On today's episode of CPG Insiders, Mark + Justin delve into the critical role of Amazon in the CPG landscape, emphasizing how it's shaping consumer behavior and expectations. They discuss strategies for effectively using Amazon as a platform, from choosing the right fulfillment options to navigating the competitive marketplace. They also address the importance of adapting to Amazon's influence on customer experience, from product discovery to post-purchase interactions. For CPG brands looking to thrive in today's e-commerce-driven world, this episode provides valuable insights into leveraging Amazon's vast reach while protecting and growing their brand.

On today's episode of CPG Insiders, Mark + Justin address the critical topic of legal navigation within the CPG industry. They underline the importance of understanding FDA and FTC guidelines to prevent regulatory pitfalls, especially when making product claims. They discuss the need for specialized legal counsel to aid in classifying products appropriately and ensuring compliance with advertising standards. The episode acts as a cautionary yet informative guide for CPG entrepreneurs to emphasize the proactive management of legal risks and the value of professional support in achieving business longevity and success.

In this episode of CPG Insiders, the focus turns to the critical importance of intellectual property (IP) in the CPG world. Mark + Justin explore how IP serves as a vital asset that can greatly enhance a company's market value, drawing parallels to real estate. They cover the essential aspects of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, underlining the necessity of safeguarding innovation. The conversation also touches on the evolution of business valuation from tangible to intangible assets, underscoring the strategic advantage of IP. This episode is packed with key insights for CPG entrepreneurs aiming to utilize intellectual property effectively to protect and expand their businesses.

In todays episode of CPG Insiders

Mark + Justin tackle an essential question for entrepreneurs: Do you have a single product or the foundation for a broader business? They delve into the critical differences between having a successful item on platforms like Amazon and building a sustainable, scalable business capable of thriving in the competitive retail landscape. Through insightful examples and analysis of market dynamics, Mark and Justin offer valuable guidance for evaluating your product's potential and strategizing for long-term growth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the nuances of product versus business in the CPG industry.

On today’s episode, Mark + Justin dive into the game changing strategies from the book “10x is Easier than 2x” by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. They explore the revolutionary concept that aiming for tenfold growth is not only more exciting, but often easier than the traditional goal of doubling. Drawing from their extensive experience, Mark + Justin discuss how this 10x mindset shifts the approach to business, pushing beyond the limits of incremental growth to embrace innovation and bold thinking. This episode is packed with practical advice, real-world examples, and insights into how entrepreneurs can apply 10x thinking to achieve extraordinary success. Whether you’re looking to revolutionize your business or personal life, this episode offers the inspiration and tools to think bigger and achieve more.

This episode, Mark + Justin welcome back master broker, David Biernbaum, to discuss his experience with ECRM (Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing) and its impact on the Consumer Packaged Goods industry, especially for entrepreneurial brands. ECRM has changed the industry by offering category-specific events where new companies get a chance to interact directly with retail buyers - significantly increasing opportunities for small brands. The guys also talk about how to determine if your brand is ready for ECRM and the steps you can take to prepare for the event.   About David Biernbaum: David is a nationally acclaimed consumer products retail business consultant and master broker who has brought more than 200 successful consumers brands to market. Learn more about David Biernbaum & Associates.

This episode, Mark meets with Lauren Stiebing of LS International to discuss mentorship. The right mentor can fast track your learning + help you take your business to the next level. Lauren shares her insights into how to connect with the right mentor and what kind of commitment it takes to build an impactful mentor-mentee relationship. Plus, Mark + Lauren talk about common obstacles and goal-setting for purposeful work together with a mentor.    About Lauren Stiebing: In 2015, Lauren founded LS International, an organization that partners with global consumer companies to help them find, retain, and develop their executive teams to face the challenges of tomorrow. LS International also sponsors the LEAD Network, which promotes the advancement of diversity within the Consumer + Retail Industry. Check out LS International's knowledge center for more info and resources.

https://ls-international.com/about-us/

https://ls-international.com/knowledge-center/

https://ls-international.com/about-us/lauren-stiebing/

This episode, Mark + Justin talk entrepreneurlife and the age-old "too much to do, not enough time" problem with Andrew Mellen, author of Calling Bullsh*t Busy. Andrew teaches entrepreneurs, businesses, and everyday people how to leverage time management + simplification to create freedom through organization.

Deeper than just 'getting organized', Andrew fosters real transformation by changing how people think, feel, and interact with time, money, and stuff. Plus he shares easy, actionable steps you can take right now to address time-productivity obstacles in your own business. A great listen for anybody looking to take more control of their time + improve productivity to enhance their quality of life.    About Andrew Mellen: "The Most Organized Man in America", Andrew is a best-selling author with ideas featured on Oprah and TedX. As one of the pioneers of professional organizing + productivity, Andrew travels the world speaking, teaching, and coaching individuals and global brands including the New York Mets, Genentech, American Express, Time, Inc., and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. For more about Andrew or to enroll in one of his programs, check out his website.

This episode, Dr. Mark Young is joined by Randy Mercer, Chief Product Officer at 1WorldSync, to talk about product content - what it is, why you need it as a retail vendor, and how product content platforms help both brands and retailers drive sales.    For brands entering their first retailer, getting product content to stores to help them operate their supply chain and ecommerce experience is critical! Learn how product content platforms help brands build that bridge with retailers. Plus, how brands can leverage product content platforms for big benefits like telling their product story across multiple retail chains, providing marketing copy + images to support retailer efforts, informing buyers + store management, and even helping brands as they expand into new retailers.    As the leading product content platform, 1WorldSync provides solutions that simplify the creation and distribution of product content. Over 14,000 companies and retailers utilize the 1WorldSync platform, including Walmart, Amazon, Google Shopping, Target, Kroger + Walgreens.    About Randy Mercer: Randy is an omnichannel product content expert with over 15 years of industry experience. He leads 1WorldSync's global product management and solution architecture teams, aligning the company's portfolio with current customer needs and emerging market trends.

This episode, Mark + Justin are joined by David Biernbaum to talk about Rite Aid's brace for bankruptcy and projections to close hundreds of stores. They dig into what the progression of this bankruptcy filing could look like over the next few months for vendors + consumers.    Most importantly, the guys discuss the impact on suppliers working with Rite Aid now. How brands that currently distribute through Rite Aid can curb potential losses and mitigate coming risk, what it means for future distribution of brands just beginning at Rite Aid, plus what payment scenarios might play out for suppliers.    About David Biernbaum: David is a nationally acclaimed consumer products retail business consultant and master broker who has brought more than 200 successful consumers brands to market. 

Learn more about David