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. Hippy Feet is the coolest company you haven't heard about until now! Michael Mader, CEO

    6D AGO

    Hippy Feet is the coolest company you haven't heard about until now! Michael Mader, CEO

    DEAL: If you’re looking for custom socks for your company, event, or sports team, go to hippyfeet.com, fill out the custom inquiry form, and mention the LABEL KING podcast. Michael will give you 15% OFF your first custom order! www.hippyfeet.com 🎙️ From a Traumatic Brain Injury to a Brand That Changes Lives: The Hippy Feet Story with Michael Mader I am SO fired up for this episode. This is why I do this podcast. I’m talking to Michael Mader, the founder of Hippy Feet. I first connected with Michael when I needed custom socks for the Label King grand opening, and his team absolutely crushed it. He, the founder, jumped on a call with me personally to make it happen. But the story behind why this company exists... man, it’s on another level. This isn’t just some slick marketing. Michael’s “why” is 100% real. We get into the whole thing, from his life-changing accident to the sourcing struggles of finding American-made manufacturers, and why a “buy one, give one” model wasn’t enough. Find the Brand: * Website: hippyfeet.com * The Custom Sock Form: hippyfeet.com/pages/custom-socks-and-knitwear 💥 The “Why”: A Support System in Sock Form This is the core of the whole conversation. This is not a brand built to just sell socks; it’s a brand built to be the support system that so many people lack. * The Accident: During his senior year of college, Michael suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a skateboarding accident. He fractured his orbital bone and his skull, leaving him bedridden for a month. * The Support System: His friends and family rallied. They paid his rent, bought his groceries, and literally got him back on his feet. * The “Aha!” Moment: Michael realized that without that support system, homelessness would have been his “most likely outcome”. He felt this was incredibly unfair and wanted to build a business that could act as that support system for others. 📈 The Mission & The Pivot (This is so smart) I love this part. Michael didn’t just stick with an easy, marketable mission. He listened and adapted to make a real-world difference. * Phase 1 (2016): The company launched with a “buy one, give one” sock donation model, similar to Toms or Bombas. * The Problem: While doing street outreach, Michael realized he was giving socks to the same people every week. He was treating a symptom, not the underlying cause. As he says, “You can give somebody... millions of pairs of socks, and unfortunately, they are not going to be able to use that as a tool to get out of homelessness.” * Phase 2 (2018): They pivoted to an employment program. They hired homeless youth (ages 16-24) to run their entire warehouse—fulfillment, packaging, screen printing, embroidery, all of it. * Phase 3 (2022): They analyzed the program and found that less than 7% of the youth were finding self-sufficiency. Why? Because they were bouncing between 5-6 different nonprofits to get all their needs met (a job here, housing there, mental health counseling somewhere else). * The Current Mission: Today, Hippy Feet donates 50% of its profits to “one-stop-shop” charities that provide all those services—housing, healthcare, education, and employment—under one roof. * The Impact: They’ve generated over $200,000 in total impact (through wages and donations) since 2016. Let’s go! 📦 The Product & Packaging Angle We get into the fact that you can have the greatest mission in the world, but if your product sucks, you’re not going to be in business long. * “Buy Once, Cry Once”: Michael lives by this. He’s passionate about making high-quality products that are meant to last, not cheap junk that ends up in a landfill. * Real Sustainability: It’s not just about the process; it’s about the lifespan. A product that falls apart in a year isn’t sustainable, no matter what it’s made of. * American-Made Sourcing: This was a non-negotiable. Michael tells a wild story about trying to find a US manufacturer. The industry is built for massive accounts (think Walmart or the US Military) that don’t want to stop production for a college kid with a startup. * The Banging-on-the-Door Strategy: After getting hung up on 30+ times, he bought a plane ticket, flew to North Carolina, showed up at a mill, and basically said, “I am not leaving until you make my socks.” And it worked. That’s passion. 🔥 DON’T MISS THIS! Michael is incredibly stoked about their new line of 100% ultrafine Merino wool sweaters sourced from Italy, dropping in November. He’s also (rightfully) obsessed with his Merino wool hiking socks. And he gave us a deal. This is unreal. DEAL: If you’re looking for custom socks for your company, event, or sports team, go to hippyfeet.com, fill out the custom inquiry form, and mention the LABEL KING podcast. Michael will give you 15% OFF your first custom order! Seriously, go support this brand. This is what it’s all about. 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
  2. 327 - The best soda you haven't heard about (probably)!

    OCT 21

    327 - The best soda you haven't heard about (probably)!

    Show Notes: From Kitchen Idea to Paradise in a Can: The Hawaiian Soda Co. Story with Gina Ho! Man, I am SO stoked for this episode. This is why I do this podcast. I’m talking with the amazing Gina Ho, who co-founded Hawaiian Soda Co. with her husband, Caesar. And let me tell you, this isn't just another craft soda. The story behind this brand is incredible. They’re on a mission to bring back the real history of soda in Hawai'i—back when it was made with real fruit juice and natural cane sugar, not the high-fructose "dirty word" we think of today. Their "why" runs deep in the family, and it’s led to this amazing product that is exploding. We get into the whole journey, from a kitchen idea in 2020 to scaling to the mainland, and OF COURSE, we do a deep dive on the packaging. Find the Brand: Website: hawaiiansodaco.com Instagram: @HawaiianSodaCo Where to Buy: Check their site, find them at World Market, or get it shipped from HouseofManaUp.com! 🌴 Key Takeaways: The "Dirty Word": We talked about how "soda" has become a negative term. But Hawaiian Soda Co. is flipping that by going back to the roots—like Gina's husband's family, who used to mix fresh juice with soda water. Real Ingredients (No, Really): This isn't "hint of fruit." We're talking 40-50% real fruit juice in every can. There's NO added sugar, and it's all-natural and caffeine-free. The Mission: "Paradise in every sip." They are 100% delivering on this promise. INSANE Growth: This is wild. They went from that kitchen idea in 2020 to launching with a major retailer in July 2023. In just over two years, they've scaled to over 1,500 doors and 6,000 points of distribution. That is serious speed. The Pronunciation: Big takeaway for me! I finally learned how to say it correctly: Hah-vy-ee. (Gina was super gracious about my "Aloha" intro... 😅) 📦 Packaging Deep Dive: The Sleek Can Strategy You know this is my favorite part. I am obsessed with their packaging strategy. The 12oz Sleek Can: This was 100% intentional. Gina said when they looked at the local market, everyone was using the same standard can. Differentiation > Operation: They chose to make it operationally harder on themselves (they have to bring the sleek cans in from out-of-state) just so they would look completely different on the shelf. That’s how you win. Sleeves to Print: They started with shrink sleeves (the classic startup move!) and are now big enough to be transitioning to direct-print cans. We love to see that CPG journey. 🔄 The Role Reversal: Gina Interviews Me! This was awesome. Gina flipped the script and asked me a killer packaging question. Her Question: "We're thinking about 4-packs and variety packs. What are the things we need to consider for retail?" My Take: Start with your Co-Man: Don't design something in a vacuum. Find out what your contract manufacturer can actually run. Paper rings? Auto-bottom boxes? That's your starting point. The Power of the Box: I’m a huge fan of the rigid 4-pack folding carton. It gives you massive brand real estate. Stop the Spin!: Most importantly, a box stops the cans from spinning on the shelf. You control the branding, so the customer always sees your logo, not the nutrition panel. We even brainstormed a wild 4-can-across concept. You’ll have to listen for that! This was such a fun conversation. Go check out hawaiiansodaco.com, give them a follow, and go try this soda. Let's goooo! 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

    27 min
  3. 326 - NSF Global: Why Safety and Sustainability are Two Sides of the Same Packaging Coin

    OCT 6

    326 - NSF Global: Why Safety and Sustainability are Two Sides of the Same Packaging Coin

    Big thanks to Matthew Allen from NSF for joining the show as we talk about certifications and what they mean for us in packaging!Key Takeaways (The Juicy Stuff): * The Origins of Safety: NSF started 80 years ago (around the 1940s) out of a need to create scientifically-backed standards for new public consumption—think soda fountains, public swimming pools, and the rise of mass food processing. It all started with simple standards that are now the bedrock of safety regulations. * Safety & Sustainability Are Linked: This is the core theme. The drive to make packaging lighter (for a smaller transport carbon footprint) immediately challenges the original food safety testing and compliance that was based on thicker, older materials. Every change in packaging material requires re-testing to ensure it’s still safe and effective. * The Global Compliance Nightmare (and how NSF helps): As supply chains globalize, a product’s packaging has to comply with different regulations and standards in Texas, Germany, and Kuala Lumpur. NSF provides the testing, certification, and advisory services to navigate this complex, ever-changing landscape of national and international standards. * The Microplastics Connection: NSF’s focus extends to the interaction of materials with food and health, touching on hot topics like microplastics originating from materials like kitchen cutting boards—showing just how deep their mandate goes. * The Complicated Reality of Compostability: We hit on the difficulty of certifying what is truly “home compostable” for a hobby farmer like Matthew versus what works in a suburban setting. We also discussed the challenge for commercial composting facilities that may not want packaging, even if it’s certified, as it can degrade the quality of their final compost product. * Why You See the NSF Mark: The NSF logo is a mark of trust—often seen on kitchen equipment, water filters, and food containers—mandated by elevated safety standards in food service and retail to ensure material quality and sanitation. Guest Info & Call to Action: * Guest: Matthew Allen, Global Managing Director of Consulting, Training, and Sustainability at NSF (NSF.org). * Connect: If you’re a food packaging pro, you need to understand the standards that govern your industry. Check out NSF.org and connect with Matthew to keep your compliance game tight. * P.S. We might have another episode on the future of compostable packaging soon! 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

    26 min
  4. 325 - From Shrink Sleeves to Scale: The Tru Energy Packaging Journey

    SEP 22

    325 - From Shrink Sleeves to Scale: The Tru Energy Packaging Journey

    Yo, what's good, packaging people? Adam Peek here, and you know how we roll—we're diving deep into the real talk behind building a brand. On this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Jack McNamara and Yash Banthia, the co-founders of Tru Energy Drinks. These guys aren't just making a great-tasting, better-for-you beverage; they're building a brand with a purpose, and their story is a masterclass in hustle and smart business decisions. From the Dungeon to DrinkTru.com Jack and Yash's journey is the kind of scrappy startup story you love to hear. We're talking about a a literal dungeon—the basement of a Jiu-Jitsu gym—and a mindset of relentless improvement. We got into the nitty-gritty of their brand's evolution, from the early days of a crazy-expensive, custom-designed shot bottle that customers didn't even understand, to their current sleek, pre-printed cans. It's a prime example of why you can't be afraid to kill your darlings and embrace change, even if it means moving away from your original, most "creative" idea. The Power of Packaging Evolution This is where the real value bombs were dropped. We broke down: * The Cost of Creativity: Why a custom-molded bottle wasn't the right move for them early on, and how tooling costs can crush a new brand's cash flow. * The Sprint to Scale: The massive leap from a small, local co-packer to a national one, and the significant 35% savings they unlocked by switching from shrink sleeves to pre-printed cans. This is a crucial lesson in understanding your supply chain and the economies of scale. * Reading the Room (and the Shelf): How a simple redesign, like moving the brand name to the top and adding a clear flavor stripe, can make all the difference in a competitive retail environment. We talked about consumer behavior and why you've got two seconds to communicate what your product is. Products with a Purpose One of the coolest things about Tru is their commitment to giving back. I had to call them out for not leading with their charitable contributions—they're just out there doing good because it's the right thing to do. We discussed their partnership with the Trevor Project and how building a brand with a strong mission, even when you're not yet profitable, can be a huge motivator for the team. Big shout-out to Jack and Yash for their time and their transparency. If you're out there building a CPG brand, trying to figure out your packaging, or just need a dose of entrepreneurial inspiration, this episode is for you. Check out Tru's full product line at drinktru.com and grab a can or a powder pack to fuel your next big idea. Don't forget to look for them at stores like Market Basket, Wegmans, and H-E-B. And hey, if you're ever in Salt Lake City, hit up Harmons and tell 'em Adam sent you! And yes, a special shout-out to my parents, Ed and Lydia Peek, and Jack's toddler. Thanks for listening, everyone! 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

    33 min
  5. 324 - Label Expo Europe is NEXT WEEK! I'll be there with CERM...but why CERM? It's the 1% advantage

    SEP 8

    324 - Label Expo Europe is NEXT WEEK! I'll be there with CERM...but why CERM? It's the 1% advantage

    Yo! What is going on, everybody! Short quick episode here… I am absolutely JACKED for this episode. I'm letting you in on one of the biggest decisions we've made for our new label printing business and announcing a huge trip. Next week, I'm heading to Labelexpo Europe in Barcelona, Spain! But here's the twist: I'm not primarily going as "The Label King" content creator. I'm going as a business owner and a partner. I'll be spending my time at the CERM booth, and in this episode, I break down exactly why. Choosing the software backbone for your company—the MIS system—is one of the most critical decisions you can make. It's the central nervous system that dictates how everything flows. Get it wrong, and you're dead in the water. Get it right, and you create a small, powerful advantage that can change the game. Tune in to hear: * The massive mistake private equity-backed companies make with their MIS after an acquisition. * Why "winning on the margins" is the only thing that matters in business (shoutout to my buddy Rob Jeppsen for the wisdom). * How my connection to CERM goes back to my very first days in the label industry. * Why we're choosing to partner with a "tech-first" company in a not-so-sexy industry. * My big goal: Creating 50+ high-quality jobs right here in our Utah community and how the right technology partner makes that possible. This isn't just a software choice; it's a foundational piece of our strategy to build a legacy. Find Me at Labelexpo Europe! * Who: Me and the CERM team * Where: Hall 3, Exhibition Stand G43 * When: Tuesday & Wednesday of the show Come say hi, ask questions, and let's talk about the future of the label industry. Links & Resources Mentioned: * CERM: Learn more about their game-changing MIS system at cerm.net. If you're looking at your own system, you HAVE to check them out. * Labelexpo Europe: The biggest label show on the planet. Let's go! 🚀 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

    9 min
  6. 323 - Nerding Out on Medical Packaging & Ditching PVC with Keith Smith of Vonco

    SEP 8

    323 - Nerding Out on Medical Packaging & Ditching PVC with Keith Smith of Vonco

    What's up, People of Packaging! On this episode, we dive into a corner of the packaging world that most people never see, but it impacts millions of lives every single day: medical device and pharma packaging. I'm joined by Keith E. Smith, President of Vonco Products, and we get into the nitty-gritty of how flexible packaging is evolving in one of the most highly regulated industries out there. We talk about everything from the challenges of sterilizing materials to the massive push to get away from PVC. And you know me, I love a good sustainability story. Keith drops some serious knowledge about Vonco's game-changing tech that's helping companies innovate without having to replace millions of dollars in equipment. It’s a huge deal! What We Covered 📦 * The Hidden World of Medical Packaging: We break down the difference between a package and a single-use "device" (like an IV bag) in the eyes of the FDA. * The Big PVC Problem: Why has PVC been the standard for so long in things like blood bags, and what are the sustainability challenges that are forcing a change? * Welding Wizardry: Keith explains the difference between RF (radio frequency) welding and heat welding and how Vonco developed a proprietary way to use traditional RF equipment for modern materials like polypropylene. This is a game-changer, folks! * Sustainability & Supply Chains: We discuss how tariffs on materials like foil and the push for EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) are driving innovation toward more sustainable, cost-effective packaging solutions. * The Future is Refills: We touch on the rise of refill pouches and concentrates for consumer goods as a way to drastically reduce plastic waste and shipping emissions. This was one of those conversations that reminds me why I love this industry so much. The innovation happening behind the scenes is just incredible. Huge thanks to Keith for coming on and sharing his expertise! Connect & Learn More 🔗 * Guest Spotlight: Check out the amazing work Keith Smith and his team are doing at Vonco. They are true problem-solvers in the flexible packaging space. * Website: www.vonco.com * Connect with Keith: Keith's LinkedIn Profile * Sponsor Shout-Out: This episode is brought to you by the folks who help make sense of all this complexity. * Specright: Tired of managing your specs in spreadsheets? Digitize and take control of your product and packaging data. Learn more at www.specright.com. As always, thanks for taking some time out of your day to listen! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss a thing. 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

  7. AUG 20

    322 - You can print WHAT with corrugated packaging now?!? Kerry Sanders from EFI

    Guest: Kerry Sanders, Digital Press Guru at EFI Hosts: Adam Peek, The Label King (@thelabelking on TikTok) This podcast is sponsored by awesome packaging solutions that get us fired up like Specright! Get ready to have your mind blown! In this episode, Adam is joined by EFI's Kerry Sanders to unveil a packaging innovation so cool, it's going to change the game. We're talking about the incredible collaboration between EFI and Packsize that brings digital printing and right-sized packaging together in one seamless, on-demand solution. Adam shows off a box that was designed and printed in minutes—a process that used to take weeks. We dive deep into how the EFI Nozomi press, in partnership with Packsize, is completely disrupting the corrugated packaging industry. This isn't just about making a box; it's about turning every package into a marketing asset, a communication tool, and a brand-building billboard. Key Takeaways: * On-Demand Printing is Here: Forget pre-made plates and long lead times. The EFI Nozomi press can create and print a custom box in a matter of minutes, right on the production line. * Goodbye to Waste: This solution drastically reduces waste by printing on-demand and creating the right-sized box every single time. It's a win for sustainability and your bottom line. * Your Box is a Billboard: We discuss the game-changing concept of "On-Box Advertising" (OBA). With digital printing, you can instantly create personalized, regionalized, or seasonal campaigns on your packaging—all without extra costs or lead times. * The Power of Personalization: Variable data printing allows you to add unique names, messages, or even QR codes to each box. Imagine a birthday box that says, "Happy Birthday, [Customer's Name]!" This is how you build a connection with your customers. * Beyond E-Commerce: The benefits extend far beyond direct-to-consumer. We explore how this technology can be a game-changer for CPGs and brands looking to streamline their repacking processes and reduce manual labor. A Special Invitation! Don't miss the full deep-dive! Join Adam, Kerry, and two other industry experts for an exclusive webinar on this groundbreaking technology. They'll be talking more about the insane possibilities for brands, retailers, and 3PLs. Date: September 3rd, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM EST Can't make it live? No problem! As long as you register, you'll get access to the recording to watch on your own time. Click here to sign up! How to Connect: * Kerry Sanders: Connect with Kerry on LinkedIn or email him at kerry.sanders@efi.com * Adam Peek: Find Adam on LinkedIn and TikTok (@thelabelking) * EFI: Learn more about the EFI Nozomi press and their other digital solutions at www.efi.com * Packsize: Explore Packsize's right-sized packaging solutions at www.packsize.com This podcast is sponsored by awesome packaging solutions that get us fired up like Specright! 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

    26 min
  8. 321 - REPENT! The Label King, Robert Parker, is here!

    AUG 11

    321 - REPENT! The Label King, Robert Parker, is here!

    Welcome back to the People of Packaging Podcast! In this exciting episode, Adam Peek, the host and now co-owner of Label King SLC, sits down with the man himself, Robert Parker, the original Label King. SIGN UP FOR THE GRAND OPENING IN UTAH ON 8/28/25 FROM 11-1 Adam and Robert share the story behind their new partnership and the launch of Label King's second location in Salt Lake City, Utah. They discuss: * The Power of Consistency: Robert's journey from a young salesman to a seasoned entrepreneur who built a thriving business on a foundation of hard work and dedication. * A Leap of Faith: The incredible story of how Robert and his wife Kim started the business with two young kids and a vision. * The Importance of a Great Team: The value of investing in your employees and creating a company culture where everyone wins, from the front office to the production floor. * Building on a Legacy: Adam shares how he's leveraging Robert's 23 years of experience and established reputation to bring a new level of service and quality to the Utah market. * A Call to Action for the Community: Adam explains how even a simple request for a quote helps them refine their systems and better serve the industry. Special Announcement: Adam and Robert are thrilled to announce the official Grand Opening and Open House for Label King Salt Lake City on August 28th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. They invite everyone in the packaging community to come celebrate this new chapter. There will be giveaways, facility tours, and a chance to meet the team. Join them to see the new operation and connect with other industry professionals! Click here to RSVP for the Grand Opening event. 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

    27 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    326
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Adam Peek
  • Show Website
    People of Packaging Podcast

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