Join Parker in an insightful conversation with John Gaither, CEO of Feetures. John leads America's number one running sock brand, a performance-driven, family-run business based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Having served in various roles from sales and marketing to COO before becoming CEO in 2023, John brings a comprehensive understanding of the business he now runs.
John shares the compelling story of Feetures, started by his father in 2002 with a vision to innovate performance socks. He discusses the brand's growth within the booming running industry, their careful balance between wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels, and their strategies for maintaining strong relationships with specialty retailers while expanding into larger chains. John also offers valuable lessons on product development driven by consumer feedback, staying ahead in a competitive market, and the unique dynamics of leading a family business through succession and daily operations.
What was covered:
Parker Nash Links:
Feetures Links:
Join Parker in an inspiring conversation with Lauren Dellinger, President of Headbands of Hope. Lauren shares the incredible mission behind Headbands of Hope: for every headband purchased, one is donated to a child with an illness, with over a million donated globally since 2012. She dives into the brand's growth strategies, from leveraging public speaking to building robust wholesale partnerships. Lauren also offers valuable lessons from her extensive experience in trade shows, highlighting the importance of strategic presentation, packaging, and managing relationships with diverse retailers, all while staying true to their powerful mission.
What was covered:
Parker Nash:
Lauren Dellinger of Headbands of Hope
Today’s episode is an inspiring conversation with Ashley Nickelsen, founder of BTR Nation. Ashley shares the deeply personal story behind her mission to reimagine "junk food" found in hospital vending machines, driven by her experience as a caretaker for her parents, who both battled rare forms of cancer. She reveals how this personal journey, and her late father's entrepreneurial spirit and mantra "be bold, tenacious, and resilient" (which inspired the brand's name, BTR), fueled her to launch BTR Nation at the end of 2020.
Ashley dives into BTR Nation's growth strategy, emphasizing the power of authentic relationships over transactional interactions in building a loyal community of brand ambassadors and influencers. She also discusses the brand's unique approach to distribution, from initial direct-to-consumer success to expanding into alternative channels like airports and strategic collaborations, making healthier choices accessible where they are needed most. This episode offers invaluable insights into building a brand with an unstoppable mission, navigating the challenges of a rapidly growing CPG business, and the importance of a clear, simple message.
What was covered:
Parker Nash:
BTR Nation:
In this episode of the Uncommon Brand podcast, host Parker Nash sits down with Dez Price, co-founder and CEO of BN3TH (pronounced "Beneath"), a brand dedicated to making comfortable men's underwear and base layers for various activities, from mountain adventures to the office. BN3TH is notable for being the first to create men's underwear with a three-dimensional pouch.
Dez shares the intriguing origin story of BN3TH, which began around 2009-2010 when he and his business partner, Dustin, recognized an unmet need in the apparel market. They explored various product categories and ultimately focused on underwear, aiming to innovate beyond existing designs to offer unparalleled comfort and support.
What was covered:
Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernas/
Dez Price Links:
Website: https://www.bn3th.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bn3thapparel/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BN3THapparel/
In this episode, Parker sits down with Bryce McConville, former athlete and distance runner at the University of Miami, and the founder of Chicknlegs, a brand specializing in fun, comfortable, and unique apparel for distance runners.
Bryce shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting college as he sought to stay connected to the running community. He discusses the origin of the brand name and how early, funny Instagram videos helped generate interest even before production. The brand quickly grew by connecting with the high school cross-country and track community, and now participates in major events like the New York and Chicago Marathons.
What was covered:
Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/
Chicknlegs Links:
Website: https://www.chicknlegs.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/chicknlegsrunning/?hl=en
In this episode, Parker sits down with Jeff Chisholm, president of Little Hometown, a baby brand that designs locally themed blankets, onesies, PJs, and bibs featuring over 200 unique regional designs across the U.S.. Unlike many e-commerce brands, Little Hometown has never been on Amazon or Walmart, choosing instead to partner with independent retailers to grow its business.
After years in corporate America, working in strategy, sales, and consulting, he took a leap into entrepreneurship—first with an Amazon-based business that exploded, then collapsed. That experience shaped his approach to building Little Hometown, a brand that thrives by being different, staying off mass marketplaces, and focusing on quality, nostalgia, and strong retail partnerships.
Tune in to hear Jeff’s practical tips on building a profitable, niche baby brand.
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What was covered:
Little Hometown & Jeff Chisholm Links:
Website: https://www.littlehometown.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlehometown/
Parker Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash
In this episode, Parker sits down with Hayley Segar, the founder of onewith swim, a swimwear brand that’s redefining how swimsuits should feel and fit. Hayley has a background in social media, content creation, and the bridal industry, but her frustration with traditional swimwear led her to create something entirely new—swimsuits that fit like underwear.
After struggling to find a comfortable swimsuit for a trip, Hayley had a lightbulb moment: why didn’t swimwear feel as comfortable as no-show underwear? That insight led to the launch of onewith swim in 2021. Today, the brand is a category creator, making dig-free, elastic-free, and edgeless swimsuits that have gone viral multiple times.
What was covered:
onewith swim's & Hayley Segar Links:
Website: https://onewithswim.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onewithswim/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onewithswim
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onewithswim
Hayley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayleysegar/
Parker Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash
In this episode, Parker sits down with Antje Pepper, the founder of Keep Going First Aid.
Antje created Keep Going First Aid to bring beautifully designed, high-quality first aid products to families. As a full-time traveling mom, she saw the need for a compact, well-organized, and kid-friendly first aid kit. What started as a personal solution turned into a thriving brand that stands out in a crowded market.
What was covered:
Antje Pepper & Keep Going First Aid Links:
Website: https://www.keepgoingfirstaid.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepgoingfirstaid/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepgoingfirstaid/
Parker Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash
In this episode, Parker sits down with Al Matheny, the founder of Promix Nutrition. Al has an extensive background in human performance and nutrition, holding a Master of Science in Human Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology and Food Science & Human Nutrition. He’s also a former elite athlete at the University of Florida, where he competed in track and field and cross country.
After college, Albert trained professionally and co-founded Soho Strength Lab in NYC, one of the top independent training gyms in the city. But his most well-known venture is Promix Nutrition, a brand dedicated to creating the cleanest, highest-quality supplements and snacks on the market.
What was covered:
Al Matheny's & Promix's Links:
Website: https://promixnutrition.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/promix/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/PROMIX-Nutrition-100052188322036/
Parker's Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash
In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Dawson, the founder of Arber, a pioneering company in the organic plant wellness industry. Arber offers a range of non-toxic, highly effective gardening products for both indoor and outdoor plants.
Peek into Vanessa's entrepreneurial journey and learn how Arber is transforming gardening practices for a healthier home and world.
What was covered:
Arber's Links:
Website: https://growarber.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growarber/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growarber
Parker's Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash
In this episode, Parker sits down with Perry Kamel, the founder of DNA Vibe. DNA Vibe makes intelligent red light therapy products to help reduce pain and speed recovery for athletes and anybody with pain.
While their products are revolutionary, what’s arguably more revolutionary is Perry’s Local Advanced Manufacturing Pod (LAMP) approach. Perry has a bold vision for manufacturing innovative products and how they can be made locally and decentralized.
Peek into the mind of a mad scientist (I mean mad in the best way possible ;) ) and listen to this episode.
What was covered
Perry Kamel Links:
Website: https://dnavibe.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dna.vibe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dna.vibe/
Parker Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash
In this episode, Parker sits down with Andrew Arbogast, an Apache helicopter pilot in the army for 10 years and corporate employee turned cheese entrepreneur. Andrew is the founder and commander in cheese of Arbo's Cheese Dip. Inspired by his father’s cheese dip recipes, Arbo’s cheese dips are real-deal American-made cheese dips with bold flavors. Over a short period of time, they’ve reached 20 states and 2,000 stores and counting.
What was covered
Andrew Arbogast Links:
Website: https://www.arboscheesedip.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arbosdip/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arbosdip
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arbosdip
Parker Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash
In this episode, Parker sits down with Ty Hiss, the co-founder of Fresh Sends, making the world a little less lonely, one gift at a time by shipping flowers and gifts nationwide. Ty shares her entrepreneurial journey, from the initial idea behind Fresh Sends to scaling it into a successful business. She opens up about the challenges she faced early on, how perseverance played a key role in her success, and the strategies she used to grow and market her business. Listen for inspiring stories of resilience and actionable business advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
What was covered:
Ty Hiss Links:
Website: https://freshsends.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshsends
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freshsends
Parker Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash
In this episode, Parker sits down with Jackson Corley, the founder of Incrediwear. An athlete, a chiropractor, and a man who knows how to take lemons and turn them into lemonade. After suffering a catastrophic mountain biking injury, Jackson developed innovative wearable anti-inflammatory therapy like back braces and joint sleeves to heal his own pain. Today that initial product has turned into a brand with dozens of recovery products helping the world's greatest athletes train harder, reduce pain, and recover faster.
If you want to hear an insane story about turning an insane injury into an incredible brand, strap in because Jackson is a man of energy with an amazing story to tell!
What was covered:
Jackson Corley Links:
Parker Nash Links
In this episode, Parker sits down with Erica Bethe Levin, the founder of Globowl, which makes internationally-inspired baby and toddler food introducing babies to big flavors and common allergens to help prevent picky eating and mitigate food allergies. Erica shares her entrepreneurial journey, from the initial idea behind Globowl to scaling it into a successful business and being featured on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars. She opens up about the challenges she faced early on, how perseverance played a key role in her success, and the strategies she used to grow and market her business. Listen in for inspiring stories of resilience and advice for founders.
What was covered:
Globowl Links:
Website: https://globowl.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theglobowl/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globowlfoodie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theglobowl
Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/
In this episode, Parker sits down with Molly Pittman, the CEO of Smart Marketer, a leading expert in digital marketing. Molly shares her latest insights on effective marketing strategies and how businesses can leverage these to achieve significant growth. She provides actionable advice on understanding your audience, utilizing social media platforms, and navigating the evolving landscape of paid ads and digital marketing.
Molly walks us through real-life examples and success stories, offering a clear path for entrepreneurs and marketers looking to enhance their digital presence.
What was covered:
Molly Pittman Links:
Website: https://smartmarketer.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollypittmandigital/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-pittman-3558471b0/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@mollypittmandigital/
Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/
In this episode, Parker sits down with Caitlin Minges, the founder of Fun Club, a quirky and edgy gift and stationery business, and Wild As Heck, a brand makes bold hats for confident women collaborating with independent women artists to create wearable art. Caitlin shares her unique entrepreneurial journey, from creating custom party supplies for her boyfriend's party to building two successful businesses. She discusses sourcing and manufacturing challenges, the power of perseverance, and her strategies for scaling and marketing. Listen in for actionable business advice and inspiring stories of tenacity and creativity.
What was covered:
Caitlin Minges Links:
Website: https://shopfunclub.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopfunclub
Website: https://wildasheck.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildasheckshop
Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/
In this episode, Parker sits down with Berlyn Haughton, the founder of Table Tyke which creates the only placemat with a silicone bumper, ideal for protecting little ones from the table edge, providing a clean teething space that also catches spills. Berlyn takes us through her entrepreneurial journey, transitioning from corporate life to building a thriving business. She shares insights on product development, leveraging TikTok for business growth, and her challenges in the influencer market. Berlyn also opens up about the invaluable lessons learned from appearing on Shark Tank and the strategies that helped her succeed.
Tune in to hear how Berlyn turned an inventive idea from being a mom feeding her kids into a growing kids business.
What was covered:
Berlyn Haughton Links:
Website: https://thetabletyke.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetabletyke/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTableTyke/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetabletyke
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetabletyke
Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/
In this episode, Parker sits down with Josh Rathbun, the founder of Cheecam, a company that helps brides and grooms capture unforgettable candid moments on their biggest day with disposable cameras and a full-service development process. Josh takes us through his entrepreneurial journey, starting from a college project to building a thriving business. He shares insights on the challenges and strategies that helped him scale and the importance of customer communication, operational excellence, and brand positioning.
Tune in to hear how Josh turned a simple idea into a business that captures special moments at weddings, and stay till the end for valuable tips on building a customer-focused business.
What was covered:
Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/
Joshua Rathbun Links:
Website: https://cheecam.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getcheecam
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cheecam
In this episode, Parker interviews Morgan Lerner, co-founder of GoNanas. GoNanas is modernizing the baked goods arena building a better-for-you bakery brand, using bananas to make a lower sugar, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly, treats otherwise known as #notyournanas baked goods.
From a side hustle that started in the dorms at the University of Michigan, Go Blue!, GoNanas has grown into a nationwide brand, now available in over 4,000 retail locations.
Morgan also discusses the challenges of managing brand collaborations and shares valuable insights into product innovation, team building, and lessons learned from both successes and setbacks. Additionally, she highlights GoNanas' community-building efforts through their ambassador program, fostering strong connections with customers.
Listen now.
What was covered:
GoNanas’ Links:
Website:https://eatgonanas.com/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/go_nanas
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/eatgonanas
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gonanas
Parker Nash Links:
Website: https://www.parkertnash.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/