Podcast
Uncommon Brands
Hosted by Parker Nash · EN
How do you build a DTC brand that breaks out in a noisy world?
The Uncommon Brands podcast interviews founders of fast-growing DTC, e-commerce, and consumer product brands with unique products and marketing strategies. In each episode, we dive into how these stand out brands built their business by going against the grain.
This podcast is for any DTC brand founder, entrepreneur, and executive looking to build a stand out brand.
Host Parker Nash spent more than a decade working at Nike where he learned first-hand how one of the greatest brands in the world develops product and marketing that turns customers into raving fans.
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Carrying on a family legacy, John Gaither, Feetures
Aug 1800:37:16Tap to summarizeJoin 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:A Family LegacyStrategic Growth & ChannelsProduct Innovation & PerformanceLeading a Family BusinessParker Nash Links:Website: parkertnash.comLinkedIn: Parker NashFeetures Links:Website: https://feetures.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeeturesBrand/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feetures/
Transcribe →Style that gives back with Lauren Dellinger, Headbands of Hope
Aug 1100:33:49Tap to summarizeJoin 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:A Mission-Driven BrandBuilding Community & RelationshipsWholesale & Growth StrategiesNavigating Business ChallengesProduct Presentation & MarketingParker Nash:Website: parkertnash.comLinkedIn: Parker Nash Lauren Dellinger of Headbands of HopeWebsite: https://www.headbandsofhope.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headbandsofhope/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadbandsOfHope/
Transcribe →How to build a brand with an unstoppable mission, Ashley Nickelsen, BTR Nation
Aug 4, 202500:38:50Tap to summarizeToday’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:A Mission-Driven BrandThe Power of Personal ConnectionStrategic Growth Beyond Traditional RetailNavigating Entrepreneurial ChallengesLessons in Product & MessagingParker Nash:Website: parkertnash.comLinkedIn: Parker NashBTR Nation:Website: https://www.btrnation.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btr.nation TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@btr.nation
Transcribe →Getting personal: The business of men's underwear, Dez Price, BN3TH
Jul 28, 202500:35:14Tap to summarizeIn 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:BN3TH's Founding: Identifying a market gap for men's underwear.The Revolutionary Pouch: Impact of 3D pouch technology on comfort.Brand Evolution: Building a unique product into a successful brand.Product Philosophy: Comfort and support for all-day activity.Entrepreneurial Advice: Passion, innovation, and embracing challengesParker 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/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bn3thapparel
Transcribe →Fun run! Growing a running brand, Bryce McConville, Chicknlegs
Jul 18, 202500:31:15Tap to summarizeIn 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:Athlete to Entrepreneur: Founding ChicknlegsCommunity-Driven Growth & Social Media ImpactDesign, Quality, and Product DevelopmentStrategic Inventory & Product Line ManagementAnalytical Approach to Business GrowthParker 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 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChicknLegsRunning TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chicknlegs
Transcribe →Bye bye corporate, hello baby brand, Jeff Chisholm, Little Hometown
Apr 7, 202500:46:04Tap to summarizeIn 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.SPECIAL BONUS FOR LISTENERS:Get 25% off with code uncommon25What was covered:The rise and fall of his first e-commerce ventureWhy Little Hometown refuses to sell on Amazon and WalmartHow they’ve grown to over 2,000 independent retail partnersThe power of regional, nostalgia-driven product designHow seasonality impacts marketing spend and how they adjustJeff’s data-driven approach to ads and customer retentionLittle Hometown & Jeff Chisholm Links:Website: https://www.littlehometown.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlehometown/Parker Links:Website: https://www.parkertnash.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash
Transcribe →Shark Tank entrepreneur and bathing suit innovator, Hayley Segar, onewith swim
Mar 31, 202500:39:46Tap to summarizeIn 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:Hayley’s journey from content creator to fashion entrepreneurHow a frustrating shopping experience led to a product ideaThe challenges of launching a fashion brand with no design backgroundHow viral TikTok moments propelled onewith swim's successThe importance of customer education and brand transparencyWhy first-order profitability is key for bootstrapped businessesonewith 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
Transcribe →Building a brand while traveling the world...with your family!
Mar 24, 202500:30:30Tap to summarizeIn 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:How Keep Going First Aid was born out of a real-life parenting needThe power of branding, storytelling, and knowing your customerWhy selling a feeling is more powerful than selling a productHow Antje scaled her business using influencer marketingThe strategy behind working with agencies vs. in-house employeesHow Keep Going First Aid stands out on Amazon and e-commerce platformsHow to build a brand from anywhere in the worldAntje 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
Transcribe →Building a no artificial anything supplement brand, Al Matheny, Promix
Mar 17, 202500:47:02Tap to summarizeIn 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:Albert’s journey from elite athlete to entrepreneurThe science behind clean, high-quality protein and supplementsThe challenges of building a business in the supplement industryThe importance of transparency and quality in nutritional productsThe role of partnerships, marketing, and branding in growing ProMixHow Promix differentiates itself in a crowded marketAl 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.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash
Transcribe →Growing a non-toxic plant wellness brand, Vanessa Dawson, Arber
Mar 10, 202500:34:30Tap to summarizeIn 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:Vanessa's background in startups and founding ArberThe innovative, non-toxic gardening products offered by ArberChallenges and strategies in scaling a retail businessThe importance of customer education and engagementHow Arber's membership model enhances customer loyalty and community buildingArber'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
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