Road 2 Retail

Tracey Priest & Bruce Montgomery
  • 5.0 (3)
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Road 2 Retail has been developed to help emerging and challenger brands best determine when and how to go about securing distribution in food, drug, mass, club and dollar brick and mortar classes of trade. Our insight is based upon years of experience, interviews with buyers at a dozen large retailers, and ongoing discussions with manufacturers and suppliers that support brands. After years of leading and managing these business building initiatives for companies we worked for directly, we now help emerging brands navigate this important, yet complex, process.

  1. 1D AGO

    Episode # 155 Mary Kate Kloeblen- Partner & Co-founder at Golden Thread Operations

    Episode #:155 On today's show the Road 2 Retail team speaks with Mary Kate Kloeblen, managing partner and co-founder at Golden Thread Operations. Golden Thread Operations is an outsourced logistics provider and consultant to small, emerging and challenger brands. Details on how to follow the Road 2 Retail podcast are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Among the topics discussed with Mary Kate today include: - When does a brand need to start thinking about hiring an outsourced logistics provider?- Examples of mistakes emerging brands make regarding logistics- Advice to brands when there are issues with their logistics- bad news needs to travel fast!- What is an OTIF score and why does it matter?- What to look for in a logistics provider & how are they compensated?- A fan of Fleetwood Mac & Stevie NicksFollow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://lnkd.in/gH2Dk_q6. Thanks to our sponsor- Floret, a deduction management platformwww://https:tryfloret.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

    48 min

  2. APR 28

    Episode # 154 NACDS Recap

    Episode # 154. Today the Road 2 Retail team recaps the recently completed NACDS Annual meeting. The event took place April 18-21 at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach, FL. Details on how to follow the Road 2 Retail show are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. The National Association of Chain Drugstores (NACDS) held its annual meeting last week. Key issues and observations include: - The meeting kicked off with several major retailer presentations including Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Amazon, Instacart, and L & R Distributors. Key topics included a call for innovation, caution about brands having too many SKUs, a call to maintain focus on serving the end consumer, and the need for brands to have quality data to manage their business in concert with the retailer- A very interesting talk by presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin and another by author Salim Ismail. Evening entertainment by Andy Grammer and The Doobie Brothers (still rockin'!)- With the recent Wonderbelly purchase by P&G and Prestige's purchase of several Foundation Consumer Healthcare brands, the industry feels a new wave of business development activity may be emerging. Kimberly-Clark's purchase of Kenvue will likely result in some smaller brands becoming available- Big news was the retirement of NACDS CEO Steve Anderson. Steve had a long, distinguished 20 year run leading the association. Of special note- was the great work he and the board did leading during COVID.- The search for a new CEO is underway. Great internal candidates exist- highlighted by past and current Board chairs and members. Keeping this organization vibrant is critical and for NACDS to keep manufacturers and retailers focused on bringing healthcare solutions to consumers- A thanks to all the sponsors and NACDS personnel for running an excellent and informative meeting- A call out to The Fighting Irish and the New York Knicks!Follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platformsApple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://lnkd.in/gH2Dk_q6.Thanks to our sponsor: The Emerson Group- A trusted CPG partner and omni channel expert to brands https://theemersongroup.comEagle Labs- A manufacturer of consumer healthcare productshttps://wwweaglelabsinc.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

    21 min

  3. APR 21

    Episode # 153 Sean Ogar- Co-Founder and CEO at Big Chalk Analytics

    Episode #.153 Today the Road 2 Retail team meets with Sean Ogar- Co-founder and CEO of Big Chalk Analytics: a leading insights and analytics firm for CPG brands. On today's show, Sean unveils Big Chalk's new offering to help emerging, small, and challenger brands grow. Details on how to follow the show are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Today's discussion points with Sean include: - Sean provides some details around Big Chalk's capabilities and the network they have built of over 1500 people well versed in CPG analytics- The exciting introduction of the Big Chalk 'Emerging Brands Launch & Growth Toolkit'- The toolkit delivers data for emerging brands across four key disciplines: concept testing, package design, pricing, and marketing communications testing- The toolkit delivers this data much faster and at a better price legacy research firms - The Big Chalk output is formatted in slides ready for your retailer presentations and investor meetings.- Included with the toolkit are eight hours of consulting with the Big Chalk team to ensure you and your people are comfortable with the information- A Cubs and who knew there was a #1 fan of Heinz Ketchup?To learn more about the emerging brands tool kit https://www.bigchalk.coe-mail- emergingbrandswin@bigchalk.coFollow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platformsApple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://lnkd.in/gH2Dk_q6.Thanks to our sponsor: The Emerson Group- A trusted CPG partner and omni channel expert to brands https://theemersongroup.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

    56 min

  4. APR 16

    Episode # 152 Mike Wysong-CEO at CARE Pharmacies Inc

    Episode # 152. On today's episode of the Road 2 Retail, we spend time with Mike Wysong- CEO of CARE Pharmacies. Mike's position with this unique company provides him with a broad view across the healthcare industry. He shares views on how emerging brands can and do drive innovation. Details on how to follow the show are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Topics covered today include: - A review of Mike's non-traditional collegiate experience at The Virginia Military Institute and what it taught him- CARE Pharmacies' unique role in the healthcare space and the growth they have enjoyed while serving their customers- Why it is important to offer counsel to the next generation of leaders (brands and people) while also learning from them.- How do large established brands remain relevant and how can emerging brands break through?- Always thinking about ways to break down the silos within the healthcare space- how can we all contribute to closing gaps in healthcare?- An artist and a fan of the Green Bay Packers, The Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd. Note: Management approves of these selections!Follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platformsApple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://lnkd.in/gH2Dk_q6.Thanks to our sponsor: The Emerson Group- A trusted CPG partner and omni channel expert to brands https://www.theemersongroup.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

    50 min

  5. APR 14

    Episode # 151 Interview with Brooks Powell-CEO at the supplement brand Cheers

    Episode #:151 On today's show the Road 2 Retail team speaks with a returning guest- Brooks Powell. The founder and CEO of the supplement brand Cheers. Brooks shares his insights on how he and the team have rapidly grown the Cheers brand in just four years. Details on how to follow the Road 2 Retail podcast are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Among the topics covered today include: - How aggressive marketing enabled the brand to scale quickly- Tik Tok a key!- What is the ACV Threshold gap, and why it is critical for retail success?- What are the trade-offs between regional and national rollout strategies?- How does the marketing-distribution flywheel work in practice?- How does the company balance long-term vision with profitability and growth discipline?- A fan of Sean Riley and his brand- DUDE WipesFollow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://lnkd.in/gH2Dk_q6.Thanks to our sponsors:Market Performance Group- A leading omni channel commerce agencyhttps://marketperformancegroup.comEagle Labs- A manufacturer of consumer healthcare productshttps://wwweaglelabsinc.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

    1 hr

  6. APR 7

    Episode # 150 Andrew Allen-Market Development Executive at Fresh Scents

    Episode #150 The Road 2 Retail team today spends time with Andrew Allen- the Market Development Executive at Fresh Scents. Andrew shares his insights on how he and the team are driving growth and making decisions at this unique, 50 year old overnight success brand! Details on how to follow the show are below. Plus- give us a follow on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Learn more about Fresh Scents here: www.freshscents.com/pages/buyer-guideTopics covered with Andrew today include: - The challenges of working with retailers to optimize the brand's placement within their stores. Which set and why?- The skills and approach they use to work with retailers when the initial placement decision may not be optimal based on history- How they utilize data more often and in different ways to manage and drive their business. Believers in research!- How Fresh Scents utilized data and research to optimize their branding and packaging refresh- How they select business partners to complement their in-house skills- Another Green Bay Packers fan! They are everywhere.....Follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms: Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://lnkd.in/gH2Dk_q6. Thanks to today's sponsors: The Emerson Group- A trusted CPG partner and omni channel expert to brands https://theemersongroup.com Floret- A deduction management platformhttps://www.tryfloret.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

    53 min

  7. APR 2

    Episode # 146 Expo West Recap-2026

    Episode # 146. On today's show the Road 2 Retail team provides a recap of the 2026 Expo West show including show trends and best practices for attending this important show. Details on how to follow the Road 2 Retail podcast are below. Plus- give us a follow on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Follow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/@road2retail327.Among the topics covered today include: - Show details by the numbers- Educational sessions- CPG Innovation summit. Speakers and themes.- Retailer meetings- Tough to get at Expo West, RangeMe can help your brand secure meetings with retailers- Trends- The importance of the new food pyramid- Expo West best practices for attendeesThanks to our sponsors:The Emerson Group- A trusted CPG partner and omni channel expert to brands https://theemersongroup.comEagle Labs- A contract manufacture for supplement and skin care brandshttps://www.eaglelabsinc.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Learn more at www.road2retail.com. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

    26 min

  8. MAR 31

    Episode # 149 Harley Sutton- CEO & Founder at Thanks!Naturals

    Episode #:149 On today's show the Road 2 Retail team speaks with Harley Sutton, founder and CEO at Thanks! Naturals- a 100% natural + vegan self-care brand. Harley is a third-generation wellness entrepreneur who shares her insights on managing and growing several brands within the Thanks! Naturals portfolio. Details on how to follow the Road 2 Retail podcast are below. Plus- give us a follow-on LinkedIn. Learn more at www.road2retail.com.Among the topics covered today include: - The trend she sees in the merging of beauty and wellness products- Driving brand awareness through Tik-Tok- Pros and cons of self-manufacturing- The decisions a brand needs to consider before moving to brick & mortar retail- The challenges of managing a portfolio of brands - Influenced by her mom and Bethanny FrankleFollow the Road 2 Retail podcast on the following platforms:Apple podcasts-https://lnkd.in/gs3BfXbd Spotify- https://lnkd.in/ewWcnYpY YouTube channel- https://lnkd.in/gH2Dk_q6.Thanks to today's sponsors:The Emerson Group- A trusted CPG partner and omni channel expert to brands https://theemersongroup.comEagle Labs Inc: Contract manufacturing of OTC and HBC products https://www.eaglelabsinc.comEnjoy the show! Please share the Road 2 Retail with a colleague and leave us a review. Want to be on the show? DM us on LinkedIn!

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Road 2 Retail has been developed to help emerging and challenger brands best determine when and how to go about securing distribution in food, drug, mass, club and dollar brick and mortar classes of trade. Our insight is based upon years of experience, interviews with buyers at a dozen large retailers, and ongoing discussions with manufacturers and suppliers that support brands. After years of leading and managing these business building initiatives for companies we worked for directly, we now help emerging brands navigate this important, yet complex, process.

Information

  • Creator
    Tracey Priest & Bruce Montgomery
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    153
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tracey Priest & Bruce Montgomery
  • Show Website
    Road 2 Retail

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