Explore by Topic

Find the conversation
for your next move.

Start with the challenge you’re working through or the category you know best. Explore selected Road2Retail conversations with founders, retailers, investors, and subject matter experts.

Latest episodes

Learn from the brands that have been there

Hear how founders and brand leaders made decisions about products, retail, money and growth, with examples across categories.

Learn from the brands that have been there Clear all

Showing 12 of 23 episodes

Suggested listening order
Episode 151April 14, 20261:00:23

Interview with Brooks Powell-CEO at the supplement brand Cheers

Brooks Powell explains how Cheers approaches marketing, ACV coverage, regional versus national expansion, and the balance between growth, profitability, and long-term ambition.

  • Drive sell-through and keep your shelf space
  • Learn from the brands that have been there
  • Supplements and nutrition
  • +2 more

Why it’s here Compare the later Cheers discussion of marketing and expansion.

Episode 138January 27, 20261:07:53

Luke Schneider- CEO & Founder at Fire Department Coffee

Luke Schneider discusses choosing retail partners, managing SKUs and pricing across channels, working with brokers, and finding investors who contribute more than capital.

  • Learn from the brands that have been there
  • Move from DTC into physical retail
  • Beverage brands
  • +5 more

Why it’s here Explore Fire Department Coffee’s channel, broker and investor choices.

Episode 168August 30, 202642:44

Dror Sharon- Co- founder and CEO at Belle's Gourmet Popcorn

Dror Sharon discusses early entry into Walmart, less obvious distribution costs, staffing for expansion, ECRM meetings, and extending a popcorn brand into functional foods.

  • Learn from the brands that have been there
  • Food brands
  • Hire the people and partners your brand needs

Why it’s here Hear Belle’s experience with early Walmart distribution and rapid expansion.

Episode 170September 8, 202647:36

Ted Peterson- Founder & President VIC Cotton Company

Ted Peterson explains how a personal mission shapes VIC Cloth, the challenge of premium pricing, online demand building, and choosing a retail partner for expansion.

  • Learn from the brands that have been there
  • Beauty and personal care
  • Protect margins and manage cash

Why it’s here Finish with VIC Cloth’s purpose, premium pricing and search for retail fit.

Episode 178October 27, 202653:11

Dave Weaver-Founder of Goldenroot ginger beer

On today's episode of the Road2Retail, we are joined by Dave Weaver, the Founder of Goldenroot Ginger Beer. Listen to his story about his unique ingredients, the self manufacturing adventure, and what he has learned about fundraising to…

  • Raise money and plan for the right exit
  • Build the operations behind retail growth
  • Learn from the brands that have been there
  • +1 more

Why it’s here Matched automatically from the episode title and discussion notes.

Episode 174October 6, 202651:42

Clive Sher- Managing Director of the organic snack brand: Little Bellies

Today the Road2Retail team speaks with Clive Sher, the Managing Director of the organic snack brand: Little Bellies. Listen to their founder story and then what went into bringing this Australian-based brand to the US market. Points discussed…

  • Learn from the brands that have been there
  • Food brands

Why it’s here Matched automatically from the episode title and discussion notes.

Episode 164July 14, 202642:02

Kiowa Kavovit Co-Founder Eco Bandage

Kiowa Kavovit shares how a family business developed Eco Bandage, sharpened pitches for Shark Tank and Walmart Open Call, managed growth commitments, and evaluated investors and advisers.

  • Raise money and plan for the right exit
  • Create a differentiated brand and product
  • Learn from the brands that have been there
  • +1 more

Why it’s here Matched automatically from the episode title and discussion notes.

Episode 142February 24, 202652:59

Brian Bethke- Co-founder and CEO of Bear Maple Farms the clean soda company

Brian Bethke shares his move into CPG, the search for ginseng, a supplier setback that redirected the business, and lessons from developing functional soda.

  • Beverage brands
  • Grow through ecommerce, Amazon and social commerce
  • Make trade shows worth the investment
  • +1 more

Why it’s here Matched automatically from the episode title and discussion notes.