Retail War Games

BGZ Brands has evolved from a family garage operation into a leader in mobile protection, distribution strategy, and the emerging category of device wellness. In this episode, Shane Feller shares how BodyGuardZ, Lander, and Moxyo are innovating across channels while redefining what a screen protector can be.

A deep dive into innovation, retail strategy, and the future of consumer electronics.

Back9 Golf is rewriting the rules of franchising — and in just three years, they've scaled to 443 locations across the U.S. and abroad. In this episode, Dustin Hansen, CEO of Back9, breaks down the franchise model, the culture, and the strategy behind one of the fastest‑growing concepts in America.

Inside this conversation: • How Back9 evaluates franchisees and maintains culture at scale • Why indoor golf is exploding across all demographics • The economics, build‑out model, and membership strategy fueling rapid growth

A must‑listen for founders, operators, and anyone curious about how a franchise becomes a movement.

The outdoor industry is under pressure — tariffs, supply‑chain swings, shifting consumer behavior, and a retail landscape that's harder than ever to navigate. In this episode, Marcus Sorensen, CEO of Caddis Sports, breaks down the real challenges outdoor brands are facing and the strategies that actually work in today's market.

The drone revolution is here — and it's transforming retail, logistics, and the future of mobility. In this episode, Aaron Starks, President & CEO of 47G, breaks down how autonomous delivery, air taxis, and advanced aerospace technology are reshaping the way products move and consumers shop.

You'll learn: • How autonomous drones will change last‑mile delivery and retail logistics • Why Utah is becoming a national hub for aerospace, defense, and air mobility • What retailers must prepare for as air taxis and drone delivery scale nationwide

A deep, forward‑looking conversation for anyone building, investing in, or operating the future of commerce.

In this episode, Jake Karls—co‑founder of Mid‑Day Squares—reveals how a small snack made in a Montreal condo kitchen grew into a retail powerhouse now found in more than 10,000 stores across North America. He breaks down the storytelling‑driven strategy that helped them build community before hitting shelves, the decision to manufacture their own product when no co‑packer could match their vision, and the city‑by‑city retail expansion model that allowed them to scale without losing momentum. Jake also shares how the brand navigated the global cocoa crisis, why innovation led them to launch their new PB&J product now taking off at Target, and what every CPG founder needs to understand about attention, velocity, and building real relationships with retailers. This is a raw, honest, high‑energy masterclass in modern brand building and the realities of winning in today's retail landscape.

In this episode, Kasey Evans breaks down the future of mobility—from electric vehicles to autonomous tech—and how strategic investing is reshaping entire industries. A fast, insightful look at where innovation is really headed.

You'll learn: • Why EVs, batteries, and autonomous systems are redefining global transportation • How strategic investors pick winners in high‑growth, high‑risk markets • The real challenges behind building and scaling next‑gen mobility companies

Building a supplement brand sounds exciting—until you understand the real economics behind it.

In this episode, Jake Hadlock, co‑founder of Nutrient, breaks down what it truly takes to manufacture products, manage capital, and scale in one of the most competitive industries in the country. We explore how trends like protein, clear whey, electrolytes, fiber, and even the rise of Ozempic are reshaping consumer behavior, and why so many founders underestimate the operational and financial demands of this space. Jake also shares the harsh reality of retail—how big‑box expansion can make or break a brand, why most DTC companies struggle to survive the transition, and what ultimately separates the few that last from the many that disappear.

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Kelly to talk about what it really takes to build and scale modern footwear brands like Taft and Journeys.

Mike shares his 17-year journey in the footwear industry, from early days selling opportunity buys online to leading brands that now ship millions of pairs of shoes each year. We dive into how Taft has redefined men's footwear through bold design, craftsmanship, and confidence—and how Journeys has grown into a dominant women's brand built on comfort, value, and scale.

We also explore global manufacturing decisions across China, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, the realities of supply chains, why specialization in footwear matters, and how operational excellence enables creative freedom. Along the way, Mike opens up about leadership, brand evolution, and why great products—and even great shoes—can have a deeper emotional impact than we often realize.

This conversation is a deep look at building brands that stand out, operate efficiently, and continue to grow without losing what makes them special.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Brockbank | Retail War Games Podcast

In this episode, James Dayton pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to capture attention in today's crowded digital landscape. From his small‑town beginnings in Cokeville, Wyoming to producing some of the internet's most iconic ads, James shares the stories, lessons, and hard‑earned insights that shaped his creative career.

He breaks down the evolution of viral content, the rise of narrative‑driven campaigns, and how platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are rewriting the rules of engagement. James also dives into the realities behind high‑impact ads—budgets, testing, algorithms, shelf life, and why brands must think in ecosystems rather than one‑off videos.

Whether you're a marketer, founder, or creative, this session is a masterclass in storytelling, strategy, and the psychology of what makes people stop scrolling.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Brockbank | Retail War Games Podcast

In this session, we hear directly from two leaders within the Utah Governor's Office as they share key insights into the state's economic direction.

Mike Mower opens with a powerful look at Utah's history of entrepreneurship — from pioneer merchants to modern innovators — and how that spirit continues to shape the state's resilience and identity.

Following him, Ryan Starks provides a strategic overview of Utah's economic priorities, including the role of the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, the inland port network, and the policies designed to support retailers, manufacturers, and emerging industries.

Together, they offer a rare, inside look at how Utah balances quality of life, business‑friendly regulation, infrastructure development, and long‑term economic vision.

A valuable session for anyone interested in leadership, public policy, logistics, or the blueprint behind one of the strongest economies in the nation.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Brockbank | Retail War Games Podcast