Latest Episodes
The Hidden Funding Problem Keeping CPG Brands Out of Retail
Landing a purchase order from Walmart, Target, Walgreens, or another national retailer can transform your business overnight. But it also creates one of the biggest challenges CPG brands face: financing inventory before you get paid.In this episode of CPG Insiders, Dr. Mark Young and Justin Girouard sit down with Rohit Mathur, Co-Founder & CEO of Bridge, to discuss how modern purchase order financing is helping emerging brands scale into retail faster.You'll learn:Why retail expansion creates massive working capital challengesHow purchase order financing worksThe right time to secure financing before retail expansionCommon financing mistakes that can cripple growing brandsWhy merchant cash advances can become a dangerous trapHow AI is making funding decisions faster and more accessibleWhat lenders actually look for when evaluating CPG brandsWhy Walmart suppliers need to prepare long before the first purchase order arrivesWhether you're selling on Amazon today or preparing to enter Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Kroger, or other major retailers, this conversation offers practical guidance on funding growth without sacrificing your business.Connect with Bridgewww.bridgemarketplace.comLearn Morewww.jandhlabs.comIf you found this episode valuable, subscribe for more conversations with the leaders helping CPG brands grow, and leave a comment with your biggest challenge when scaling into retail.
From Compliance to Growth: AI's New Role in CPG
AI isn't coming—it's already here, and it's transforming how CPG brands launch products, manage compliance, and compete with industry giants.In this episode of CPG Insiders, Mark Young and Justin Girouard speak with Ronnie Coleman, founder of puntt.ai. Their chat talks about how AI is helping brands automate packaging reviews, regulatory checks, content approvals, and global compliance processes.They discuss:Why AI is leveling the playing field for challenger brandsHow entrepreneurs can move faster than large corporationsThe future of legal, regulatory, and compliance reviewsWhy AI won't replace people—but will change how they workHow AI can help brands avoid costly packaging and marketing mistakesThe importance of becoming an AI-native companyIf you're building a consumer brand, this conversation offers a practical look at how AI can reduce friction, speed up execution, and create competitive advantage.
AI Is Changing Everything - These Are the Books to Read Next
The future belongs to the curious.In this episode of CPG Insiders, Mark Young and Justin Girouard discuss why mindset, imagination, and continuous learning are becoming the most valuable skills in the age of AI.They also share the books that have had the greatest impact on their thinking around entrepreneurship, growth, leadership, influence, communication, and innovation.Topics include:The 10-80-10 AI frameworkWhy 10X thinking changes decision-makingWho Not How and scaling through peopleThe psychology of influence and persuasionEntrepreneurial operating systems and business growthNegotiation lessons from FBI hostage negotiator Chris VossThe future of AI, technology, and human potentialPlus, a complete reading list featuring books from Benjamin Hardy, Dan Sullivan, Byron Sharp, Robert Cialdini, Angus Fletcher, Peter Diamandis, Chris Voss, and more.Featured books include:The 27 Unbreakable RulesHYPNO-TI$INGThe Science of Scaling10X Is Easier Than 2XWho Not HowThe Gap and the GainTractionThe Greater GameHow Brands GrowInfluencePre-SuasionPrimal IntelligenceNever Split the DifferenceWe Are As Gods
The New Rules of CPG Packaging
What separates brands that scale at retail from brands that struggle to stay on shelf?In this episode of CPG Insiders, Mark Young and Justin Girouard sit down with Scott Fuselier and Matt Jones from BCI (Buckeye Corrugated) to break down the real role packaging plays in retail growth, operational efficiency, sustainability, and customer experience. The conversation goes far beyond “just boxes.”They unpack how leading brands use retail displays, power wings, pallet programs, fulfillment solutions, and sustainable packaging strategies to win with retailers like Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Kroger, and more.You’ll also hear: Why packaging is a brand introduction — not just a container How packaging impacts retail sell-through and damage rates What brands need to know about EPR and sustainability regulations The operational mistakes that cost brands money at retail How turnkey fulfillment and display programs work Why “plug-and-play” retail execution matters The future of sustainable corrugated packaging How brands can reduce freight costs and improve efficiency If you’re a CPG founder, brand operator, retail leader, or packaging decision-maker, this episode is packed with practical insight.Key Takeaways Retail packaging directly impacts sales, retailer relationships, and returns Sustainability is becoming a retail requirement — not a nice-to-have Damage reduction can dramatically improve profitability Smart packaging strategy creates operational and retail advantages Great displays help brands win more floor space and visibility
