Retail War Games

Damian Dayton, filmmaker and creative strategist at Creatably, has launched over 100 campaigns for brands like Pillow Cube, Cold Case Ice Cream, and Kizzik — helping them scale from garage to national retail. In this episode, he shares what truly drives performance: clarity, humor, and strategic storytelling.

We explore the anatomy of a high-converting ad, the 5 D's of DTC success, and why being helpful beats being cool. Plus: how to use "debate bait," why tacos always win, and what founders should know before jumping into retail.

Whether you're building a brand, managing creative, or scaling into omni-channel, this episode offers practical insights with a dose of creative energy.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Brockbank | Retail War Games Podcast

From cage fights to handcrafted Italian eyewear, Johnny Riche built Rockwell with grit, loyalty, and a fighter's mindset. In this episode, he shares how combat sports shaped his leadership style, how Rockwell scaled without selling out, and why passion—not credentials—is the real edge in business.

We talk team culture, product pivots, affiliate strategy, and the kind of partnerships that start with a handshake and end with a brand that lives 24/7.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Brockbank | Retail War Games Podcast

In this short episode, Chris Willis (Chief Design Officer at Domo) breaks down why generative AI isn't just another tool — it's a strategic shift. From assistants to agents, dashboards to inboxes, Chris shares how leaders can move from tasks to goals, and why "English is the new programming language."

If you're building in retail, tech, or media — this is the mindset shift you need to stay ahead.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Brockbank | Retail War Games Podcast | Filmed in Salt Lake City

Heather Allen, Tax Partner at Tanner, breaks down the key tax changes retail founders should prepare for before year-end. She covers the upcoming expiration of major TCJA provisions in 2025 (including lower individual tax rates and the 20% pass-through deduction), along with estate planning, tariffs, and entity structure. It’s a practical overview for anyone building or exiting a brand in the next two years.

Sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 season are available.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Brockbank | Retail War Games Podcast | Filmed in Salt Lake City

Dude Perfect didn't just build a YouTube empire — they built trust.

In this episode, Matt Deimund (Chief Product Officer) shares how the brand evolved from backyard trick shots to board games, body armor, and retail partnerships that actually move product.

We talk about creator advantage, ownership mindset, and why authenticity isn't optional when scaling a brand families love. From Walmart shelves to live tours and future physical experiences, this is how Dude Perfect is turning content into commerce — without losing the soul.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Brockbank | Retail War Games Podcast | Filmed in Salt Lake City

In this episode, he explains what changes when a CMO takes on the operator role, and why much of marketing fails to connect with real customers. From leading global brands to launching his own, Brian shares how clarity, strong execution, and customer focus drive real results. A practical look at what works—and what founders should stop wasting time on.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Brockbank | Retail War Games Podcast Filmed in Salt Lake City

Brian McDonell knows what it takes to build a brand that scales — and what it takes to make it worth buying.

In this episode, he shares the real story behind growing a company with intention, exiting successfully, and staying sharp after the deal. From navigating retail partnerships to building operational discipline, Brian breaks down the mindset shifts founders need to go from startup to acquisition. He talks about the power of clarity, the importance of knowing what you're not, and why staying hungry post-exit is harder — and more important — than most people think.

Whether you're building your first brand or your third, this episode is a masterclass in long-game leadership.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Brockbank | Retail War Games Podcast | Filmed in Salt Lake City

Some brands start with funding. Brady Edwards started with grit. No playbook. No safety net. Just relentless execution and a deep understanding of what real customers actually want. In this episode, Brady shares how he went from contractor to brand builder — learning branding in the trenches and scaling without shortcuts.

This is the blueprint for building something real.

🔹 Why showing up beats being polished 🔹 How Brady built trust before he built scale 🔹 The power of listening to your customer before you raise a dime 🔹 Lessons from early mistakes, pivots, and the grind behind growth 🔹 Why authenticity wins in a world full of noise

If you're tired of startup theater and ready to build something that lasts — this episode is for you.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy-Retail War Games Podcast-Filmed in Salt Lake City

What do you do when your product gets copied, your margins collapse, and your brand is on the edge?

Ryan Moss didn't just survive it — he rebuilt Little Giant from the ground up. In this episode, he shares how betting the farm led to a total reinvention, turning a ladder company into a mission-driven brand that saves lives.

This is a masterclass in leadership under pressure.

👉 If you're a founder, operator, or brand CEO — this episode will challenge how you think about product, mission, and what it really means to lead.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Retail War Games Podcast Filmed in Salt Lake City

What does it take to build a brand that people don't just buy — but believe in? In this episode, Aaron Hennings shares the blueprint behind scaling a premium brand with soul. From his early days in retail to leading one of the most emotionally resonant product companies in the market, Aaron breaks down what most founders miss when chasing growth.

This isn't about hacks or trends. It's about building something that lasts.

🔹 Why clarity is your brand's first impression — and your biggest risk 🔹 How emotion drives loyalty more than product features ever will 🔹 The obsession behind packaging, presentation, and customer experience 🔹 Why consistency builds trust — and how to protect it at scale 🔹 Lessons from Stance, Liquid Death, KT Tape, and other brands that turned utility into identity 🔹 The power of saying "yes" before you know how — and building the team that figures it out

Whether you're a founder, operator, or marketer in DTC or retail, this episode is a masterclass in brand-building with conviction.