In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with CJ Warstler, the inventor of the Handycart Workstation, to unpack how one simple tool is revolutionizing efficiency in retail environments. With over 30 years of experience in sales and consulting, CJ shares the real-world problems that inspired him to create a smarter, more effective workstation—right from his own garage.

Together, they explore the process of prototyping, gathering user feedback, and launching the Handycart into stores across the country. CJ highlights the importance of employee satisfaction, the value of U.S.-based manufacturing, and the growing demand for practical tools that make retail work faster and easier.

From improving retention to streamlining in-store resets, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a purpose-driven product to life—and how a focus on usability, quality, and innovation can lead to game-changing results.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

✅ Handycart was born from real-world retail challenges
✅ CJ’s 30+ years in sales guided the development process
✅ Prototyping and user feedback led to continuous product improvements
✅ The cart boosts efficiency, saves time, and reduces employee fatigue
✅ U.S. manufacturing ensures high-quality and consistent builds
✅ It’s being used beyond grocery—in hardware stores, CPG resets, and more
✅ Employee satisfaction is a key factor in retention and productivity
✅ Positive testimonials are driving organic growth
✅ CJ continues to innovate based on customer needs

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Handycart Workstation
02:55 – The Journey of CJ Warstler
06:02 – Designing for Real Retail Challenges
09:08 – The Power of Prototyping and Feedback
12:00 – Market Launch and Customer Response
14:53 – Boosting Employee Efficiency and Morale
18:15 – The Case for U.S. Manufacturing
20:56 – Handycart in Grocery, Hardware, and More
23:48 – User Testimonials and Field Results
26:55 – What’s Next: Product Expansion and Innovation

📖 Read the full write-up:
Reimagining Retail Efficiency: How Handycart Is Changing the Game

🎧 Listen Now:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | More Platforms & Show Notes

Want to be featured on GroceryPulse?
📧 Email us at ⁠[email protected]

Interested in Handycart?
🌐 thehandycart.com
📧 Contact CJ: ⁠[email protected]

In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with design experts Adam Steinberg and Henry Casanova to explore the evolving world of CPG packaging and grocery retail design. Together, they dive deep into the importance of clarity in packaging, how consumer behavior drives design decisions, and why eco-friendly packaging is more than just a trend.

The conversation touches on the power of A/B testing and customer persona research, the balancing act of creative instincts vs. customer feedback, and how AI and digital printing technology are transforming the design landscape for grocery and CPG brands. Adam and Henry also share the critical role of brand consistency, the impact of rebranding on consumer perception, and what it really takes to create packaging that stands out on crowded grocery shelves.

Whether you’re a CPG founder, retail marketer, or design enthusiast, this episode is your front-row seat to the strategies, insights, and trends shaping the future of grocery and CPG packaging design.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Clarity in design is crucial for consumer understanding
✅ Brands have only 3–5 seconds to grab attention
✅ Eco-friendly packaging is increasingly important for customers and the planet
✅ Digital printing technology unlocks innovative design possibilities
✅ Color consistency is essential for brand recognition and trust
✅ Balancing customer feedback and creative instincts is an art
✅ Rebranding can make or break a company
✅ Consumer behavior and perception directly influence packaging success
✅ The human element in design can’t be replaced by AI
✅ Design is not a magic formula—it’s a thoughtful process

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Design in Grocery and CPG
02:57 – The Importance of Clarity in Packaging Design
05:49 – Trends in Design: Simplicity and Eco-Friendliness
09:04 – The Role of Technology in Packaging Design
11:49 – Consumer Behavior and Shelf Visibility
14:58 – The Human Element in Design and AI
18:12 – Creating a Brand Story Through Design
20:58 – The Impact of Color and Consistency in Branding
31:21 – Understanding Customer Personas and Targeting
34:55 – Balancing Feedback and Expertise in Design
39:23 – The Impact of Rebranding on Consumer Perception
43:09 – Rapid Fire Insights on Design Trends
48:13 – Key Takeaways for CPG Founders on Design

🎧 Listen Now:

• Spotify

• Apple Podcasts

• More platforms & show notes

Want to be featured on GroceryPulse?
📧 Email us at [email protected]

Learn more by visiting https://www.kitprint.co/

📧 Email Adam [email protected] [email protected]

In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin speaks with Blake and Stephanie Alexandre of Alexandre Family Farm, the first certified regenerative dairy farm in the U.S. They share the inspiring story of building a family farm rooted in stewardship, nutrition, and sustainability—and how their mission is reshaping the dairy industry.

From the power of regenerative farming practices that restore soil health to the nutritional benefits of A2 milk, the conversation uncovers how Alexandre Family Farm is redefining what dairy can be. Blake and Stephanie reveal the challenges of maintaining transparency in their production process, why they see farming as a partnership with the environment, and how their faith and family values shape everything they do.

You’ll also hear about the personal stories from customers whose lives have been transformed by A2 milk, and why partnerships with retailers are essential for expanding this movement. For the Alexandres, it’s not just about milk—it’s about building a legacy of healthier families and a more sustainable planet.

Key Takeaways:✅ Regenerative farming improves soil health and biodiversity, leading to healthier cattle and milk.✅ A2 milk offers unique nutritional benefits and easier digestion for many consumers.✅ Healthy soil → healthy cows → healthy people.✅ Transparency and authenticity build consumer trust.✅ Partnerships with retailers are key to growing impact.✅ The Alexandres’ faith and family values are woven into every aspect of their business.✅ Personal stories show how quality milk can truly change lives.✅ Sustainability isn’t optional—it’s essential for future generations.✅ Investing in children’s nutrition is an investment in their future.✅ Their brand is about more than products—it’s about a lifestyle and a mission.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Alexandre Family Farm
03:02 – Building a Strong Partnership
05:55 – The Founding Story of Alexandre Family Farm
08:59 – The Importance of Soil and Regenerative Farming
12:00 – Nutritional Benefits of A2 Milk
14:50 – Innovative Practices in Dairy Farming
17:53 – The Role of Cows in Regenerative Agriculture
20:57 – Challenges and Motivation in the Dairy Industry
24:06 – Legacy and Community Impact
26:55 – Faith and Purpose in Farming
39:36 – The Philosophy Behind the Product
44:01 – Building a Legacy Through Nutrition
49:51 – Consumer Connection and Personal Stories
55:48 – The Importance of Transparency and Quality
01:00:38 – Personal Insights and Reflections

🎧 Listen Now:

• Spotify

• Apple Podcasts

Want to be featured on GroceryPulse?
📧 Email us at [email protected]

⸻

Want to Visit or Send Us Mail?

Farm & Office:

8371 Lower Lake Road

Crescent City, California 95531

Farm Store & Egg Ranch:

7955 Bailey Road

Crescent City, California 95531

In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with Kelly Damewood, CEO of California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), to unpack the future of organic farming, certification, and consumer trust. Together, they explore how organic and regenerative agriculture can become the norm—not the exception—through smart certification, clear communication, and authentic leadership.

Kelly shares her personal journey from suburban roots to leading the charge for organic integrity, revealing the challenges and triumphs of organic certification and what it really takes to support small farmers, CPG brands, and retailers in this movement.

The conversation also highlights consumer behavior trends around organic food, the importance of signage and in-store education, and how CCOF is helping the grocery and CPG industries evolve to meet growing demand for transparency, sustainability, and soil health.

Whether you’re a retailer, CPG founder, or just passionate about sustainable agriculture, this episode will help you understand the political, environmental, and personal sides of the organic journey.

Key Takeaways:✅ Organic farming empowers small producers to enter the market.✅ Signage in stores can significantly boost organic sales.✅ Organic certification is a tool for trust and transparency.✅ Millennials and families are driving growth in organic demand.✅ Regenerative agriculture is gaining momentum but lacks universal certification.✅ Educational initiatives and scholarships are crucial for the next generation of organic farmers.✅ Visiting farms provides deeper understanding of sustainable practices.✅ Building trust and community is essential for long-term organic growth.✅ “Food is medicine” is a growing movement tied to organic farming.✅ Authenticity and vulnerability are keys to effective leadership.

Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Organic Farming and Certification
02:47 – Kelly’s Journey into Organic Agriculture
06:06 – Consumer Trends in Organic Food
09:05 – The Role of Signage in Organic Sales
11:52 – Navigating Political Landscapes in Organic Agriculture
15:08 – Understanding the Ideal Organic Customer
17:51 – Certification for Various Stakeholders
20:54 – Challenges for CPG Companies in Going Organic
24:08 – Educational Initiatives and Scholarships in Organic Agriculture
26:57 – Clarifying Organic vs. Other Labels
30:41 – The Integrity of Organic Farming
32:14 – The Rise of Regenerative Agriculture
35:12 – Personal Insights and Practices
36:07 – Quickfire Favorites and Rituals
39:11 – Leadership Lessons and Authenticity
40:27 – Memorable Farm Visits and Experiences
42:05 – Connecting with Industry Leaders
44:05 – Call to Action and Closing Thoughts

🎧 Listen Now:

• Spotify

• Apple Podcasts

• More platforms & show notes

  
  

Want to be featured on GroceryPulse?📧 Email us at [email protected]

🌿 Learn more about CCOF at 👉 ccof.org

In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with Deborah Sanchez, an HR consultant with nearly 20 years of experience advising C-suite leaders at one of California’s largest utility companies. From her beginnings as a young mom seeking stability to now shaping corporate HR strategy, Deborah shares powerful insights on employee retention, mentorship, workplace culture, and leadership grounded in compassion.

Whether you're managing a growing grocery team, launching a CPG brand, or navigating hiring and retention in a post-COVID world—this conversation delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories that apply across industries.

🔥 Topics We Cover:
• How mentorship drives professional growth
• Balancing AI with the human side of HR
• Why experience > education in many hiring decisions
• The ROI of compassion and appreciation in leadership
• Building workplace cultures that support inclusion and retention
• What grocery and CPG leaders can learn from corporate HR

🎯 Key Takeaways:
✅ Compassionate leadership increases loyalty & productivity
✅ Experience often outweighs credentials in hiring
✅ AI is a tool—not a replacement—for human interaction
✅ Employee growth, not just evaluations, builds culture
✅ Family-oriented culture improves morale & retention
✅ Transparency, benefits, and recognition matter more than ever
✅ Hiring local builds community connection & workplace diversity

🎧 Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to HR and Deborah’s Journey
03:07 – The Power of Mentorship in Career Growth
05:54 – Hiring: Why Experience Beats Credentials
08:57 – What Really Drives Employee Satisfaction
12:09 – Evaluations and Feedback that Actually Help
15:10 – Work-Life Balance: Retaining Your Best People
17:57 – Post-COVID Return to Office Trends
21:09 – The Role of AI in Modern HR
24:00 – Diversity, Inclusion, and Innovation
26:53 – HR Trends Shaping the Future
43:06 – Cultivating Diversity with Integrity
45:15 – Aligning Company Values with People Needs
46:37 – Meeting Employees Where They Are
49:20 – Empowering Diverse Talent
51:49 – Traits of High-Performing Team Members
54:45 – Compassion in the Workplace
57:27 – Fire Chat Round: Rapid HR Wisdom
01:03:00 – How Data & Analytics Drive Better HR Decisions

📌 Don’t Miss These Fire Chat Topics:

• Self-checkout vs. the human touch

• Hybrid vs. remote recruiting

• High-performing team member traits

• The impact of small gestures (like keychains!)

• Compassion as a business strategy

💼 About the Guest:
Deborah Sanchez is an HR strategist, mentor, and leadership consultant with two decades of hands-on experience helping teams thrive. Her work focuses on bridging generational and cultural gaps in the workplace through inclusion, authenticity, and data-backed leadership.

🧠 Sound Bites to Share:
"Employees want to grow."
"Compassion is pretty important."
"A team can make you or break you."
"Diversity can push a company’s innovation."
"Appreciation and compassion go a long way."

🎯 Keywords / Tags for SEO (YouTube):
HR, employee satisfaction, workplace culture, mentorship, leadership in HR, AI in HR, employee retention, grocery industry, CPG team building, diversity and inclusion, remote hiring, team dynamics, HR podcast, HR strategy, GroceryPulse Podcast, George Goodwin, company culture, data analytics HR, compassion in leadership, hybrid teams, employee growth, post-COVID workplace

📬 Want to be featured or sponsor an episode?
Email: [email protected]

🔔 Subscribe & Follow for more insights from grocery, CPG, and leadership innovators.

In this episode of GroceryPulse by Innovar Agency, host George Goodwin welcomes James W. Keyes, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, and Chairman of Wild Oats Marketing LLC. James brings decades of leadership experience from some of the most iconic brands in retail, and today, he shares his unique insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of the retail industry.

The conversation delves into James’s leadership journey at 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, where he played a pivotal role in driving technological advancements and scaling the companies globally. James discusses the importance of building strong company culture, balancing innovation with tradition, and the power of networking in retail. He also opens up about one of his most notable innovations—the introduction of the aluminum beer bottle to the U.S. market—and the challenges he faced in launching a new product that would forever change packaging trends.

Listeners will gain invaluable knowledge about how to navigate the fast-evolving retail landscape, build meaningful relationships, and innovate product offerings to stay ahead of trends. Plus, James shares his vision for the future of retail, including the rise of e-commerce, the role of AI, and what it takes to succeed in a rapidly changing market.

Key Takeaways:

• Leading with a balance of tradition and innovation.

• The power of networking and mentorship in retail.

• Insights into launching new products and staying ahead of trends.

• The future of retail: e-commerce, AI, and sustainability.

Learn more about James W. Keyes and his work at jameswkeyes.com.

Host: George Goodwin
[email protected]
Questions: [email protected]

Guest: James W. Keyes
Follow James: @jameswkeyes
Subscribe to GroceryPulse and stay tuned for more industry insights!

In this episode of Grocery Pulse by Innovar Agency, host George Goodwin sits down with Bob Reeves, Executive Vice President and Associate Publisher at Shelby Publishing. As a grocery media expert and USC Food Industry Management Program alumnus, Bob shares insights from over two decades of documenting and influencing the grocery industry. The conversation dives into the critical role of grocery media in shaping industry trends and decisions, exploring: Bob’s journey from grocer to media professional and his passion for elevating the industry. The Shelby Report’s impact on connecting manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers through regional insights and trend forecasting. Why staying informed through industry media is essential for grocers aiming to adapt to market changes and drive growth.

Listeners will gain actionable advice on leveraging grocery media for better decision-making, building partnerships, and staying ahead of industry trends as we approach 2025.

Key Takeaways:

- Engage with trade publications like The Shelby Report to stay informed. - Use media insights to navigate challenges, spot opportunities, and drive innovation.

-Don’t underestimate the power of industry events and networking.

Shelby Reports Article mention in the podcast: https://theshelbyreport.com/2024/10/02/goodwin-sons-market-reopens-in-crestline-ca/

Emails us:

Host: George Goodwin

[email protected]

Questions: [email protected]

Guest: Bob Revees

[email protected]

Executive Vice President, Associate Publisher, West Regional Director
Subscribe to https://theshelbyreport.com/

In this episode of Grocery Pulse by Innovar Agency, host George Goodwin, a fourth-generation grocer and retail strategist, sits down with Austin and Brennen, co-founders of Sleke. Sleke is revolutionizing workplace productivity with its “smart dumb phone,” designed to eliminate distractions and enhance focus.

The conversation explores the impact of smartphone distractions on grocery and retail operations, with eye-opening stats like $600 billion lost annually due to workplace distractions. Austin and Brennen share how Sleek’s B2B solutions are tailored to improve communication, streamline operations, and boost productivity for grocery teams.

This episode is packed with actionable insights, rapid-fire fun questions, and expert advice for grocery leaders ready to embrace focused communication tools. Don’t miss this deep dive into how technology is pushing the grocery industry forward!

Visit https://www.sleke.io/ website or email [email protected] to explore their B2B solutions and schedule a free consultation. Subscribe to Grocery Pulse for more insights, and share this episode with fellow grocery and retail professionals!

Olympic Insights for Grocery Leaders: Krysta Palmer on Grit, Goals & Shopping Trends | GroceryPulse Vol. 9

In this exciting episode of the GroceryPulse Podcast, George Goodwin welcomes Krysta Palmer, Olympic Bronze Medalist and USA Diving National Team member, to explore what grocery leaders and store owners can learn from athletes. Krysta shares her journey from earning medals on the global stage to preparing for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, all while balancing a Kinesiology degree and an MBA.

Grocery executives and teams will be inspired by Krysta’s lessons in grit, goal-setting, and overcoming odds, as well as valuable insights into athletes’ shopping habits. Did you know that athletes shop 2-3 times more than the average American? They prioritize quality foods and healthy trends that impact grocery decisions. Learn how to apply these insights to better serve health-conscious customers. 🛒 ⁠Learn more here⁠.

In this episode of the GroceryPulse Podcast, George Goodwin is joined by Ron Bonacci, Vice President of Marketing and Merchandising at Big Y Foods. With over 20 years of experience in the grocery and retail industry, Ron shares his expertise in crafting innovative marketing strategies and driving customer engagement. The conversation delves into the evolving role of marketing in the grocery sector, the importance of understanding customer behavior, and the strategies Big Y Foods has implemented to stay ahead in a competitive market. Ron also offers actionable advice for retailers looking to build stronger connections with their customers.

Whether you're a retail professional or simply curious about the future of grocery marketing, this episode is packed with valuable insights and forward-thinking ideas. Tune in now! 🛒 ⁠Learn more here⁠.