In this episode of Marketing People Love, I sat down with Brandon Castaneda, co-founder of EZ Bombs, to discuss how they achieved over $20 million in sales in just one year, leveraging the power of TikTok. EZ Bombs isn't your average spice or condiment—they're spice-infused meat bombs designed to elevate the flavor of meats when cooked in a Crock-Pot. Brandon shares how his team cracked the code for success on TikTok Shop, driving massive engagement from thousands of customers and building a loyal community. From mastering TikTok's platform to navigating potential regulatory challenges, Brandon gives us an inside look at what it takes to build a thriving business with social media at its core. If you've ever wondered how to create a viral brand and win big on TikTok, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode, Preston returns for a second time to share his insights on why brands that escape the short-term ROAS feedback loop and focus on long-term brand building are the ones that thrive. He shares actionable things you can do right now in Google Analytics to start getting a sense of the baseline health of your brand - and drawing from his experience growing and exiting Chubbies for nine-figure - he explains why investing in storytelling and customer education pays off in the long run, even when the immediate ROAS isn't through the roof.

We dive into how spending on high-quality video content can lead to more educated, loyal customers—something a static ad or discount-driven campaign just can't replicate. If you're wondering why some brands are still crushing it years later while others fizzle out, this conversation is for you. Tune in to learn how to put brand building in context and why it's crucial for lasting success.

In this episode of Marketing People Love, we’re talking all things retail - what it takes to get your products on the shelves AND sell – with retail strategist Martin Forde. He breaks down how to avoid botching your rollout, how to know when your brand is truly "retail-ready," and the key metrics you need to track to ensure you're set up for success. Whether you’re a brand just starting out or a seasoned player looking to scale, this episode will help you navigate the complexities of retail and ensure you’re bringing your best to the table. Don’t miss this crucial conversation on how to win big when you launch in stores.

In today's episode, I chat with Anthony Mink, Co-founder of Live Bearded, about their transformative eight-year journey in marketing. Anthony shares the highs and lows of navigating a changing landscape, including the moment their once-successful strategies began to falter. Discover the creative risks they took—like their "Bearded Jesus" campaign—and how humour and authenticity play crucial roles in connecting with audiences. Tune in for actionable insights on refining your brand’s voice, leveraging creativity, and empowering marketing teams to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting out, this episode is packed with nuggets to help you create Marketing People Love.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of talking with Kelley Thornton, one of the visionary founders of Tiege Hanley, a leading men’s skincare brand that has built their success by delivering not just exceptional products but also impactful messaging.

Join me as Kelley and I dive into the story behind Tiege Hanley’s remarkable growth in the emerging space of men’s skincare. Kelley shares invaluable insights into their journey, including a fascinating discussion about the tough choice between taking a significant investment or partnering with high-profile celebrities and influencers. You won’t want to miss his reflections!

Kelley also delves into the evolution of the men’s skincare category, offering a unique perspective on why it continues to expand and what it means for today’s consumers. Whether you're a skincare enthusiast or simply curious about effective brand-building strategies, this episode is packed with wisdom and engaging conversation.

Tune in to hear Kelley Thornton’s expert insights and discover what makes Tiege Hanley a standout brand in the skincare industry.

What does it take to prepare a CPG brand to be bought by one of the biggest global strategics like Church & Dwight, Unilever, and Procter & Gamble and more? What question do you need to ask yourself as a marketer, brand builder, or owner?

Even if you never plan on being part of a brand that will sell... the questions she asks will make your brand and community stronger!

Join me as I delve into the intricate world of CPG mergers and acquisitions with industry veteran and Next Chapter Founder, Stacey Feldman. Stacey has over 35 years of marketing leadership experience running Women’s Health and Beauty/Personal Care businesses at CPG companies like Church & Dwight and Combe.

She has a proven track record and extensive experience leading marketing teams and growing major brands like First Response, Nair, Vagisil, and Just For Men. But in addition to this, Stacey also worked on over 40 M&A deals, acting as the marketing partner to the M&A person, working on everything from finding deals to due diligence to integration.

Welcome to Marketing People Love. My name is Jacques Spitzer, and today I have a discussion that I have been looking forward to diving into with the perfect person I've found. It is a discussion on building a brand in public. Now, it's a newer phenomenon, the idea of truly sharing about it on your social media channels, sharing intimate details of the journey, and I'm going to break it down with Ali, Founder of Lucky Lad. What are his thoughts? What has been his experience? How has it led to massive breakthroughs for his brand so far, and some of the psychology behind the idea of building in public.

I think a lot of us fear that if we put information out into the world, our competitors will steal it, that they'll invite competition, that ultimately it might be a negative thing. We don't necessarily think of all the positives that can happen. I can't wait to share this conversation with you!