Pharmacies. Mike's position with this unique company provides him with a broad view across the healthcare industry. He shares views on how emerging brands can and do drive innovation. Details on how…
On today's episode of the Road2Retail, we spend time with Mike Wysong- CEO of CARE Pharmacies. Mike's position with this unique company provides him with a broad view across the healthcare industry. He shares views on how emerging brands can and do drive innovation. Details on how to follow the show are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.
Discussion points
A review of Mike's non-traditional collegiate experience at The Virginia Military Institute and what it taught him
CARE Pharmacies' unique role in the healthcare space and the growth they have enjoyed while serving their customers
Why it is important to offer counsel to the next generation of leaders (brands and people) while also learning from them.
How do large established brands remain relevant and how can emerging brands break through?
Always thinking about ways to break down the silos within the healthcare space- how can we all contribute to closing gaps in healthcare?
An artist and a fan of the Green Bay Packers, The Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd. Note: Management approves of these selections!
Enjoy the show! Please share the Road2Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!
Episode #:151 On today's show the Road2Retail team speaks with a returning guest- Brooks Powell. The founder and CEO of the supplement brand Cheers. Brooks shares his insights on how he and the team have rapidly grown the Cheers brand in just four years. Details on how to follow the…
Episode #:151
On today's show the Road2Retail team speaks with a returning guest- Brooks Powell. The founder and CEO of the supplement brand Cheers. Brooks shares his insights on how he and the team have rapidly grown the Cheers brand in just four years. Details on how to follow the Road2Retail podcast are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.
Discussion points
How aggressive marketing enabled the brand to scale quickly
Tik Tok a key!
What is the ACV Threshold gap, and why it is critical for retail success?
What are the trade-offs between regional and national rollout strategies?
How does the marketing-distribution flywheel work in practice?
How does the company balance long-term vision with profitability and growth discipline?
Episode #150 The Road2Retail team today spends time with Andrew Allen- the Market Development Executive at Fresh Scents. Andrew shares his insights on how he and the team are driving growth and making decisions at this unique, 50 year old overnight success brand! Details on how to follow the show…
The Road2Retail team today spends time with Andrew Allen- the Market Development Executive at Fresh Scents. Andrew shares his insights on how he and the team are driving growth and making decisions at this unique, 50 year old overnight success brand! Details on how to follow the show are below. Plus- give us a follow on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Learn more about Fresh Scents here: www.freshscents.com/pages/buyer-guideTopics covered with Andrew today include: - The challenges of working with retailers to optimize the brand's placement within their stores. Which set and why?- The skills and approach they use to work with retailers when the initial placement decision may not be optimal based on history- How they utilize data more often and in different ways to manage and drive their business. Believers in research!- How Fresh Scents utilized data and research to optimize their branding and packaging refresh- How they select business partners to complement their in-house skills- Another Green Bay Packers fan! They are everywhere.....
Enjoy the show! Please share the Road2Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!
Episode # 146. On today's show the Road2Retail team provides a recap of the 2026 Expo West show including show trends and best practices for attending this important show. Details on how to follow the Road2Retail podcast are below. Plus- give us a follow on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Follow…
On today's show the Road2Retail team provides a recap of the 2026 Expo West show including show trends and best practices for attending this important show. Details on how to follow the Road2Retail podcast are below. Plus- give us a follow on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.
Discussion points
Show details by the numbers
Educational sessions
CPG Innovation summit. Speakers and themes.
Retailer meetings
Tough to get at Expo West, RangeMe can help your brand secure meetings with retailers
Enjoy the show! Please share the Road2Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!
Episode #:149 On today's show the Road2Retail team speaks with Harley Sutton, founder and CEO at Thanks! Naturals- a 100% natural + vegan self-care brand. Harley is a third-generation wellness entrepreneur who shares her insights on managing and growing several brands within the Thanks! Naturals portfolio. Details on how to…
Episode #:149
On today's show the Road2Retail team speaks with Harley Sutton, founder and CEO at Thanks! Naturals- a 100% natural + vegan self-care brand. Harley is a third-generation wellness entrepreneur who shares her insights on managing and growing several brands within the Thanks! Naturals portfolio. Details on how to follow the Road2Retail podcast are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.
Discussion points
The trend she sees in the merging of beauty and wellness products
Driving brand awareness through Tik-Tok
Pros and cons of self-manufacturing
The decisions a brand needs to consider before moving to brick & mortar retail