Grocery Pulse Podcast by Innovar Marketing Agency | Insights for Retailers

George Goodwin
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Introducing the GroceryPulse Podcast by Innovar Marketing Agency! Reimagined to bring you the latest insights, strategies, and innovations in grocery retail, GroceryPulse is hosted by George Goodwin, a fourth-generation grocer and Innovar’s lead strategist. Each episode dives into the unique challenges and opportunities facing today’s independent grocers and retail chains. We’re excited to present engaging discussions with industry experts, successful grocers, and thought leaders sharing real-world tips and best practices. From enhancing store operations and leveraging data-driven strategies to elevating customer experiences and driving growth, we cover the topics that matter most to your business. GroceryPulse also brings you inspiring stories from family-owned businesses and insights into the transformative innovations shaping the future of grocery retail. Our mission is to support grocers in their journey toward growth and success with actionable advice that keeps you ahead of the curve. Whether you’re a CPG brand trying to understand the grocery world, an independent grocer looking to expand, or a large chain seeking fresh strategies, our podcast is your go-to resource for practical guidance and inspiration. Subscribe now and join a community of forward-thinking grocers committed to excellence. Learn more at www.innovaragency.com or reach us at marketing@innovarmarketing.com. #InnovarAgency #GroceryPulse #ItsAGoodwin

  1. JAN 8

    How a CPG Founder Built a Clean Protein Bar—Backed by an NBA Champion | Retail lessons on brand, growth & integrity with George Goodwin, 4th Gen Grocer & CPG Founder | GroceryPulse Podcast

    In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with Jacqueline Smith, Founder & CEO of E3 Energy Cubes—a Utah-based, woman-owned protein bar brand on a mission to “change the flavor of healthy.” Jacqueline shares how an accountant’s mindset (yes—math) helped her build a better-for-you bar with balanced macros (fats, carbs, protein), clean ingredients, and flavor that actually hits. You’ll hear how E3 went from a commercial kitchen concept to manufacturing in-house, why the bar is shaped into three shareable cubes, and how Jacqueline landed 2x NBA Champion Norris Cole as an early investor after a wild “I don’t know why I’m here… oh THAT’S why” moment. The conversation also dives into real founder realities: ingredient sourcing, label transparency (including seed oil nuances in dried fruit), the cashflow math of CPG, packaging lessons (why black looked amazing online but disappeared in-store), and what it takes to keep going when you’re exhausted—but the mission is bigger than you. Chapters00:00 – Welcome + Jacqueline’s mission to make healthy taste good01:38 – Why E3 started with math, not “food creativity”03:22 – Cleaning up a tasty recipe: boosting protein, fiber, and removing extra sugars04:31 – What E3 Energy Cubes are: 3 squares + 5 flavors11:07 – How the first flavors were chosen12:30 – The Norris Cole story: gut instinct → first investor17:10 – Staying true to the mission (and being transparent about ingredients)19:12 – “Seed oil-free” nuance + sourcing realities at small scale23:17 – Natural flavors, propylene glycol, and what founders should watch for27:18 – Why Jacqueline manufactures in-house (and how she bought machinery early)29:20 – Expo West 2020 shutdown + surviving COVID as a new CPG brand30:24 – Packaging pivot: why black film didn’t work in refrigerated sets32:40 – Biggest sales channels: convenience + Circle K, plus new retail wins34:10 – The margin squeeze: distributors, freight, demos, and buying power36:43 – RFPs, comparing quotes, and logistics math that saves real money38:30 – What “women-owned certified” means (and Jacqueline’s merit-based view)42:21 – “Burned the ships”: what keeps her motivated46:23 – Avoiding budget traps: shows, ads, and follow-up systems49:29 – Online vs retail strategy without undercutting stores53:46 – Fire chat: joy, favorite flavors, and what’s next in 202657:46 – Advice for founders who want to manufacture themselves1:05:20 – E3 fundraising: raising to prep for major Q1 growth Guest: Jacqueline Smith — Founder & CEO, E3 Energy Cubes🌐 Website: E3EnergyCubes.com🥶 Tip: They’re refrigerated, cube-style, and built for busy everyday people who still care about ingredients. Sponsor: Kōbu Kombucha PowderA modern take on kombucha designed for gut health, hydration, and everyday wellness—without the sugar bomb.✨ Clean, convenient kombucha powder you can take anywhere.🌐 Learn more or try it out: www.enjoykobu.com Host: George GoodwinInnovar Marketing AgencyHelping grocery, retail, and CPG brands tell better stories, grow community, and launch products with real-world traction — from in-store to digital.📧 Contact Innovar: marketing@innovaragency.com🌐 Learn more: www.innovaragency.com

    59 min

  2. 12/11/2025

    How the Founder of UGG Built a Billion-Dollar Global Brand- Brian Smith on The Birth of a Brand, Retail Lessons & More | Interview by George Goodwin, 4th Gen Grocer, CPG Founder | GroceryPulse Podcast

    In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with Brian Smith, founder of UGG and author of The Birth of a Brand. Brian shares how UGG started from six pairs of sheepskin surf boots and grew into a global, billion-dollar brand — and why that journey had far more struggle than overnight success. He explains how brand building is less about logos and trademarks, and more about what consumers feel and say about you, how he accidentally created a cult following among young surfers, and why you “can’t give birth to an adult” when it comes to growing a business. From surf culture and snowboarding to hockey moms and keynote stages, Brian unpacks a lifetime of lessons in entrepreneurship, storytelling, and staying authentic. Chapters: 00:00 – The Journey BeginsFrom accountant to surfer to entrepreneur: Brian’s leap from Australia to California in search of “the next big thing.” 02:57 – The Birth of UGGSpotting the market gap: why sheepskin surf boots didn’t exist in America and what Brian saw that others didn’t. 06:03 – Early Sales Reality CheckFrom “we’re going to be instant millionaires” to selling just 28 pairs in the first season. 09:09 – You Can’t Give Birth to an AdultThe “infant → toddler → youth → teenager” framework for business growth. 12:12 – Authenticity in MarketingWhy polished beach model ads failed — and how real surfers in real moments changed everything. 14:54 – Community & Influencers Before It Was CoolHow early surf influencers helped create a cult around UGGs almost 50 years before “influencer marketing” was a term. 17:46 – Emotional Branding & BelongingWhy kids begged their moms for UGGs and how emotion, not logic, drives most purchasing decisions. 21:09 – Navigating Entrepreneurial ChallengesFaith, resilience, and the mental game of not quitting when everything looks like it’s failing. 24:00 – Product Awareness & EducationTeaching staff and customers what a product does so it stops collecting dust on shelves. 26:55 – Lasting Brand StrategyBuilding something that survives trends and fads by focusing on quality, consistency, and availability. 32:35 – The Power of Experience in SalesGetting buyers to try the product — and how one store owner trying on a boot changed everything. 34:57 – Milestones in Brand BuildingFrom surf shops to ski shops to hockey culture — and finally into major retailers. 37:50 – Turning Skepticism into DemandWhen big retailers finally came calling after specialty shops created enough pull. 41:53 – Creating Consumer ExperiencesSampling, demos, and why the experience around the product becomes part of the brand. 46:12 – Reflections on Selling UGGWhy the joy was in the journey and what it felt like to “walk his daughter down the aisle” and hand UGG off. 50:05 – Becoming a Global Keynote SpeakerHow Brian transitioned from founder to storyteller, helping entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and stay the course. Brian Smith – Founder of UGG & Keynote Speaker 📚 Book: The Birth of a Brand (available on Amazon) 🌐 Website & Speaking Inquiries: https://briansmithspeaker.com/ If you’re part of a grocery association, CPG founder group, or entrepreneurial organization and want Brian to speak, you can reach out through his website’s contact page. This episode is sponsored by Kōbu Kombucha Powder — a modern take on kombucha designed for gut health, hydration, and everyday wellness without the sugar bomb. ✨ Clean, convenient, kombucha powder you can take anywhere. Low sugar, low calorie, and formulated for people who care about how they feel, not just what they drink. 🌐 Learn more or try it out: www.enjoykobu.com Host: George Goodwin Innovar Marketing Agency Helping grocery, retail, and CPG brands tell better stories, grow community, and launch products with real-world traction — from in-store to digital. 📧 Contact Innovar: marketing@innovaragency.com 🌐 Learn more: www.innovaragency.com

    1h 1m

  3. 11/21/2025

    Functional Mushrooms & Wellness: Walker | The Happy Mushroom Company x George Goodwin w/ GroceryPulse Podcast

    In this episode of the GroceryPulse Podcast, host George Goodwin sits down with Walker, founder of The Happy Mushroom Company, for a deep conversation on the future of grocery, functional foods, and building a health-focused CPG brand from the ground up. Together, they explore how mushrooms are reshaping wellness, why consumers are shifting toward functional nutrition, and what it really takes to launch and scale a natural products brand in today’s competitive grocery landscape. From sourcing and sustainability to consumer education and retailer relationships — this episode is packed with insight for founders, buyers, and anyone passionate about natural health. Whether you're a grocer, CPG entrepreneur, or just curious about the mushroom revolution, this conversation will open your mind to the powerful connection between nature, health, and modern retail. 00:00 — The Journey into MushroomsWalker shares how he discovered the healing power of mushrooms and launched The Happy Mushroom Company. 12:18 — Connecting with Nature & HealthWhy reconnecting with nature is becoming the foundation of new consumer wellness trends. 19:36 — Functional Mushrooms & Their BenefitsLion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps — what they are, how they work, and why people are reaching for them. 26:37 — Quality & Extraction ProcessesThe difference between real, effective mushroom extracts and the industry shortcuts consumers should avoid. 33:34 — Sustainability & Environmental ResponsibilityRegenerative practices, sourcing commitments, and why mushrooms are one of nature’s most sustainable foods. 36:06 — Building a Brand: From Local Roots to Wider MarketsHow Walker scaled from local customers to a regional movement — and what CPG founders can learn from his growth. 40:52 — Consumer Education: Navigating the Mushroom SpaceHow brands can build trust and clarity in a confusing supplement landscape. 46:18 — Health Benefits: Myths & FactsWhat mushrooms can ACTUALLY do for immunity, focus, stress, and energy. 52:28 — Personal Insights: Gratitude & NatureWalker’s personal philosophy and the mindset behind the brand. 54:46 — Future Product LaunchesNew innovations coming soon from The Happy Mushroom Company. Website: https://happymushroomco.com/Email (Customer & Wholesale): walker@happymushroomco.comPhone: 775-530-1019 The Happy Mushroom Company focuses on high-quality functional mushrooms, sustainable sourcing, transparency, and education — helping people reconnect with nature through clean, powerful wellness products. GroceryPulse PodcastPodcast Home: https://grocerypulse.comEpisodes: https://grocerypulse.com/podcastBlog: https://grocerypulse.com/blogYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@grocerypulseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/grocerypulse Innovar Marketing AgencyWebsite: https://www.innovaragency.comMarketing Blog: https://www.enjoykobu.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/innovar_marketing_agency/ 🔥 Episode Highlights🌱 About The Happy Mushroom Company🔗 Links & Resources 🌱 About The Happy Mushroom Company Website: https://happymushroomco.comEmail (Customer & Wholesale): walker@happymushroomco.comPhone: 775-530-1019 The Happy Mushroom Company focuses on high-quality functional mushrooms, sustainable sourcing, transparency, and education — helping people reconnect with nature through clean, powerful wellness products. GroceryPulse PodcastPodcast Home: https://grocerypulse.co Innovar Marketing AgencyWebsite: https://www.innovaragency.comSponsore: https://www.enjoykobu.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovaragency

    57 min

  4. 10/27/2025

    Future of Grocery & Natural Retail: How Community and Sustainability Drive Indie Success — Jeremiah Bogenhagen | Naturally Independent Expo 2025| George Goodwin x Jeremiah Bogenhagen

    Independent grocers and emerging CPGs are rethinking which trade shows actually move the needle. In this GroceryPulse Podcast, host George Goodwin talks with Jeremiah Bogenhagen (President, Positively Natural Network and CEO of Health Essentials) about the Naturally Independent Expo in Palm Springs—why it’s intentionally small, how it maximizes retailer–supplier face time, and the education tracks built for indie retailers (not just brand booths). We cover ROI vs. mega expos, grassroots distribution for new CPGs, and why relationships + education beat slotting fees. Chapters 00:00 – Cold open: why smaller shows win for ROI01:18 – Welcome & guest intro (Jeremiah Bogenhagen)02:22 – Jeremiah’s path from grocery → wellness center operator06:32 – Leading Positively Natural Network & mission08:18 – Building supplier–retailer relationships that last12:42 – What makes the Naturally Independent Expo different15:37 – Education tracks for indie retailers (beyond product 101)18:46 – Real talk: connections, ROI, and success stories22:13 – Community, differentiation, and staff education25:46 – First-time attendee tips (note-taking + AI, relationship focus)31:45 – Post-COVID shift: whole-health mindset & community events34:37 – Biggest threats to independents (online + big-box pricing)36:58 – Advice to first-time CPG founders (start indie, go grassroots)39:37 – Panel goals & why regional differences matter42:58 – Who exhibits? (supplements, better-for-you foods, beverages)50:42 – Live podcast from the show? Logistics & ideas52:38 – How to get involved + final takeaways GroceryPulse PodcastPodcast Home: https://grocerypulse.comMore Episodes: https://grocerypulse.com/podcastBlog: https://grocerypulse.com/blogYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@grocerypulseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/grocerypulse Innovar Marketing AgencyWebsite: https://www.innovaragency.comBlog (Grocery/CPG Marketing): https://www.enjoykobu.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovaragency Positively Natural Network / Naturally Independent ExpoWebsite: https://www.positivelynatural.org Positively NaturalExpo Info (Palm Springs • Nov 14–15, 2025): https://www.positivelynatural.org/npp Positively NaturalTrade Show details (hours, setup, contacts): https://www.positivelynatural.org/trade-show Positively NaturalAbout PNN (“Support • Educate • Advocate”): https://www.positivelynatural.org/our-story Positively NaturalContact: director@positivelynatural.org • 360-379-2805 Positively Natural VRM Media / Vitamin Retailer (Media Partner)Vitamin Retailer Magazine (VRM Media): https://vitaminretailer.com Vitamin Retailer MagazinePartnership announcement (PNN × VRM Media): Vitamin Retailer Magazine About Jeremiah BogenhagenPNN Board page (President bio): https://www.positivelynatural.org/membership Positively NaturalHealth Essentials (CO) listing: https://www.burlingtoncochamber.com/business-directory/ (search Health Essentials Inc.) Burlington Chamber of Commerce

    48 min

  5. 10/24/2025

    The Future of Grocery: The Emotional Science Behind Why We Shop — How Smell, Design, and Human Connection Are Shaping Retail | George Goodwin x Kevin Kelley

    In this episode of the GroceryPulse Podcast, host George Goodwin sits down with Kevin Kelley, Co-Founder of Shook Kelley, to explore the future of grocery through the lens of emotional science, design, and human connection. They uncover how smell, sensory engagement, and behavior architecture influence consumer decision-making — and why successful grocers are moving beyond convenience to create meaningful, community-driven experiences. From emotional shopping habits to the psychology of retail design, this conversation reveals how grocery stores can evolve into spaces that inspire loyalty, belonging, and purpose. 🎙️ Hosted by: George Goodwin — 4th-Generation Grocer & Founder of Innovar Agency🎧 Guest: Kevin Kelley — Retail Design Expert & Co-Founder of Shook Kelley Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Grocery Podcasting and Community Impact 02:46 The Importance of Local Grocery Stores 05:29 Consumer Behavior and Emotional Shopping 08:08 The Role of Community in Retail 10:47 The Evolution of Retail Design 13:26 The Need for Human Connection 16:23 Understanding Consumer Experience 18:47 The Power of Sensory Engagement 22:03 Behavior Architecture in Retail 24:11 Creating Meaningful Retail Experiences 27:03 The Future of Grocery Stores 29:47 Final Thoughts and Advice for Grocers Takeaways Grocery stores serve as community hubs, providing more than just products.Emotional connections drive consumer purchasing decisions.Local grocery stores are vital for community engagement and support.Designing retail spaces should focus on enhancing human interaction.Sensory experiences, especially smell, play a crucial role in shopping.Consumers are seeking meaningful experiences over mere convenience.The future of retail lies in creating spaces that foster connection.Understanding consumer behavior is key to successful retail design.Community events can enhance customer loyalty and engagement.Retailers must adapt to the changing landscape of consumer expectations. Key Words and Topics: future of grocery, grocery podcast, george goodwin, kevin kelley, shook kelley, grocery design, sensory retail, emotional shopping, consumer behavior, behavior architecture, human connection, retail innovation, grocery trends 2025, local grocery stores, sensory engagement, retail design psychology, meaningful experiences, grocery community Sponsor: ⁠https://www.enjoykobu.com⁠ 🔗 Links & Resources🎙️ GroceryPulse Podcast Podcast Home: https://grocerypulse.com Listen to More Episodes: https://grocerypulse.com/podcast Read the GroceryPulse Blog: https://grocerypulse.com/blog Watch All Episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@grocerypulse Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innvoarrocerypulse Website: https://www.innovaragency.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovar_marketing_agency/Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/InnovarMarketingAgency/ Linkedin Group:https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8990400/ Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@InnovarMarketingAgency LinkedIn Business Page:https://www.linkedin.com/company/grocerypulse-podcast-by-innovar-marketing-agency/?viewAsMember=true X profile:https://x.com/innovar_agency 💡 Innovar Marketing Agency🏪 Kevin Kelley & Shook Kelley About Kevin Kelley: https://www.kevinervinkelley.com/about Shook Kelley Official Website: https://www.shookkelley.com Shook Kelley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shookkelley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shookkelley George Goodwin Host Instgramhttps://www.instagram.com/itsagoodwin/LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/number-one-marketer/

    1h 2m

  6. 09/26/2025

    Turning POS Data into Retail Media Power w/ Steve Dietch (Bridge/Ripple) and George Goodwin

    Independent and regional grocers don’t just need impressions—they need measurable lift. In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin (4th-gen grocer & founder of Innovar Marketing) sits down with Steve Dietch, Chief Revenue Officer at Bridge and retail-media network Ripple, to unpack how identity resolution and POS-level purchase data are changing the game for regional chains and C-stores. Bridge/Ripple helps retailers identify unknown shoppers (beyond loyalty programs), unify first-party data, and then activate audiences across the open web, video, and CTV—with closed-loop measurement back to the register. For CPGs, that means scalable, hard-to-reach audiences at regional grocers and convenience—plus transparent IROAS (incremental return on ad spend). How identity beyond loyalty unlocks true scale for regional grocers Why POS item-level data is the “crown jewel” for targeting & measurement How Ripple aggregates retailers into a national-scale network for CPG spend Practical ways CPGs use these audiences for off-site media (Google, Yahoo, TTD, CTV) What metrics matter most (closed-loop transparency & incremental ROAS) When every campaign targets real purchasers—and reports back to POS—you move from “awareness” to accountable revenue. 00:00 — Intro to GroceryPulse + guest setup03:03 — Steve’s journey: UCR track → global tech → startups → CRO at Bridge05:56 — Retail media’s rise & why it matters to grocers/CPGs08:51 — Identity beyond loyalty: closing the “unknown shopper” gap12:01 — Using purchase data for competitive advantage14:51 — Building a retail-media network for regional grocers & C-stores (Ripple)17:47 — Connecting transactions to anonymized, enriched shopper profiles20:49 — What this unlocks for CPG targeting, activation & measurement24:29 — Defining customer personas with real purchase behavior26:03 — Retailer & CPG pain points—and how identity solves them29:27 — POS data as the crown jewel: targeting + closed-loop proof32:08 — Bridging the retail marketing gap beyond loyalty programs34:06 — Getting precise with ICPs (who, where, how to reach)38:54 — Common hesitations & easy on-ramps for retailers/CPGs41:22 — Success metrics: sales lift, ROAS, incremental ROAS44:02 — What’s next: growth, scale, and transparency in 2025 Bridge / Ripple: Audience building, activation, and POS-based measurement Request a demo (Ripple): ripplenet.com Learn more (Bridge): bridge.com Will be published on all major boradcasting sites: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more! Steve Dietch — LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevendietch/ steve.dietch@bridg.com George Goodwin — LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/number-one-marketer/ george@innovaragency.com podcast@innovaragency.com Innovar Marketing Agency — www.innovaragency.com/blog

    50 min

  7. 09/18/2025

    Turning Social Media Comments into Customers: The Future of Grocery Foot Traffic with Oskar Wahlbäck & George Goodwin

    Local grocers don’t need another “awareness-only” social tactic—they need sales. On this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin (4th-gen grocer & founder of Innovar Marketing) sits down with Oskar Wahlbäck, founder & CEO of Commentsell, to explore how European-style “reserve in comments” deals are transforming social media into a true sales channel. Already powering 250+ stores in Sweden and Denmark—with 85,000+ campaigns and $170M in retailer revenue—Commentsell automates bookable discounts so that every Facebook/Instagram post can turn into guaranteed store traffic. Early U.S. pilots show 20–30% revenue lifts, proving this isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful way for independents and small chains to compete. You’ll hear: How “comment-to-reserve” campaigns create viral loops and measurable sales. Real examples, from strawberry surpluses to $60K+ energy drink drops. Why automation (not just marketing) solves the biggest pain for retailers. What U.S. grocers can learn from European retail culture. 📈 Key takeaway: Every comment can become a customer—and every social post a sales channel. .00:00 Introduction to CometSelf and Swedish Innovations 03:01 The Birth of CometSelf: Oskar's Journey 06:01 Understanding Bookable Discounts and Their Impact 09:02 Driving Engagement Through Bookable Campaigns 12:10 Success Stories: Real-World Impact of CometSelf 15:00 Cost Efficiency and Marketing Strategies for Retailers 18:06 Automation and Efficiency in Grocery Marketing 20:58 The Importance of Customer Interaction and Personalization 23:52 Leveraging Social Media Algorithms for Retail Success 27:01 Future of Grocery Marketing: Trends and Innovations 30:54 Cultural Insights: Happiness in Sweden 34:45 Innovation and Education: The Swedish Approach 37:39 Grocery Retail: Comparing Sweden and the US 41:46 Expanding into the US Market 50:34 Sustainability and Waste Reduction in Retail 57:50 Innovative Sales Strategies in Grocery 59:53 Regional Differences in Grocery Experiences 01:03:06 The Power of Pre-Selling and Promotions 01:05:58 Exploring Other Retail Opportunities 01:08:58 Engagement and Trends in Social Media for Grocers 01:12:00 Cultural Insights and Personal Reflections Key Takeaways (with helpful links) Bookable discounts turn engagement into guaranteed foot traffic. → Demo & case studies: https://commentsell.com Operational ease is the unlock. Automation beats after-hours comment wrangling. Start with perishable and vendor-backed deals. Build momentum, then scale daily. Measure comments → reservations → pickups → basket lift. Treat it like a sales pipeline, not “just social.” 🎧 Listen to GroceryPulse YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts 🤝 Connect with the Guests Oskar Wahlbäck on LinkedIn oskar@commentsell.com George Goodwin on LinkedIn george@innovaragency.com podcast@innovaragency.com 🌐 Book a Demo with Commentsell → commentsell.com 🌐 Explore Innovar Marketing Agency → innovaragency.com🌐 Blog - Turnning Social Media Comments into sales

    1h 9m

  8. 09/03/2025

    From Family Grocer to Policy Leader | Ron Fong, CEO of California Grocers Association | GroceryPulse by Innovar Marketing Agency

    In this episode of the GroceryPulse Podcast, host George Goodwin sits down with Ron Fong, President & CEO of the California Grocers Association (CGA), for an insightful conversation on leadership, advocacy, and the future of grocery.Ron shares his personal journey from growing up in his family’s grocery store to becoming one of the most influential voices for California’s grocery industry. Together, George and Ron explore:- The importance of independent grocers as community anchors- How COVID-19 highlighted grocery stores as essential hubs- The role of legislation and advocacy in shaping grocery operations- California’s influence as a “crystal ball” for future laws nationwide- Why compromise is crucial in the legislative process- Opportunities for technology and innovation in retail- Recruiting and educating the next generation of grocersRon also shares humorous stories from his early days in grocery and sheds light on the challenges—and opportunities—that define today’s grocery industry.👉 Whether you’re a grocer, CPG brand, or industry professional, this episode offers real-world insights on policy, leadership, and growth.📌 Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Ron Fong and CGA01:31 – Growing Up in the Grocery Business04:15 – From Grocer to Lobbyist: A Career Journey10:23 – Experiences and Changes in the California Legislature16:35 – The Importance of People in Business22:32 – Grocery Stores as Community Hubs30:54 – Understanding Lobbying and CGA's Role33:32 – Wacky Laws and Legislative Challenges34:51 – The Evolution of Environmental Legislation43:08 – California's Influence on National Legislation51:11 – Balancing Interests: Chains vs. Independents56:07 – The Future of Grocery: Education and Innovation🔗 Links & ResourcesCalifornia Grocers Association (CGA) – Website: https://www.cagrocers.comContact CGA: https://www.cagrocers.com/about/contact-us/ Phone: (916) 448-3545 California Grocers Association | Gather California 2025September 21 – September 23, 2025 The Westin Rancho Mirage Resort Podcast Home: https://grocerypulse.comListen to more episodes: https://grocerypulse.com/podcastRead the GroceryPulse Blog: https://grocerypulse.com/blog Watch all episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@grocerypulseInnovar Marketing Agency – Blog (grocery/CPG marketing insights): https://www.enjoykobu.com 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of retail & grocery.

    1h 4m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Introducing the GroceryPulse Podcast by Innovar Marketing Agency! Reimagined to bring you the latest insights, strategies, and innovations in grocery retail, GroceryPulse is hosted by George Goodwin, a fourth-generation grocer and Innovar’s lead strategist. Each episode dives into the unique challenges and opportunities facing today’s independent grocers and retail chains. We’re excited to present engaging discussions with industry experts, successful grocers, and thought leaders sharing real-world tips and best practices. From enhancing store operations and leveraging data-driven strategies to elevating customer experiences and driving growth, we cover the topics that matter most to your business. GroceryPulse also brings you inspiring stories from family-owned businesses and insights into the transformative innovations shaping the future of grocery retail. Our mission is to support grocers in their journey toward growth and success with actionable advice that keeps you ahead of the curve. Whether you’re a CPG brand trying to understand the grocery world, an independent grocer looking to expand, or a large chain seeking fresh strategies, our podcast is your go-to resource for practical guidance and inspiration. Subscribe now and join a community of forward-thinking grocers committed to excellence. Learn more at www.innovaragency.com or reach us at marketing@innovarmarketing.com. #InnovarAgency #GroceryPulse #ItsAGoodwin

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