Road 2 Retail

Episode #148. On today's show the Road 2 Retail welcomes Todd Johnson - the VP of Sales at Doctor's Best & Viactiv brands. We had a deep discussion about the importance of properly setting and managing pricing for an emerging CPG brand. Details on how to follow the show are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Episode Link-https://youtu.be/fGmVgICYM4EAmong the topics covered today include: - Todd's explanation of 'price pack architecture'- The need for a brand to know where they 'fit' within a retailer's category- When negotiating price with a retailer, understand that the real negotiation starts in-house with brand leadership- Some of the best pricing decisions you will ever make occur when you say 'no' to an opportunity- Why understanding each retailer's margin requirements and velocity hurdles is so important—they are not all the same.- Communicating and executing a price increase- A Minnesota Wild fan and his daughter's high school tennis team!Thanks to our sponsors:Market Performance Group- A leading omni channel commerce agencyhttps://marketperformancegroup.comFollow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://lnkd.in/gH2Dk_q6.Enjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail 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 #147 Today the Road 2 Retail team offers a recap of key topics and presentations covered at the 2026 Consumer Healthcare Products Association Self-Care Leadership Summit (CHPA SLS). The event took place March 16-18 at The Conrad Resort in Orlando, FL. Details on how to follow the Road 2 Retail show are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. There was a great deal of fantastic content shared at the CHPA SLS- we encourage you to listen to the entire episode. Some of the key learnings & takeaways: - CHPA Board Chair Greg Bradley (CEO Foundation Consumer Healthcare) and CHPA CEO Scott Melville offered opening remarks highlighting both the "turbulence" and opportunity facing the industry today- 2025 Consumer Healthcare trends and 2026 insights from Circana- Susan Roddy of Perella Weinberg led a panel discussing the state of M&A in the consumer healthcare space- A fantastic discussion with three senior leaders sharing their views on leading organizations through times of change- Let There Be and Sinta discussed ways to use AI to break down the "innovation bottleneck"CHPA is a fantastic organization focused on helping companies provide excellent self-care products to consumers. If you are a brand, ingredient supplier, or offer services supporting the consumer health and wellness space- contact CHPA and see about becoming involved with this community of committed, leading companies and people. For more information about CHPA- https://www.chpa.orgFollow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327.Thanks to our sponsor: The Emerson Group- A trusted CPG partner and omni channel expert to brands https://theemersongroup.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail 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 Road 2 Retail 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 Road 2 Retail podcast are below. Plus- give us a follow on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327.Among the topics covered today include: - 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- Trends- The importance of the new food pyramid- Expo West best practices for attendeesThanks to our sponsors:The Emerson Group- A trusted CPG partner and omni channel expert to brands https://theemersongroup.comEagle Labs- A contract manufacture for supplement and skin care brandshttps://www.eaglelabsinc.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail 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 # 145. Today the Road 2 Retail welcomes John Pinto - the Founder of the nasal stick brand Boom Boom to the show. John was an early guest on the show (episode #19) and is back to update us on their tremendous progress. Details on how to follow the show are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327. Key discussion points today include: - His upbringing exposed him to natural health & living solutions- Trial and error along the way as they built the brand- including a major shift in positioning- The more you sell, the more data you must bring to the table to discuss your business. A great story and passion alone no longer suffice- How utilizing Tik Tok Shop and hiring a professional selling partner served as "major unlocks" for brand growth- Why pricing discipline is vital to the health of an emerging CPG brand- A fan of the musical group OdeszaThanks to our sponsors:Market Performance Group- A leading omni channel commerce agencyhttps:///www.marketperformancegroup.comRetail and Response- A media agencyhttps://www.retailandresponse.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail 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 # 144. On today's episode of the Road 2 Retail, we spend time with Hayes Reilly, Managing Partner & CPG Practice Leader at PeopleSuite Talent Solutions. Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast- details below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327.Today we cover four broad topics around executives managing a career change and the challenges that moving to an emerging brand may entail. Specifically, Hayes shares thoughts on the following: - What an executive needs to do when in a career transition or contemplating one. Never let your network grow cold! - Keep your LinkedIn profile sharp, current, and professional- What does an emerging brand leader need to consider when looking to bring on outside talent? Insight: look within your own network first- tap into people you know- What does an executive looking to move from a larger organization to a smaller one truly need to consider? Do they really have what it takes to make this career change?- What should an executive beware of when considering working with a private equity backed company? The sheer pace surprises many. Also, truly understand the wealth creation potential- A staunch supporter of the Ohio State BuckeyeThanks to our sponsor the Emerson Group- A consumer products equity partnerhttps://www.emersongroup.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail 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 #143 Today the Road 2 Retail team spends time with Andy Whitman - Managing Partner with the investment firm Loft Growth Partners. Andy shares his experiences over the course of our wide-ranging conversation about investing in Emerging Brands. Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast- details below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327. In today's discussion with Andy Whitman, we cover the following topics: - With EXPO West upon us, Andy discusses the importance of an emerging brand having a specific plan for this show and knowing what your goals are for the show- A recap of the M&A activities in the emerging brand space to date in 2026- lots of action!- The five points a brand must nail down to secure a meeting (let alone a check) from an investment firm- The importance of being aligned with an investor prior to accepting their money. Lack of alignment a major headache for founders and investors alike!- The need to be highly organized throughout the process of looking for funding. Financials must be very specific with regard to current expenses and the allocation of future investment dollars- A Wisconsin Badger fan with a budding interest in Colorado Buffaloes women's basketball as well!Thanks to our sponsors:Eagle Labs Inc: Contract manufacturing of OTC and HBA products https://www.eaglelabsinc.comMarket Performance Group- A sales agency helping brands growhttps://www.marketperfomancegroup.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail 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 # 142. Today the Road 2 Retail spends time with the Founder & CEO Brian Bethke of the 'clean soda company' - Bear Maple Farms. Details below in how to follow the show. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327.Discussion points today include: - Brian shares is professional history in the music business: guitar pedals and the Supro brand- Why now is the time for clean functional beverages- How a hard 'no' from a supplier at a trade show led to his ultimate success- His multiyear search for the perfect ginseng- CPG lessons learned from an entrepreneur new to the industry- A Pink Floyd and Mikaela Shiffrin fan!Click on the link below for your free trade show tracker from Vismerchhttps://www.vismerch.com/trade-show-trackerSpecial Listener Offer: Get 25% OFF Bear Maple Farms on Amazon — use code ROAD2RETAIL at checkout.👉 Shop here: [Bear Maple Farms on Amazon]Thanks to our sponsor- Retail and Responsehttps://www.retailandresponse.comEnjoy the show! Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or our YouTube channel. You can also follow us on LinkedIn. Please share the show 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 # 141. Today the Road 2 Retail goes through the specifics of how an emerging, small or challenger brand can get the most out of attending a trade show. Trade show season is upon us! Details below in how to follow the show. Plus- give us a follow on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com."How to best attend a trade show" tips covered today include: - Consider attending a trade show you are interested in as an attendee FIRST versus paying for booth space. Walk the show and see what is going on and if it matches your objectives- These shows can be very expensive to attend! Be selective, highly organized, and ready to work the show from the opening to the very end. Many times, you will come across interesting people at the end of a day when they are hoping to see things in a calmer setting- Understand the type of trade show you want to attend. Shows have different objectives- not all are "selling" shows- Once you decide to secure a booth at a trade show- don't only select location based on price. Try to locate near a high traffic area or near larger brands in your category- you will pick up some of their traffic by being in the right place!- What materials to have in your booth, how to staff, and the importance of follow up- Create activity and action at your booth- make it interesting! Samples, a game, videos about your business running in a loop on monitors, etcFollow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327.Managing retail is complex — the review windows, the buyer relationships, the promotions, the distributor coordination, the follow-ups that fall through the cracks. And most brands are juggling all of it across spreadsheets, email threads, and tools that weren't built for the job. Vismerch is the first CRM built specifically for CPG brands — retailers, categories, review cycles, promotions, contacts, all connected in one platform that actually speaks your language. And for Road to Retail listeners, we're offering our Trade Show Tracker for free — plan your targets, capture contacts on the floor, and lock in your follow-ups. Just in time for Expo West. Visit https://www.vismerch.comClick on the Promotional Link: https://www.vismerch.com/trade-show-trackerThanks to our sponsor- Florethttps://www.tryfloret.comEnjoy the show! Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or our YouTube channel. You can also follow us on LinkedIn. Please share the show with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

Today the Road 2 Retail team speaks with James Pippin, VP at Good Now Foods. James shares with our audience great insight on hiring a broker or sales agent and the benefits and pitfalls of working with one.Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on: Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Points covered in detail with James today include: - What should a brand consider when hiring a sales agent or broker - The benefits of working with a sales agent or broker - How Harvest Hub can help small and emerging brands- Mistakes small and emerging brands make when hiring a broker - Understanding the sales process when entering brick and mortar retailThanks to our sponsor: Agency Habitat- https://www.agencyhabitat.comEnjoy the show! Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or our YouTube channel. You can also follow us on LinkedIn. Please share the show 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 # 139. Today the Road 2 Retail team visits with Greg Vetter- Founder of Tessemae's salad dressing. Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast (details below). Enjoy the show!Apple podcasts-https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/road-2-retail/id1642173151Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/5MmvhUkvFsukmbl1RDzNAJSpecific points covered with Greg today include: - The brand started by getting a Whole Foods Store manager to try a salad out of a Tupperware container! And the manager loved it!- The challenges of being so early to the 'clean eating' trend in the USA- from retailers to searching for manufacturing partners that could meet their standards- "Burn the boats". They were all in on making the brand successful by removing as much risk as possible for retailer taking on the brand- Initial Tessemae's demand created by working with "clean eating mommy bloggers" - When creating your brand- ask people you don't know what they think- these people will tell you the truth- Look at all kinds of funding options before giving away equity- Has jumped on the Indiana Hoosiers football bandwagon!Thanks to our sponsors:Retail and Response-https://www.retailandresponse.comFloret: https//:www.tryfloret.comPlus- give us a follow on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Please share the show with a colleague and leave us a review. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

Today the Road 2 Retail team speaks with Luke Schneider – CEO and Founder of Fire Department Coffee. Luke shares his journey from the military to being a fire fighter to creating Fire Department coffee and his passion to help fire fighters.Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on: Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Points covered in detail with Luke today include: - The key decision considerations to move from a DCT brand into brick-and-mortar retail and how to pick the right retail partner - Managing SKU’s and pricing across multiple platforms- DTC, Amazon, different classes of trade: Food, Mass, Club - How to choose the right broker and how to manage them when issues arise - What to look for in an investor-Must be value added, not just money - The best advice to an entrepreneur wanting to start a CPG brand - A boxing and MMA fanThanks to our sponsors: Market Performance Group-https://www.marketperformancegroup.comRetail & Response-https:///www.retailandresponse.com

Episode #137 Today we speak with Andrea Cherkerzian – CEO & founder of the gluten-free chocolate chip cookie brand PS I Love You. We learn that the inspiration for the brand came from her Grandma Rose! Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast: Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327. Among the topics covered with Andrea today include: - The story behind the creation of PS I Love (the brand story is so important)- The importance of relationships and clear communication with retailers, brokers and suppliers- What to look for in a contract manufacturer - Andrea’s first retailer- Hy-Vee (a great fit for the brand!)- How she utilizes RangeMe - A fan of the Ralph Lauren brandPlus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

Episode # 136. Today the Road 2 Retail team recaps the SFA Winter FancyFaire show that was held in San Diego this week. We want to thank SFA for asking us to host a sold out "Ask The Expert" session about how to best work with distributors. Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast (details below). Enjoy the show!Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbdSpotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327. Observations from the SFA Winter FancyFaire show: - It is always remarkable to see the creative range of specialty food and beverage emerging brands that companies and entrepreneurs are working on- This was a great opportunity for emerging brands to drive awareness and trial (many tasty samples!) for their brands and catch the eye of a retailer. These informal discussions are what lead to future meetings with a buyer- The show was organized into sections in some cases by both region (ie Italy) and by product type (ie coffee) and by truly emerging brands- Learn more about the SFA "Maker Prep" program. A great way to learn about the industry and how to create and sell a CPG brand. Program culminates with a booth for your brand at the summer SFA show in New York City this summer.- The show attracted a wide range of food and beverage brands both domestic and international- Who knew there were so many kinds of cheese in the world!Show links:https://www.specialtyfood.com/https://www.specialtyfood.com/fancy-food-shows/summer/https://www.specialtyfood.com/education/makerprep/

Episode # 135. On today's show we spend time with Michael Law - the Chief Commercial Officer of Eagle Labs Inc. Michael offers his counsel regarding how an emerging brand should think through hiring a contract manufacturer (CMO) as well as stating what a CMO looks for in a client brand. Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on :Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbdSpotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Discussion points today include: - The diverse services offered by Eagle Labs Inc to brands working in the OTC/HBA/VMS space- Specific questions to ask and actions to take by a brand when considering hiring a CMO: pay attention to certifications!- The traits a CMO will look for in an emerging brand client- How to best manage and work with your CMO to increase the odds of a successful partnership- A fan of the Toronto Blue Jays! A tip of the cap to Joe Carter!Thanks to our sponsors:Eagle labs-https://www.eaglelabsinc.comMarket Performance Group- https://www.marketperformancegroup.com Enjoy the show! Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or our YouTube channel. You can also follow us on LinkedIn. Please share the show 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 # 134. Today the Road 2 Retail team speaks with Patrick Gibbons - Founding Partner & President of The Emerson Group. Patrick takes us on a deep dive into exactly what a 3PL (Logistics) provider does for a brand, how they work, and why selecting the right one is so important. Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on: Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbdSpotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327. Plus- give us a follow on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Points covered in detail with Patrick today include: - The three pillars of support a logistics firm provides for their clients- A discussion around what a vendor of record number is and why they are important- Why too much inventory is necessary for an emerging brand- especially at launch- A key set of questions a brand should ask of a potential logistics partner during the vetting process- What will a logistics firm expect from an emerging brand they are thinking of bringing on as a client?- Fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and the bands ELO & The CarsThanks to our sponsors:Eagle Labs-https://www.eaglelabsinc.comAgency Habitat-https://www.agencyhabitat.com Enjoy the show! Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or our YouTube channel. You can also follow us on LinkedIn. Please share the show with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

The Road 2 Retail team today spends time with Chris Stanton- Founder of Retail Brand Discovery. Chris shares his views on the importance of properly connecting brands to retailers and the ways this can be done. Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on Apple podcasts [insert link], Spotify [insert link] or our YouTube channel [insert link]. Plus- give us a follow on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast: Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbdSpotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327. Discussion points with Chris today include: - An overview of his interesting new endeavor- Retail Brand Discovery and how his multi platform business helps connect brands to retailer decision makers- A discussion of the evolution of the Trade Relations Manager and how components of this legacy role within a CPG company still matter a great deal- How the "celebrity entrepreneur" can play a positive role in the establishment of an emerging brand- How emerging brands can effectively utilize the online path to test & learn and build their business before approaching traditional brick & mortar retailers- His belief that retailers WANT emerging brands to winThanks to our sponsors of the episode:Floret- https://www.tryfloret.comMarket Performance Group-https://wwwmarketperformancegroup.com Enjoy the show! Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or our YouTube channel. You can also follow us on LinkedIn. Please share the show 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 # 132On Wednesday of this week, the Road 2 Retail team attended the 2nd Annual Founder's Innovation Day. This event was presented by ECRM, RangeMe, and RetailMedia IQ. The purpose of this very well attended event was to allow emerging brands to hear directly from many of the nation's leading retailers exactly what is expected of them in order to be successful. Rather than try to call out all of the presenters, Wayne Bennett- SVP ECRM & RangeMe- joins us on this event recap episode. Below are brief bullets highlighting some of the major themes covered. Listen to the entire episode on Spotify or Apple podcasts. Time well spent for emerging brand founders and leaders! Plus- give us a follow on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast: Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbdSpotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327. Key Themes from the 2025 Founder's Innovation Day: - The importance of being both Retail Ready AND Supply Chain Ready- Retailers and investors get behind products- not ideas. Are you viable as a brand? Do you have data? Do you understand your target consumer?- A panel of founders discussed why it is best to start small and local so you can keep your hands on everything as you start out. They also discussed the real risk of expanding too fast too soon- An overview of what to look for in a co-manufacturing supplier. The key questions to ask and capabilities to look for as the selection of a co-manufacturer can make or break your business. Choose wisely!- Think through all aspects of your packaging. The design, the physical structure, your shipper configuration. Much more. An impactful design will close sales for you in that critical last three feet of the consumer's decision making process- All of the retailers talked about building bridges beyond your buyer within each retailer you are working with. Be open to feedback. Be very transparent with all communication. Bad news needs to travel faster than good news- discuss the issue, what you are doing to fix it, and when it will be fixed. Don't hope your retailer won't notice- they will.Thanks to our sponsors:Eagle Labs- https://wwweaglelabsinc.comRetail & Response-https://www.retailand response.comEpisode linkshttps://www.rangeme.comhttps://www.ecrm.marketgate.comEnjoy the show! You can also follow us on LinkedIn. Please share the show 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 # 131. Today the Road 2 Retail team spends time with the CEO & Cofounder of the organic plant-based milk brand - Mooala. Give us a follow on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast: Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbdSpotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327. Topics we cover with Jeff include: - Why he left an investment banking job to found an organic plant based milk brand- Saw a market opening as the limited competition in the category was quite comfortable with the status quo- The challenge of finding a contract manufacturer when you are an emerging brand- The importance of selecting the right broker and building a strong relationship with your broker- Views on the various marketing tactics they have tested and utilized over the years to effectively drive velocities- A fan of Third Eye Blind Thanks to our episode sponsors:Agency Habitat-https://agencyhabitat.comFloret- https://tryfloret.comRetail & Response- https://retailandresponse.comhttps://www.mooala.comEnjoy the show! Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or our YouTube channel. You can also follow us on LinkedIn. Please share the show 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 # 131. On today's show we spend time with Trey Bowles- Cofounder and Managing Partner of 1845 Ventures Studio. As an investor, Trey talks to us about what he and his team look for in a brand before investing, the different types of financing available to emerging brand founders, and comments about the fund raising process. Give us a follow on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast: Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbdSpotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327. Our discussion points today include: - What does his firm look for in an emerging brand prior to investing?- A run down of the different funding options available to emerging brand- Why the determination of the team (not just the founder) is important in the evaluation process- Send information to a potential investor in advance of a meeting so that the quality of a meeting is higher- Why it is important to understand the investor you are considering approaching- many have areas of expertise versus being 'generalists'- The need to respect the process of trying to raise money- A Crimson Tide fan. Thanks to our sponsors of the episode:https://wwwagencyhabitat.comhttps://marketperformancegroup.comhtpps://www.eaglelabsinc.comhttps://1845studio.comEnjoy the show! Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or our YouTube channel. You can also follow us on LinkedIn. Please share the show 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 # 129. Today we spend quality time with Abby June Richards- Fractional CFO & Founder of The CPG CFO. Abby shares her insights on some of the key points emerging brands need to be highly aware of financially and raises her hand that her firm can help! . Plus- give us a follow on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast: Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbdSpotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327. Topics discussed in detail with Abby today include: - The importance of an emerging brand's 'cash runway'- The difference between accounting and strategic finance- An overview of her firm's "cash fight" framework. A very interesting view --Why understanding your cash conversion cycle is critical to an emerging brand's financial health- Loves the San Antonio Spurs and how they have operated over timeThanks to our sponsors-- Agency Habitat- https://wwwagencyhabitat.com- Eagle Labs-https://wwweaglelabsinc.com-Floret-https://wwwtryfloret.comSubscribe toThe CPG CFO YouTube Channel Watch for more CPG Founder stories Follow Abby on LinkedIn & Instagram (Optional) Download freetools for cash flow optimization and investor prep on www.thecpgcfo.com Enjoy the show! Please follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or our YouTube channel. You can also follow us on LinkedIn. Please share the show with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!