Explore by Topic
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.
The conversation continues
Latest episodesExplore the full archive, or choose a topic for a suggested listening order.
Try a guest’s name, a different search, or browse all episodes.
Clear your search and topicBuck Robinson explains how targeted traditional media can build awareness quickly, concentrate advertising around specific regions or retailers and encourage the trial that supports sell-through.
Why it’s here
David Koifman explains how Kickfurther approaches inventory funding, accommodates different cash cycles and helps emerging brands retain cash for other growth needs.
Why it’s here
The hosts offer a practical account review covering promotional setup, retailer calendars, consistent pricing, velocity expectations, broker capabilities and funding for both inventory and demand.
Why it’s here
Nancy Kalish explains how competitive tasting, differentiation, shelf-life reformulation, retailer-level profitability and complementary hiring shaped the development of Rule Breaker Snacks.
Why it’s here
Greg Nielsen explains how direct consumer feedback, a focused assortment, selective retailer partnerships and consistent pricing can reduce complexity and support an emerging food brand.
Why it’s here
Bruce Montgomery and Tracey Priest explain broker responsibilities, timing, compensation, mutual evaluation questions and practical ways to manage the relationship.
Why it’s here
Paul Kenny explains the hands-on leadership emerging-brand sales teams need, how to match talent to accounts and channels, and how facts strengthen a brand's retailer story.
Why it’s here
Rob Clemons describes how Wonderbelly used its online launch to understand its consumer, established product differentiation, approached retail growth and sought investors who could add practical value.
Why it’s here
Neil Foster explains how a soft launch can expose business-model problems, why early awareness and trial matter, and how shopper fit and measured growth support a move into stores.
Why it’s here
Wayne Bennett joins the hosts to recap retailer and founder expectations, screening manufacturers, distinguishing innovation from novelty and using retailer resources to reach buying teams.
Why it’s here
Patty Klingbiel explains how foundational research clarifies a brand's target consumer, category role and benefits, and how concept testing can challenge founders' assumptions before significant retail and advertising spending.
Why it’s here
Rick Miller examines holiday consumer research, spending trade-offs and contrasting retailer results, then discusses how brands could adjust marketing for the 2024 shopping season.
Why it’s here