The Nombase Podcast

Many founders think private label can compromise opportunities for their brand. Derek Brawley thinks that's backwards. He's spent nearly two decades running private label programs internationally, most recently at Prana, and mentors emerging brands on how to make the most of private label business. In this episode, he makes the case for private label as one of the most underused tools for cash flow, accurate forecasting, and long-term growth — and explains how to use it without compromising the brand you're building.You will learn:Why "brand dilution" is often backwards thinking, and what private label actually protectsHow private label partners deliver forecasting accuracy brands can't get on their ownWhat margins, trade spend, and pricing actually look like compared to selling brandedThe certifications and standards you need to be private label readyHow to pitch private label to retailers, and what buyers are quietly looking forHow to use private label to fund your brand's growth toward a future sale

CVS may not be the first retail opportunity food and beverage brands evaluate, but it's important to know when it can be the right fit. Ashley Czerwien spent two and a half years as a CVS buyer and now manages the CVS relationship at KeHE, and she breaks down what actually needs to be true about your business before CVS makes sense.You will learn:What CVS's 9,000 doors actually look like, and which ones fit your brandThe real submission process, from ECRM events to award lettersWhat CVS costs versus what brands assume it costsThe readiness signals CVS looks for: production, lead times, marketingTwo programs built for emerging brands: Open Air Cooler and Healthy ConsumablesWhat buyers listen for in a category review pitch

Building a differentiated brand is only half the battle. The other half is making sure consumers actually understand why it matters.Join Sahra Nguyen, founder & CEO of Nguyen Coffee Supply, and Kyle Nguyen, co-founder of Lucky Ox, to discuss one of the biggest challenges growing brands face: how to stay true to what makes your product unique while communicating it in a way that resonates with mainstream consumers. You will learn:How to figure out what consumers actually care about—and build your messaging around it instead of your assumptionsHow to use Meta ads, Google Search Console, and customer reviews to test positioning before investing in itWhy "meeting consumers where they are" isn't always the right strategy—and when to lean harder into what makes your brand differentHow to decide where limited retail marketing dollars will have the biggest impact on trial and velocityHow to simplify product names, packaging, and messaging without losing what makes your brand uniqueHow to identify merchandising problems that quietly hurt sales—and what brands can do to fix themWhy PR should support your business strategy, not become your business strategy

Most founders know they need a board. Far fewer know how to build one that makes the business a stronger competitor. In this episode, Brad Charron, CEO of Aloha, and Kierstin Rielly, CEO of the Women on Boards Project, break down what separates a board that simply fills seats from one that helps you make better decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and build a stronger company. Using Aloha's board as a real-world case study, they share a practical framework for choosing the right people, compensating them fairly, and turning your board into a real competitive advantage.You will learn:How to build a board around your business—not your cap tableWho belongs on your board (and who doesn't)Why operators often make better board members than career directorsHow board compensation and equity typically workWhen advisors make sense—and when it's time for a formal boardHow to get more value out of every board meetingHow the right board can help you make better decisions as you scale