The Octopus Podcast

Mike Levinson
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Marketing

The clear, concise, to the point, no BS, in your face approach to foodservice and alternative channels for food & beverage brands. Micro-markets, vending, OCS, GPOs, college campuses, c-stores — how CPG brands actually get placed and hit 100 units/day per location. Hosted by Mike Levinson, founder of FS Octopus.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    3 Buckets of Sales for CPG

    Grocery retail is a bloodbath, and if you are an emerging brand, this episode explains why chasing shelf space can be the fastest way to burn cash. Mike Levinson breaks down the three buckets every CPG brand has to understand, and makes the case that your real opportunity is not in the giant banners, but in the channels you can actually own.He lays out the ugly math behind grocery: private label already commands a massive share of revenue, national brands are under constant pressure, and if your product starts moving, buyers can copy it, undercut it, and knock you off the shelf. Mike explains why most brands are not unicorns, why deep pockets matter, and why the biggest mistake is mistaking visibility for traction.You'll discover: Why grocery retail often means renting space, not building a businessThe 3 things required to survive on shelf, and why most brands fail one or more of themHow to think about your backyard first, from independents and colleges to micro markets and convenience storesWhy Amazon, Shopify, and social media matter to buyers more than you thinkHow food service and alternative channels open up a much broader, more fragmented opportunity setMike also previews what this podcast will cover next, including GPOs, distributors, broker problems, ghosting, trade shows, sales sheets, samples, micro markets, vending, OCS, and how to plan for 2027 with discipline instead of wishful thinking.This is a blunt, no-BS wake-up call for founders, operators, and brand builders who are tired of getting seduced by “glamorous” grocery placement and want a smarter path to real growth. If you need a clearer strategy for where to launch, how to build a foundation, and what channels actually deserve your attention, this is the episode to hear first.

  2. Aug 10

    Welcome to the Octopus Podcast

    Welcome to the launch of The Octopus Podcast, where Mike Levinson takes you on an unfiltered journey through the complex world of food service and retail! In this inaugural episode, Mike shares his personal mission to educate and entertain while unraveling the mysteries of the food service industry that many find confusing. Mike dives deep into his 25+ years of experience, revealing insights that can transform your understanding of food service beyond the grocery aisles. He discusses his unique approach to consulting and why he believes that traditional grocery retail is not the answer for success. Listeners will hear about the vast opportunities available in alternative channels and the importance of distribution and velocity in driving business growth. You'll discover: - The real meaning behind the term "food service" and why it matters for your business. - How to navigate group purchasing organizations (GPOs) and their crucial role in the supply chain. - The different channels in the food service world and which ones are primed for growth. - Mike's passion for the industry and the significance of connecting with the right resources to succeed. The stakes are high: ignoring the insights in this episode could mean missing out on key strategies that propel your business forward. With the food service landscape constantly evolving, understanding these channels can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving. Join Mike on this exciting new venture, as The Octopus Podcast promises to deliver valuable content, connections, and motivation in each episode. Perfect for food service professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to gain an edge in this fragmented market. Subscribe now and stay tuned for more enlightening discussions!

  3. Aug 8

    Trailer

    Welcome to the Octopus Podcast with host Mike Levinson

  • 3 Episodes

About

The clear, concise, to the point, no BS, in your face approach to foodservice and alternative channels for food & beverage brands. Micro-markets, vending, OCS, GPOs, college campuses, c-stores — how CPG brands actually get placed and hit 100 units/day per location. Hosted by Mike Levinson, founder of FS Octopus.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Levinson
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mike Levinson