The CPGGUYS are joined in this episode by Delta 181 plane crash survivor from 1985 and now founder/CEO of the nutritional wellness brand Lucky Energy. This is the story of resilience, tenacity, courage and curiosity. Laver's daughter, Kate, had cerebral palsy and couldn't eat solid foods. He created a plant-based protein shake, which led to the founding of Kate Farms and then inspired by being a survivor - Lucky Energy.

Find Richard Laver on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-laver-38268616/

Find Lucky Energy on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucky-beverage-co/

Find Lucky Energy online at : https://luckybevco.com/

Here's what we asked him :

1. Let’s get to know you. Take us through your life story summary and why Lucky energy was founded. What leadership principles have you anchored your career on?
2. Take us through the portfolio of the company and your innovation approach. What’s new for 2025?. 
3. How are you looking at Omnichannel holistically and coaching your teams on building for an always-on 360 consumer?
4. You are up against stiff larger competitors with deep media pockets - how do you match up here and become the challenger that is fast-growing?
5. Startups - fun and not so much. What challenges have you encountered, and how have you mitigated them?
6. Who is your target consumer, and how do you follow them and provide for them? Why is your brand attractive for them vs others in the crowded category?
7. What is advice you would share for others looking to start the next CPG brand? 
8. What trends are you following these days?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signup
Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:
https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signup

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Nicole Collida Davis, Managing Director & SVP US National Accounts and Jennie Bell Managing Director & SVP US Global Clients at NielsenIQ, the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. Today NIQ has operations in 95+ countries representing 97% of the world’s GDP. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™.

Find Nicole on LinkedIn at: http://linkedin.com/in/nicolecollida
Find Jennie on LinkedIn at: http://linkedin.com/in/jennie-bell-a27568b
Find NielsenIQ Media online at: http://nielseniq.com 

Nicole & Jennie answers these questions:

1. Let me ask the obvious - what does a day in the life of each of you look like? 
2. What does the word work life balance mean to you?
3. How do you both bring a sense of balance in your lives and get some ‘me time’
4. What are day to day challenges you’ll deal with in just getting it all done?
5. How do you deal with away from home business travel? 
6. What does vacation travel mean to you? Do you get away? What’s your next getaway? 
7. Let’s talk the world of business leaders you two are. How do you practice wellness and balance and what you learn in your own lives - in your day job? 
8. What advice would you give other CPG parents listening to this episode ? 

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com

Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signup
Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:
https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signup

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Alison O'Keefe, Partnership Director at WHSmith North America Media Network, Powered by SMG. WHS Media is the first-ever in-store travel Retail Media Network, connecting brands to consumers across travel hubs in North America.

Find Alison on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-o-keefe-42b1a830/
Find WHSmith Media on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whsmith-north-america-media-network/
Find WHSmith Media online at: https://smg.team/en-us/retailers/whs-media/

Alison answers these questions:

1. What are some of the biggest challenges brands face when trying to engage consumers in travel hubs?
2. How do you see the role of physical retail media evolving in an increasingly digital advertising landscape?
3. Why did WHSmith choose to partner with SMG in launching a media platform?
4. How does WHSmith differentiate its media network from other retail media networks in the travel space?
5. What are the core solutions that you offer brands to engage consumers in your physical retail locations?
6. What types of brands or advertisers see the most success when partnering with WHSmith’s media network? Is it all about endemic advertising?
7. Can you share any recent success stories of brands leveraging WHSmith’s retail media network effectively?
8. What advice would you give to companies looking to create meaningful partnerships within the WHSmith ecosystem?
9. How does WHSmith’s media network measure and report on ad effectiveness for partners?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com

Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signup
Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:
https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signup

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPGGUYS are joined in this episode by Vice President of grocery merchandising at Wakefern Food Corp. Jeff is a remarkable example of a pharmacist expert and leader now transformed into an everyday grocery merchant. We were so impressed by his leadership, he is the winner of the DSN (Drug store news) + CPGGGUYS retail merchandiser of the year for 2024! 

Find Jeff Mondelli on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-mondelli-95a72148/

Find Wakefern Food Corp on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/wakefern-food-corp-/

Find Wakfern Food Corp online at : https://www2.wakefern.com/

Here's what we asked him : 

1.  You are a rare breed of merchants that have successfully transitioned from pharma to CPG - what did it take and how did you accomplish this?

2. How have consumer behaviors and preferences shifted in the post-pandemic world, and what does this mean for CPG brands?

3. CPG companies are facing a lot of disruption with e-commerce and changing consumer behaviors. What are the biggest shifts you're seeing in the industry today?

4. How do you see the relationship between traditional retail and CPG evolving over the next 5 years?

5. What advice do you have for CPG companies that are struggling to adapt to the consumer digital-first world?

6. How do you think CPG companies can best leverage data and analytics to improve their operations, marketing, and customer engagement?

7. What does a best in class partnership with Wakefern look like for a CPG brand?

8. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received during your career, and how did it shape your path?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/
Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.com/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPGGUYS are joined in this episode by Shaan Modi, from New Jersey. Shaan is still in high school but was spotted by us at CAGNY (the annual consumer analysts gathering with senior CPG brand leaders) down in Florida in February. We observed him attend several sessions, and we quite surprised to see someone from Gen Z in this conference. We asked him what he thought, and his answers both intrigued and challenged our own biases of how he saw the notion of a 'brand'. We decided to bring him on the pod, he agreed, here is the episode. Enjoy the listen to what Gen Z thinks of the many brands we have spent decades building.

Here's what we asked Shaan : 

Personal Experience & Perspective : What inspired you, as an 18-year-old, to attend CAGNY 2025, and how did you prepare to get the most out of it? Were there any moments during the conference that shifted your opinion about a brand or product?

Health & Wellness Trends :Do you think the current “better-for-you” trends reflect authentic health concerns among Gen Z—or are they still mostly marketing tactics?

Marketing Strategy : Which brand do you think best understands Gen Z in terms of digital-first marketing, and what made it stand out? How important is authenticity in influencer marketing to you and your peers? What makes something feel “forced” versus genuine?

Innovation & Missed Opportunities : You pointed out how companies missed TikTok trends—why do you think they’re slow to adapt, even when the data is right there? Do you think there’s a risk in brands trying too hard to be trendy or viral? What’s the right balance?If you could advise General Mills on a single product innovation to better appeal to Gen Z, what would it be?

Product Development & Personalization : How important is personalization in food products for Gen Z? Would you actually use something like a custom snack box?

Cultural & Social Relevance : What’s one cultural or social movement you feel CPG brands are completely missing out on when it comes to Gen Z? Which viral food trend do you think has the most untapped brand potential right now?

Vision for the Future : If you were to attend CAGNY 2030, what changes or evolutions would you hope to see in how brands engage with your generation?Personal Experience & Perspective? Were there any moments during the conference that shifted your opinion about a brand or product?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/
Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/
Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.com/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Brandon Nutter, co Founder and CTO of Ampd, which connects Google Ads directly to the world’s largest marketplaces like Amazon and turn incremental revenue all the way up, and Steve Pet, Antitrust Associate at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP.

Find Brandon Nutter on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonnutter/
Find Steve Pet on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-pet-22b12040/
Find Ampd online at: https://www.ampd.io/

Brandon & Steve answer these questions:

1. What is the RPA policy and why does it hold brands back in your observation? Is it a ‘where to buy’ challenge?
2. We’d love to learn how RPA came about and how often do you encounter it in the law practice? Is it a big deal or not? Have you seen it enforced?
3. We have a new administration and it’s clear they are moving aggressively on removing business barriers. What are you guys anticipating?
4. In your observation, what do CPG brands do today to stay compliant? Does this compliance then destroy ‘where to buy’ as an intent to help the consumer know promotional offers?
5. Let’s stay on the theme of where to buy. What is it then ideal for and what is it not ideal for? Can I have both of you respond to that – Steve you first?
6. Any case studies recently that you can share from personal experiences?
7. Since this is a misunderstood topic, how is Ampd’s platform help in this space? Why should a brand invest with you to overcome this challenge? What is then the advantage of sending closed loop traffic directly to retailers? Is first party data then lost as only retail will have it?
8. How can a brand be RPA compliant? What is your outlook and closing advice on this topic?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com

Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/
Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.com/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by returning guest Nik Modi, Co-Head of Global Consumer & Retail Research at RBC Capital Markets.

In this episode, Nik discusses his recent communication equity research newsletter called “Attention CPG Management/Boards: It’s Time to Cut EPS Significantly”

Nik argues that cutting numbers significantly would not only provide a floor on valuations, but also provide ample flex for investments that are critically needed, especially in marketing, innovation, supply chain and AI talent/capabilities.

Follow Nik Modi on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nik-modi-675926/

Follow RBC Capital Markets on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rbc-capital-markets/

Follow RBC Capital online at: https://www.rbccm.com/en/

To read Nick’s letter go here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cpgpodcast_growth-activity-7320215173019942913-wRRY?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAAB-1kB_qphpg7T2qlI24Zz4i_8wB0zMTI

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com

Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/
Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.com/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

In this episode, Sri interviews Jordan Berke, founder & CEO of TOMORROW, a leading digital retail advisory firm, enabling global retailers to accelerate growth through digitization.

Sri and Jordan tour an Amazon Fresh store as they unpack Amazon's omnichannel grocery strategy live from the original Amazon Fresh store in Los Angeles.
 
While much of Amazon's physical store rollout has been hit or miss, the Amazon Ads presence in stores shows the potential to combine in store screens, programmatic, and physical promo space to create immersive brand experiences. 

Find Jordan on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-berke-tomorrow/
Find TOMORROW on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tomorrow-retail-consulting/
Find TOMORROW online at: https://tomorrowretail.com/

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com

Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/
Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.com/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

In this episode, the CPG Guys are joined by Greg Pulsifer, SVP of eCommerce at Sam’s Club, the club format division of Walmart.

Find Greg on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregpulsifer/
Find Sam’s Club on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sam's-club/
Find Sam’s Club online at: https://corporate.walmart.com/about/samsclub/sams-club-suppliers?

Greg answers these questions:

1. Tell us about you the person? Take us through your career growth journey in digital and ecommerce and how you got here?
2. Take us through Sam’s ecommerce strategy and what is the 2025 focus? 
3. NRF digital council - what does this mean and how are you and Sam’s club contributing through it in our industry? 
4. How has ecommerce fundamentally changed over COVID and in a post COVID environment? How are you and Sam’s dealing with this?
5. Tell us about your team and how you motivate them everyday? What is your approach to people leadership?
6. Retail media has fundamentally changed shopping. How are you partnering with MAP and leveraging this for your customers experiences?
7. What trends are you following these days? AI, tech, other or digital trends? Why are these important?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode straight from Sydney, Australia by Imteaz Ahamed, founder and CEO of an artificial intelligence platform called Applied Intelligence. This episode is contextual for the CPG industry and covers many topics related to what YOU as a listener - either from a brand or retailer are faced with today.

Find Imteaz Ahamed on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/imteaza/

Find Applied Intelligence on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/applied-intelligence-newsletter/

Find Applied Intelligence online at : https://appliedintelligence.beehiiv.com/

Here's what we discussed : 

1. Is the CPG industry ready for AI at scale?
2. Do we understand the difference between ML & AI?
3. What is applied AI?
4. Where is AI the most effective in commercial forums, teams and growth?
5. Are CMO's doing what's needed to leverage AI?
6. Why ChatGPT is merely a beginning...
7. How can you learn, adapt and adopt.
8. Applied AI in CPG.

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.