Join 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 Legacy
• Strategic Growth & Channels
• Product Innovation & Performance
• Leading a Family Business

Parker Nash Links:

• Website: parkertnash.com
• LinkedIn: Parker Nash
  
  

Feetures Links:

• Website: https://feetures.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeeturesBrand/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feetures/
  
  

Join 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 Brand
• Building Community & Relationships
• Wholesale & Growth Strategies
• Navigating Business Challenges
• Product Presentation & Marketing

Parker Nash:

• Website: parkertnash.com
• LinkedIn: Parker Nash
  
  

Lauren Dellinger of Headbands of Hope

• Website: https://www.headbandsofhope.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headbandsofhope/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadbandsOfHope/
  
  

Today’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 Brand
• The Power of Personal Connection
• Strategic Growth Beyond Traditional Retail
• Navigating Entrepreneurial Challenges
• Lessons in Product & Messaging
  
  

Parker Nash:

• Website: parkertnash.com
• LinkedIn: Parker Nash
  
  

BTR Nation:

• Website: https://www.btrnation.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btr.nation
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@btr.nation