Winning Pitches with RangeMe & ECRM

Most emerging brand founders put 100% of their energy into developing the perfect pitch. But the true test of a brand’s longevity lies in its ability to master the complex logistics of driving velocity and staying in stock. Once you hit the shelves of a big-box retailer, your focus has to not only include marketing, but also supply chain reliability. Why? Because an empty shelf doesn't just h...

In this episode, ECRM’s Joseph Tarnowski sits down with Darren Seifer, VP of Thought Leadership for Home, Family, and Baby at NIQ, to unpack the consumer shifts that are transforming the household cleaning, paper, and food storage categories. The old industry playbook – relying on a predictable household routine and simple trade-offs between budget and premium products – is now outdated. Driven by...

In this episode, recorded on location at ECRM’s Hair Care Session in Chicago, ECRM’s Joseph Tarnowski In this episode Joseph Tarnowski dives into the numbers, consumer insights, and massive untapped opportunities within the textured hair care market with textured hair expert Romina Brown , Founder and CEO of Strategic Solutions International, Inc.   From debunking traditional demographic segmentat...

In this episode, ECRM’s Joseph Tarnowski sits down with Shannon Landry, Research Director at Packaged Facts, to discuss the shifting dynamics of the pet market. They unpack how the industry has evolved in a post-COVID landscape, navigating changes in pet owner demographics and the ongoing recovery from significant pet market inflation.   Key Takeaways From This Episode The Rise of the Cat: While t...

In this episode, ECRM’s Joseph Tarnowski sits down with Tim Cox from Parmela Creamery to pull back the curtain on how they cracked the code on authentic, meltable, plant-based cheese. From an LA private chef’s kitchen to managing a massive footprint in the US grocery market, Tim shares the fascinating science, business strategy, and innovation driving the company’s massive success at retail with i...

In this episode, the co-founders of Osia, Isabella Hoag and Gabriel Walsh join ECRM’s Joseph Tarnowski to share the journey of their functional, non-alcoholic beverage brand. They highlight its origins as beverages served at events hosted by Hoag’s local event company, to its recent retail wins from RangeMe, including being listed as one of the RangeMe Top Brands in Food & Beverage, and a Gold...

In this episode, ECRM’s Joseph Tarnowski sits down with Belal Rajab, the Executive Chef for Desert Diamond Casinos in Arizona. With over 30 years of culinary experience spanning from the Middle East to the American Southwest, Chef Belal oversees a massive operation including nearly 20 diverse restaurants. From high-speed food courts to fine-dining steakhouses and large-scale banquets, he shares hi...

Muhammad Ali believed that the fight was won or lost long before entering the ring, decided by preparation on the road and in the gym. He used mental warfare, trash talk, and immense confidence to dominate opponents mentally before the first bell. The same goes for buyer meetings. Often the buyer makes a decision based on initial impressions before the actual meeting even gets going.  In this epis...

Private label has become a destination – not a trade-down. But as shoppers evolve, so do their expectations for value, experience, and cultural relevance. In this episode, Joseph Tarnowski sits down with consumer strategist Diana Leza Sheehan of PDG Insights, who breaks down the most important shifts in shopper sentiment shaping private brand growth in 2026 and beyond.  Among the insights you’ll l...

In this episode, ECRM’s Joseph Tarnowski speaks with Matt Kelly and Scott Sommers from CatTongue Grips, a company dedicated to helping people "do epic shit" by providing a better grip on everyday items. CatTongue Grips shares the journey of how a homemade hack for a cell phone grip turned into a patented product to help older consumers maintain their independence –  and landed them an aw...

In this episode, ECRM’s Joseph Tarnowski sits down with Emilio Smeke from Industrias T.TAiO, a company with a fascinating origin story that has recently seen explosive growth through the power of viral social media. From manufacturing kids' clothing to becoming a global powerhouse in personal care products, Emilio shares how a single organic TikTok video transformed the brand’s production fro...

In this episode, ECRM’s Joseph Tarnowski sits down with Fresh Scent’s Andrew Allen to dive deep into the topic of developing strong retail partnerships, specifically focusing on what buyers actually need from brands to get (and stay) on the shelf. During the discussion, they examine three pillars of a successful buyer-supplier relationship: Transparency, Service, and Expertise, and how each impact...

Amazon is a competitive landscape where brands often find themselves navigating a maze of shifting fees and algorithmic hurdles. In this episode, Anders Carlson , Co-Founder of Ballard House joins ECRM’s Joseph Tarnowski to share how his company acts as a force multiplier for brands looking to thrive in the marketplace without the traditional agency headaches. Unlike standard agencies that charge...

In this episode, Joseph Tarnowski sit down with Caleb and Austin Majors, the innovative co-founders of Brothers Nuts, to discuss their journey in transforming the healthy snack market, and have already gained momentum as a regular on the RangeMe Top Brands lists, and a recent ECRM win with Gelson’s Markets. The story of Brothers Nuts began in 2010 when the Majors' father was diagnosed with st...

In this episode, ECRM’s Joseph Tarnowski sits down with Chris Clark, a retired military veteran and police officer who – despite having zero prior industry experience – has scaled his company, 3rd Day Beverages, to thousands of stores in just over a year. You’ll learn how a Tennessee family farm with a high-flow spring became the foundation for a rapidly growing beverage brand. Chris shares the un...

ECRM’s Joseph Tarnowski sits down with Chris Costagli, NIQ’s VP of Thought Leadership for Food & Beverage to deconstruct how shifting consumer intentionality – fueled by economic pressure and increased interest in wellness – is transforming the traditional C-store mission. From the surprising impact of weight-loss drugs like GLP-1s to the confusion surrounding SNAP benefits, they explore how t...

If you are a new or emerging brand trying to navigate the complex world of retail, this conversation is a masterclass in why working with distributors that service independent grocers is a smart way to scale.  In this episode, ECRM’s Joseph Tarnowski sits down with Roaldo Sulejmani from HRR Foods, a specialized distributor servicing the Midwest and Northeast Atlantic.   Roaldo breaks down the uniq...

Recipe for Retail's Monique & Chevalo Wilsondebriano join ECRM's Joseph Tarnowski to share some insights from their new book, "From Kitchen to Cash Register," which was just released last month and includes best practices for those looking to launch a brand, as well as for existing brand owners looking to scale up! Monique & Chevalo are successful brand owners themselve...

For emerging founder-led brands, especially those getting ready for their first buyer meetings, this is a must listen! ECRM’s Joseph Tarnowski sat with Wildflower Insight's Tia Ellis to discuss everything you need to make those buyer meetings a success! During their conversation, which was recorded on location at ECRM's recent General Merchandise Sessions in Destin, Fla., Tia shared best...

In this episode, ECRM’s Joseph Tarnowski sits down with Isaac Shapiro, co-founder of Cleanlogic and the Inspiration Foundation, who was recently honored by retailmediaIQ as one of the people who made a difference in 2025. Shapiro shares his journey of building a successful purpose-driven brand and his personal mission to advocate for the disability community in the corporate world. Among the topic...

In this episode, Joseph Tarnowski speaks with NIQ’s Katie Hazlett to unpack the high-velocity trends and consumer shifts set to define the beauty and personal care market in 2026. As beauty continues its streak as a resilient, "must-have" category with 11% total growth, they discuss how retail buyers and brands can stay ahead of the curve. From the "inside-out" wellness revolut...

Joseph Tarnowski sits down with Dave Korinek, Chief Brand Officer at Pearl Resourcing, at ECRM’s Beauty and Cough & Cold Sessions in Dallas to discuss how CPG brands can determine if it’s time to refresh their brand, and what it takes to execute a successful brand refresh.  Among the topics they discuss are: ●Beyond the Logo: Branding isn’t just a "handshake" like your logo; it’s the...

Harley Sutton, founder of Thanks Naturals, is all in on TikTok, using the platform to transform her all-natural beauty and wellness brand into a social commerce powerhouse. In this interview with Joseph Tarnowski, recorded on location at ECRM’s Everyday and Holiday Cosmetics, Skin, Fragrance & Bath Session in Dallas, Sutton shares the various ways in which she uses TikTok to stay engaged with...

Bubbles & Mane,is a hybrid salon/spa concept in Astoria, N.Y. that offers a variety of beauty and wellness services in a beautiful, community-focused space. Just launched last year, the 2,500-square-foot facility spans two floors and offers a full-service Hair salon and color bar; luxurious head spa; nail, pedicure, and body wrap treatments; and a full-service spa with traditional facials and...

In this episode, Joseph Tarnowski speaks with Casey's Chris Stewart, VP of Merchandising, Phil Wilhelm, Senior Director of Center Store, and Lee Wilburn, Senior Director of Package Beverages, for an update on its 2nd Innovation Summit. This was the second Summit the 2,900+ store Midwest convenience chain held in partnership with RangeMe, during which selected brands met in-person with Casey’s...