139. If your CPG brand isn't breaking through, it's not a sales problem — it's a positioning problem. And that mistake can cost you shelf space, velocity, and even your business.

In this episode, I sit down with Suzie Yorke, founder of Love Good Fats, to unpack how disciplined brand positioning fueled explosive growth in one of the most competitive categories in retail: snack bars. We break down the "golden triangle" of product, price, and positioning — and why most innovation fails within the first year. You'll learn how to define your target, craft a compelling consumer insight, and build a brand promise that actually converts trial into loyalty.

If you want predictable growth instead of constant repositioning, this is your blueprint.

Download the free guide and listen to related episodes to go deeper into positioning, retail execution, and sustainable CPG growth.

Get instant access on the show webpage: RetailSolved.com/session139

138. If you ignore school nutrition, you're ignoring your future customer. And that's costing you long-term loyalty and growth.

In this episode, I sit down with Nona Evans of Whole Kids Foundation to unpack why school lunch may be the most overlooked growth strategy in CPG. We discuss how early nutrition shapes lifelong buying habits, how retailers can win hearts instead of chasing margin, and why brands that invest in community impact create deeper, more profitable loyalty.

You'll learn how salad bars, school gardens, and storytelling create measurable ROI, how to align your brand with retailer goals, and how to turn mission into sustainable sales growth.

Download the free guide, and learn how to position your brand as a category-building partner. Then listen to additional episodes to go deeper into shopper strategy, retailer alignment, and profitable CPG growth.

Get instant access on the show webpage: RetailSolved.com/session138

137. Confused about where natural retail is headed—and how your brand fits in? That uncertainty is costing you growth.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Walter Robb, former Co-CEO of Whole Foods, to unpack the evolution of natural CPG—from 12 stores to 475—and what the future of retail really looks like. We discuss how the natural channel moved from fringe to mainstream, why transparency and whole foods matter more than ever, and how emerging brands can thrive in a hybrid digital + physical retail world.

If you want to understand the real drivers behind healthy food trends, retailer expectations, food waste innovation, and how to show up as a true category leader, this episode is your roadmap.

Then listen to related episodes to go deeper into category strategy, retail execution, and building a sustainable competitive edge.

Get instant access on the show webpage: RetailSolved.com/session137

136. Retail is pay-to-play—and if you don't understand what buyers expect, you'll burn cash, miss velocity targets, and lose distribution fast. That's why 80% of emerging natural brands fail in year one. In this episode, I sit down with Bob Burke of Natural Products Consulting to break down the real rules of retail: how to validate product-market fit, why velocity is the ultimate scorecard, how gross margin determines survival, and when to engage brokers and brand management partners. We unpack pilot strategies, distributor economics, realistic P&L modeling, and how to align your product with retailer category goals.

If you want to level the playing field and compete like a pro, download this weeks free guide at the link in the show notes. Then go deeper by listening to related episodes on retail execution, broker management, and trade strategy. Let's build your go-to-market roadmap the right way.

Get instant access on the show webpage: RetailSolved.com/session136

135. If you don't truly know your core customer, you're just another SKU fighting for shelf space — and retailers will treat you like one.

In this episode, I sit down with the team behind GoodBelly to break down what it really means to build a brand around your unique shopper — not a generic demographic profile. We unpack how understanding psychographics, need states, market basket behavior, and community building creates a sustainable competitive advantage in retail.

You'll learn how challenger brands outmaneuver big CPG by listening instead of broadcasting… how to leverage shopper insights to grow distribution… and why market basket data matters more than slotting fees.

This is how you stop being an ATM machine for retailers and start becoming a category leader.

Get instant access on the show webpage: RetailSolved.com/session135

134. You fought to win distribution—now you're at risk of losing it. Most brands think the selling stops once they get on shelf. In reality, this is where the real selling begins.

In this episode, I break down how to turn every category review into a growth engine. Retailers don't just want velocity reports—they want partners who help drive traffic, competitive advantage, and sustainable profit. I'll show you how to move beyond canned ranking reports and "push-button category management" and step into true category leadership.

You'll learn how to tell a fact-based story, provide insights your competitors can't, and position your brand as indispensable during line reviews. This is how you earn incremental distribution, displays, and trust—without buying your way in.

Download the free Category Management guide linked in the show notes and listen to related episodes on retail execution and trade strategy to go deeper. If you want an equal seat at the table, this is where it starts.

Get instant access on the show webpage: RetailSolved.com/session134

133. You can't scale your CPG brand if you're burned out, distracted, or mentally drained. Retail is stressful—and if you don't take care of yourself first, your brand will pay the price.

In this episode, I sit down with Jason Wrobel and Whitney Lauritsen of Wellevatr to talk about mental wellness, high performance, and why your personal health is a strategic advantage in business. We unpack how stress, sleep, nutrition, and community directly impact leadership, decision-making, and retail execution.

We also discuss authenticity, transparency in natural and plant-based brands, sugar labeling confusion, and why trust is the currency that fuels long-term growth. If you want to show up stronger in retailer meetings, build a loyal community, and lead with clarity, this conversation is for you.

Get instant access on the show webpage: RetailSolved.com/session133

132. Your broker got you distribution—but you're losing money. If you're expanding too fast, burning cash on free fills, and chasing doors instead of velocity, this episode will reset your retail strategy.

In this conversation, I unpack a real-world case of a fast-growing natural snack brand that scaled into national distribution before it had the infrastructure to support it. The result? Chargebacks. Free fills. Cash burn. And painful lessons.

We break down the difference between making product and building a brand, why "more distribution" is often the wrong goal, and how to focus on profitable velocity instead of vanity growth. You'll learn how to identify your ideal retail partner, protect your margins, and create a pull strategy that retailers reward.

If you want sustainable CPG growth—not expensive mistakes—this episode is for you.

Then listen to related episodes to go deeper into trade marketing, retail execution, and building a category-leading brand.

Get instant access on the show webpage: RetailSolved.com/session132

131. Retail is pay-to-play—and if you follow the traditional roadmap, you'll burn cash before you build momentum. In this episode, you'll discover how one emerging CPG brand pivoted from near "out-of-cash" crisis to profitability by leading with digital instead of chasing shelf space.

We unpack how a direct-to-consumer strategy created runway, strengthened margins, and ultimately positioned the brand to re-enter retail on their terms—including national expansion with Walmart and REI. You'll learn why Amazon exploded when they weren't even focused on it, how omni-channel digital marketing builds momentum, and why profitability—not distribution—must be your first milestone.

If you want sustainable growth instead of perpetual fundraising, this episode will change how you think about scale.

Download the free guide at the link in the show notes and listen to related episodes to go deeper into building a digital-first CPG growth engine.

Get instant access on the show webpage: RetailSolved.com/session131

130. You're losing sales because your packaging can't keep up—and that's costing you shelf space and retailer trust.

In this episode, I sit down with the team at ePac to unpack how print-on-demand flexible packaging is changing the CPG landscape. If you're stuck with long lead times, obsolete inventory, or outdated packaging while waiting 10–12 weeks for overseas production, this conversation will shift how you think about your entire supply chain.

We discuss digital printing, short runs, variable data, QR codes, sustainability, co-packer coordination, and how packaging can become a strategic asset instead of a cost center. You'll learn how to stay nimble, reduce waste, improve trade marketing ROI, and pivot fast when certifications, seals, or retailer demands change.

If you want to compete like a big brand—without tying up cash in inventory—this is for you.

Get instant access on the show webpage: RetailSolved.com/session130