Road 2 Retail

Episode #.153 Today the Road 2 Retail team meets with Sean Ogar- Co-founder and CEO of Big Chalk Analytics: a leading insights and analytics firm for CPG brands. On today's show, Sean unveils Big Chalk's new offering to help emerging, small, and challenger brands grow. Details on how to follow the show are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Today's discussion points with Sean include: - Sean provides some details around Big Chalk's capabilities and the network they have built of over 1500 people well versed in CPG analytics- The exciting introduction of the Big Chalk 'Emerging Brands Launch & Growth Toolkit'- The toolkit delivers data for emerging brands across four key disciplines: concept testing, package design, pricing, and marketing communications testing- The toolkit delivers this data much faster and at a better price legacy research firms - The Big Chalk output is formatted in slides ready for your retailer presentations and investor meetings.- Included with the toolkit are eight hours of consulting with the Big Chalk team to ensure you and your people are comfortable with the information- A Cubs and who knew there was a #1 fan of Heinz Ketchup?

To learn more about the emerging brands tool kit https://www.bigchalk.co

e-mail- [email protected] the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms

Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd

Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY

YouTube channel- https://lnkd.in/gH2Dk_q6.

Thanks to our sponsor: The Emerson Group-

A trusted CPG partner and omni channel expert to brands https://theemersongroup.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

Episode # 152. On today's episode of the Road 2 Retail, we spend time with Mike Wysong- CEO of CARE Pharmacies. Mike's position with this unique company provides him with a broad view across the healthcare industry. He shares views on how emerging brands can and do drive innovation. Details on how to follow the show are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Topics covered today include: - A review of Mike's non-traditional collegiate experience at The Virginia Military Institute and what it taught him- CARE Pharmacies' unique role in the healthcare space and the growth they have enjoyed while serving their customers- Why it is important to offer counsel to the next generation of leaders (brands and people) while also learning from them.- How do large established brands remain relevant and how can emerging brands break through?- Always thinking about ways to break down the silos within the healthcare space- how can we all contribute to closing gaps in healthcare?- An artist and a fan of the Green Bay Packers, The Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd. Note: Management approves of these selections!Follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platformsApple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://lnkd.in/gH2Dk_q6.Thanks to our sponsor: The Emerson Group- A trusted CPG partner and omni channel expert to brands https://www.theemersongroup.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

Episode #:151

On today's show the Road 2 Retail team speaks with a returning guest- Brooks Powell. The founder and CEO of the supplement brand Cheers. Brooks shares his insights on how he and the team have rapidly grown the Cheers brand in just four years. Details on how to follow the Road 2 Retail podcast are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Among the topics covered today include: - How aggressive marketing enabled the brand to scale quickly- Tik Tok a key!- What is the ACV Threshold gap, and why it is critical for retail success?- What are the trade-offs between regional and national rollout strategies?- How does the marketing-distribution flywheel work in practice?- How does the company balance long-term vision with profitability and growth discipline?- A fan of Sean Riley and his brand- DUDE WipesFollow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://lnkd.in/gH2Dk_q6.Thanks to our sponsors:Market Performance Group- A leading omni channel commerce agencyhttps://marketperformancegroup.comEagle Labs- A manufacturer of consumer healthcare productshttps://wwweaglelabsinc.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

Episode #150

The Road 2 Retail team today spends time with Andrew Allen- the Market Development Executive at Fresh Scents. Andrew shares his insights on how he and the team are driving growth and making decisions at this unique, 50 year old overnight success brand! Details on how to follow the show are below. Plus- give us a follow on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Learn more about Fresh Scents here: www.freshscents.com/pages/buyer-guideTopics covered with Andrew today include: - The challenges of working with retailers to optimize the brand's placement within their stores. Which set and why?- The skills and approach they use to work with retailers when the initial placement decision may not be optimal based on history- How they utilize data more often and in different ways to manage and drive their business. Believers in research!- How Fresh Scents utilized data and research to optimize their branding and packaging refresh- How they select business partners to complement their in-house skills- Another Green Bay Packers fan! They are everywhere.....Follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:

Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd

Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY

YouTube channel- https://lnkd.in/gH2Dk_q6.

Thanks to today's sponsors: The Emerson Group- A trusted CPG partner and omni channel expert to brands https://theemersongroup.com

Floret- A deduction management platformhttps://www.tryfloret.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

Episode # 146. On today's show the Road 2 Retail team provides a recap of the 2026 Expo West show including show trends and best practices for attending this important show. Details on how to follow the Road 2 Retail podcast are below. Plus- give us a follow on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327.Among the topics covered today include: - Show details by the numbers- Educational sessions- CPG Innovation summit. Speakers and themes.- Retailer meetings- Tough to get at Expo West, RangeMe can help your brand secure meetings with retailers- Trends- The importance of the new food pyramid- Expo West best practices for attendeesThanks to our sponsors:The Emerson Group- A trusted CPG partner and omni channel expert to brands https://theemersongroup.comEagle Labs- A contract manufacture for supplement and skin care brandshttps://www.eaglelabsinc.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

Episode #:149

On today's show the Road 2 Retail team speaks with Harley Sutton, founder and CEO at Thanks! Naturals- a 100% natural + vegan self-care brand. Harley is a third-generation wellness entrepreneur who shares her insights on managing and growing several brands within the Thanks! Naturals portfolio. Details on how to follow the Road 2 Retail podcast are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Among the topics covered today include: - The trend she sees in the merging of beauty and wellness products- Driving brand awareness through Tik-Tok- Pros and cons of self-manufacturing- The decisions a brand needs to consider before moving to brick & mortar retail- The challenges of managing a portfolio of brands - Influenced by her mom and Bethanny FrankleFollow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://lnkd.in/gH2Dk_q6.Thanks to today's sponsors:The Emerson Group- A trusted CPG partner and omni channel expert to brands https://theemersongroup.comEagle Labs Inc: Contract manufacturing of OTC and HBC products https://www.eaglelabsinc.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

Episode #148. On today's show the Road 2 Retail welcomes Todd Johnson - the VP of Sales at Doctor's Best & Viactiv brands. We had a deep discussion about the importance of properly setting and managing pricing for an emerging CPG brand. Details on how to follow the show are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Episode Link-https://youtu.be/fGmVgICYM4EAmong the topics covered today include: - Todd's explanation of 'price pack architecture'- The need for a brand to know where they 'fit' within a retailer's category- When negotiating price with a retailer, understand that the real negotiation starts in-house with brand leadership- Some of the best pricing decisions you will ever make occur when you say 'no' to an opportunity- Why understanding each retailer's margin requirements and velocity hurdles is so important—they are not all the same.- Communicating and executing a price increase- A Minnesota Wild fan and his daughter's high school tennis team!Thanks to our sponsors:Market Performance Group- A leading omni channel commerce agencyhttps://marketperformancegroup.comFollow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://lnkd.in/gH2Dk_q6.Enjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

Episode #147 Today the Road 2 Retail team offers a recap of key topics and presentations covered at the 2026 Consumer Healthcare Products Association Self-Care Leadership Summit (CHPA SLS). The event took place March 16-18 at The Conrad Resort in Orlando, FL. Details on how to follow the Road 2 Retail show are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. There was a great deal of fantastic content shared at the CHPA SLS- we encourage you to listen to the entire episode. Some of the key learnings & takeaways: - CHPA Board Chair Greg Bradley (CEO Foundation Consumer Healthcare) and CHPA CEO Scott Melville offered opening remarks highlighting both the "turbulence" and opportunity facing the industry today- 2025 Consumer Healthcare trends and 2026 insights from Circana- Susan Roddy of Perella Weinberg led a panel discussing the state of M&A in the consumer healthcare space- A fantastic discussion with three senior leaders sharing their views on leading organizations through times of change- Let There Be and Sinta discussed ways to use AI to break down the "innovation bottleneck"CHPA is a fantastic organization focused on helping companies provide excellent self-care products to consumers. If you are a brand, ingredient supplier, or offer services supporting the consumer health and wellness space- contact CHPA and see about becoming involved with this community of committed, leading companies and people. For more information about CHPA- https://www.chpa.orgFollow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327.Thanks to our sponsor: The Emerson Group- A trusted CPG partner and omni channel expert to brands https://theemersongroup.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

Episode # 146. On today's show the Road 2 Retail team provides a recap of the 2026 Expo West show including show trends and best practices for attending this important show. Details on how to follow the Road 2 Retail podcast are below. Plus- give us a follow on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.

Follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:

Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd

Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY

YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327.Among the topics covered today include: - Show details by the numbers- Educational sessions- CPG Innovation summit. Speakers and themes.- Retailer meetings- Tough to get at Expo West, RangeMe can help your brand secure meetings with retailers- Trends- The importance of the new food pyramid- Expo West best practices for attendeesThanks to our sponsors:The Emerson Group- A trusted CPG partner and omni channel expert to brands https://theemersongroup.comEagle Labs- A contract manufacture for supplement and skin care brandshttps://www.eaglelabsinc.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

Episode # 145. Today the Road 2 Retail welcomes John Pinto - the Founder of the nasal stick brand Boom Boom to the show. John was an early guest on the show (episode #19) and is back to update us on their tremendous progress. Details on how to follow the show are below.

Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:

Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd

Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY

YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327. Key discussion points today include: - His upbringing exposed him to natural health & living solutions- Trial and error along the way as they built the brand- including a major shift in positioning- The more you sell, the more data you must bring to the table to discuss your business. A great story and passion alone no longer suffice- How utilizing Tik Tok Shop and hiring a professional selling partner served as "major unlocks" for brand growth- Why pricing discipline is vital to the health of an emerging CPG brand- A fan of the musical group OdeszaThanks to our sponsors:Market Performance Group- A leading omni channel commerce agencyhttps:///www.marketperformancegroup.comRetail and Response- A media agencyhttps://www.retailandresponse.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!