CPG Operator Podcast

Is Wegmans on your radar? For many emerging CPG brands, cracking Wegmans is a dream, but timing, trends, and execution often decide who makes it. In this episode, Isabel Washington of Laurel's Coffee and Alexander Harik of Zesty Z share the real stories behind getting on Wegmans' shelves, from navigating distributors to building velocity without demos or promos. They're joined by Josh Cannon of Cultivate CPG, who brings years of experience guiding brands through the Wegmans process. Find out what buyers really want, how to pitch with confidence, and the strategies that turn "maybe" into yes.

Is Wegmans on your radar? For many emerging CPG brands, cracking Wegmans is a dream, but timing, trends, and execution often decide who makes it. In this episode, Isabel Washington of Laurel's Coffee and Alexander Harik of Zesty Z share the real stories behind getting on Wegmans' shelves, from navigating distributors to building velocity without demos or promos. They're joined by Josh Cannon of Cultivate CPG, who brings years of experience guiding brands through the Wegmans process. Find out what buyers really want, how to pitch with confidence, and the strategies that turn "maybe" into yes.

Sunnie co-founders Katie Tucker and Lisette Howard recount their path from self-funding to securing a million-dollar raise, navigating manufacturing hurdles, investor rejections, and strategic pivots along the way. They discuss knowing when an investor is the right fit, structuring raises to protect equity, and using customer relationships to unlock capital. Their story highlights the persistence required to push through difficult moments, the signs that momentum is building, and the practical steps that helped them move from uncertainty to a stronger, more sustainable growth path.

Want to know how to turn a Costco roadshow into a lasting spot on shelf? In this episode, Gavin McCloskey of Love Corn, Leila Kairns of Heal Tea, and Carlene Carl of Rebel Solutions Group share insider tips to fast-track your Costco success and help you avoid costly mistakes. They explain how to manage setup, staffing, and inventory; work with store managers and Costco's Club Demo Solutions team; and refine pitches to boost sales. Learn how to test flavors, packaging, and pricing while building relationships that influence buyers.

Does social media feel like one more thing you need to tackle when everything else is already so busy? You're in good company. Chikka Chikka co-founders Arif Khan and Sabeen Hassan share their challenges showing up online, while Isaac Brody (Socialike) and Francine Voit (Pistakio) offer real-world advice. Hear ideas on how to simplify content creation, build consistency without burnout, connect authentically with your audience—and maybe, just maybe, even enjoy the process along the way.

Getting into a retailer is a win—but without foot traffic and velocity, your shelf space can quickly go to another brand. Emily Steele (CEO & Co-founder, Hummingbirds) and Arianne Dora (Social Lead, Mush) talk about how local creators helped Mush make a success at Costco and Sprouts. They break down regional targeting, creator briefs, content reuse, and lessons learned—including why simply sending creators into stores can generate real product velocity for a guaranteed win.

Ever wonder how Chomps took over shelves across the country? Lauren Martin, Chomps' National Retail Activation Manager, reveals the in-store strategies that fueled their explosive growth. Find out how to earn more facings, prevent promo failures, build store-level trust, and adapt tactics by region and retailer. From merchandising wins to demo optimization, you'll hear tips and tricks that can help scale any brand.

The convenience store channel is just about the most competitive and expensive you'll find in CPG, but the promise of sky high velocities and an immediate way to reach new customers is undeniably attractive. Andy Steele of Ollipop and BODYARMOR, and Vanessa Walker of NEW YOU BRANDS and La Croix lay out the cost of doing business, when the right time to launch is, secrets for getting your products on shelf, and why the changing landscape is good news for BFY food and beverage brand alike.

How do you scale your CPG brand without drowning in chaos? Jesse Barruch, Co-Founder of Whims Delights and David McCormick, Co-Founder of Ayoh Foods, dig into the messy realities of building operational systems that support growth. From managing complex supply chains to prioritizing cash flow and inventory, our guests offer practical frameworks, real-world forecasting strategies, and how to avoid the biggest operational mistakes growing brands make.

Distributor contracts can make or break your brand. In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Koehler, Founder and CEO of Wildway Foods, and Kara Posner, Partner at Giannuzzi Lewendon, to unpack how brands can navigate these high-stakes agreements with confidence. Learn when and how to negotiate, what terms to watch for, and how to protect your margins while building strong distributor partnerships.