Explore the full archive, or choose a topic for a suggested listening order.
Episode 106June 30, 202559:51
Charles Miller explains foundational consumer research, category habits and practices, and how evidence can strengthen retailer pitches, pricing, packaging and communication strategy.
- Understand your shopper and strengthen your evidence
- Protect margins and manage cash
- Build awareness and create demand
Why it’s here
Episode 105June 24, 202535:03
Jackie Bae explains LUNR Capital's inventory financing approach, brand eligibility, cash conversion cycles and how founders can plan capital deployment while funding demand generation.
- Drive sell-through and keep your shelf space
- Protect margins and manage cash
- Raise money and plan for the right exit
Why it’s here
Episode 104June 17, 202548:30
Former UNFI buyer Greg Esslinger explains distributor readiness, retailer commitments, operating capital, fees, payment terms and promotional obligations that emerging brands must understand before committing.
- Choose and manage brokers and distributors
Why it’s here
Episode 103June 10, 202545:28
Maggie Olczyk shares how differentiated lupini-bean granola, selective retail placement and immediate feedback from sampling helped shape Avi Foods through the challenges of starting a brand.
- Food brands
- Learn from the brands that have been there
Why it’s here
Episode 102June 9, 202542:28
Jake Nelson explains how regional distributors evaluate emerging brands, which capabilities and promotional assets brands need, and how to build an effective working relationship.
- Choose and manage brokers and distributors
- Are you ready for retail?
Why it’s here
Episode 101May 27, 202551:46
The hosts explain how meeting preparation, accountable problem-solving, broad account relationships and disciplined SKU discussions can make sales professionals more valuable to their retail partners.
- Drive sell-through and keep your shelf space
- Grow within the retailers you already have
- Get the meeting and make a stronger pitch
Why it’s here
Episode 100May 20, 202536:30
Scott Emerson discusses how packaging, digital-enabled sales and experienced sales representation help emerging brands build demand and navigate retail relationships.
- Build awareness and create demand
- Create a differentiated brand and product
Why it’s here
Episode 99May 13, 202550:06
George Brown explains how concept testing reveals purchase interest and meaningful benefits, and which research findings help emerging brands demonstrate differentiation and incremental sales in retailer pitches.
- Understand your shopper and strengthen your evidence
- Measure retail media and promotion performance
Why it’s here
Episode 98May 6, 202541:22
Paul Vraciu describes Salt Stick's expansion from running and bike shops, explaining the roles of packaging, clinical evidence, sampling and shopper fit across DTC, Amazon and stores.
- Supplements and nutrition
- Grow through ecommerce, Amazon and social commerce
- Create a differentiated brand and product
Why it’s here
Episode 97May 2, 202523:07
The hosts review NACDS Annual's purpose, retailer presentations, consumer uncertainty and retail media discussions, and explain how early strategic conversations can lead into later buyer meetings.
- Get the meeting and make a stronger pitch
- Make trade shows worth the investment
- Measure retail media and promotion performance
Why it’s here
Episode 96April 29, 20251:08:27
Brooks Powell shares Cheers Health's origin, its route to US sale, and why marketing focus and a profitable DTC business mattered before entering brick-and-mortar retail.
- Learn from the brands that have been there
- Move from DTC into physical retail
- Supplements and nutrition
Why it’s here
Episode 95April 22, 202547:56
Dan Frieber traces Tango Chile Sauce from his grandmother's recipe to local selling, showing how persistence, feedback, packaging changes and an equipment investment helped the business progress.
- Create a differentiated brand and product
- Learn from the brands that have been there
- Food brands
Why it’s here