Can You Pick a Winning Brand? LaunchPad Can - on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast!

Jeremy Smith is the President of LaunchPad. He has spent more than 35 years in strategic sales, branding, and marketing. His senior management and graphic arts resume gives a salute to some of the country's most iconic brands including Apple, Chobani, Krave Jerky, Bob's Red Mill, and PopChips. 

Prior to LaunchPad, Jeremy co-founded a company called Level One Marketing with his brother in 2006. His relationship with buyers, marketers, strategists, venture capital firms, and designers has created enviable connections within the food industry. He was named to the Forbes and Circle Up’s 2017 Top Catalysts Dealmakers and Influencers in the Consumer Industry. 

[00:58] Steve introduces his guest, Jeremy Smith

[02:14] Jeremy talks about the company that he started with his brother, Level One Marketing, and the early companies that they worked with as a brokerage firm

[05:59] Jeremy goes into the sale of their company and how he learned that imagination and vision plays a big role in company culture

[07:51] Jeremy details the beginnings of LaunchPad and what the company does for brands

[13:31] Jeremy's reaction to Acosta’s filing of bankruptcy

[15:52] Jeremy talks about the future of distribution models and what he thinks about consignment in the food and beverage industry 

[21:20] Why it’s a good idea for new and emerging brands to get into Costco

[23:38] Things that could be preventing small brands from getting into Costco and the risks that come with putting all your business into Costco

[27:10] Why the right team and building momentum is crucial for a brand’s success

[29:35] Why Jeremy pushes for brands he considers as disruptive, unique, and exclusive (DUE) to get into Costco

[32:40] Steve talks about the importance for brands to be able to fit into the logistics business of the food industry

[34:11] How Jeremy helps brands communicate their story that will resonate with consumers

[39:42] Jeremy talks about his experience and takeaways from meeting and talking with Steve Jobs

[44:18] The biggest challenge with using focus groups in building your product and your brand

[46:54] Jeremy's advice to other entrepreneurs who are trying to develop emerging brands

In this episode…

Are you an emerging brand who’s trying to find your footing in the food industry? Do you know what to look out for and what you need to prepare in order to establish your brand in this highly competitive industry? Where do you start selling your products?

Jeremy Smith, a huge proponent of small and emerging brands, encourages them to try to get into Costco and other brick and mortar stores to build on the brand name and get within the line of sight of their target consumers. While this comes with challenges and risks, it is an effective way of getting your products noticed by the right folks.

In this episode, G. Steven Cleere talks to Jeremy about what he looks for in emerging brands that could be a telltale sign of success, why a great team and an effective communications strategy is crucial to a brand’s success, and how the right placement can help a brand take off. Stay tuned.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

Kitchen2Shelf

Nexxt Level Marketing

LaunchPad 

Jeremy Smith on LinkedIn

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Sponsor for this episode...

Our podcast today is sponsored by Kitchen2Shelf, the educational arm of NexxtLevel Brands. Kitchen-2-Shelf provides online and in-person courses and workshops for CPG entrepreneurs at any stage of growth. 

Whether you're an early-stage startup, a local growing business, or if you want to just expand your distribution to a national level, Kitchen-2-Shelf can help you learn what you need to know to grow.