The Harvest Growth Podcast

Jon LaClare
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Listen to inspirational stories from successful inventors and entrepreneurs as our host, Jon LaClare, founder of Harvest Growth, leads interviews targeted at helping aspiring inventors and market-leading entrepreneurs alike. If you’d like to see how Harvest Growth can help grow your product business, click below.

  1. How to Get Your Product into Walmart (And Stay There) | Retail Strategy with James Harris

    5D AGO

    How to Get Your Product into Walmart (And Stay There) | Retail Strategy with James Harris

    In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with James Harris, founder and CEO of High Impact Analytics, to break down what it really takes to succeed in Walmart and Sam’s Club. With nearly two decades of experience working with brands inside the Walmart ecosystem—including time at Unilever—James shares insider insights on how retail has evolved, why Walmart is becoming more open to emerging brands, and the biggest mistakes that can get your product pulled from shelves. You’ll learn why getting into retail is only the beginning—and why execution, supply chain discipline, and operational excellence are what ultimately determine long-term success. The conversation also explores how omnichannel retail is reshaping the customer journey, how Walmart is attracting higher-income shoppers, and why brands should start building relationships with retailers earlier than ever before. If you’re an eCommerce brand thinking about retail—or already in retail and struggling to scale—this episode is packed with real-world strategies you can apply immediately. In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover: How Walmart and Sam’s Club evaluate new and emerging brandsWhy retail is becoming less risk-averse and more open to innovationThe shift to omnichannel—and how it impacts product distributionWhat it really means to be “ready” for retail (it’s not just revenue)Why supply chain, forecasting, and logistics matter more than marketing in retailThe biggest mistakes that cause brands to get kicked off the shelfHow to maintain strong relationships with buyers and build long-term trustWhy staying in stock is the #1 driver of retail successHow Sam’s Club can be a powerful launchpad for new productsIf you’re planning to expand into retail, improve your in-store performance, or better understand how Walmart operates today, this episode delivers a practical, behind-the-scenes look at what works—and what doesn’t. To learn more about James Harris and High Impact Analytics, visit highimpactanalytics.com or connect with James on LinkedIn. Do you have a brand you’d like to launch or scale? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and book a free consultation to learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

    29 min
  2. The #1 Mistake Supplement Brands Make (And How to Fix It)

    MAR 23

    The #1 Mistake Supplement Brands Make (And How to Fix It)

    In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Rebeca Sanchez, founder and CEO of Besha Inc., to break down how scientific validation and product quality helped her stand out in one of the most competitive categories in eCommerce: supplements. Rebeca shares how her patented collagen formula—backed by clinical research and third-party testing—set her brand apart from hundreds of competing products on Amazon. The conversation dives into why most supplements lack real proof, how independent validation like Consumer Reports can create massive growth inflection points, and what it takes to build long-term trust with customers. Beyond the product, Rebeca walks through her journey from starting with just $2,500 to building a multi-million dollar brand. She explains how starting small, listening to customer feedback, and focusing on product quality over short-term profits created a foundation for sustainable growth. If you're launching a supplement—or any product in a crowded market—this episode is a masterclass in differentiation, validation, and building a brand that customers come back to again and again. In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover: Why most supplements don’t have real scientific backingHow clinical studies and patented formulas create true differentiationThe impact of third-party validation (like Consumer Reports) on growthWhy customer reviews can be your most powerful marketing assetHow starting small gives you a competitive advantageThe importance of feedback and iterative product improvementWhy subscription-based products scale faster than one-time purchasesThe role of perseverance in building a successful brandWant to learn more about Besha? Visit https://beshainc.com or search for Besha on Amazon to explore their collagen products. Do you have a product you’d like to launch or scale? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

    27 min
  3. How Testing Small Helped Build an 8-Figure Product Brand

    MAR 16

    How Testing Small Helped Build an 8-Figure Product Brand

    In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Andrew Reist, founder and CEO of Valley Pets, to share the story behind Belly Guard — a pet recovery suit that started with just 26 test units and grew into an eight-figure brand. Drawing from his background in engineering and product development, Andrew explains how a personal problem with his own dog led to a practical innovation that now helps pets recover more comfortably after surgery. Andrew walks through the early stages of building the business, including why he intentionally started small, lost money on every unit at first, and treated those early sales as a way to buy learning instead of immediate profit. The conversation highlights the value of product-market fit, low-risk validation, and why founders should focus on learning quickly before scaling aggressively. The episode also explores how Belly Guard expanded beyond Amazon, broke into Chewy, and grew by adding sales channels instead of immediately broadening the product line. Along the way, Andrew shares lessons on hiring contractors, using freelance experts strategically, managing the transition from founder-does-everything mode, and making the leap from a full-time job into entrepreneurship. If you’re building a product brand, testing a new idea, or trying to scale without overcommitting too early, this episode offers practical insight from someone who grew steadily, learned fast, and built a category-leading business through smart decisions over time. In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover: How Belly Guard was inspired by a real problem with Andrew’s own dogWhy Andrew started with just 26 units instead of a large inventory orderHow losing money early helped validate the product and reduce long-term riskWhat founders should learn before worrying about short-term profitsHow Belly Guard got into Chewy and why that accelerated growthWhy expanding channels can sometimes matter more than expanding product linesHow Andrew used contractors and freelance experts to grow more efficientlyThe realities of leaving a full-time job to run a business full timeWhy a great product makes marketing easier — but never replaces itAnd so much more! Want to connect with Andrew? Visit ValleyPets.com or TheBellyGuard.com to learn more. You can also search for Belly Guard on Amazon. Do you have a brand you’d like to launch or scale? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

    33 min
  4. How a Simple Compliance Problem Became a Scalable Business

    MAR 9

    How a Simple Compliance Problem Became a Scalable Business

    In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Ron Tobb, Founder & CEO of Minor Decliner, to expose a startling statistic: more than 10% of IDs scanned with advanced detection technology are fake. Not expired. Not suspicious. Fake. For any business selling age-restricted products — alcohol, tobacco, vape, cannabis, or operating in casinos — this isn’t just a compliance issue. It’s a serious legal and financial liability. Ron shares how Minor Decliner provides easy-to-implement age verification solutions that scan government-issued IDs, instantly verify age, and layer in advanced fake ID detection powered by continuously updated technology. The system eliminates math errors, detects sophisticated fake IDs in seconds, and creates a digital compliance record retailers can rely on. Ron explains how the company was born after his daughter worked as an underage compliance investigator and discovered how often businesses unintentionally sold to minors. As a quality engineer, Ron saw a solvable systems problem — and built a company to fix it. In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover: Why retailers sell to minors up to 15% of the time without ID scannersThe real scale of the fake ID problem — including 20–40% fake rates in some college marketsWhy traditional ID scanners fail to detect high-quality fake IDsThe three biggest risks retailers face: fines, lawsuits, and reputational damageHow a recurring software model strengthened Minor Decliner’s businessWhy hardware-based systems build more trust than app-based scanningLessons learned pivoting to Amazon and hiring experts to unlock growthNew innovations including theft-reduction beer cooler access, mobile driver’s license scanning, and biometricsThis episode is essential listening for any retailer or entrepreneur operating in a regulated environment. It’s not just about avoiding fines — it’s about protecting your business, your license, your reputation, and potentially even lives. To learn more about Minor Decliner, visit MinorDecliner.com. Interested in launching or scaling your own product? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

    21 min
  5. How to Reach Customers When They’re Truly Paying Attention

    MAR 2

    How to Reach Customers When They’re Truly Paying Attention

    In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Scott Brown, founder of Snax Depot and VendingAd.com, to explore a surprising but powerful advertising opportunity hiding in plain sight: vending machines. Most advertising today competes in speed mode — scrolling, swiping, skipping, and digital fatigue. But what happens when you reach people in a true moment of pause? Scott shares how modern, AI-powered vending machines equipped with 15-inch HMI screens are transforming everyday snack stops into high-attention marketing moments. With 10-second visual ads placed directly at eye level, local businesses can reach a captive audience in gyms, warehouses, apartment complexes, and office spaces — where repetition, frequency, and exclusivity drive real brand recall. This isn’t about chasing clicks. It’s about being remembered. You’ll learn why physical-world visibility still matters in a digital-first era, how QR codes bridge real-world impressions with measurable online results, and why limiting each machine to just 10 advertisers dramatically increases brand impact. If you serve local customers and want repeated, real-world exposure in places where people actually pause — this conversation may change how you think about marketing. In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover: Why “paused attention” is more valuable than endless digital impressionsThe psychology of repetition and frequency in local advertisingHow vending machine screens create credibility in physical spacesWhy limiting advertisers per screen increases impactHow QR codes make offline ads measurable and retargetableWhich types of businesses benefit most from vending machine advertisingWhy exclusivity (no competitors per machine) strengthens brand recallHow physical and digital marketing can work together seamlesslyVisit VendingAd.com to learn more or schedule a strategy call to see if this opportunity is a fit for your business — especially if you serve customers in the Boston market. To be a guest on our next podcast, contact us today! Do you have a brand you’d like to launch or grow? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation with our team.

    20 min
  6. How Nearshoring Helps Startups Scale Faster and Smarter

    FEB 24

    How Nearshoring Helps Startups Scale Faster and Smarter

    In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Brian Samson, founder of Plugg Technologies, to break down what nearshoring really is, when it works best, and how founders can use it to unlock growth without overextending their budgets. Brian has spent more than a decade working across the U.S. and Latin America, building three companies from zero to over $4 million in revenue and helping hundreds of businesses build high-performing global teams. He shares real-world insight into the difference between offshoring and nearshoring, why time zones matter more than ever, and how today’s remote tools and AI have completely changed the game. If you’ve ever wondered whether nearshoring could work for your business — or had a bad experience years ago and wrote it off — this episode will give you a practical, modern perspective. In today’s episode, we cover: The difference between offshoring and nearshoring (and why it matters)Which roles and company types benefit most from nearshoringHow to safely “test the waters” without overcommittingThe cultural and structural differences between Latin America and AsiaHow remote work infrastructure and AI have made global teams easier than everWhen to DIY with platforms like Upwork or Fiverr — and when to work with a partnerHow scaling with international talent can increase flexibility and optionality for growing brandsWhether you’re a startup founder, agency owner, or scaling eCommerce brand, this episode offers a clear roadmap for building smarter teams in 2026 and beyond. To learn more about Brian and Plugg Technologies, visit https://plug.tech Interested in growing your brand with proven direct response strategies? Visit https://harvestgrowth.com and book a free consultation with our team. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review — and we’ll see you next time on the Harvest Growth Podcast.

    19 min
  7. Trade Shows Still Work — If You Do Them Right

    FEB 16

    Trade Shows Still Work — If You Do Them Right

    In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with trade show industry veteran Mike Van Valey, who has spent more than 35 years in the business and over two decades running his own trade show contracting company. From selling books door-to-door in college to managing trade shows for major consumer brands, Mike shares firsthand insights into how the trade show landscape has evolved — and why so many companies are doing it wrong. You’ll learn how technology, rising costs, and changing buyer behavior have reshaped the industry. Attendees no longer arrive ready to write orders on the show floor — they come to evaluate, compare, and research. That shift means your strategy needs to change too. Mike breaks down the biggest mistakes exhibitors make, including overspending on flashy booths while neglecting staffing and follow-up — and explains why the “software” (your people and process) matters more than the “hardware.” If you’ve ever wondered whether trade shows are still worth the investment, this episode gives you a clear, strategic answer. In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover: How trade shows have changed in the digital eraWhy lighting and booth design can dramatically increase trafficThe right way to staff your booth (and how many people is too many)Why pre-show marketing can make or break your resultsThe most common post-show follow-up mistakesHow to know if a trade show is right for your businessAnd so much moreWant to connect with Mike? Visit tradeshowsolutions.net to learn more or reach out directly for guidance on improving your trade show strategy. Do you have a brand you’d like to launch or scale? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

    26 min
  8. From Pet Allergies to Amazon Growth: The Allerpet Story

    FEB 9

    From Pet Allergies to Amazon Growth: The Allerpet Story

    In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with John Fry, VP of Marketing and Sales at Allerpet, to unpack how a simple, problem-solving product built lasting success through trust, emotional connection, and smart channel strategy. John explains how Allerpet helps reduce pet dander at the source—allowing people with pet allergies to stay close to the animals they love—by mechanically removing allergens rather than masking symptoms. The conversation dives into what pet dander really is, why traditional solutions like shampoos fall short, and how consistent, safe use of Allerpet can make a life-changing difference for allergy sufferers. Beyond the product, John shares the story behind Allerpet’s growth since being acquired in 2014, including its major shift to Amazon as a primary sales channel. He breaks down the key inflection point that drove rapid Amazon growth: better merchandising, smarter bundling, and optimized product presentation—paired with the unexpected power of authentic influencer storytelling on platforms like TikTok. This episode also explores why genuine customer stories outperform paid promotion, how emotional connection fuels word-of-mouth marketing, and why products that truly solve a painful problem naturally earn trust and advocacy. In today’s episode, we cover: What pet dander actually is and why it causes allergic reactionsHow Allerpet works differently than shampoos or medicationsHow often allergy sufferers should use Allerpet safelyThe emotional connection between pet owners and problem-solving productsAllerpet’s biggest Amazon growth inflection pointWhy better merchandising drove rapid sales accelerationHow unpaid influencer content sparked massive awarenessIf you’re building a product that solves a real problem—and want to understand how trust, emotion, and smart channel strategy drive long-term growth—this is an episode you won’t want to miss. To learn more about Allerpet, visit Allerpet.com or search for Allerpet on Amazon. To explore how to grow your own product, visit HarvestGrowth.com and book a free consultation with our team.

    17 min
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About

Listen to inspirational stories from successful inventors and entrepreneurs as our host, Jon LaClare, founder of Harvest Growth, leads interviews targeted at helping aspiring inventors and market-leading entrepreneurs alike. If you’d like to see how Harvest Growth can help grow your product business, click below.

Information

  • Creator
    Jon LaClare
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    263
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Harvest Growth Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Harvest Growth Podcast