Welcome to the very first Hot Potato Session! In this kickoff episode, Dave Carberry sits down with Joe Mattiko, founder and president of Acumen CPG, to dive into the challenges and strategies behind launching new products in today’s competitive landscape.

Joe shares expert insights on taking a product from ideation to implementation, offering practical tips for startups and emerging brands. They discuss everything from creating impactful branding and product imaging—like choosing the right color schemes—to targeting the right personas and assembling a team that can accelerate your go-to-market strategy, even on a small business budget.

With nearly three decades of experience working with industry giants like Hasbro, Gillette, and P&G, Joe brings a wealth of knowledge on avoiding common pitfalls, reducing costs, and speeding up time to market. You’ll also hear about his work with iconic brands such as Star Wars, Transformers, Crest, Swiffer, CoverGirl, and Hunnyball.

As a bonus, Dave’s love for DC Comics’ The Flash sparks a fun conversation on character lifespans and brand evolution—highlighting how even superheroes can teach us lessons about product growth and market relevance.

Join us for this insightful, candid discussion on product development, brand strategy, and the power of needworking. This is just the beginning of many Hot Potato Sessions to come!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davecarberry.substack.com