Retail War Games

Sadie and Abby, co-founders of SadieB, share the inspiring story of how their company began during a backpacking trip in Canada. They sought eco-friendly personal care products and realized a gap in the market for Gen Z girls who love the outdoors. Their brand focuses on functionality and empowering girls, offering collections tailored to different activities. They also discuss their journey from...

In this episode, Nate, CEO of Gabb, shares his early fascination with sports and his childhood dream of working at Nike, which he eventually achieved. He reflects on his upbringing in a single-parent home and his commitment to supporting single parents through his professional platform. Nate discusses Gabb's innovative approach to providing safe technology for kids, including the creation of Gabb...

In this podcast episode, the founders of Ivy City Co., Madeline, Natasha, and Whitney, share their story of building a successful fashion brand from scratch. The trio discusses overcoming challenges like learning the intricacies of manufacturing and marketing with no prior experience, and the pivotal moments that led to their growth. They emphasize the importance of partnerships, particularly brin...

Jonathan Johnson, former CEO of Overstock, shares his insights from his two-decade tenure at the company. He discusses his transition from being a lawyer to taking on various business roles, including CFO and eventually CEO. Jonathan highlights key moments, such as winning a major contract with Palm and rebranding Overstock by acquiring Bed Bath & Beyond. He also explores the challenges and strate...

Eric, co-founder and CTO of Control4 and OliverIQ, recounts his early passion for technology, from building his first smart home in his parents' house in 1982 to founding multiple successful companies in the smart home industry. He discusses the challenges of raising capital in Utah's nascent tech scene, the evolution of home automation, and the impact of the iPhone and App Store on the industry....

JJ Peterson, co-founder of Clean Simple Eats, shares how the brand evolved from sharing free recipes on Instagram in 2012 to launching its first product in 2018. Through years of providing valuable content, including community fitness challenges and macro coaching, they built a dedicated following and amazing products. The transition to creating their own high-quality products began with protein p...

Brandon Doyle, founder of Wallaroo Media and Arvo, shares his entrepreneurial experiences, from starting a digital marketing venture while still a student to managing two successful agencies today. He discusses the evolution of digital marketing, the strategic use of various advertising platforms, and the importance of staying ahead of trends. Highlighting practical examples, he explains how platf...

Trevor shares the vision and core values behind Mtn Ops, a company dedicated to enhancing physical, mental, and social wellness through innovative supplements. He discusses how the brand resonates deeply with its loyal customer base by staying true to its principles, such as recognizing a higher power and fostering trust. Trevor also highlights the company's commitment to fighting hunger, using a...

Instagram expert Mya Nichol sits down with influencers Sarah (@srahflipsit) and Wissali (@brazilian.babe) to uncover their unique journeys into the world of content creation. Wissali shares her accidental rise to influencer status, starting in 2017 with brands reaching out to her for photos, which evolved into a full-time career. Sarah, on the other hand, talks about her DIY passion, which began w...

In this episode, Jessica Klodnicki, CEO of KT Tape, discusses her journey from a mountain biking enthusiast in Santa Cruz to leading KT Tape in Park City. She shares the brand's evolution, from being primarily associated with elite athletes like volleyball star Kerri Walsh, to rebranding for a broader audience. Jessica emphasizes KT Tape's commitment to making kinesiology tape accessible and effec...

In this podcast episode, Devin Johnson, CEO of FirstMile, shares how he started a major logistics company. He discusses the evolution of his professional career, including the significant challenges and pivots he encountered. Devin emphasizes the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the role of family in his life. He also talks about the intricacies of FirstMile's operations, explaining h...

McKenzie Bauer, co-founder of Thread Wallets, shares the innovative beginnings of their minimalist wallet brand. She recounts how her husband, frustrated by bulky bifold wallets, crafted a simple elastic alternative and sold initial prototypes at local farmers markets. They expanded by leveraging the power of early social media and Kickstarter campaigns to build a loyal customer base. The conversa...

Josh Mendenhall, co-founder and president of Spylt, shares the story behind the creation of his caffeinated chocolate milk product. Josh talks about the initial struggles of getting noticed and how a connection with the CEO of Dairy West led to participating in an accelerator program. He also discusses the challenges of product formulation, winning a significant competition, and eventually partner...

In this episode, Scott Hymas, CEO of RC Willey, shares insights on the company's growth and its acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway in 1995. He recounts how Warren Buffett's interest in RC Willey was sparked by mutual connections and solid financials, leading to a unique and lasting partnership. Scott discusses the company's expansion beyond Utah, adapting to market changes, and maintaining strong r...

In this podcast episode, Brandon Fugal, chairman of Colliers International, recounts the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Growing up in a struggling family construction business, he developed a strong work ethic early on, working in construction as a teenager. His passion for business and strategic use of information led him to excel in commercial real estate, eventually making him a top ag...

On this episode, Roxanne Bennett, Co-founder of Pinners Conference shares the journey of building a consumer-focused event in the retail space. From identifying market gaps to navigating the challenges of traditional business models, discover how Pinners Conference became a place for brands and consumers alike. Hear firsthand insights into the evolving landscape of retail marketing and the power o...

In this podcast episode, NFL player Harvey Langi shares his journey from a large family with humble beginnings to his career in professional football. Growing up as one of ten children, Langi emphasizes the importance his parents placed on education and hard work. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of his football career, including the pressures of the NFL Combine, the transition from colleg...

In this episode, Ryan Gardner, CEO of Bucked Up shares the company's journey from launching an affiliate network called Big Payout to developing a full line of supplements and energy drinks. Ryan discusses the strategic moves that propelled Bucked Up to success, including acquiring key domain names, creating a strong ambassador program, and navigating retail challenges. He also recounts pivotal mo...

In this episode, Jeff Call, co-founder of Just Ingredients, shares the inspirational journey of his wife, Karalynne, in building the Just Ingredients brand from scratch. The podcast highlights how Karalynne's dedication to educating people about healthier lifestyle choices sparked a massive following on social media, eventually leading to the creation of their product line. Jeff describes the emot...

In this episode, Kelly Sobotka, CRO of Vox Fulfillment, shares insights on the evolution and challenges of fulfillment services, given his previous experience at Integracore from its early days with floppy disk duplication to managing complex e-commerce logistics. Kelly discusses the origins of Vox, the intricacies of warehouse management, and the importance of adaptability in handling clients' fl...

In this episode, Taz Murray, co-founder of Tru Fru, shares the journey of creating a healthier indulgent treat in an industry where health isn't typically prioritized. He discusses the challenges and successes of launching Tru Fru with his business partners Brandon O'Brien and Brian Neville, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining both health and indulgence in their products. Taz recounts thei...

In this episode, we chat with Jamie Parker, the CEO of SMMT Outdoor, who has a rich history in the sports and retail industries, including roles at Nike and Jaybird. Jamie shares insights from his time at Nike, discussing the dynamic and rotational nature of the company that fostered his growth mindset and diverse experience, from finance to product management. He also recounts his journey running...

In this episode, YouTube filmmaker Devin Graham shares his journey from aspiring Hollywood director to becoming a pioneer in YouTube marketing. He recounts the early days of creating viral videos for Orabrush with his roommates, and leveraging YouTube and Facebook ads to achieve massive success. Devin discusses how his first viral video on YouTube led to commercial opportunities with major brands,...

In this episode, Melanie Cox, CEO of backcountry.com, shares her impressive career journey from starting in retail at a luxury department store in Houston to leading major brands across diverse industries. She discusses the challenges and strategies involved in managing inventory during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the importance of passion and expertise in merchandising. Melanie also emph...

In today's episode, Robert Pedersen, shares his story of how he founded ZAGG. He discusses how ZAGG got its name and how they got into retail stores like Best Buy.  He also recounts a pivotal moment at Macworld when Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone, and how ZAGG's InvisibleShield screen protectors were perfectly timed for the new touchscreen technology. Despite initial skepticism from retailers, Z...