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 ROI
01:18 – Welcome & guest intro (Jeremiah Bogenhagen)
02:22 – Jeremiah’s path from grocery → wellness center operator
06:32 – Leading Positively Natural Network & mission
08:18 – Building supplier–retailer relationships that last
12:42 – What makes the Naturally Independent Expo different
15:37 – Education tracks for indie retailers (beyond product 101)
18:46 – Real talk: connections, ROI, and success stories
22:13 – Community, differentiation, and staff education
25:46 – First-time attendee tips (note-taking + AI, relationship focus)
31:45 – Post-COVID shift: whole-health mindset & community events
34:37 – 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 matter
42:58 – Who exhibits? (supplements, better-for-you foods, beverages)
50:42 – Live podcast from the show? Logistics & ideas
52:38 – How to get involved + final takeaways
GroceryPulse Podcast
Podcast Home: https://grocerypulse.com
More Episodes: https://grocerypulse.com/podcast
Blog: https://grocerypulse.com/blog
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@grocerypulse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grocerypulse
Innovar Marketing Agency
Website: https://www.innovaragency.com
Blog (Grocery/CPG Marketing): https://www.enjoykobu.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovaragency
Positively Natural Network / Naturally Independent Expo
Website: https://www.positivelynatural.org Positively Natural
Expo Info (Palm Springs • Nov 14–15, 2025): https://www.positivelynatural.org/npp Positively Natural
Trade Show details (hours, setup, contacts): https://www.positivelynatural.org/trade-show Positively Natural
About PNN (“Support • Educate • Advocate”): https://www.positivelynatural.org/our-story Positively Natural
Contact: director@positivelynatural.org • 360-379-2805 Positively Natural
VRM Media / Vitamin Retailer (Media Partner)
Vitamin Retailer Magazine (VRM Media): https://vitaminretailer.com Vitamin Retailer Magazine
Partnership announcement (PNN × VRM Media): Vitamin Retailer Magazine
About Jeremiah Bogenhagen
PNN Board page (President bio): https://www.positivelynatural.org/membership Positively Natural
Health Essentials (CO) listing: https://www.burlingtoncochamber.com/business-directory/ (search Health Essentials Inc.) Burlington Chamber of Commerce
Search Tags / KeywordsChapters (drop into YouTube/Spotify)🔗 Links & Resources
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
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:
🔗 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
https://www.facebook.com/InnovarMarketingAgency/
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8990400/
https://www.youtube.com/@InnovarMarketingAgency
https://www.linkedin.com/company/grocerypulse-podcast-by-innovar-marketing-agency/?viewAsMember=true
💡 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
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 Bridg and retail-media network Rippl, to unpack how identity resolution and POS-level purchase data are changing the game for regional chains and C-stores.
Bridg / Rippl 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 Rippl 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 setup
03:03 — Steve’s journey: UCR track → global tech → startups → CRO at Bridg
05:56 — Retail media’s rise & why it matters to grocers/CPGs
08:51 — Identity beyond loyalty: closing the “unknown shopper” gap
12:01 — Using purchase data for competitive advantage
14:51 — Building a retail-media network for regional grocers & C-stores (Ripple)
17:47 — Connecting transactions to anonymized, enriched shopper profiles
20:49 — What this unlocks for CPG targeting, activation & measurement
24:29 — Defining customer personas with real purchase behavior
26:03 — Retailer & CPG pain points—and how identity solves them
29:27 — POS data as the crown jewel: targeting + closed-loop proof
32:08 — Bridging the retail marketing gap beyond loyalty programs
34:06 — Getting precise with ICPs (who, where, how to reach)
38:54 — Common hesitations & easy on-ramps for retailers/CPGs
41:22 — Success metrics: sales lift, ROAS, incremental ROAS
44:02 — What’s next: growth, scale, and transparency in 2025
Bridg / Rippl: Audience building, activation, and POS-based measurement
Request a demo (Rippl ): https://www.ripplnetwork.com/
Learn more (Bridge): https://www.bridg.com/
Will be published on all major boradcasting sites:
YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more!
Steve Dietch — LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevendietch/
George Goodwin — LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/number-one-marketer/
george@innovaragency.com
podcast@innovaragency.com
Innovar Marketing Agency — www.innovaragency.com/blog
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
🤝 Connect with the Guests
oskar@commentsell.com
george@innovaragency.com
podcast@innovaragency.com
🌐 Book a Demo with Commentsell → commentsell.com
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, 2025The Westin Rancho Mirage Resorthttps://www.cagrocers.com/events/gather-california/GroceryPulse – 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.innovarmarketing.comPre-Order Kōbu Kombucha Powder (gut health made easy): https://www.enjoykobu.com👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of retail & grocery.
What does the future of retail media look like?
In this episode of GroceryPulse by Innovar Marketing Agency, host George Goodwin sits down with Chase Binnie, CEO of RetailWire — the leading retail industry thought leadership platform with 1M+ monthly readers and 8 acquisitions under its belt.
Chase shares how he went from designing album art in high school to running a 23-year-old legacy media company that curates conversations with over 100 retail thought leaders. Together, George and Chase dive into:
🚀 How RetailWire became a trusted voice in grocery & CPG
🛒 The role of media & storytelling in shaping retail strategy
🤖 Why AI is both an opportunity and a challenge for grocers & brands
💡 How authentic, founder-led voices drive trust and customer loyalty
📈 Why 67% of retail execs use digital media to guide business decisions (NRF)
🌎 The rise of retail roundtables & peer-to-peer knowledge sharing
Whether you’re a grocer, CPG founder, retail operator, or marketer, this conversation will give you fresh insight into how media, community, and technology are reshaping the future of retail.
00:00 – Welcome to GroceryPulse01:01 – Meet Chase Binnie, CEO of RetailWire03:00 – RetailWire’s 23-Year Journey & 1M Readers06:00 – How Media Shapes Grocery & CPG Decisions09:00 – AI in Retail: Hype vs. Real Value12:00 – Founder Stories & Authentic Branding18:00 – The Rise of Roundtables & Peer Learning23:00 – Pepsi x Poppy & the Power of Founder-Led Brands26:00 – Marketing, Attention & the Human Element30:00 – Leadership, Creativity & What Makes Chase Smile36:00 – The Future of Retail Media & RetailWire’s Next Moves
🌐 Learn more about RetailWire → retailwire.com
📧 Connect with Chase Binnie → LinkedIn / sales@retailwire.com
🎧 Listen to more episodes of GroceryPulse → Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
📧 Be Featured on GroceryPulse → marketing@innovaragency.com
🥤 Our Sponsor: Kōbu Kombucha Powder – Fuel your gut health, hydration & energy in one refreshing stick.
Preorder now → enjoykobu.com/pages/preorder
⏱️ Chapters🔗 Resources & Links
In this episode of Grocery Pulse, host George Goodwin speaks with Stu Gavurin, founder of Opsense, about the transformative role of smart technology in food safety, compliance, and efficiency within the grocery and consumer packaged goods (CPG) sectors. They discuss the inspiration behind Opsense, the significant issue of food waste, and the importance of real-time monitoring and alerts in grocery operations. The conversation also touches on the challenges retailers face in food safety compliance, the future of food safety technology, and the operational wins experienced by retailers using Opsense. Throughout the discussion, Gavurin emphasizes the need for technology that simplifies processes and enhances customer experience, while also sharing personal insights on maintaining a sharp entrepreneurial spirit.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Smart Technology in Grocery
03:19 The Inspiration Behind Opsens
06:30 The Impact of Food Waste
10:42 Implementing Technology for Efficiency
15:40 Tips for Reducing Food Loss
20:32 The Importance of Store Walks
24:10 Enhancing Customer Experience through Automation
28:08 Challenges in Food Safety Compliance
32:37 Future Trends in Food Safety Technology
39:00 Predictive Analytics in Retail
42:55 Operational Wins and Metrics
50:19 The Importance of Non-Negotiables
53:52 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments
01:03:35 Lessons Learned in Scaling a Business
🎧 Listen NowSpotify | Apple Podcasts | More Platforms & Show Notes
We’re always looking for leaders in grocery, retail, and CPG with a story to share.
🌐 Learn More: www.opsense.com 📧 More Info
🚀 Want to Be Featured on GroceryPulse?🖨
📧 Email: podcast@innovaragency.com
Kōbu Kombucha Powder - Clean, science-backed kombucha powder with BC-30® probiotics — bold flavor, no vinegar bite, low sugar, and gut-loving hydration for your ambitious, on-the-go lifestyle.
In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with CJ Warstler, the inventor of the Handycart Workstation, to unpack how one simple tool is revolutionizing efficiency in retail environments. With over 30 years of experience in sales and consulting, CJ shares the real-world problems that inspired him to create a smarter, more effective workstation—right from his own garage.
Together, they explore the process of prototyping, gathering user feedback, and launching the Handycart into stores across the country. CJ highlights the importance of employee satisfaction, the value of U.S.-based manufacturing, and the growing demand for practical tools that make retail work faster and easier.
From improving retention to streamlining in-store resets, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a purpose-driven product to life—and how a focus on usability, quality, and innovation can lead to game-changing results.
🎯 Key Takeaways:
✅ Handycart was born from real-world retail challenges
✅ CJ’s 30+ years in sales guided the development process
✅ Prototyping and user feedback led to continuous product improvements
✅ The cart boosts efficiency, saves time, and reduces employee fatigue
✅ U.S. manufacturing ensures high-quality and consistent builds
✅ It’s being used beyond grocery—in hardware stores, CPG resets, and more
✅ Employee satisfaction is a key factor in retention and productivity
✅ Positive testimonials are driving organic growth
✅ CJ continues to innovate based on customer needs
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Handycart Workstation
02:55 – The Journey of CJ Warstler
06:02 – Designing for Real Retail Challenges
09:08 – The Power of Prototyping and Feedback
12:00 – Market Launch and Customer Response
14:53 – Boosting Employee Efficiency and Morale
18:15 – The Case for U.S. Manufacturing
20:56 – Handycart in Grocery, Hardware, and More
23:48 – User Testimonials and Field Results
26:55 – What’s Next: Product Expansion and Innovation
📖 Read the full write-up:
Reimagining Retail Efficiency: How Handycart Is Changing the Game
🎧 Listen Now:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | More Platforms & Show Notes
Want to be featured on GroceryPulse?
📧 Email us at marketing@innovaragency.com
Interested in Handycart?
🌐 thehandycart.com
📧 Contact CJ: sales@thehandycart.com
In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with design experts Adam Steinberg and Henry Casanova to explore the evolving world of CPG packaging and grocery retail design. Together, they dive deep into the importance of clarity in packaging, how consumer behavior drives design decisions, and why eco-friendly packaging is more than just a trend.
The conversation touches on the power of A/B testing and customer persona research, the balancing act of creative instincts vs. customer feedback, and how AI and digital printing technology are transforming the design landscape for grocery and CPG brands. Adam and Henry also share the critical role of brand consistency, the impact of rebranding on consumer perception, and what it really takes to create packaging that stands out on crowded grocery shelves.
Whether you’re a CPG founder, retail marketer, or design enthusiast, this episode is your front-row seat to the strategies, insights, and trends shaping the future of grocery and CPG packaging design.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Clarity in design is crucial for consumer understanding
✅ Brands have only 3–5 seconds to grab attention
✅ Eco-friendly packaging is increasingly important for customers and the planet
✅ Digital printing technology unlocks innovative design possibilities
✅ Color consistency is essential for brand recognition and trust
✅ Balancing customer feedback and creative instincts is an art
✅ Rebranding can make or break a company
✅ Consumer behavior and perception directly influence packaging success
✅ The human element in design can’t be replaced by AI
✅ Design is not a magic formula—it’s a thoughtful process
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Design in Grocery and CPG
02:57 – The Importance of Clarity in Packaging Design
05:49 – Trends in Design: Simplicity and Eco-Friendliness
09:04 – The Role of Technology in Packaging Design
11:49 – Consumer Behavior and Shelf Visibility
14:58 – The Human Element in Design and AI
18:12 – Creating a Brand Story Through Design
20:58 – The Impact of Color and Consistency in Branding
31:21 – Understanding Customer Personas and Targeting
34:55 – Balancing Feedback and Expertise in Design
39:23 – The Impact of Rebranding on Consumer Perception
43:09 – Rapid Fire Insights on Design Trends
48:13 – Key Takeaways for CPG Founders on Design
🎧 Listen Now:
Want to be featured on GroceryPulse?
📧 Email us at podcast@innovaragency.com
Learn more by visiting https://www.kitprint.co/
📧 Email Adam atadam@kitprint.co adam@kitprint.co
In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin speaks with Blake and Stephanie Alexandre of Alexandre Family Farm, the first certified regenerative dairy farm in the U.S. They share the inspiring story of building a family farm rooted in stewardship, nutrition, and sustainability—and how their mission is reshaping the dairy industry.
From the power of regenerative farming practices that restore soil health to the nutritional benefits of A2 milk, the conversation uncovers how Alexandre Family Farm is redefining what dairy can be. Blake and Stephanie reveal the challenges of maintaining transparency in their production process, why they see farming as a partnership with the environment, and how their faith and family values shape everything they do.
You’ll also hear about the personal stories from customers whose lives have been transformed by A2 milk, and why partnerships with retailers are essential for expanding this movement. For the Alexandres, it’s not just about milk—it’s about building a legacy of healthier families and a more sustainable planet.
Key Takeaways:✅ Regenerative farming improves soil health and biodiversity, leading to healthier cattle and milk.✅ A2 milk offers unique nutritional benefits and easier digestion for many consumers.✅ Healthy soil → healthy cows → healthy people.✅ Transparency and authenticity build consumer trust.✅ Partnerships with retailers are key to growing impact.✅ The Alexandres’ faith and family values are woven into every aspect of their business.✅ Personal stories show how quality milk can truly change lives.✅ Sustainability isn’t optional—it’s essential for future generations.✅ Investing in children’s nutrition is an investment in their future.✅ Their brand is about more than products—it’s about a lifestyle and a mission.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Alexandre Family Farm
03:02 – Building a Strong Partnership
05:55 – The Founding Story of Alexandre Family Farm
08:59 – The Importance of Soil and Regenerative Farming
12:00 – Nutritional Benefits of A2 Milk
14:50 – Innovative Practices in Dairy Farming
17:53 – The Role of Cows in Regenerative Agriculture
20:57 – Challenges and Motivation in the Dairy Industry
24:06 – Legacy and Community Impact
26:55 – Faith and Purpose in Farming
39:36 – The Philosophy Behind the Product
44:01 – Building a Legacy Through Nutrition
49:51 – Consumer Connection and Personal Stories
55:48 – The Importance of Transparency and Quality
01:00:38 – Personal Insights and Reflections
🎧 Listen Now:
Want to be featured on GroceryPulse?
📧 Email us at podcast@innovaragency.com
⸻
Want to Visit or Send Us Mail?
Farm & Office:
8371 Lower Lake Road
Crescent City, California 95531
Farm Store & Egg Ranch:
7955 Bailey Road
Crescent City, California 95531
In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with Kelly Damewood, CEO of California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), to explore the future of organic agriculture — and what it takes to make organic the norm, not the exception.
We talk grocery, farming, food trends, and the big picture of how certification, advocacy, and education are shaping the shelves of tomorrow. Whether you’re a grocer, CPG brand, or simply care about what’s in your food, this episode is packed with insight on why organic matters and how retailers can lead the movement.
What You’ll Learn:
What CCOF really does — and how it impacts your store
How grocers can support organic growth
Trends in regenerative agriculture and clean label products
Why organic certification is a tool for trust and transparency
How to tell better food stories — from soil to shelf
Tune in and discover how CCOF is helping retailers and producers grow a healthier, more sustainable future — one product at a time.
📧 Want to be featured on GroceryPulse? Email us at podcast@innovaragency.com
🌐 Learn more about CCOF at ccof.org
In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with HR consultant Deborah Sanchez, who brings nearly 20 years of experience advising one of California’s largest utility companies. From working her way up as a young mom to now consulting C-suite leaders, Deborah shares actionable insights on team culture, employee retention, and how values like compassion and perseverance create long-term business success.
They also explore what grocery and CPG leaders can learn from corporate HR strategies, discuss AI’s growing role in the workplace, and share tips on building loyalty through appreciation, mentorship, and even keychains.
Fire Chat Round Topics:
• Self-checkout vs. human touch
• Hybrid vs. remote recruiting
• Best traits in high-performing team members
• Small gestures with big impacts on morale
• The hidden ROI of compassion in leadership
Whether you’re running a grocery store, launching a CPG brand, or managing a growing team—this episode offers real, practical leadership wisdom you won’t want to miss.
In this episode of GroceryPulse by Innovar Agency, host George Goodwin welcomes James W. Keyes, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, and Chairman of Wild Oats Marketing LLC. James brings decades of leadership experience from some of the most iconic brands in retail, and today, he shares his unique insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of the retail industry.
The conversation delves into James’s leadership journey at 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, where he played a pivotal role in driving technological advancements and scaling the companies globally. James discusses the importance of building strong company culture, balancing innovation with tradition, and the power of networking in retail. He also opens up about one of his most notable innovations—the introduction of the aluminum beer bottle to the U.S. market—and the challenges he faced in launching a new product that would forever change packaging trends.
Listeners will gain invaluable knowledge about how to navigate the fast-evolving retail landscape, build meaningful relationships, and innovate product offerings to stay ahead of trends. Plus, James shares his vision for the future of retail, including the rise of e-commerce, the role of AI, and what it takes to succeed in a rapidly changing market.
Key Takeaways:
Leading with a balance of tradition and innovation.
The power of networking and mentorship in retail.
Insights into launching new products and staying ahead of trends.
The future of retail: e-commerce, AI, and sustainability.
Learn more about James W. Keyes and his work at jameswkeyes.com.
Host: George Goodwin
george@innovaragency.com
Questions: podcast@innovaragency.com
Guest: James W. Keyes
Follow James: @jameswkeyes
Subscribe to GroceryPulse and stay tuned for more industry insights!
In this episode of Grocery Pulse by Innovar Agency, host George Goodwin sits down with Bob Reeves, Executive Vice President and Associate Publisher at Shelby Publishing. As a grocery media expert and USC Food Industry Management Program alumnus, Bob shares insights from over two decades of documenting and influencing the grocery industry. The conversation dives into the critical role of grocery media in shaping industry trends and decisions, exploring: Bob’s journey from grocer to media professional and his passion for elevating the industry. The Shelby Report’s impact on connecting manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers through regional insights and trend forecasting. Why staying informed through industry media is essential for grocers aiming to adapt to market changes and drive growth.
Listeners will gain actionable advice on leveraging grocery media for better decision-making, building partnerships, and staying ahead of industry trends as we approach 2025.
Key Takeaways:
- Engage with trade publications like The Shelby Report to stay informed. - Use media insights to navigate challenges, spot opportunities, and drive innovation.
-Don’t underestimate the power of industry events and networking.
Shelby Reports Article mention in the podcast: https://theshelbyreport.com/2024/10/02/goodwin-sons-market-reopens-in-crestline-ca/
Emails us:
Host: George Goodwin
george@innovaragency.com
Questions: podcast@innovaragency.com
Guest: Bob Revees
rreeves@shelbypublishing.com
Executive Vice President, Associate Publisher, West Regional Director
Subscribe to https://theshelbyreport.com/
In this episode of Grocery Pulse by Innovar Agency, host George Goodwin, a fourth-generation grocer and retail strategist, sits down with Austin and Brennen, co-founders of Sleke. Sleke is revolutionizing workplace productivity with its “smart dumb phone,” designed to eliminate distractions and enhance focus.
The conversation explores the impact of smartphone distractions on grocery and retail operations, with eye-opening stats like $600 billion lost annually due to workplace distractions. Austin and Brennen share how Sleek’s B2B solutions are tailored to improve communication, streamline operations, and boost productivity for grocery teams.
This episode is packed with actionable insights, rapid-fire fun questions, and expert advice for grocery leaders ready to embrace focused communication tools. Don’t miss this deep dive into how technology is pushing the grocery industry forward!
Visit https://www.sleke.io/ website or email austin@sleke.io to explore their B2B solutions and schedule a free consultation. Subscribe to Grocery Pulse for more insights, and share this episode with fellow grocery and retail professionals!
In this exciting episode of the GroceryPulse Podcast, George Goodwin welcomes Krysta Palmer, Olympic Bronze Medalist and USA Diving National Team member, to explore what grocery leaders and store owners can learn from athletes. Krysta shares her journey from earning medals on the global stage to preparing for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, all while balancing a Kinesiology degree and an MBA.
Grocery executives and teams will be inspired by Krysta’s lessons in grit, goal-setting, and overcoming odds, as well as valuable insights into athletes’ shopping habits. Did you know that athletes shop 2-3 times more than the average American? They prioritize quality foods and healthy trends that impact grocery decisions. Learn how to apply these insights to better serve health-conscious customers. 🛒 Learn more here.
In this episode of the GroceryPulse Podcast, George Goodwin is joined by Ron Bonacci, Vice President of Marketing and Merchandising at Big Y Foods. With over 20 years of experience in the grocery and retail industry, Ron shares his expertise in crafting innovative marketing strategies and driving customer engagement. The conversation delves into the evolving role of marketing in the grocery sector, the importance of understanding customer behavior, and the strategies Big Y Foods has implemented to stay ahead in a competitive market. Ron also offers actionable advice for retailers looking to build stronger connections with their customers.
Whether you're a retail professional or simply curious about the future of grocery marketing, this episode is packed with valuable insights and forward-thinking ideas. Tune in now! 🛒 Learn more here.
In this episode of the GroceryPulse Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Coupe, the host of the renowned MorningNewsBeat and a grocery industry veteran with over 40 years of experience. Kevin shares his invaluable insights into the evolving world of grocery retail, offering advice on how retailers can stay relevant, embrace technology, and create a unique store identity. From the rise of e-commerce to the power of customer feedback, Kevin provides actionable strategies that grocery professionals can apply to future-proof their businesses. 🛒 Learn more here.
Join George Goodwin on Grocery Pulse as he talks with Amir Hosh, founder of Ayoub’s Dried Fruits and Nuts. Learn how Ayoub’s is transforming North America’s snack culture with fresh, healthy options. They discuss overcoming challenges, fostering positive team energy, and building a family legacy. Tune in to hear how Ayoub’s is shaping a tastier future. Sponsored by Innovar Marketing Agency! 🛒 Learn more here.