Podcast
CPG Brand Builders
Hosted by Braden Douglas · EN
Hosted by Braden Douglas, one of North America’s top CPG growth strategists, this channel breaks down what it truly takes to build, scale, and protect a consumer brand today. With more than 25 years of experience working with brands like Procter & Gamble, Frito-Lay, Conagra, Lindt, and SunRype, Braden shares proven strategies from the front lines of CPG marketing.
You’ll learn:
• How to build brands that actually grow
• How to grow from any brand stage whether startup or category leader
• How to create strategy that drives revenue, not just awareness
• How top CPG companies approach innovatio
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Stop Chasing CPG Trends: The Marketing Fundamentals That Actually Drive Demand
5d ago00:18:45Tap to summarizeAre you investing time and marketing dollars in the latest trends without seeing meaningful results?In this Brand Builders thought leadership session, Braden explains why many CPG brands struggle to generate growth when they focus on trends instead of mastering the marketing fundamentals that create demand and build stronger brands.Through real-world case studies from PurGum, LOVE CORN, The Good Crisp Company, and HIPPEAS Chickpea Tortilla Chips, Braden demonstrates the proven principles that help brands stand out, connect with consumers, and drive sustainable growth.Topics covered include:• Why chasing trends often leads to disappointing results• The marketing fundamentals that consistently drive demand• Lessons from successful emerging and challenger brands• Building a strong innovation pipeline for long-term growth• How brand licensing can create new opportunities for expansion• Practical strategies that can be applied to brands of any sizeWhether you are a founder, marketer, brand manager, or CPG executive, this session provides actionable insights to help you focus on the activities that have the greatest impact on growth.Join the Brand Builders Community today: www.brandbuilderscpg.com#CPG #ConsumerPackagedGoods #BrandBuilding #MarketingStrategy #DemandGeneration #BrandBuilders #CPGMarketing #MarketingFundamentals #BrandGrowth #RetailStrategy #Innovation #BrandLicensing #StartupBrands #CPGTrends #ShopperMarketing #ConsumerBrands #MarketingLeadership #BusinessGrowth #FounderTips #BrandStrategy
Transcribe →How CPG Brands Break Through in a Crowded Market with Morgan Kingdon
2w ago00:50:03Tap to summarizeIn this episode of CPG Brand Builders, Braden sits down with Morgan Kingdon, Director of Marketing at Program Brands, to discuss what it takes for brands to stand out and grow in today’s crowded marketplace. Morgan leads marketing for Protein Candy and Pulp & Press, where she is known for turning bold ideas into measurable growth through a combination of strategic thinking and creative execution. From launching standout campaigns to helping take Protein Candy from zero to nationwide success, Morgan shares the insights, decisions, and mindset behind building brands that win both on the shelf and in the hearts of consumers. With experience across media, technology, and CPG, Morgan brings a forward-thinking perspective on consumer insight, storytelling, and executional excellence. In this episode, you will learn: -How to build a brand that stands out in a competitive market -The strategies behind taking a brand from zero to nationwide growth-How storytelling influences consumer connection and loyalty-The importance of execution in driving real business results-Practical lessons for founders, marketers, and brand leadersThis episode is filled with practical takeaways you can apply immediately to your own brand and marketing strategy. Like, subscribe, and share for more conversations with top leaders in the CPG industry.Join our CPG Brand Builders community today:https://brandbuilderscpg.com#CPG #MarketingStrategy #BrandBuilding #ConsumerGoods #GrowthMarketing #BrandStrategy #FounderTips #MarketingLeadership #MarketingInsights
Transcribe →The Truth About Marketing Specialty Coffee in Grocery with Ben Miller
3w ago00:47:49Tap to summarizeThe specialty coffee category is growing, but winning in grocery is far from guaranteed. In this episode of CPG Brand Builders, Braden sits down with Ben Miller, Director of Business Development and Market Expansion at Level Ground Coffee, to break down what it really takes to scale specialty coffee brands in today’s competitive retail landscape. With more than a decade of experience across business development, marketing, and sales, Ben shares real-world insight on how brands can grow in grocery while protecting what makes them special. In this video, you will learn:• What grocery buyers actually look for in specialty coffee• Why most coffee brands struggle to win shelf space• How to market premium coffee without losing authenticity• How to scale through grocery while protecting brand integrity• How to turn strategy into real execution in retailBen has helped launch and grow premium coffee brands across Canada by building stronger retail partnerships and navigating complex B2B and B2C channels. If you are a coffee brand founder, marketer, retailer, or specialty food entrepreneur, this conversation will help you understand how to win in a fast-changing category.Like this video if you found it valuable. Subscribe for more CPG growth strategies and marketing insights.Join our CPG Brand Builders community today: https://brandbuilderscpg.com#CPG #CoffeeIndustry #RetailStrategy #BrandGrowth #MarketingStrategy #ConsumerPackagedGoods #GroceryRetail #CPGBrandBuilders
Transcribe →Todd Mitchell on Leadership, Scaling Brands, and Building High-Performance Teams
4w ago01:10:54Tap to summarizeWhat separates great leaders from everyone else? In this powerful conversation, Todd Mitchell joins Braden to share decades of wisdom gained from leading founder-led businesses, private equity-backed companies, and global consumer packaged goods organizations. Todd currently serves as President of Hummus Goodness, Executive Chair of eGrowcery, and advises founders and growth-stage companies on leadership, strategy, innovation, and scaling businesses. In this episode, Todd reveals the leadership principles that have guided his career, including decision-making, accountability, empowering teams, solving problems faster, embracing change, and using AI without losing the human element that drives great leadership. He also dives into CPG innovation, retailer strategy, and what founders need to know about building organizations that can scale. Whether you're a founder, executive, brand builder, or emerging leader, you'll walk away with practical insights and frameworks you can apply immediately.Join the CPG Brand Builders Community today: www.cpgbrandbuilders.comSubscribe for more conversations with founders, operators, investors, and industry leaders shaping the future of consumer brands.#CPG #Leadership #ToddMitchell #BrandBuilding #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #ConsumerGoods #CEO #Founder #Innovation #ArtificialIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessPodcast #Retail #BrandStrategy
Transcribe →Todd Mitchell on Leadership, Scaling Brands, and Building High-Performance Teams
4w ago01:10:54Tap to summarizeWhat separates great leaders from everyone else? In this powerful conversation, Todd Mitchell joins Braden to share decades of wisdom gained from leading founder-led businesses, private equity-backed companies, and global consumer packaged goods organizations.Todd currently serves as President of Hummus Goodness, Executive Chair of eGrowcery, and advises founders and growth-stage companies on leadership, strategy, innovation, and scaling businesses.In this episode, Todd reveals the leadership principles that have guided his career, including decision-making, accountability, empowering teams, solving problems faster, embracing change, and using AI without losing the human element that drives great leadership. He also dives into CPG innovation, retailer strategy, and what founders need to know about building organizations that can scale.Whether you're a founder, executive, brand builder, or emerging leader, you'll walk away with practical insights and frameworks you can apply immediately.Join the CPG Brand Builders Community today:www.cpgbrandbuilders.comSubscribe for more conversations with founders, operators, investors, and industry leaders shaping the future of consumer brands.#CPG #Leadership #ToddMitchell #BrandBuilding #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #ConsumerGoods #CEO #Founder #Innovation #ArtificialIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessPodcast #Retail #BrandStrategy
Transcribe →How CPG Brands Win at Trade Shows with Shannon Peffley
May 2500:35:30Tap to summarizeTrade shows can make or break your brand. The right connections can lead to retail distribution, partnerships, and major growth. In this episode of CPG Brand Builders, Braden sits down with Shannon Peffley, Founder of CPG Xperience, to discuss how emerging consumer brands can maximize trade shows and turn connections into real business opportunities. Through CPG Xperience, Shannon helps brands, retailers, distributors, and service providers connect through curated trade show experiences, networking events, and industry education. In this video, you will learn how to:• Make the right connections at trade shows• Turn networking into long-term business opportunities• Build relationships with retailers and distributors• Stand out in crowded trade show environments• Use events to accelerate brand growthIf you are a CPG founder, marketer, or brand leader looking to grow your brand faster, this episode is for you. Like this video if you found it valuable. Subscribe for more CPG growth strategies and marketing insights.Join the CPG Brand Builders community today: https://brandbuilderscpg.com#CPG #TradeShows #BrandGrowth #RetailStrategy #MarketingStrategy #ConsumerPackagedGoods #Networking #CPGBrandBuilders
Transcribe →The Marketing Tactics That Make Food Brands Unstoppable with Nate Douglas
May 1800:21:55Tap to summarizeWhat actually makes food brands win in today’s competitive market? In this episode of CPG Brand Builders, Braden sits down with Nate Douglas, a seasoned food industry leader whose career has been dedicated to building and scaling high-performing food brands. Nate has worked on iconic brands at McCain Foods and Parmalat, bringing deep expertise in consumer behavior, campaign development, and P&L improvement. Today, he helps food brands grow sustainably and compete more effectively in crowded retail environments. Together, Braden and Nate break down what actually drives success in food marketing and what separates winning brands from the rest. In this video, you will learn:• How consumers really shop and make decisions in grocery• What drives high-performing food marketing campaigns• How to align marketing with real business outcomes• Why most food brands struggle to scale effectively• What it takes to build long-term brand success in CPGAs Nate puts it, “Marketing shapes the world. I like shaping it in a positive and lasting way.” If you are a food brand founder, marketer, or CPG leader looking to grow smarter, this episode is for you.Like this video if you found it valuable. Subscribe for more CPG growth strategies and marketing insights. Join CPG Brand Builders today: https://brandbuilderscpg.com#CPG #FoodMarketing #BrandStrategy #MarketingStrategy #ConsumerPackagedGoods #FoodBrands #BusinessGrowth #CPGBrandBuilders
Transcribe →The 4 Key Brand Architecture Methods
May 1200:20:29Tap to summarizeMost companies are damaging their brand without realizing it. Brand architecture is one of the most important strategic decisions a business can make, yet it is consistently overlooked. The wrong structure creates brand confusion, operational inefficiency, weak positioning, and lost long term value. The right structure creates clarity, scalability, and stronger brand equity. In this episode, Braden breaks down the four core brand architecture models every marketer, consultant, founder, and brand leader should understand:Branded HouseSub BrandsEndorsed BrandsHouse of BrandsYou will learn:• How each model impacts growth and scalability• Why poor brand structure creates long term business problems• How acquisitions and product expansion affect architecture decisions• The strategic differences between master brands and portfolio brands• How major companies structure their brands for maximum valueIf you work in CPG, marketing, consulting, innovation, or brand strategy, this framework is essential.This is strategic brand thinking designed for serious marketers and business leaders.Join our CPG Brand Builders Community: https://brandbuilderscpg.comSubscribe for more content on:Brand StrategyCPG MarketingShopper MarketingRetail MediaInnovation Leadership Business Growth#BrandArchitecture #BrandStrategy #MarketingStrategy #CPG #BrandManagement #Branding #RetailMedia #ShopperMarketing #BusinessStrategy #MarketingLeadership #ConsumerPackagedGoods #BrandEquity #MarketingConsulting #BusinessGrowth #BrandBuilders
Transcribe →How Top CPG Brands Win in Today’s Competitive Market | Sasha Bricel, Nature’s Path Foods
May 1100:48:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode of CPG Brand Builders, Braden sits down with Sasha Bricel, Director of Marketing Services at Nature’s Path Foods, to discuss what it takes to build and scale purpose-driven CPG brands in today’s competitive and price-sensitive market. Sasha leads advertising, media strategy, social media, creator partnerships, communications, and creative across Nature’s Path Foods’ portfolio of brands, including Nature’s Path, Love Crunch, EnviroKidz, Que Pasa, Love Child Organics, and Anita’s Flour. With previous experience at Tim Hortons, Air Canada, and tentree, Sasha brings a unique combination of agency expertise and in-house leadership to the conversation.In this episode, you will learn:-How to build a brand that stands out in a competitive market-What marketing strategies are working today for CPG brands-How to balance purpose, performance, and profitability-The role of creators, media, and storytelling in driving growth-Common mistakes brands make and how to avoid themThis episode is filled with practical insights for CPG marketers, founders, and brand leaders looking to grow and strengthen their brands.Like, subscribe, and share for more conversations with top leaders in the CPG industry.Join the CPG Brand Builders community today: https://brandbuilderscpg.com#CPG #MarketingStrategy #BrandBuilding #ConsumerGoods #CPGMarketing #FoodBrands #MarketingLeadership #BrandStrategy #GrowthMarketing #MarketingInsights
Transcribe →How Whitney Bembenick Drives Revenue Growth in CPG | Sales, Innovation, and Brand Strategy
May 900:45:49Tap to summarizeBraden sits down with Whitney Bembenick, a strategic revenue growth leader with more than 15 years of experience across CPG sales leadership, brand management, and innovation driven go to market strategy. In this episode, Whitney shares how integrating sales, marketing, and innovation creates stronger retailer partnerships, drives category expansion, and builds brands that scale with purpose.You will learn:✔ How revenue growth strategy impacts long term brand success✔ The role of innovation in modern CPG growth✔ How to strengthen retailer relationships✔ What high performing cross functional teams do differently✔ How mission, vision, and values support sustainable growthWhether you are building a new CPG brand or scaling an established business, this conversation delivers practical insights on leadership, strategy, and growth in today’s competitive consumer marketplace. Like and subscribe for more conversations with top CPG leaders and brand builders.Join the CPG Brand Builders community today: brandbuilderscpg.com#CPG #RevenueGrowth #BrandStrategy #ConsumerPackagedGoods #RetailStrategy #Innovation #SalesLeadership #BrandManagement #CPGMarketing #BusinessGrowth
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