Retail War Games

Joshua Ketter has lived a life few people can imagine—born in Alaska, raised in Seattle, and now a global operator who has visited 84 countries and helped shape the retail strategies of Amazon and Target. In this episode, he sits down with Jeremy to unpack the early days of Amazon, the realities of scaling e‑commerce, and the lessons learned from overseeing massive supply chain and technology oper...

The Supreme Court has officially struck down the Trump‑era tariffs in a landmark ruling that could reshape the entire retail and manufacturing landscape. After years of U.S. brands paying more than $160B in tariffs, the decision opens the door for significant refunds as the case moves to lower courts. Early estimates suggest companies may recover 30–50% of what they paid, with higher odds for good...

This panel brings together some of Utah's most dynamic founders and operators to unpack one of the biggest questions facing consumer brands today: How do you navigate economic headwinds while serving increasingly price‑sensitive customers — without compromising your brand? Moderated by Nicea DeGering (ABC4) and Rachelle Morris (Stalwart Ventures) , the conversation features leaders from premium fo...

BGZ Brands has evolved from a family garage operation into a leader in mobile protection, distribution strategy, and the emerging category of device wellness. In this episode, Shane Feller shares how BodyGuardZ, Lander, and Moxyo are innovating across channels while redefining what a screen protector can be. A deep dive into innovation, retail strategy, and the future of consumer electronics.  

Back9 Golf is rewriting the rules of franchising — and in just three years, they've scaled to 443 locations across the U.S. and abroad. In this episode, Dustin Hansen, CEO of Back9, breaks down the franchise model, the culture, and the strategy behind one of the fastest‑growing concepts in America. Inside this conversation: • How Back9 evaluates franchisees and maintains culture at scale • Why ind...

The outdoor industry is under pressure — tariffs, supply‑chain swings, shifting consumer behavior, and a retail landscape that's harder than ever to navigate. In this episode, Marcus Sorensen, CEO of Caddis Sports, breaks down the real challenges outdoor brands are facing and the strategies that actually work in today's market.

The drone revolution is here — and it's transforming retail, logistics, and the future of mobility. In this episode, Aaron Starks, President & CEO of 47G, breaks down how autonomous delivery, air taxis, and advanced aerospace technology are reshaping the way products move and consumers shop. You'll learn: • How autonomous drones will change last‑mile delivery and retail logistics • Why Utah is bec...

In this episode, Jake Karls—co‑founder of Mid‑Day Squares—reveals how a small snack made in a Montreal condo kitchen grew into a retail powerhouse now found in more than 10,000 stores across North America. He breaks down the storytelling‑driven strategy that helped them build community before hitting shelves, the decision to manufacture their own product when no co‑packer could match their vision,...

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...