In the latest episode of On Impact, hosted by Benny Pough, Freddy Cameron, Jr., MBA, shares his fascinating journey and insights. He discusses his pivotal relationship with MC Hammer, which helped shape his early career, and his dual pursuits in retail and the music industry, highlighting the strategy of having "2 Plan As." Freddy explains his decision to choose retail over music, emphasizing the benefits of a stable career, and how he used his retail roles to discover and elevate new talent. He reflects on his success as a minority in various professional spaces and his career transitions from big box retail to thrift retail and eventually into the cannabis industry.

Freddy delves into the evolution of cannabis from criminalization to legalization and the importance of social equity programs for minorities. He introduces "Cookies Corners," innovative retail options in cannabis spaces ahead of legalization, and discusses the varying rules for medical cannabis. Freddy also highlights the impact of dedicated leadership, the role of AI in retail, and the importance of authenticity when selecting products and celebrities for the Cookies brand. Looking ahead, he shares his future goals, passion projects, and advice for the next generation of leaders. This episode offers valuable insights and inspiration from Freddy Cameron's multifaceted career.

About Today's Guest:

Today's guest, Freddy Cameron, is a seasoned retail leader with over 20 years of experience managing large-scale operations for companies like Costco, Sam's Club/Walmart, and cannabis giant Cookies. Known for his commitment to supporting minority and regional suppliers, Freddy has dedicated his career to creating opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs in big-box and small-format retail. He also serves as an advisor to Tiffany Haddish's Diaspora Groceries and has shared his expertise as a Retail Expert on the CW Network's "Hatched." As a retail expert and "Tastemaker for the Everyday Person," Freddy is dedicated to helping organizations and CPG entrepreneurs streamline their operations and achieve success. His passion for working with companies and suppliers with compelling stories allows him to use his expertise to enhance their missions and drive impactful results.

Key Points from this Episode:

• Freddy's relationship with MC Hammer

• Freddy's connection with and start in the music business

• Building a career in retail while also pursuing a career in the music industry

• Discussion of 2 Plan As

• Deciding to pursue retail over music and weighing the benefits of building a career in retail over music

• Using retail roles as a vehicle for finding talent and elevating talent in retail spaces

• Being successful as the only minority in the room

• Moving from big box stores to thrift retail, to the cannabis space

• The evolution of cannabis from criminalized to legalized and social equity programs for minorities and people of color

• "Cookie's Corners"

• Additional retail options with merchandise in cannabis spaces ahead of legalization

• Discussion on medical cannabis and the varying rules before recreational legalization

• The impact of a CEO who gives special care and attention to the products and mission of the company

• The use of AI in retail spaces and its usefulness in product recommendations

• Determining which products and celebrities become part of the Cookie's brand based on authenticity and brand alignment

• Freddy's future goals and passion projects

• Freddy's recommendation and advice for the next generation of leaders

Mentioned on the Show:

• Cookies

• MC Hammer

• Louis K. Burrell

• On Impact: Life, Leadership, and Betting On Yourself by Benny Pough

• CEO of Cookies, Berner

• It's Your Time Business & Music Conference

• Crafting Global Brilliance: A Guide to Building a Brand from Scratch

• That Badu

• CoolKicks

• Hatched TV Series

• Connect with Freddy Cameron, Jr., MBA on Instagram

• Connect with Freddy Cameron on LinkedIn

• Connect with Benny Pough on Instagram

• Subscribe to Benny Pough on YouTube

Thank You!

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of On Impact. If you found value in the conversation, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others looking to level up their lives and careers. Stay connected for more impactful stories and insights with leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators shaping the future. Follow us on social media for updates, and catch every episode wherever you listen to podcasts.