People of Packaging Podcast

www.packagingpastor.com
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This is a podcast where we illuminate the stories of people in the packaging industry and proudly sponsored by Specright.com Hosted by the Packaging Pastor, Adam Peek www.packagingisawesome.com

  1. 350 - Beyond the Dieline - Dr Juan from PNuff Crunch joins Tom Seymour

    May 27

    350 - Beyond the Dieline - Dr Juan from PNuff Crunch joins Tom Seymour

    Welcome to another episode of Beyond the Dieine, hosted by Tom Seymour from Bison Bag! In this episode, Tom sits down with his close friend Dr. Juan Salinas, a doctor of food science, master of sports nutrition, competitive bodybuilder, and the brilliant founder of Pnuff Crunch. Juan shares his incredible journey from engineering to formulating iconic snacks for global CPG giants, before taking a leap of faith into entrepreneurship. He drops absolute gold on the realities of scaling a food brand, navigating the treacherous waters of packaging inventory, and what really happens when you rip off a lab coat on national television. Key Highlights From the Episode * The Corporate Launchpad: Juan talks about his years doing serious time at massive CPG companies like Nabisco, Kraft, and Nestle. He shares how working on legacy brands like Oreos and Ritz—and watching the birth of the OG Power Bar—fueled his passion for functional nutrition. * The Shark Tank Savior: Juan recounts his viral appearance on Shark Tank. After stunning the Sharks by ripping off his doctor’s lab coat to reveal his bodybuilding physique, the laughter caused him to completely forget his lines. Mark Cuban stepped in to save the pitch and ultimately became an investor in the company. * Dumbbells and Discipline: Tom and Juan break down a powerful analogy comparing gym culture to business growth. You cannot just start lifting the 75-pound weights on day one without hurting yourself; business, just like muscle growth, requires trusting a disciplined progression. * Packaging Pitfalls: Juan candidly admits his early founder mistake of tying up massive amounts of cash in cheap, long-run packaging film rolls, only to be stuck with obsolete inventory when branding and market trends changed. Tom drops expert advice on using digital printing early on and designing smart with common plates to keep costs low. * Sustainable Solutions: What do you do with 50,000 dollars worth of unused packaging rolls sitting in a warehouse? Tom explains how brands can leverage TerraCycle’s advanced recycling methods to separate complex film layers, keeping commercial waste out of landfills while protecting their brand’s reputation. * Clean Snacking Without Sacrifice: Pnuff puffs are scientifically formulated to deliver 20 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and a low glycemic response per bag to keep you full longer without the sugar crash. Links and Resources Mentioned * Get Shredded: Download Dr. Juan’s 34-Day Fitness and Diet Program and unlock the exact science-backed methods he uses for bodybuilding. * Try Pnuff: Grab a bag of original, barbecue, cheddar jalapeno, cinnamon, or cocoa puffs at pnuff.com or find them on Amazon. * Brought to you by: Tom Seymour and the flexible packaging experts at Bison Bag. Connect With Us! For more behind-the-scenes packaging breakdowns, industry insights, and entrepreneurial truth-bombs, make sure to follow along: * LinkedIn: Connect with Adam Peek at www.linkedin.com/in/adampeek * TikTok: Follow the journey and catch daily videos with @thelabelking This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.packagingisawesome.com

    1h 11m
  2. 349 - Why all your UPC barcodes might be going away soon! Ned Mears from GS1

    May 18

    349 - Why all your UPC barcodes might be going away soon! Ned Mears from GS1

    DO NOT MISS OUT ON THE GS1 CONFERENCE IN LAS VEGAS, JUNE 9-11. Register by clicking the link! Get out your glasses, packaging nerds! 🤓 In this episode of the People of Packaging Podcast, host Adam Peek sits down with Ned Mears, Senior Director of Global Standards at GS1 US. They dive deep into the massive industry shift from traditional 1D barcodes to multi-dimensional 2D barcodes—coined “Sunrise 2027.” Ned shares his incredible journey from an RFID subject matter expert to leading the charge on modern product identification. Learn how adding dynamic data elements, like expiration dates, can help retailers dramatically reduce food waste by up to 40%! Whether you are a brand owner wondering how to adapt or a self-proclaimed tech geek, this conversation maps out how a simple upgrade in barcoding unlocks infinite digital experiences between brands and consumers. 📦✨ Connect with us! * Follow Adam on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/adampeek * Check out Adam’s TikTok: @thelabelking * Learn more about global barcoding standards at GS1 US or search “Sunrise 2027.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.packagingisawesome.com

    36 min
  3. 348 - Cracking the Code of Label Compliance with Lauren Rockteacher

    May 7

    348 - Cracking the Code of Label Compliance with Lauren Rockteacher

    Ever wonder why that protein shake has a “Supplement Facts” panel instead of “Nutrition Facts”? Or why your favorite craft soda’s label layout looks a very specific way? It is not just design—it is federal law. In this episode of the People of Packaging Podcast, Adam Peek sits down with Lauren Rockteacher, the founder and principal reviewer at Proof and Panel. With a background in food science and regulatory affairs, Lauren is the “label whisperer” that brands call before they hit the shelves. We dive into the high-stakes world of regulatory compliance, exploring why a beautiful design does not always equal a legal one. Lauren breaks down the 200+ checkpoints she uses to ensure brands do not face massive fines, recalls, or the nightmare of throwing away thousands of dollars in printed packaging. In this episode, we discuss: * The Wisconsin Life: Cheese curds, cross-country ski marathons (The Birke!), and why Wisconsin is a packaging powerhouse. * Food vs. Supplement: The subtle (and legally massive) differences in how you claim health benefits. * The AI Trap: Why you should not trust ChatGPT to write your regulatory claims and the funny mistakes it makes. * Conditional Labeling: How one “voluntary” claim can trigger a waterfall of mandatory requirements. * Saving Your Brand: Why regulatory review is an investment, not just a hurdle. Do not let a “catchy” claim turn into a legal catastrophe. Tune in to hear how to bridge the gap between food science, graphic design, and the FDA. Connect with us: * Adam Peek on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/adampeek * Adam Peek on TikTok: @thelabelking * Lauren Rockteacher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenrockteacher/ * Proof and Panel Website: www.proofandpanel.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.packagingisawesome.com

    29 min
  4. 347 - Get a $1 Million investment with www.grow-ny.com

    May 1

    347 - Get a $1 Million investment with www.grow-ny.com

    Episode Title: Grow-NY with Jenn Smith Host: Adam Peek Guest: Jenn Smith, Director of Food and Ag Innovation Programs at Cornell University and Director of Grow-NY Summary: In this episode, Adam sits down with the multi-titled Jenn Smith to talk about all things food, agriculture, and innovation in Upstate New York. Jenn dives into the Grow-NY competition, a $3 million business competition that draws startups from around the world to compete for top prizes—including a whopping $1 million! They chat about the importance of sustainability, the circular economy, and how even packaging companies can get in on the action. Plus, find out why Adam has been rocking rope sandals for 30 years! Key Takeaways: * What is Grow-NY? A global business competition focused on food and agriculture innovation, funded by New York State. * The Prizes: A $1 million grand prize, two $500k prizes, and four $250k prizes. It’s an equity investment, not just a grant! * Sustainability Matters: Grow-NY looks for startups that think holistically about sustainability—from soil science to innovative packaging solutions like Living Ink‘s algae-based black ink. * Eligibility: Early-stage startups (7 years or fewer in operation) that are willing to grow their business and contribute to the Upstate New York economy. * The Deadline: Applications are due by May 15th! Links: * Grow-NY Website: grow-ny.com * Adam’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/adampeek * Adam’s TikTok: @thelabelking Time Stamps: * 0:00 - Introduction & Jenn’s “Longest Title Ever” * 5:23 - The Ren Fair & Adam’s 30-Year-Old Rope Sandals * 8:20 - Jenn’s Role at Cornell & Extension Agents * 10:33 - Holistic Sustainability in Packaging & Farming * 13:40 - The History & Mission of Grow-NY * 16:20 - Past Winners: Living Ink & Algae-Based Ink * 18:40 - Eligibility & Application Process * 21:20 - What Does “Upstate” New York Actually Mean? * 22:40 - Final Wrap-Up & Application Deadline This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.packagingisawesome.com

    35 min
  5. 346 - Sistine Spritz packaging aesthetic is unreal! w/ founder Kate McLamb and Lauren Alexander

    Apr 28

    346 - Sistine Spritz packaging aesthetic is unreal! w/ founder Kate McLamb and Lauren Alexander

    In this episode of the People of Packaging podcast, Adam Peek sits down with Kate McLamb and Lauren Alexander, the visionary co-founders of Sistine Spritz. They dive deep into how they built a brand that’s about much more than just a drink—it’s about “romantic rebellion,” community, and intentional design. The Vision Behind the Spritz 🎨 Kate and Lauren didn’t just set out to make another beverage; they wanted to create an entire world. Drawing from Lauren’s 20-year bac kground in apparel design and Kate’s experience in video production and business development, they approached the brand like a fashion house. Before the liquid was even finalized, they were building mood boards, crafting Spotify playlists, and defining the “Sistine” aesthetic. Key Highlights from the Episode: * Intentional Packaging: The duo explains why they chose a 750ml champagne bottle with a hand-applied blue wax seal to stand out in a crowded retail landscape. * The “Sexy” Can Challenge: Transitioning from an elegant glass bottle to a 222ml slim can wasn’t easy. They discuss the technical hurdles of maintaining their brand’s “sexy” vibe while adhering to canning standards. * Natural Vibrancy: The striking ruby-red color of the drink isn’t artificial—it’s derived entirely from beets and carrots to match their computer-generated “ideal” hue. * Building Community: From hosting intimate dinner parties in LA to creating curated playlists for “spritz-worthy” moments, Sistine is built on the power of being present with others. Connect with the Guests: * Kate McLamb: kate@sistinespritz.com * Lauren Alexander: lauren@sistinespritz.com * Website: sistinespritz.com * Instagram: @sistinespritz Connect with the Label King: * LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/adampeek * TikTok: @thelabelking This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.packagingisawesome.com

    29 min
  6. 345 - Beyond the Dieline - The secret success behind Junebar! Tom Seymour and Keith McCullough

    Apr 17

    345 - Beyond the Dieline - The secret success behind Junebar! Tom Seymour and Keith McCullough

    Show Notes: Beyond the Dieline with Keith McCullough In this episode of Beyond the Dieline, host Tom Seymour sits down with Keith McCullough, the founder of Junebar, to discuss his fascinating pivot from a 20-year career in video game development to the world of CPG 🎮➡️🍏. Keith shares the “level-up” moments and the glitches he faced while building a brand focused on clean, fiber-rich, and functional nutrition. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: * The Pivot to CPG: How Keith transitioned from leading a 50-person gaming studio to founding a plant-based snack brand. * Transferable Skills: Why making a “mean spreadsheet” and managing technical operations in tech is surprisingly similar to managing inventory and co-packing in food. * The Power of Fiber: Why fiber is the “unsung hero” of 2026 nutrition trends, competing with protein for the top spot in consumer health priorities. * Packaging Pitfalls: Why start-up founders should start with small pouch orders and “hand-sealers” before jumping into high-speed automation. * Founder Grit: How to handle the emotional rollercoaster of being a founder—from “imposter syndrome” to managing critical consumer feedback. Key Highlights: “I spent 20 years making entertainment software... but my interest shifted. I wanted to do something more present, less in the ‘ether’ of the digital world, and more in reality and my community.” — Keith McCullough. * The “June” in Junebar: Keith reveals the personal meaning behind the name—it’s his favorite month and the birth month of his second daughter ☀️. * Fiber > Protein? Tom and Keith discuss the “protein fatigue” in the market and how fiber is finally gaining its own “cool factor” for metabolic and gut health. * The Village Mentality: Why having a mentor and a supportive “village” is the secret sauce for any successful entrepreneur. Connect with the People of Packaging: * Follow Adam Peek on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/adampeek * Watch Adam on TikTok: @thelabelking Check out Junebar: Visit junebars.com to try their all-natural, high-fiber bars or find them in local retailers across Rochester, Buffalo, and beyond! 🍎✨ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.packagingisawesome.com

    59 min
  7. 344 - CERM user group with Trent Bremer from Grand Rapids Label

    Apr 6

    344 - CERM user group with Trent Bremer from Grand Rapids Label

    This week on People of Packaging, we’re coming to you from the CERM User Group in Dallas, Texas! 🤠 I’m sitting down with Trent Bremer, the VP of Operations & Finance at Grand Rapids Label. Trent isn’t just a numbers guy; he’s helping steer a company that’s been around for a staggering 142 years. We dive into what it’s like to maintain a family legacy that is now entering its 5th generation—a feat that less than 1% of family businesses ever achieve! 🚀 In this episode, we discuss: * The 142-Year Legacy: How Grand Rapids Label evolved from printing Harry Houdini posters to becoming a leader in durable automotive and food-safe labels. 🏷️ * Durable vs. Disposable: The fascinating world of labels that have to survive under a car hood or on a plane wing. 🏎️✈️ * Direct Food Contact: The science and certifications behind those ice cream cone sleeves you take for granted. 🍦 * AI & The Future of MIS: Trent shares their journey of moving from a 40-year-old homegrown system to implementing Serm and exploring AI for forecasting and EDI mapping. 🤖 * The Grand Rapids Scene: Why you need to visit The Elbow Room for the best bar burger in town if you ever find yourself in Michigan. 🍔🍻 Trent’s background in finance and operations brings a unique perspective to the “grit” required to stay independent and innovative in an era of massive consolidation. Connect with us! * Guest: Trent Bremer, Grand Rapids Label * Host: Adam Peek * LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/adampeek * TikTok: @thelabelking 👑 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and leave a review! ✨ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.packagingisawesome.com

    20 min
  8. 343 - Returning guest, Manya Rubinstein on her new BIG venture!

    Mar 17

    343 - Returning guest, Manya Rubinstein on her new BIG venture!

    I had such a blast recording this episode. It’s not every day you get to talk about a brand that is both deeply committed to the planet and also named… well, Big Dick’s Banana Whiskey. I’m joined by a repeat guest, the brilliant Manya Rubinstein, CEO of Isco Spirits and Providence Distilling. If you missed our first conversation back in 2024, go check out Episode 295. But today, we’re talking about Isco’s “naughty little sibling” brand. 🎧 Episode Summary Manya joins me from Rhode Island to pull the curtain back on one of the most playful (and provocative) launches in the spirits world. We talk about how Big Dick’s went from a riff-session joke to a high-quality, real-ingredient bourbon that’s taking over the golf courses and bars of New England. We dive into the “dualism” of running a serious, sustainability-focused company like Isco while also making room for a brand that just wants to make people laugh. From “fruit-style” stickers on real bananas to the challenges of shipping alcohol to Utah, this episode is a reminder that business is better when you don’t take yourself too seriously. 🔥 Key Takeaways * Humor as Community Building: Why a “naughty” brand name is actually a great way to build community and spark joy in a serious world. * The “Short-Circuit” Quality: Even with a funny name, the product comes first. Manya explains why using real, less-processed ingredients makes a “silly” drink taste incredible. * The Americana Aesthetic: A look at the 1950s Americana branding and the creative collaboration with designer Kiki Schulo. * Marketing Outside the Box: How they are using everything from 6-inch banana stickers to QR codes to drive brand engagement. 🍌 The Product Breakdown * The Liquid: A banana-flavored bourbon whiskey that is “silly delicious” and smooth enough to drink straight or in an Old Fashioned. * The Sizes: We look at the 100ml “nip” and the upcoming 1-liter bar launch. * The Laugh Factor: The power of pulling a bottle of “Big Dick’s” out of your pocket on the 9th hole. 🔗 Connect with Manya and Big Dick’s * Manya’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manyakay/ * Website: www.bigdicksbanana.com * Instagram: @bigdicksbanana Are you a “The Label King” regular? Make sure to follow me on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/adampeek and catch the highlights on TikTok @thelabelking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.packagingisawesome.com

    28 min
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5
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

This is a podcast where we illuminate the stories of people in the packaging industry and proudly sponsored by Specright.com Hosted by the Packaging Pastor, Adam Peek www.packagingisawesome.com

Information

  • Creator
    www.packagingpastor.com
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    348
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Adam Peek
  • Show Website
    People of Packaging Podcast

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