Retail War Games

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 • T...

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 reshap...

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, craftsm...

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 narrat...

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 ove...

In this episode, we sit down with Blake Brown to uncover how True Classic has redefined men's apparel by shifting the conversation from product to emotion. Instead of competing through trends or complexity, True Classic built its explosive growth on a simple but powerful idea: men deserve to feel confident, comfortable, and seen. Blake breaks down the brand's approach to fit, accessibility, and em...

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Brady — entrepreneur, storyteller, and the mind behind two of the most influential kid‑tech brands in the country. We dive into the origins of Gab and Troomi, the mission to keep kids safe in a digital world, and what it really takes to build a company that challenges an entire industry. Bill opens up about fundraising, supply chain battles, parenting in the s...

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Afleck from HULU's Secret Lives of Mormon Wives to unpack the real story behind her unexpected rise from wedding videographer to viral creator. Jennifer opens up about motherhood, creativity, and the moment a single TikTok video changed everything — taking her from posting for fun to building a powerful personal brand with over a million followers. We div...

In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Chris Willis to explore what it really means to stay curious as a leader in a world shaped by AI, data, and constant change. Chris shares his unconventional journey—from editorial cartoonist and Pulitzer-winning newsrooms to startups, design, and speaking on AI—revealing why the most valuable leaders aren't the ones with linear paths, but the ones willing to...

In this episode, Crystal Maggelet—CEO of FJ Management and one of the most influential leaders in modern retail—joins us for a conversation that's equal parts inspiring, real, and unforgettable. Crystal shares the remarkable story behind her family's legacy, from the early days of Flying J to leading Maverik's explosive growth across 20+ states. We dive into how she thinks about leadership, purpos...

In today's episode, we explore the remarkable journey of DemerBox—a story born on the remote islands of Survivor, where a sound engineer's ingenuity sparked a product unlike anything else in the outdoor world. What began as a simple solution in the wild soon captured the attention of Zac Brown, whose passion for music and the outdoors helped elevate the brand to new heights. We dive into the craft...

In this episode, we dive into the incredible journey of Shawn Hendrix, a trailblazer who's turned setbacks into stepping stones for success. Shawn opens up about the risks he took, the challenges he faced, and how faith, grit, and determination guided him through the toughest moments. 💡 What you'll take away from this episode: How to face and overcome personal and professional setbacks. The power...

What does it really take to lead — and keep winning — over four decades in business? Mark Goldstone, a 40-year CEO, investor, and turnaround expert, shares the hard-earned lessons behind building, fixing, and scaling companies across industries. In this episode, he breaks down the frameworks, mindset, and "CEO Playbook" that have helped him guide brands through change, uncertainty, and growth. For...

When David McKillips stepped into Chuck E. Cheese in 2019, the brand was broken — outdated animatronics, declining guest experience, and over a billion dollars in debt. What followed was one of the most ambitious turnarounds in entertainment history. In this episode, David shares how he led a full-scale transformation: remodeling hundreds of locations, redefining the brand's purpose, and repositio...

Ben Capell, Managing Director at Peterson Ventures, shares what makes a brand investable — from founder grit to ecosystem advantage. We talk strategy, hero products, and how early-stage capital can shape the future of retail. One of my favorite lines from this episode: "The players win the games — we're just here to coach." If you're building, scaling, or investing in consumer brands, this episode...

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 h...

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 wit...

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....

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 shelve...

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 Ga...

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 acquisi...

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 b...

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...

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 buildi...

​​Retail is evolving fast, and the brands that win are the ones who know how to adapt. In this episode of Retail Collective, we sit down with Jamie, former Nike executive, CEO of Jaybird, and now founder of SMMT, to unpack what it takes to lead through change. You'll hear: How Nike's rotational culture develops leaders who think across design, product, finance, and marketing What running Mancheste...