People of Packaging Podcast

Show Notes: From Kitchen Idea to Paradise in a Can: The Hawaiian Soda Co. Story with Gina Ho! Man, I am SO stoked for this episode. This is why I do this podcast. I’m talking with the amazing Gina Ho, who co-founded Hawaiian Soda Co. with her husband, Caesar. And let me tell you, this isn't just another craft soda. The story behind this brand is incredible. They’re on a mission to bring back the r...

Big thanks to Matthew Allen from NSF for joining the show as we talk about certifications and what they mean for us in packaging! Key Takeaways (The Juicy Stuff): * The Origins of Safety: NSF started 80 years ago (around the 1940s) out of a need to create scientifically-backed standards for new public consumption—think soda fountains, public swimming pools, and the rise of mass food processing. It...

Yo, what's good, packaging people? Adam Peek here, and you know how we roll—we're diving deep into the real talk behind building a brand. On this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Jack McNamara and Yash Banthia, the co-founders of Tru Energy Drinks. These guys aren't just making a great-tasting, better-for-you beverage; they're building a brand with a purpose, and their sto...

Yo! What is going on, everybody! Short quick episode here… I am absolutely JACKED for this episode. I'm letting you in on one of the biggest decisions we've made for our new label printing business and announcing a huge trip. Next week, I'm heading to Labelexpo Europe in Barcelona, Spain! But here's the twist: I'm not primarily going as "The Label King" content creator. I'm going as a business own...

What's up, People of Packaging! On this episode, we dive into a corner of the packaging world that most people never see, but it impacts millions of lives every single day: medical device and pharma packaging . I'm joined by Keith E. Smith, President of Vonco Products , and we get into the nitty-gritty of how flexible packaging is evolving in one of the most highly regulated industries out there....

Guest: Kerry Sanders, Digital Press Guru at EFI Hosts: Adam Peek, The Label King (@thelabelking on TikTok) This podcast is sponsored by awesome packaging solutions that get us fired up like Specright! Get ready to have your mind blown! In this episode, Adam is joined by EFI's Kerry Sanders to unveil a packaging innovation so cool, it's going to change the game. We're talking about the incredible c...

Welcome back to the People of Packaging Podcast! In this exciting episode, Adam Peek, the host and now co-owner of Label King SLC, sits down with the man himself, Robert Parker, the original Label King. SIGN UP FOR THE GRAND OPENING IN UTAH ON 8/28/25 FROM 11-1 Adam and Robert share the story behind their new partnership and the launch of Label King's second location in Salt Lake City, Utah. They...

Every Wednesday you have a chance to win a CAN WE SOLVE IT? Shirt in partnership with SmartSolve! Join us at 8:30 am MST every M-F for the best packaging content on the internet Dissolvable Packaging with Dana Prenger Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Dana Prenger from SmartSolve to talk about a truly innovative solution to the global packaging waste problem: dissolvable packaging...

In this episode of the People of Packaging podcast, host Adam Peek sits down with Michael Houston, President & CEO of Future Blue Group and Co-founder of Shower Pouch, for an insightful conversation that delves into his extensive career in packaging and his passion for innovative, sustainable solutions. Michael's Journey: From Corporate Giants to Entrepreneurial Ventures Michael shares his impress...

About the Guest(s): Fred Hart is a prominent figure in the branding and design industry, known for his strategic insights and creative solutions. He is a contributing writer at the Dieline, a strategic advisor for Drum Roll Snacks, and the owner of Hart Brands. Hart is celebrated for his unique approach to branding, focusing on strategy-led design that challenges traditional norms within the consu...

About the Guest(s): Jim Birch is the CEO of Salsa Queen, a thriving salsa business based in Salt Lake City, Utah. With a rich background in tech and finance, Jim has successfully leveraged his skills to grow Salsa Queen from a local endeavor into a substantial player in the food industry. His leadership has facilitated the brand's expansion into major retailers like Costco and Kroger, while also p...

Hey! No AI generated notes, but you should join us every morning at 8:30 am MST on Youtube and LinkedIn on the Packaging Today Show. Enjoy this episode and be sure to join us! https://www.youtube.com/@packagingunboxd is where you can find the show https://www.linkedin.com/in/eveliomattos/ or here comment live and we even have chances to win shirts and stuff from PackagingFashion.com This is a publ...

About the Guest(s): Steve Pyfrom is the Head of Strategy and Sales at The Nine Digital, a forward-thinking digital marketing agency specializing in the manufacturing industry. With an extensive background in pastoral ministry, Steve effortlessly transitioned to a sales career where he helps businesses flourish in the digital age. Leveraging over two decades of experience within the digital marketi...

About the Guest(s): John Chweya is the President of the Kenya National Waste Pickers Welfare Association, an organization that unites over 36,000 waste pickers across Kenya to advocate for their rights and welfare. Growing up in Kisumu, Kenya, John started his journey as a waste picker at the tender age of 13, driven by financial necessity. He has been recognized globally for his inspiring work, i...

About the Guest(s): Lauren Saidel-Baker is a seasoned economist at ITR Economics, a division of CROW LLP. Known for her data-driven and objective approach, Lauren specializes in economic forecasting and consulting, helping businesses and industries navigate economic changes. With a strong academic background from Wellesley College, where she double-majored in Economics and Religion, Lauren brings...

About the Guest(s): Jason Christensen is an accomplished entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in various industries. He previously founded a home security and automation company which he scaled to become one of the largest in the nation. After selling his first company to private equity, Jason transitioned to academia, becoming an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University, where he te...

About the Guest(s): Shea Coakley \ Shea Coakley is the CEO of Green Street Beverages, bringing over 16 years of entrepreneurial experience in the food, beverage, and health and wellness industries. With a focus on innovative product development, Coakley has been instrumental in positioning Green Street as a leader in the burgeoning market of THC-infused beverages. His passion for creating socially...

About the Guest(s): Corey Carlson is an accomplished executive coach, podcast host, and keynote speaker known for his expertise in leadership development and work-life balance strategies. He is the host of "Win at Home First" and the co-founder of the Rise community, an initiative aimed at supporting faith-driven men in integrating family and professional success. Corey is also the author of two i...

About the Guest(s): Paul Rice is the founder of Fair Trade USA, an organization committed to the principles of ethical sourcing and global sustainable development. With a passionate background in international development and social justice, Paul has dedicated over two decades to promoting fair trade practices that empower farmers and workers worldwide. His work in Nicaragua shaped his vision and...

About the Guest(s): Melanie Yermack is a seasoned Managing Director at Mesirow, where she co-heads the packaging practice. With over 14 years at the firm, Melanie has developed deep expertise in investment banking focused on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) within the packaging sector. She started her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers and has been instrumental in navigating complex financial landscap...

About the Guest(s): Alan Beaulieu: An esteemed economist known for his insightful economic forecasts, Alan Beaulieu has been sharing his expertise at the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI) show for 16 years. He brings a wealth of knowledge on how policies impact economies, particularly focusing on the packaging and manufacturing sectors. Alan is a prolific author and a renowned speaker,...

About the Guest(s): Megan Lalanne is a seasoned packaging engineer with an impressive background in various industries. Currently employed by Andis, a well-known company producing shaving products, Megan has been instrumental in advancing their packaging engineering capabilities. Educated at UW Stout, she brings her passion for innovation and sustainability into her day-to-day work, ensuring that...

About the Guest(s): Kyle Hollenbeck is the co-founder of AZ Lemonade Stand. Along with his business partner, they started Aioli Burger, a food truck known for innovative culinary creations. Kyle is passionate about entrepreneurship and the food industry, focusing on creating high-quality, shelf-stable lemonade products that are gaining traction in Arizona and beyond. Prior to launching AZ Lemonade...

About the Guest(s): Jon Smieja is the Vice President of Circularity at the Trellis Group. With a professional background that includes a PhD in Chemistry, Jon brings a wealth of knowledge in sustainability and circular economy. Since March 2022, he has been a pivotal force at Trellis Group, helping guide corporate practitioners in their fight against climate change. Jon is based in St. Paul, Minne...

About the Guest(s): Adam Peek is an expert in the packaging industry with over 14 years of experience. He specializes in labels, folding cartons, and RFID technology. Currently residing in West Jordan, Utah, Adam has a strong footprint in the labeling sector, working with a variety of companies to optimize their product packaging solutions. His deep understanding of the complexities of labeling an...