In 2012, Dean Packingham set out to make the world’s best hot cocoa and is now in over 1,000 stores across the USA including Costco, Coburn’s, Meijer, and Hy-Vee.  With the cold weather outside and warm cups of cocoa inside, Dean joins the guys to chat about how he started the brand, the importance of getting the formula right, and building a community of supporters.

Dean's LinkedIn

Mike & Jen's Cocoa Mix Homepage

Prior to becoming Chief of Sales for Jelmar, Sarah Chadwick has enjoyed a successful career in both marketing & sales.   A former manager and mentor to both of the guys, she joined the show to share her experiences, provide insights on cross-functional growth and leadership, and to shed light on Alex's extravagant Costco food court ordering preferences.

Sarah's LinkedIn

Jelmar Homepage

CPG veteran and new Vancouverite; Kim Purslow joins the show to chat about her CPG journey, her transition into the alcohol space, what beverage best represents each of the guys, and finding her voice as a leader.

Kim's LinkedIn

Labatt Homepage

Jamie Griffiths of Matt & Steve’s joins the guys to talk about his career CPG journey from retail to large CPG to start-up, the importance of believing in yourself, and how he’s going to finally get the US on board with the famous Canadian Caesar!

Jamie's LinkedIn

Matt & Steve's Homepage

Canada's unstoppable entrepreneur, Mike Fata, talks about the journey to make Manitoba Harvest the global leader in hemp based foods and their $419M exit in 2019.   Mike shares tangible advice on starting a business, skills and tactics he himself benefited from, and what new brand investments he’s excited about.

LinkedIn

Manitoba Harvest

Mike Fata Homepage

Fata & Fleishman Mentorship

2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 Winner, Co-Founder and Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares – Jake Karls joins the guys to chat about using storytelling to build fans not customers, how to be comfortable being uncomfortable, and being unapologetically yourself.

LinkedIn

Mid-Day Squares

Hearts & Carts

The LinkedIn leader on Authenticity in CPG and Founder of IWON Organics joins the guys to chat through his career, health & wellness, challenges facing the CPG industry, and how to build your brand following by providing value.

LinkedIn

IWON Organics

Former MBA professor and accomplished strategic marketer, Jim Letwin joins the show to discuss his career journey from CPG to agency leadership, some of his favorite campaigns, and the role of culture in achieving success.

LinkedIn

Jan Kelly Homepage

Award winning sales leader Dave Tielemans joins the podcast to discuss his CPG background, how to efficiently plan your time, changing consumer trends in retail, and balancing family life.

LinkedIn Profile

Neptune Retail Solutions Homepage

Justin’s first CPG manager joins the show to discuss the changing retail landscape over the years,

transitioning from traditional CPG into the beauty industry, and enormously needed advice on beauty trends

and self-care. Confirmed that Justin has started exfoliating after this episode.

LinkedIn Profile

Orchard International Homepage