Grocery Pulse Podcast by Innovar Marketing Agency | Insights for Retailers

"Nutrition is the gateway drug to spirituality."In this episode of Grocery Pulse, George Goodwin sits down with holistic health coach Mike Schmidt to discuss the powerful intersection of gut health, identity, and the grocery industry. Mike opens up about his personal journey—battling 10 years of chronic acne and a 16-month period of burnout—and how he used "food as medicine" to transform his life and his business.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Health and Wellness Transformation02:32 Personal Journeys and Health Challenges05:17 The Role of Food in Healing08:10 Consumer Trends in Health and Nutrition10:58 Understanding Gut Health and Its Importance13:39 Navigating Grocery Stores for Healthier Choices16:15 The Impact of Emotional Well-being on Nutrition19:23 The Science Behind Food Quality21:50 Kobu: A New Approach to Probiotics24:38 Final Thoughts on Health and Nutrition28:27 The Role of Electrolytes and Natural Hydration29:31 Nutrition for Athletes: The Importance of Clean Fuel32:06 Japanese Wisdom in Nutrition and Eating Habits35:54 Lessons from Okinawa: Community and Simple Diets38:12 The Impact of Food Choices on Health and Economy41:50 Investing in Health: The Long-Term Benefits of Nutrition45:50 Consumer Choices and the Food Industry's Response48:34 Integrity in Food Choices: A Path to Self-Respect51:31 Listening to Your Body: The Key to Healthy Eating52:31 Coping Mechanisms and Health Trends57:29 Listening to Your Body01:02:18 Holistic Health and Daily Habits01:04:11 Gratitude and Mindfulness01:05:09 Future Endeavors and Community EngagementGeorge and Mike dive deep into:The "Why" Behind the Brand: Why passion-led companies (like Goodwin’s Organics and Kōbu) are the most impactful.The Gut-Brain Connection: Why 90% of your serotonin is made in your gut and how that affects your daily confidence.Navigating the "Grocery Casino": Tips for avoiding "greenwashed" labels and sticking to the nutrient-dense edges of the store.The Future of Kōbu: George shares the science behind Kōbu's 33 billion probiotics and the mission to "inspire, encourage, and motivate."Whether you are a CPG founder, a retail professional, or someone looking to optimize your own health, this conversation offers a raw look at how the food we sell—and eat—shapes who we become.Connect with Mike Schmidt:Website: superfoodsuperhuman.comInstagram: @mike_schmidt_Connect with George Goodwin:Kōbu: enjoykobu.comLinkedIn: George Goodwin

In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with Jacqueline Smith, Founder & CEO of E3 Energy Cubes—a Utah-based, woman-owned protein bar brand on a mission to “change the flavor of healthy.” Jacqueline shares how an accountant’s mindset (yes—math) helped her build a better-for-you bar with balanced macros (fats, carbs, protein), clean ingredients, and flavor that actually hits.You’ll hear how E3 went from a commercial kitchen concept to manufacturing in-house, why the bar is shaped into three shareable cubes, and how Jacqueline landed 2x NBA Champion Norris Cole as an early investor after a wild “I don’t know why I’m here… oh THAT’S why” moment. The conversation also dives into real founder realities: ingredient sourcing, label transparency (including seed oil nuances in dried fruit), the cashflow math of CPG, packaging lessons (why black looked amazing online but disappeared in-store), and what it takes to keep going when you’re exhausted—but the mission is bigger than you.Chapters00:00 – Welcome + Jacqueline’s mission to make healthy taste good01:38 – Why E3 started with math, not “food creativity”03:22 – Cleaning up a tasty recipe: boosting protein, fiber, and removing extra sugars04:31 – What E3 Energy Cubes are: 3 squares + 5 flavors11:07 – How the first flavors were chosen12:30 – The Norris Cole story: gut instinct → first investor17:10 – Staying true to the mission (and being transparent about ingredients)19:12 – “Seed oil-free” nuance + sourcing realities at small scale23:17 – Natural flavors, propylene glycol, and what founders should watch for27:18 – Why Jacqueline manufactures in-house (and how she bought machinery early)29:20 – Expo West 2020 shutdown + surviving COVID as a new CPG brand30:24 – Packaging pivot: why black film didn’t work in refrigerated sets32:40 – Biggest sales channels: convenience + Circle K, plus new retail wins34:10 – The margin squeeze: distributors, freight, demos, and buying power36:43 – RFPs, comparing quotes, and logistics math that saves real money38:30 – What “women-owned certified” means (and Jacqueline’s merit-based view)42:21 – “Burned the ships”: what keeps her motivated46:23 – Avoiding budget traps: shows, ads, and follow-up systems49:29 – Online vs retail strategy without undercutting stores53:46 – Fire chat: joy, favorite flavors, and what’s next in 202657:46 – Advice for founders who want to manufacture themselves1:05:20 – E3 fundraising: raising to prep for major Q1 growthGuest: Jacqueline Smith — Founder & CEO, E3 Energy Cubes🌐 Website: E3EnergyCubes.com🥶 Tip: They’re refrigerated, cube-style, and built for busy everyday people who still care about ingredients.Sponsor: Kōbu Kombucha PowderA modern take on kombucha designed for gut health, hydration, and everyday wellness—without the sugar bomb.✨ Clean, convenient kombucha powder you can take anywhere.🌐 Learn more or try it out: www.enjoykobu.comHost: George GoodwinInnovar Marketing AgencyHelping grocery, retail, and CPG brands tell better stories, grow community, and launch products with real-world traction — from in-store to digital.📧 Contact Innovar: marketing@innovaragency.com🌐 Learn more: www.innovaragency.com

In this episode of the GroceryPulse Podcast, host George Goodwin sits down with Walker, founder of The Happy Mushroom Company, for a deep conversation on the future of grocery, functional foods, and building a health-focused CPG brand from the ground up.Together, they explore how mushrooms are reshaping wellness, why consumers are shifting toward functional nutrition, and what it really takes to launch and scale a natural products brand in today’s competitive grocery landscape. From sourcing and sustainability to consumer education and retailer relationships — this episode is packed with insight for founders, buyers, and anyone passionate about natural health.Whether you're a grocer, CPG entrepreneur, or just curious about the mushroom revolution, this conversation will open your mind to the powerful connection between nature, health, and modern retail.00:00 — The Journey into MushroomsWalker shares how he discovered the healing power of mushrooms and launched The Happy Mushroom Company.12:18 — Connecting with Nature & HealthWhy reconnecting with nature is becoming the foundation of new consumer wellness trends.19:36 — Functional Mushrooms & Their BenefitsLion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps — what they are, how they work, and why people are reaching for them.26:37 — Quality & Extraction ProcessesThe difference between real, effective mushroom extracts and the industry shortcuts consumers should avoid.33:34 — Sustainability & Environmental ResponsibilityRegenerative practices, sourcing commitments, and why mushrooms are one of nature’s most sustainable foods.36:06 — Building a Brand: From Local Roots to Wider MarketsHow Walker scaled from local customers to a regional movement — and what CPG founders can learn from his growth.40:52 — Consumer Education: Navigating the Mushroom SpaceHow brands can build trust and clarity in a confusing supplement landscape.46:18 — Health Benefits: Myths & FactsWhat mushrooms can ACTUALLY do for immunity, focus, stress, and energy.52:28 — Personal Insights: Gratitude & NatureWalker’s personal philosophy and the mindset behind the brand.54:46 — Future Product LaunchesNew innovations coming soon from The Happy Mushroom Company.Website: https://happymushroomco.com/Email (Customer & Wholesale): walker@happymushroomco.comPhone: 775-530-1019The Happy Mushroom Company focuses on high-quality functional mushrooms, sustainable sourcing, transparency, and education — helping people reconnect with nature through clean, powerful wellness products.GroceryPulse PodcastPodcast Home: https://grocerypulse.comEpisodes: https://grocerypulse.com/podcastBlog: https://grocerypulse.com/blogYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@grocerypulseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/grocerypulseInnovar Marketing AgencyWebsite: https://www.innovaragency.comMarketing Blog: https://www.enjoykobu.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/innovar_marketing_agency/🔥 Episode Highlights🌱 About The Happy Mushroom Company🔗 Links & Resources🌱 About The Happy Mushroom CompanyWebsite: https://happymushroomco.comEmail (Customer & Wholesale): walker@happymushroomco.comPhone: 775-530-1019The Happy Mushroom Company focuses on high-quality functional mushrooms, sustainable sourcing, transparency, and education — helping people reconnect with nature through clean, powerful wellness products.GroceryPulse PodcastPodcast Home: https://grocerypulse.coInnovar Marketing AgencyWebsite: https://www.innovaragency.comSponsore: https://www.enjoykobu.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovaragency

In this episode of the GroceryPulse Podcast, host George Goodwin sits down with Kevin Kelley, Co-Founder of Shook Kelley, to explore the future of grocery through the lens of emotional science, design, and human connection.They uncover how smell, sensory engagement, and behavior architecture influence consumer decision-making — and why successful grocers are moving beyond convenience to create meaningful, community-driven experiences.From emotional shopping habits to the psychology of retail design, this conversation reveals how grocery stores can evolve into spaces that inspire loyalty, belonging, and purpose.🎙️ Hosted by: George Goodwin — 4th-Generation Grocer & Founder of Innovar Agency🎧 Guest: Kevin Kelley — Retail Design Expert & Co-Founder of Shook KelleyChapters00:00 Introduction to Grocery Podcasting and Community Impact02:46 The Importance of Local Grocery Stores05:29 Consumer Behavior and Emotional Shopping08:08 The Role of Community in Retail10:47 The Evolution of Retail Design13:26 The Need for Human Connection16:23 Understanding Consumer Experience18:47 The Power of Sensory Engagement22:03 Behavior Architecture in Retail24:11 Creating Meaningful Retail Experiences27:03 The Future of Grocery Stores29:47 Final Thoughts and Advice for GrocersTakeawaysGrocery stores serve as community hubs, providing more than just products.Emotional connections drive consumer purchasing decisions.Local grocery stores are vital for community engagement and support.Designing retail spaces should focus on enhancing human interaction.Sensory experiences, especially smell, play a crucial role in shopping.Consumers are seeking meaningful experiences over mere convenience.The future of retail lies in creating spaces that foster connection.Understanding consumer behavior is key to successful retail design.Community events can enhance customer loyalty and engagement.Retailers must adapt to the changing landscape of consumer expectations.Key Words and Topics:future of grocery, grocery podcast, george goodwin, kevin kelley, shook kelley, grocery design, sensory retail, emotional shopping, consumer behavior, behavior architecture, human connection, retail innovation, grocery trends 2025, local grocery stores, sensory engagement, retail design psychology, meaningful experiences, grocery communitySponsor:⁠https://www.enjoykobu.com⁠🔗 Links & Resources🎙️ GroceryPulse PodcastPodcast Home: https://grocerypulse.comListen to More Episodes: https://grocerypulse.com/podcastRead the GroceryPulse Blog: https://grocerypulse.com/blogWatch All Episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@grocerypulseFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innvoarrocerypulseWebsite: https://www.innovaragency.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovar_marketing_agency/Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/InnovarMarketingAgency/Linkedin Group:https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8990400/Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@InnovarMarketingAgencyLinkedIn Business Page:https://www.linkedin.com/company/grocerypulse-podcast-by-innovar-marketing-agency/?viewAsMember=trueX profile:https://x.com/innovar_agency💡 Innovar Marketing Agency🏪 Kevin Kelley & Shook KelleyAbout Kevin Kelley: https://www.kevinervinkelley.com/aboutShook Kelley Official Website: https://www.shookkelley.comShook Kelley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shookkelleyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shookkelleyGeorge Goodwin HostInstgramhttps://www.instagram.com/itsagoodwin/LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/number-one-marketer/

Local grocers don’t need another “awareness-only” social tactic—they need sales. On this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin (4th-gen grocer & founder of Innovar Marketing) sits down with Oskar Wahlbäck, founder & CEO of Commentsell, to explore how European-style “reserve in comments” deals are transforming social media into a true sales channel.Already powering 250+ stores in Sweden and Denmark—with 85,000+ campaigns and $170M in retailer revenue—Commentsell automates bookable discounts so that every Facebook/Instagram post can turn into guaranteed store traffic. Early U.S. pilots show 20–30% revenue lifts, proving this isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful way for independents and small chains to compete.You’ll hear:How “comment-to-reserve” campaigns create viral loops and measurable sales.Real examples, from strawberry surpluses to $60K+ energy drink drops.Why automation (not just marketing) solves the biggest pain for retailers.What U.S. grocers can learn from European retail culture.📈 Key takeaway: Every comment can become a customer—and every social post a sales channel..00:00 Introduction to CometSelf and Swedish Innovations03:01 The Birth of CometSelf: Oskar's Journey06:01 Understanding Bookable Discounts and Their Impact09:02 Driving Engagement Through Bookable Campaigns12:10 Success Stories: Real-World Impact of CometSelf15:00 Cost Efficiency and Marketing Strategies for Retailers18:06 Automation and Efficiency in Grocery Marketing20:58 The Importance of Customer Interaction and Personalization23:52 Leveraging Social Media Algorithms for Retail Success27:01 Future of Grocery Marketing: Trends and Innovations30:54 Cultural Insights: Happiness in Sweden34:45 Innovation and Education: The Swedish Approach37:39 Grocery Retail: Comparing Sweden and the US41:46 Expanding into the US Market50:34 Sustainability and Waste Reduction in Retail57:50 Innovative Sales Strategies in Grocery59:53 Regional Differences in Grocery Experiences01:03:06 The Power of Pre-Selling and Promotions01:05:58 Exploring Other Retail Opportunities01:08:58 Engagement and Trends in Social Media for Grocers01:12:00 Cultural Insights and Personal ReflectionsKey Takeaways (with helpful links)Bookable discounts turn engagement into guaranteed foot traffic. → Demo & case studies: https://commentsell.comOperational ease is the unlock. Automation beats after-hours comment wrangling.Start with perishable and vendor-backed deals. Build momentum, then scale daily.Measure comments → reservations → pickups → basket lift. Treat it like a sales pipeline, not “just social.”🎧 Listen to GroceryPulseYouTubeSpotify Apple Podcasts 🤝 Connect with the GuestsOskar Wahlbäck on LinkedInoskar@commentsell.comGeorge Goodwin on LinkedIngeorge@innovaragency.compodcast@innovaragency.com🌐 Book a Demo with Commentsell → commentsell.com🌐 Explore Innovar Marketing Agency → innovaragency.com🌐 Blog - Turnning Social Media Comments into sales

What does the future of retail media look like?In this episode of GroceryPulse by Innovar Marketing Agency, host George Goodwin sits down with Chase Binnie, CEO of RetailWire — the leading retail industry thought leadership platform with 1M+ monthly readers and 8 acquisitions under its belt.Chase shares how he went from designing album art in high school to running a 23-year-old legacy media company that curates conversations with over 100 retail thought leaders. Together, George and Chase dive into:🚀 How RetailWire became a trusted voice in grocery & CPG🛒 The role of media & storytelling in shaping retail strategy🤖 Why AI is both an opportunity and a challenge for grocers & brands💡 How authentic, founder-led voices drive trust and customer loyalty📈 Why 67% of retail execs use digital media to guide business decisions (NRF)🌎 The rise of retail roundtables & peer-to-peer knowledge sharingWhether you’re a grocer, CPG founder, retail operator, or marketer, this conversation will give you fresh insight into how media, community, and technology are reshaping the future of retail.00:00 – Welcome to GroceryPulse01:01 – Meet Chase Binnie, CEO of RetailWire03:00 – RetailWire’s 23-Year Journey & 1M Readers06:00 – How Media Shapes Grocery & CPG Decisions09:00 – AI in Retail: Hype vs. Real Value12:00 – Founder Stories & Authentic Branding18:00 – The Rise of Roundtables & Peer Learning23:00 – Pepsi x Poppy & the Power of Founder-Led Brands26:00 – Marketing, Attention & the Human Element30:00 – Leadership, Creativity & What Makes Chase Smile36:00 – The Future of Retail Media & RetailWire’s Next Moves🌐 Learn more about RetailWire → retailwire.com📧 Connect with Chase Binnie → LinkedIn / sales@retailwire.com🎧 Listen to more episodes of GroceryPulse → Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube📧 Be Featured on GroceryPulse → marketing@innovaragency.com🥤 Our Sponsor: Kōbu Kombucha Powder – Fuel your gut health, hydration & energy in one refreshing stick.Preorder now → enjoykobu.com/pages/preorder⏱️ Chapters🔗 Resources & Links

In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with CJ Warstler, the inventor of the Handycart Workstation, to unpack how one simple tool is revolutionizing efficiency in retail environments. With over 30 years of experience in sales and consulting, CJ shares the real-world problems that inspired him to create a smarter, more effective workstation—right from his own garage.Together, they explore the process of prototyping, gathering user feedback, and launching the Handycart into stores across the country. CJ highlights the importance of employee satisfaction, the value of U.S.-based manufacturing, and the growing demand for practical tools that make retail work faster and easier.From improving retention to streamlining in-store resets, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a purpose-driven product to life—and how a focus on usability, quality, and innovation can lead to game-changing results.🎯 Key Takeaways:✅ Handycart was born from real-world retail challenges✅ CJ’s 30+ years in sales guided the development process✅ Prototyping and user feedback led to continuous product improvements✅ The cart boosts efficiency, saves time, and reduces employee fatigue✅ U.S. manufacturing ensures high-quality and consistent builds✅ It’s being used beyond grocery—in hardware stores, CPG resets, and more✅ Employee satisfaction is a key factor in retention and productivity✅ Positive testimonials are driving organic growth✅ CJ continues to innovate based on customer needs⏱️ Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Handycart Workstation02:55 – The Journey of CJ Warstler06:02 – Designing for Real Retail Challenges09:08 – The Power of Prototyping and Feedback12:00 – Market Launch and Customer Response14:53 – Boosting Employee Efficiency and Morale18:15 – The Case for U.S. Manufacturing20:56 – Handycart in Grocery, Hardware, and More23:48 – User Testimonials and Field Results26:55 – What’s Next: Product Expansion and Innovation📖 Read the Full Write-Up🔗 Smart Tech in Grocery – How OpSense is Helping Grocers Prevent Loss, Boost Compliance & Reduce Food Waste🎧 Listen NowSpotify | Apple Podcasts | More Platforms & Show NotesWe’re always looking for grocery, retail, and CPG leaders with a story to share.📧 Email: marketing@innovaragency.comFuel your gut health, hydration, and daily energy — all in one refreshing powdered drink.🌐 Preorder Now: enjoykobu.com/pages/preorderThe workstation built for retail efficiency — now in grocery, hardware, and beyond.🌐 Visit: thehandycart.com📧 Contact CJ: sales@thehandycart.com🚀 Want to Be Featured on GroceryPulse?🛒 Our Featured Sponsor – Kōbu Kombucha Powder🛠 Interested in HandyCart?

In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin speaks with Blake and Stephanie Alexandre of Alexandre Family Farm, the first certified regenerative dairy farm in the U.S. They share the inspiring story of building a family farm rooted in stewardship, nutrition, and sustainability—and how their mission is reshaping the dairy industry.From the power of regenerative farming practices that restore soil health to the nutritional benefits of A2 milk, the conversation uncovers how Alexandre Family Farm is redefining what dairy can be. Blake and Stephanie reveal the challenges of maintaining transparency in their production process, why they see farming as a partnership with the environment, and how their faith and family values shape everything they do.You’ll also hear about the personal stories from customers whose lives have been transformed by A2 milk, and why partnerships with retailers are essential for expanding this movement. For the Alexandres, it’s not just about milk—it’s about building a legacy of healthier families and a more sustainable planet.Key Takeaways:✅ Regenerative farming improves soil health and biodiversity, leading to healthier cattle and milk.✅ A2 milk offers unique nutritional benefits and easier digestion for many consumers.✅ Healthy soil → healthy cows → healthy people.✅ Transparency and authenticity build consumer trust.✅ Partnerships with retailers are key to growing impact.✅ The Alexandres’ faith and family values are woven into every aspect of their business.✅ Personal stories show how quality milk can truly change lives.✅ Sustainability isn’t optional—it’s essential for future generations.✅ Investing in children’s nutrition is an investment in their future.✅ Their brand is about more than products—it’s about a lifestyle and a mission. Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Alexandre Family Farm03:02 – Building a Strong Partnership05:55 – The Founding Story of Alexandre Family Farm08:59 – The Importance of Soil and Regenerative Farming12:00 – Nutritional Benefits of A2 Milk14:50 – Innovative Practices in Dairy Farming17:53 – The Role of Cows in Regenerative Agriculture20:57 – Challenges and Motivation in the Dairy Industry24:06 – Legacy and Community Impact26:55 – Faith and Purpose in Farming39:36 – The Philosophy Behind the Product44:01 – Building a Legacy Through Nutrition49:51 – Consumer Connection and Personal Stories55:48 – The Importance of Transparency and Quality01:00:38 – Personal Insights and Reflections🎧 Listen Now:SpotifyApple PodcastsWant to be featured on GroceryPulse?📧 Email us at podcast@innovaragency.com⸻Want to Visit or Send Us Mail?Farm & Office:8371 Lower Lake RoadCrescent City, California 95531Farm Store & Egg Ranch:7955 Bailey RoadCrescent City, California 95531

In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with Deborah Sanchez, an HR consultant with nearly 20 years of experience advising C-suite leaders at one of California’s largest utility companies. From her beginnings as a young mom seeking stability to now shaping corporate HR strategy, Deborah shares powerful insights on employee retention, mentorship, workplace culture, and leadership grounded in compassion.Whether you're managing a growing grocery team, launching a CPG brand, or navigating hiring and retention in a post-COVID world—this conversation delivers actionable advice and inspiring stories that apply across industries.🔥 Topics We Cover:• How mentorship drives professional growth• Balancing AI with the human side of HR• Why experience > education in many hiring decisions• The ROI of compassion and appreciation in leadership• Building workplace cultures that support inclusion and retention• What grocery and CPG leaders can learn from corporate HR🎯 Key Takeaways:✅ Compassionate leadership increases loyalty & productivity✅ Experience often outweighs credentials in hiring✅ AI is a tool—not a replacement—for human interaction✅ Employee growth, not just evaluations, builds culture✅ Family-oriented culture improves morale & retention✅ Transparency, benefits, and recognition matter more than ever✅ Hiring local builds community connection & workplace diversity🎧 Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to HR and Deborah’s Journey03:07 – The Power of Mentorship in Career Growth05:54 – Hiring: Why Experience Beats Credentials08:57 – What Really Drives Employee Satisfaction12:09 – Evaluations and Feedback that Actually Help15:10 – Work-Life Balance: Retaining Your Best People17:57 – Post-COVID Return to Office Trends21:09 – The Role of AI in Modern HR24:00 – Diversity, Inclusion, and Innovation26:53 – HR Trends Shaping the Future43:06 – Cultivating Diversity with Integrity45:15 – Aligning Company Values with People Needs46:37 – Meeting Employees Where They Are49:20 – Empowering Diverse Talent51:49 – Traits of High-Performing Team Members54:45 – Compassion in the Workplace57:27 – Fire Chat Round: Rapid HR Wisdom01:03:00 – How Data & Analytics Drive Better HR Decisions📌 Don’t Miss These Fire Chat Topics:Self-checkout vs. the human touchHybrid vs. remote recruitingHigh-performing team member traitsThe impact of small gestures (like keychains!)Compassion as a business strategy💼 About the Guest:Deborah Sanchez is an HR strategist, mentor, and leadership consultant with two decades of hands-on experience helping teams thrive. Her work focuses on bridging generational and cultural gaps in the workplace through inclusion, authenticity, and data-backed leadership.🧠 Sound Bites to Share:"Employees want to grow.""Compassion is pretty important.""A team can make you or break you.""Diversity can push a company’s innovation.""Appreciation and compassion go a long way."🎯 Keywords / Tags for SEO (YouTube):HR, employee satisfaction, workplace culture, mentorship, leadership in HR, AI in HR, employee retention, grocery industry, CPG team building, diversity and inclusion, remote hiring, team dynamics, HR podcast, HR strategy, GroceryPulse Podcast, George Goodwin, company culture, data analytics HR, compassion in leadership, hybrid teams, employee growth, post-COVID workplace📬 Want to be featured or sponsor an episode?Email: podcast@innovaragency.com🔔 Subscribe & Follow for more insights from grocery, CPG, and leadership innovators.

In this episode of Grocery Pulse by Innovar Agency, host George Goodwin sits down with Bob Reeves, Executive Vice President and Associate Publisher at Shelby Publishing. As a grocery media expert and USC Food Industry Management Program alumnus, Bob shares insights from over two decades of documenting and influencing the grocery industry. The conversation dives into the critical role of grocery media in shaping industry trends and decisions, exploring: Bob’s journey from grocer to media professional and his passion for elevating the industry. The Shelby Report’s impact on connecting manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers through regional insights and trend forecasting. Why staying informed through industry media is essential for grocers aiming to adapt to market changes and drive growth.Listeners will gain actionable advice on leveraging grocery media for better decision-making, building partnerships, and staying ahead of industry trends as we approach 2025.Key Takeaways:- Engage with trade publications like The Shelby Report to stay informed. - Use media insights to navigate challenges, spot opportunities, and drive innovation. -Don’t underestimate the power of industry events and networking.Shelby Reports Article mention in the podcast: https://theshelbyreport.com/2024/10/02/goodwin-sons-market-reopens-in-crestline-ca/Emails us:Host: George Goodwingeorge@innovaragency.comQuestions: podcast@innovaragency.comGuest: Bob Reveesrreeves@shelbypublishing.comExecutive Vice President, Associate Publisher, West Regional DirectorSubscribe to https://theshelbyreport.com/

In this exciting episode of the GroceryPulse Podcast, George Goodwin welcomes Krysta Palmer, Olympic Bronze Medalist and USA Diving National Team member, to explore what grocery leaders and store owners can learn from athletes. Krysta shares her journey from earning medals on the global stage to preparing for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, all while balancing a Kinesiology degree and an MBA.Grocery executives and teams will be inspired by Krysta’s lessons in grit, goal-setting, and overcoming odds, as well as valuable insights into athletes’ shopping habits. Did you know that athletes shop 2-3 times more than the average American? They prioritize quality foods and healthy trends that impact grocery decisions. Learn how to apply these insights to better serve health-conscious customers. 🛒 ⁠Learn more here⁠.

In this episode of the GroceryPulse Podcast, we sit down with Kevin Coupe, the host of the renowned MorningNewsBeat and a grocery industry veteran with over 40 years of experience. Kevin shares his invaluable insights into the evolving world of grocery retail, offering advice on how retailers can stay relevant, embrace technology, and create a unique store identity. From the rise of e-commerce to the power of customer feedback, Kevin provides actionable strategies that grocery professionals can apply to future-proof their businesses. 🛒 Learn more here.