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

In 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 challenges

Parker 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

In 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 Chicknlegs
• Community-Driven Growth & Social Media Impact
• Design, Quality, and Product Development
• Strategic Inventory & Product Line Management
• Analytical Approach to Business Growth

Parker 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

In 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:
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What was covered:

• The rise and fall of his first e-commerce venture
• Why Little Hometown refuses to sell on Amazon and Walmart
• How they’ve grown to over 2,000 independent retail partners
• The power of regional, nostalgia-driven product design
• How seasonality impacts marketing spend and how they adjust
• Jeff’s data-driven approach to ads and customer retention

Little Hometown & Jeff Chisholm Links:

Website: https://www.littlehometown.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlehometown/

Parker Links:

Website: https://www.parkertnash.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash

In 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 entrepreneur
• How a frustrating shopping experience led to a product idea
• The challenges of launching a fashion brand with no design background
• How viral TikTok moments propelled onewith swim's success
• The importance of customer education and brand transparency
• Why first-order profitability is key for bootstrapped businesses

onewith 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

In 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 need
• The power of branding, storytelling, and knowing your customer
• Why selling a feeling is more powerful than selling a product
• How Antje scaled her business using influencer marketing
• The strategy behind working with agencies vs. in-house employees
• How Keep Going First Aid stands out on Amazon and e-commerce platforms
• How to build a brand from anywhere in the world

Antje 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