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Retail War Games, hosted by Jeremy Brockbank, explores essential strategies and insights from the retail industry. The podcast features discussions with leading CEOs and influencers, offering practical advice and experiences for retail brands, buyers, and entrepreneurs. It's a resource for anyone looking to understand and succeed in the business of retail.
For advertising opportunities, please email jeremy.brockbank@retailcollective.org
To learn more about Volcanic Retail visit info.volcanicretail.io
Sponsored by: Baker Tilly, Volcanic Retail
For advertising opportunities, please email jeremy.brockbank@retailcollective.org
To learn more about Volcanic Retail visit info.volcanicretail.io
Sponsored by: Baker Tilly, Volcanic Retail
144 Episodes
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Is physical retail dead, or is it the most powerful growth tool for modern brands? In this episode of Retail War Games, Jeremy sits down with Rebekah Kondrat, Founder and Managing Partner of Rekon Retail, to explore the renaissance of the storefront. Rebekah, who has led physical expansion for giants like Warby Parker and Joybird, discusses why digital-native brands are increasingly moving into the physical world to secure long-term customer loyalty. The conversation takes a deep dive into the "Anthropology of Shopping"—the study of how human behavior and psychology dictate the success of a retail space. Rebekah explains that successful retail is not about the transaction, but about creating environments where customers feel comfortable, welcomed, and connected to the brand's story.
In this session from the Retail Collective Summit (Panel 9), industry leaders from Baker Tilly, Mett Naturals, Life Cider, Nutriient, and Just Ingredients discuss the evolution of the health and wellness industry. Moving beyond simple shelf presence, these brands are developing holistic ecosystems rooted in radical transparency, rigorous testing, and founder-led storytelling.The conversation explores how these companies maintain a "brand promise" of high-quality, real-food ingredients while navigating global economic pressures like rising whey protein costs and new tariff rounds. From the science behind Paraxanthine to the rise of clear proteins and the impact of GLP-1 drugs on consumer fiber and protein needs, the panelists reveal the strategies necessary to stay ahead of the rapidly shifting wellness curve.
How does a brand evolve from sewing wallets in a basement to raising millions on Kickstarter? In this episode of Retail War Games, Jeremy sits down with Jacob Durham, co-founder of Nomatic, to deconstruct the journey of one of the most successful travel gear brands in the world. Jacob shares the strategy behind positioning Nomatic in the top 1% of crowdfunded projects by prioritizing high-function gear that removes friction for people on the move. The conversation explores the critical shift from a startup to a global operation, managing retail partnerships and a complex expansion into apparel. Jacob offers raw insights into why the digital advertising tactics of 2014 no longer apply and how "Innovation over Transaction"—including their massive partnership with Peter McKinnon—became the brand's rocket ship. Whether you are validating a product or scaling a company, this is a masterclass in design, operational resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit.
In this session from the Retail Collective Summit, founders and CEOs from Rags, &Collar, Beard Club, Caddis Sports, 47G and Spreetail dissect the shifting balance between D2C and marketplaces like Amazon and TikTok Shop. The conversation reveals the raw reality of channel profitability, comparing high D2C gross margins against the lower acquisition costs and fulfillment efficiencies found on Amazon.The panel explores tactical "Trojan Horse" plays—using marketplaces for demand capture and customer acquisition, then driving that traffic back to branded sites for premium experiences and long-term loyalty. From navigating the "nerves" of TikTok Shop to the importance of "lean and mean" operations, these leaders share why being where the consumer already exists is the ultimate competitive advantage. Finally, the group discusses the future of retail operations, including the strategic use of 3PL partners and the role of AI in streamlining creative testing and SEO. Whether you're building a brand moat or optimizing for higher LTV, this episode provides a masterclass in staying nimble in a volatile market.
In this episode of Retail War Games, Jeremy sits down with a staple of Utah broadcasting, Nicea DeGering. With a career spanning over 30 years at ABC4, Nicea shares her journey from being a 29-year-old crime reporter to becoming a pioneer of "infotainment" as the face of Good Things Utah. She offers a rare look into the survival skills required to stay relevant in a transitory business, having successfully navigated her role through seven different station owners.The conversation explores the profound shift in local media—from the strict lines of 90s traditional news to the personality-driven, community-focused landscape of today. Nicea breaks down why local storytelling remains essential even in the age of social media, describing the early days of her show as a "community gathering place" that functioned like Facebook before Facebook existed.Beyond the industry shifts, Nicea speaks candidly about the personal toll of being in the public eye. She discusses her evolution from trying to please every social media critic to finally embracing her own authenticity, concluding that "the only person I'm good at being is me". Whether you are a brand looking to tell your story or a leader navigating a changing industry, this episode is a masterclass in staying power, authenticity, and the art of human connection.
In this strategic session from the Retail Collective Summit, leaders from iconic brands including LoveSac, R.C. Willey, Harmon's Grocery, Christy Sports, and Minky Couture convene to break down the operational challenges of navigating a market defined by uncertainty. The conversation dives deep into how decisiveness and aggression in decision-making allowed companies like LoveSac to anticipate tariff crises and pandemic shifts, transforming obstacles into opportunities to onshore production to American soil through automation. Throughout the episode, the panelists explore the tension between adopting new technologies like Artificial Intelligence for inventory forecasting and the absolute necessity of preserving the human experience and personalized service that defines traditional retailers. From the evolution of a brand that began selling blankets out of the back of a car to the management of industry giants with 94-year histories, this panel provides a roadmap for maintaining a clear "North Star" in the face of economic volatility and changing consumer behaviors.
"Nobody knows how to make 100 million view videos until they just start posting." In this episode of Retail War Games, Jeremy sits down with Isaac Cook, former Lead Producer at MrBeast, former producer for the massive Beast Games production and now founder of White Rock Media and Farther Media. Isaac shares the high-stakes tactical lessons learned while managing $2.5 million production budgets per video and leading teams of over 1,000 people on set. We dive into the granular "science of the click"—from why the shape of a smile on a thumbnail can drive millions in revenue to why the CEO of McDonald's recently went viral using nothing but an iPhone. Isaac breaks down the strategic void many retail brands face: spending millions on massive sponsorships while neglecting the authentic, raw content on their own digital channels that actually builds long-term consumer trust. Whether you are a founder scaling a $5M brand or an executive at a billion-dollar enterprise, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the world's most successful content engine to show you how to turn digital attention into a measurable retail advantage.
In this strategic panel from the Retail Collective Summit in January 2026, we bring together the visionaries behind some of the most disruptive brands in retail to discuss the brutal reality of competition. These leaders share how to handle the moment your "moat" is breached by industry giants and fast followers. We move past the spreadsheets to explore the "Blue Sky" mindset, the danger of resting on a healthy P&L, and the tactical maneuvers required to launch a brand in Target and Walmart while staying under the radar of multi-billion dollar competitors. If you are a founder or executive navigating a crowded market, this conversation is your playbook for constant reinvention and long-term dominance.
In this episode of Retail War Games, Jeremy sits down with Jason and Meradith Christensen, the husband-and-wife duo behind Blue Unicorn Bar. After building Northstar into one of the largest home security companies in the nation and exiting to private equity, Jason "disrupted himself" to enter the brutal world of CPG. We dive into the "Willy Wonka" chemistry behind their proprietary manufacturing, the logistical nightmare of shipping real chocolate in the summer, and how they landed major retailers like Harmon's and Associated Food Stores in record time. From the high-stakes pivot of a tech founder to the molecular science required to create a "fluffy" protein bar without additives, this conversation reveals what it truly takes to scale a premium brand while maintaining total control over production.
"Not every dollar is a dollar. Smart money is king." In this session from the Retail Collective Summit, we bring together a powerhouse panel of financial and legal experts to deconstruct the current state of retail funding. Featuring Michael Bennett (Crew Capital), Derek Brown (Attorney General of Utah), and leaders in investment banking, we dive into the mechanics of over 500 M&A transactions and $3B in managed assets. We move past the basics to discuss the "Deep Tier Supply Chain Finance," the reality of the 2026 legislative budget impacts, and why your choice of investment partner is more critical than the valuation itself.
In this episode of Retail War Games, we sit down with Atul Vir, the Founder and CEO of Equator Advanced Appliances and author of Underdog Thinking. With a career spanning 35 years and multiple continents, Atul shares how he built a retail powerhouse by identifying the "problems that don't exist" according to industry giants. From surviving economic coups and currency devaluations in Africa to launching the first combo washer-dryer in the United States, Atul discusses the DNA of an entrepreneur who refuses to stop being the underdog. We dive into the complexities of global supply chains, the "Trust Test" in customer service, and why the future of retail appliances belongs to those who prioritize intuitive innovation over massive marketing budgets.
This is Panel 4 of Retail Collective Summit of Winter 2026, CEOs from Backcountry, Borboleta Beauty, Teton Sports, ARI Bikes, Cariloha, and Mission Belt strip away the AI hype to discuss the cold, hard reality of retail innovation in 2026. For the C-suite, technology is no longer just a shiny new tool—it's an "Ironman Suit" designed to give your workforce more leverage. But there is a catch: as AI lowers the barrier to entry for "slop" content and low-cost competitors, the ultimate competitive advantage has shifted back to authenticity and In-Real-Life relationships. In this episode, we tackle: The Trust Mandate: Why every tech implementation must pass the "Trust Test"—does it build or erode the relationship with your customer?. The Era of AI Search: Preparing for the shift from SEO to AI-driven shopping patterns and the upcoming Shopify-ChatGPT integration. Operational Unlocks: How to use AI to automate administrative "busy work," from interpreting handwritten orders to accelerating curriculum development. The Omnichannel Resurgence: Why digitally native brands are returning to physical showrooms and "air-conditioned curtains" to win the customer's heart. High-Stakes Forecasting: The reality of demand planning across 1,200+ SKUs and why "two sources of truth" (Human + AI) are better than one.
Cristóbal Murillo left Chile with two suitcases, a bold idea, and a dream: to turn Selk'bag into a global outdoor brand. Today, his wearable sleeping bag is sold across the U.S. and Europe, with collaborations that include Marvel, Star Wars, and some of the biggest entertainment franchises in the world. In this episode, Cristóbal shares how a quirky idea born in Santiago became a worldwide success, what it took to break into the U.S. retail ecosystem, and how he navigated licensing deals, distribution challenges, and the shift from wholesale to D2C. We also dive into his first-ever trip to Patagonia, the decline of iconic trade shows like Outdoor Retailer, and how TikTok and social commerce have reshaped Selk'bag's growth.
This is not a regular episode. It's Panel 3 of the Retail Collective Winter 2026 Summit, a live session featuring CEOs, founders, and leaders who are actively shaping the future of retail. In this conversation, executives from Demer Box, Nature's Fusions, Rhone, Stance, Mixhers, Lion Energy, Nielsen, and Spreetail unpack one of the most defining tensions for emerging brands today: Should you chase the low‑hanging fruit that keeps the business alive, or invest in true omnichannel mastery that builds long‑term advantage? Panel 3 delivers a candid, tactical, and deeply grounded look at how CEOs and founders grow without breaking—and how they choose what matters right now versus what builds the brand they want to become.
AI is reshaping every part of sales, marketing, and revenue operations—and few leaders understand that transformation better than Amy Cook, Co‑Founder and CMO of Fullcast. In this conversation, Amy breaks down how AI is redefining go‑to‑market strategy, why authenticity matters more than ever, and what modern revenue teams must do to stay competitive. From her journey as a single mom rebuilding her career, to leading multiple companies through acquisition, to now architecting AI‑powered GTM systems, Amy brings a rare blend of heart, experience, and strategic clarity. We dive into the future of commissions, territory planning, deal intelligence, lead quality, and the new rules of sales + marketing alignment.
In this second panel from the January 2026 Retail Collective Summit, industry leaders break down the realities of today's global supply chains—from escalating tariffs and shifting labor markets to the long-term demographic pressures reshaping where and how products can be made. Through candid insights and real-world examples, the panel explores what true supply‑chain resiliency looks like in an era defined by uncertainty, disruption, and constant change.
Joshua Ketter has lived a life few people can imagine—born in Alaska, raised in Seattle, and now a global operator who has visited 84 countries and helped shape the retail strategies of Amazon and Target. In this episode, he sits down with Jeremy to unpack the early days of Amazon, the realities of scaling e‑commerce, and the lessons learned from overseeing massive supply chain and technology operations. From Deloitte to Amazon's most remote fulfillment centers, to leading Target.com through major digital transformation, Joshua brings a rare inside look at how the biggest retailers in the world actually operate—and what brands need to understand about the future of retail. This conversation is the beginning of something bigger.
The Supreme Court has officially struck down the Trump‑era tariffs in a landmark ruling that could reshape the entire retail and manufacturing landscape. After years of U.S. brands paying more than $160B in tariffs, the decision opens the door for significant refunds as the case moves to lower courts. Early estimates suggest companies may recover 30–50% of what they paid, with higher odds for goods imported within the last 120 days.
This panel brings together some of Utah's most dynamic founders and operators to unpack one of the biggest questions facing consumer brands today: How do you navigate economic headwinds while serving increasingly price‑sensitive customers — without compromising your brand? Moderated by Nicea DeGering (ABC4) and Rachelle Morris (Stalwart Ventures), the conversation features leaders from premium footwear, beauty, baby products, grooming, and golf — each offering a unique lens on trust, pricing, manufacturing, community, and long‑term brand building. In this discussion: • How tariffs, elections, and shifting consumer psychology are reshaping demand • The rise of trust as the ultimate differentiator in 2026 • What happens when factories steal IP — and how to protect your brand • Why some founders are moving manufacturing to the U.S. • How DTC brands are adapting after Meta's algorithm changes • The role of community, storytelling, and authenticity in premium pricing • Why long‑term brand building beats short‑term tactics A candid, practical, and deeply relevant conversation for any founder navigating today's unpredictable consumer landscape.
BGZ Brands has evolved from a family garage operation into a leader in mobile protection, distribution strategy, and the emerging category of device wellness. In this episode, Shane Feller shares how BodyGuardZ, Lander, and Moxyo are innovating across channels while redefining what a screen protector can be. A deep dive into innovation, retail strategy, and the future of consumer electronics.
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