Pitch Lab

This week on Pitch Lab, we’re cracking open a can of nostalgia with Jamie Fahrner, co-founder of Shake Up Cocktails — the fairground-inspired canned cocktail brand bringing the zest of the Midwest to life. From barbecue stands to business plans, Jamie shares how a childhood lemonade stand moment became a booming beverage brand — and how Shake Up is now inviting its community to invest through WeFu...

What do ripped knees, fast fashion, and circular economies have in common? They all show up in this week’s conversation with Marianna Sachse, founder and CEO of Jackalo, a kidswear brand built on durability, sustainability, and serious style. A former public health advocate, Marianna shares how she went from policy to play clothes—designing pants that can survive playgrounds and growth spurts. We...

Actor–writer–producer Mark Elias (9-1-1: Lone Star, Lucifer, Truth Be Told, Criminal Minds, Justified, CSI) drops into Pitch Lab to unpack fifteen years of grind and how he leveled up from co-star credits to building his own slate. We get into the Beverly Hills Playhouse days, why almost every gig traces back to hustle, and the indie math of making a $1M film look like $5M. Mark previews his new p...

In the latest episode of Pitch Lab, hosts Jackie and Tom slice into the flavorful world of craft meats with George Turkette, CEO and founder of Turchetti’s Salumeria. From DIY pancetta in restaurant kitchens to building a premium meat brand with national reach, George shares the unfiltered story behind one of the most exciting names in charcuterie today. Learn more about George Turkette and the Ri...

On this episode of Pitch Lab, we cracked open a can of Donna’s Pickle Beer and an even better story with co-founder Scott Baird—a hospitality lifer whose career spans from world-renowned cocktail bars to roadside burger joints. Alongside his longtime collaborator Josh Jankovic, Scott has created a beer that’s turning heads, dividing palates, and somehow bringing everyone together over the polarizi...

In this engaging conversation, Brooke Vaughn , founder of Please and Thank You , shares her journey from a barista to the owner of a thriving coffee shop and bakery known for its acclaimed chocolate chip cookies. She discusses the evolution of her brand, the impact of the pandemic on her business model, and the importance of building a strong team culture. Brooke emphasizes the significance of com...

In this episode, Niles X. Lichtenstein, CEO of Nestment , shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leader in innovative real estate solutions. He discusses the importance of home ownership, the challenges faced by first-time buyers, and how Nestment aims to make home ownership attainable through co-buying and other strategies. Niles emphasizes the need for new pathways in real...

Bartholomew Jones, the co-founder of Cxffeeblack , discusses how his brand seeks to reclaim coffee's African roots while empowering Black farmers and promoting social justice. Through storytelling, music, and ethically sourced ingredients, Cxffeeblack offers an authentic coffee experience that emphasizes cultural connection and community. Key Takeaways • Bartholomew's journey from hip-hop artist t...

Pitch Lab brings Merrick Creative’s Tom Frank and content wizard William “Classic” Thomas together to spotlight CEOs and founders hustling to take their brands to the next level. Whether they're launching groundbreaking products, tackling growth challenges, or in the midst of raising capital, Tom and Classic dive into the heart of their stories. Each episode features a spirited conversation uncove...