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. 339 - Beyond the Dieline ep 1 with Tom Seymour and Jessica Kwon from Moka Energy!

    1D AGO

    339 - Beyond the Dieline ep 1 with Tom Seymour and Jessica Kwon from Moka Energy!

    Hey, packaging fam! Adam Peek! I just had a total “fanboy” moment listening back to this conversation between my good friend Tom Seymour and the absolute powerhouse that is Jessica Kwong. If you aren’t following Jessica yet, fix that immediately. She’s a Cornell food scientist turned founder who is literally redefining what’s possible in the CPG space with Jack & Friends Jerky and Moka Energy. Tom and Jessica go deep on the “behind the scenes” of the founder journey—the stuff that isn’t always pretty but is totally necessary. Check out the show notes below for the highlights! Episode Highlights: Beyond the Dieline with Jessica Kwong The Origin Story: From Food Science to Founder Jessica didn’t just wake up and decide to make jerky. Her journey started at Cornell University, where she led product development teams and entered national competitions. The inspiration for Jack & Friends actually came from a personal place: her father developed severe food allergies later in life. “I saw firsthand how difficult it was for him to essentially upend his whole lifestyle... I wanted to make his life easier and find a solution for him.” — Jessica Kwong The “Unfiltered” Founder Reality One of the most refreshing parts of this episode is the honesty about the early days. Jessica talks about: * The 3 AM Kitchen Shifts: Working the most affordable (and most exhausting) shifts in commercial kitchens to bootstrap the brand. * DIY Design Woes: Designing her first packaging in Photoshop, only to realize (at 2 AM!) that professional packaging requires vector artwork in Illustrator. * The NYT “High-Low”: Getting featured in the New York Times was a massive win, but it also meant hand-packing orders for four straight weeks to meet the demand. Packaging & Partnerships: The Secret Sauce As a packaging guy, I loved hearing Jessica talk about her refresh with Wagon Design Studio. She emphasizes the importance of custom-printed packaging from the start. * Pro Tip: Don’t be the “most expensive label applicator” by doing it all yourself. Custom printing looks more professional and saves you time to work on your business, not in it. * The Power of “My Bad”: In manufacturing, things will go wrong. Jessica and Tom discuss how the best partners are the ones who own their mistakes and work to fix them immediately, rather than “ducking and covering”. What’s Next? Moka Energy Jessica isn’t stopping at jerky. She’s also a co-founder of Moka Energy, applying everything she learned from Jack & Friends to a new category. It’s a testament to the power of a “village” of proven operators coming together to build something great. Connect with Jessica & Tom * Jack & Friends: jackandfriendsjerky.com * Moka Energy: mokaenergy.com * Tom Seymour: Follow him on LinkedIn for more Beyond the Dieline episodes! * Jessica Kwon: Connect on LinkedIn Want more content like this? Make sure you’re following me on LinkedIn and over 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

    46 min
  2. MCC, Chapter 11, and what it might all mean

    5D AGO

    MCC, Chapter 11, and what it might all mean

    🎙️ Show Notes: The “Prepackaged” Truth Behind the MCC Bankruptcy What is going on, everybody! Welcome back to the People of Packaging. Today, we’re digging into the weeds of one of the biggest stories in the industry right now: the Multi-Color Corporation (MCC) Chapter 11 filing. Last week, I made a post that stirred up a bit of a hornet’s nest. I got a lot of “Adam, you didn’t do your research” comments regarding what a “prepackaged” bankruptcy actually is. Well, friends, I did the research. I went through the 241-page court filing on my own and used AI to help as well. Both resources are listed below. In this episode, we’re breaking down the macroeconomics, the management “Project Optimus” strategy, and the real reason why the global leader in prime labels is currently navigating a restructuring. I state this in the episode, I 100% THINK OUR INDUSTRY IS BETTER WITH A SOLID AND GROWING MCC. The people at the company are great (at least the one’s I know) and we are better when the big companies are thriving. Period. Full Stop. 🕒 Key Timestamps: * 00:00 – Welcome to the show! Big week with the launch of “Beyond the Dieline” with Tom Seymour. * 02:30 – Addressing the comments: What exactly is a “Prepackaged” Chapter 11? (hint, it’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy…the same thing essentially) * 05:00 – The Data: Breaking down the 241-page filing from Garrett Gabel (Chief Restructuring Officer). * 10:15 – Macroeconomics: Inflation, raw material constraints, and the “COVID boom” hangover. * 18:00 – Project Optimus: MCC’s plan to fix operational inefficiencies and bolster customer loyalty. * 25:40 – The Debt Problem: Converting $4 billion in debt to equity. * 35:00 – Advice for Customers: Why you need to know your vendors’ financial health. 📝 Key Takeaways: * It’s Not Just “Business as Usual”: Despite the rhetoric, having a Chief Restructuring Officer means significant changes are happening internally. * The Revenue Drop: MCC saw a 14% decrease in revenue from 2022 through year-end 2025. * Project Optimus: A holistic transformation plan intended to fix metrics like OTIF (On-Time In-Full), which had dropped significantly. * Customer Attrition: The long onboarding cycles in prime labels (12-24 months) mean that once you lose a customer, it takes a long time to get them back. 🔗 Resources Mentioned: * Official Court Filing: Download the full PDF here. * Case Summary: Detailed breakdown via Bondoro.com. * Connect with Adam: www.linkedin.com/in/adampeek * Follow 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

    41 min
  3. 337 - Rooting yourself in truth - part 1 of Sales Exegesis

    JAN 19

    337 - Rooting yourself in truth - part 1 of Sales Exegesis

    People of Packaging Podcast: Rooting Your Sales Journey in Truth In this episode, host Adam Peek takes us on a deep dive into his new book, Sales Exegesis: A Pastor’s Journey into Packaging Sales. Drawing from his unique background as a pastor and his decade-plus career in the packaging industry, Adam explores why so many sales professionals feel disconnected from their work and how to find dignity and integrity in the sales process. Key Discussion Points: * The Dignity of Sales: Adam discusses how the “manipulative salesperson” stereotype has stripped the dignity from the profession. He shares his passion for helping others rediscover that dignity and find wholeness in their roles. * Integration of Self: Learn how Adam bridged the gap between his personal life as a father and pastor and his professional life in sales, finding that he could be his whole self in every environment. * Exegesis vs. Eisegesis in Sales: * Eisegesis: Sales driven by emotional fear and subjective assumptions (e.g., “They won’t want to talk to me” or “Our prices are too high”). * Exegesis: Sales rooted in objective truth and observable data. Adam explains the importance of starting with facts about the prospect and their business before making interpretations. * The Power of Objective Truth: Discover a practical process for gathering “observable facts” about your prospects to build a solid foundation for your sales strategy, free from “head trash” and self-defeating talk. Memorable Quotes: “Integrity comes from the word ‘integer,’ which means to be whole. I wanted to be whole in my job—to bring my full self as a father, husband, and pastor into my sales work.” “When you root your sales process in objective truth rather than emotional fear, you’re on a much firmer path to success.” Resources Mentioned: * Buy the Book: www.salesexegesis.com * Connect with Adam Peek on LinkedIn: Adam Peek * Learn more about Label King: www.labelking.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

    18 min
  4. 336 - Tom Seymour drops in AND he's our first new mini series host (Beyond the Dieline...coming soon)!

    JAN 15

    336 - Tom Seymour drops in AND he's our first new mini series host (Beyond the Dieline...coming soon)!

    Guest: Tom Seymour, CPP, Business Development and Marketing Manager at Bison Bag & Founder of Moka Energy Host: Adam Peek Episode Overview In this intro to Tom Seymour, new host of the “Beyond the Die Line” series, Adam Peek sits down with Tom Seymour to discuss the human side of the packaging industry. Tom shares his journey from a “C-student” football player to a certified packaging professional, his philosophy on servant leadership, and the exciting launch of his new venture, Moka Energy. Key Takeaways * The Power of Partnership: Tom emphasizes that 75% of his day involves solving problems that have nothing to do with packaging. By focusing on the total supply chain and being a true partner, the packaging opportunities naturally follow. * Servant Leadership: The core of Tom’s career is a love for people and problem-solving. He discusses the “law of the universe”—that doing good things for others without expectation leads to long-term success. * The Science of Packaging: Beyond the business relationships, Tom nerdily dives into the “polymer science” behind flexible packaging, explaining why different foods require specific barrier levels and respiration rates. * Material Agnosticism: A balanced look at the sustainability debate (Paper vs. Plastic) and the importance of using data and science rather than public opinion to make environmental decisions. * Entrepreneurial Spirit: Tom details his 2-year journey to launch Moka Energy, a “portable cup of coffee” in the form of a whole-bean coffee bar. Featured in this Episode * Bison Bag: A family-based flexible packaging converter located in the Buffalo, NY area. * Moka Energy: Tom’s new company featuring clean-label, vegan, and gluten-free coffee bars. * IoPP (Institute of Packaging Professionals): Where Tom and Adam first connected. * SUNY Brockport: Tom’s alma mater and the place where he transformed his academic career. Links & Resources * Visit Moka Energy: www.mokaenergy.com * Connect with Tom Seymour on LinkedIn: Tom Seymour, CPP * Bison Bag Official Site: www.bisonbag.com Notable Quotes “Our motto is: Your success is our success. But that’s not just based on packaging.” — Tom Seymour “Time is socialist. Everybody has the same amount... it’s about who can lean into the value of that time.” — Adam Peek 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

    31 min
  5. 335 - How Wims! packaging helps people to snap, squeeze, and stir their way to health and joy

    JAN 6

    335 - How Wims! packaging helps people to snap, squeeze, and stir their way to health and joy

    The People of Packaging: How Wims! is Changing the Game In this episode of The People of Packaging, host Adam Peek sits down with Lauren Miller, co-founder of Wims!, to discuss their innovative approach to beverage packaging and the cannabis industry. Lauren shares the fascinating story of Wims!, from its family roots in North Carolina to its unique portable packaging solution. One note, they discuss an amazing Dry January advent calendar since this was recorded in November…it’s not too late to get one! www.wims.world Inside the Episode: * The Origins of Wims!: Wims! is a family-owned business co-founded by Lauren and her father, Ken. The journey began in 2016 with a passion for CBD and industrial hemp farming in rural North Carolina. * The Shift to THC Beverages: During the pandemic, Lauren discovered the appeal of low-dose THC seltzers as an alternative to alcohol, which offered relaxation without the morning-after hangover. * A Portable Solution: Recognizing the inconvenience of traditional canned beverages for on-the-go social situations, Lauren and her father developed a hyper-portable THC liquid concentrate. * Innovative Packaging: Wims! features a unique “Snap, Squeeze, Stir” packet. This single-use, pre-portioned concentrate can be easily snapped and mixed into any drink, providing a seamless and discreet way to enjoy low-dose THC. * The Wims! Experience: The product’s design focuses on user experience and social acceptability, offering a consistent and manageable dosage that complements existing drinking habits. * Sustainability and Future Outlook: Lauren discusses the industry’s shift toward more sustainable practices, such as reducing the environmental impact of shipping liquid-heavy beverages. Connect with Wims!: Visit their website at wims.world to learn more and explore their current product offerings, including variety packs and their festive advent-style calendar for dry January! 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
  6. 334 - Sabrina Clebnik is pioneering an incredible cannabis brand in Clebby's and the packaging is exquisite!

    12/23/2025

    334 - Sabrina Clebnik is pioneering an incredible cannabis brand in Clebby's and the packaging is exquisite!

    🍪 Episode Highlights: From Dorm Room to the “Diner-Retro” Shelf Sabrina Clebnik isn’t just baking brownies; she’s re-engineering the entire consumer experience in the cannabis space. In this episode, we dive into how she turned a college pivot into Clebby’s, a brand that’s solving the two biggest headaches in edibles: predictability and shelf-life. 🛠 The “A-Ha” Moment: The Kit Strategy Sabrina realized that shipping fresh-baked edibles is a logistical nightmare (mold, staleness, regulations—oh my!). Her solution? Don’t ship the brownie; ship the kit. * The Secret Sauce: By separating the non-infused mix from the infused oil, Clebby’s bypasses the “shelf-stable edible” taste problem. 📦 Packaging Nerd-Out: High Intention, High Style We spend a lot of time on the look because Sabrina didn’t just grab stock bottles and slap a label on them. * Modern Retro: The design is inspired by 1950s neon diners. Note the “three light” lines that carry through from the bottle neck to the box. * The Square Bottle: Chosen intentionally for premium shelf presence and to make applying compliance labels easier for her team. (Flat surfaces = happy production lines!) * The “Glue Flap” Innovation: Sabrina showed off a custom corrugated insert with a built-in “arm” that locks the glass bottle into place, ensuring it survives the USPS “kick test.” 🎓 Educating the “Canna-Curious” Packaging isn’t just a container; it’s a teacher. * Clebby’s uses QR codes prominently to link users to a Dosage Calculator. * Transparency over everything: Sabrina advocates for over-compliance, providing more warnings and lab-test access than required to build trust with a skeptical consumer. 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

    50 min
  7. 333 - The Chasm is Real: Dragging Packaging into the 21st Century with Jamie Lo from Laibl

    12/18/2025

    333 - The Chasm is Real: Dragging Packaging into the 21st Century with Jamie Lo from Laibl

    Hey everybody! Welcome back to another rad-tastic episode of the People of Packaging podcast. Today, I’m sitting down with Jamie Lo, the co-founder and CEO of Laibl. We’re diving deep into the massive “chasm” that exists between legacy packaging manufacturers and the modern brands who need them. If you’ve ever felt like procurement is a slow-moving dinosaur, this episode is for you. Jamie is building a platform that doesn’t just match brands with suppliers—it uses AI to fix the broken behaviors that have been holding our industry back for decades. 🎧 In this episode, we talk about: * The Procurement Pain Point: Why traditional sourcing (think: trade show handshakes and “Contact Us” forms) is high-risk and slow. * The “Digital Mindset”: It’s not just about buying a digital press; it’s about mirroring the B2C buying habits we use in our everyday lives. * Forced Innovation: How government regulations (EPR, tariffs, etc.) and consumer inflation are creating a “perfect storm” that forces brands to diversify their supply chains. * Laibl in Action: A live demo of how AI matches brands with over 4,000 pre-vetted North American suppliers in minutes, not months. * Outcome as a Service: Why Jamie’s model of only getting paid when a transaction happens is a game-changer for building trust in the packaging community. 🔗 Connect with Jamie and Laibl: * Website: laibl.co * LinkedIn: Jamie Lo 🚀 Join the Community: If you’re a brand looking for the fastest way to source packaging, or a supplier ready to prove your excellence, go check out Laibl. And as always, let’s keep that same energy—packaging is the front line of your brand, so let’s treat it that way! 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

    31 min
  8. 332 - AI, "Augmented Intuition," and the Future of Packaging w/ Xavier Joseph from Aptar

    12/11/2025

    332 - AI, "Augmented Intuition," and the Future of Packaging w/ Xavier Joseph from Aptar

    Before we get to the show notes, please go pick up a copy of my new book, Sales Exegesis, available on paperback and Kindle TODAY! 🤖 AI, “Augmented Intuition,” and the Future of Packaging w/ Xavier Joseph Hello everybody! Welcome to another episode of the People of Packaging Podcast, coming to you live from the Label Kingdom! 🦆👑 Today, we are doing something a little different. Instead of just talking shop, we are tackling the Top Questions Asked on Google about AI and Packaging. To help me answer these, I’m joined by a true heavyweight in the industry: Xavier Joseph, the VP of Global Marketing, Innovation, and Business Development at Aptar Beauty. Xavier joins us from just outside of Paris, bringing over 25 years of experience from giants like L’Oréal and Beiersdorf (Nivea). We dive deep into how Artificial Intelligence is shifting the industry from a “world of constraints” to a “world of possibilities.” Plus, we discuss why my Duolingo French lessons failed miserably. 🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss: * Sustainability via Simulation: How AI is simulating raw material interactions to save time, reduce physical waste, and predict mechanical properties before a single mold is cast. * “Augmented Intuition”: Xavier’s brilliant concept of balancing AI’s generative power with human sensitivity and creativity. AI should be part of the brainstorming team, not the leader of it. * The Engine vs. The Shell: How Aptar standardizes the “engine” (the pump mechanics) while using generative AI to endlessly customize the “shell” (the outer aesthetics) for brands. * The Risks of AI: Why “Garbage In, Garbage Out” applies to packaging data, and the massive risk of IP leakage when using public AI models for confidential product launches. * De-Risking the Launch: How Aptar uses AI models to predict pump and formula compatibility (viscosity, rheology) to cut down physical testing from 10 pumps to 2. 💡 Quotable Moments: * “I wish I would have known that packaging is a world of possibilities instead of a world of constraints.” — Xavier Joseph * “Make AI agents part of the brainstorming team, but don’t let them take control of the whole consumer experience.” — Xavier Joseph * “Imagine 3D printing a bottle based on the contour of a user’s face... that’s where AI meets customization.” — Adam Peek 🔗 Connect & Learn More: * Connect with Xavier on LinkedIn: Xavier Joseph * Check out Aptar Beauty: www.aptar.com * Connect with Adam (The Label King): www.linkedin.com/in/adampeek * Follow me on TikTok: @thelabelking If you enjoyed this episode, please hit subscribe and leave us a review! And remember to keep your AI protected and your intuition augmented! 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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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
    337
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Adam Peek
  • Show Website
    People of Packaging Podcast

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