Entrepreneur Minds Speak

E41: A CPG Product Launch Success Story

We are excited to share our conversation with Mike Simon, COO of Surfsnax. Mike shares his journey from struggling to get people to even try his unique salmon snacks, to being picked up by Costco, Wegmans, Giant, Big Y, and other large retailers. After a lackluster CPG product launch with packaging that didn’t wow the audience, he approached Crème de Mint for a rebrand. The new branding drew people in at trade shows and gained traction with retailers. Tune in to hear Mike’s story and his advice for fellow CPG entrepreneurs, including when to pivot, considering different revenue streams for your business, and how to build brand recognition through geographical representation. and building your brand in a way that stays true to your values and personality. Learn more about these unique, savory snack sticks at Surfnsax.com [http://Surfnsax.com] Thinking about a rebrand for your CPG product? We’re here to help! https://cremedemint.com/contact/ [https://cremedemint.com/contact/]

EPISODE 40: Refreshingly Honest Ad Spend Advice for CPG Startups

Today’s guest is Kevin Gawronski, founder of Gawronski Media, here to share some refreshingly honest ad spend advice for CPG startups. Despite what you may have heard, there is no magic trick for instant success, and huge ad spend doesn’t necessarily equate to huge sales. Instead of empty promises, Kevin shares realistic expections, best practices, and data-driven methods for getting your brand noticed on Instacart and other retail apps, as well as paid social and Google. If you’re looking for an honest Paid Media Partner, check out what Gawronski Media has to offer. https://gawronskimedia.com/ [https://gawronskimedia.com/] On the creative side, Crème de Mint is here to help you develop visually striking ads.

EPISODE 39: What's New in Beauty Product Manufacturing?

We’re excited to welcome back Jeffrey Martin, a beauty product manufacturing expert, to hear about new consumer expectations, legislation, and tariffs affecting beauty brands. With invaluable insights for beauty entrepreneurs in a rapidly changing consumer and manufacturing landscape, this episode is not to be missed. Jeffrey explains what to look for in a manufacturer, including testing their knowledge of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, formulation and testing capabilities, and using the “goldilocks method” to find the right fit. He also describes changes in consumer behavior that beauty brands need to be aware of. Jeffrey is the Director of Marketing at Federal Package, a manufacturer of skincare products based in Chanhassen, MN. Learn more at FederalPackage.com [http://FederalPackage.com] or reach out to Jeffrey through Linkedin / jeffreymartinmpls [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbDRfVG1aUFJjVWpzaTFKMUhwaWo2ZzE1LVQwd3xBQ3Jtc0ttRDZpS2hHSVoxMHl4cFRvdmJhalhSVWIzNTJFV25CVE5zUVU3bHdTQm5zRWM5NVJnOWhmemJxTENCTUxTckYtRjBMSmwtTUF4U1hWdHp5S2J5Q1lyTGlWQVhHLWNVaU5QNkR1OUV5UUFmUk1HV2RlZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fjeffreymartinmpls%2F&v=buPFx6svbcw] Resources mentioned in this episode: IBA U.S. Legislative and Regulatory Policy Map https://independentbeauty.org/iba-us- [https://independentbeauty.org/iba-us-]... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2d0MDRKVFJYUktTa2tiRGRsb2lZSElxcWpiQXxBQ3Jtc0tsQTlqR3VuTzVwZUxnYllzMnRpU3cwTGN5eFlPN0wwZ0JWTjJyV21TMnRKVDJDRS01NHZIVGlkcndCVHE3N0ZFVzNSUzN1cWRRdWcxbTFkdTNfMnBhTllvRjZfUXV3OEJjQnFIdk96Q1lMVFZadWRwYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Findependentbeauty.org%2Fiba-us-policy-map%2F&v=buPFx6svbcw] Safer States (a national alliance of environmental health organizations) https://www.saferstates.org/ [https://www.saferstates.org/] FREEBIE ALERT! Grab Crème de Mint's free Manufacturing Guide. https://omniform1.com/forms/v1/landin [https://omniform1.com/forms/v1/landin]... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblp3OUJRWjNlbklGTnh2am1iVlpoQlotVzhUd3xBQ3Jtc0tsVGFmR2IyUmV5OWpWdU5HdGg1U3BlNDgwRkJRbXFDc1h1TnRobTJ4aXpQbVpIVEhJeVcwbGJ4Wk5yaVFWSF84dGxfYktPQlZUaWlWS3JzLU9fQ0R1clExSUEya1R1Zkp3Xzg0VXMwekVqcWFBQmpVcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fomniform1.com%2Fforms%2Fv1%2FlandingPage%2F63505efce97a853350febc0d%2F63beb667c53120d854695889&v=buPFx6svbcw] Ready to build your brand? Crème de Mint is here to help. Schedule your free consultation! https://cremedemint.com/contact/ [https://cremedemint.com/contact/]

EPISODE 38: How to Choose the Right Packaging

Do you need guidance on choosing the right packaging for your product—and making sure it actually works? This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Jessie Schwartz, CEO and founder of Strategic Packaging Partners, for a deep dive into the often-overlooked world of product packaging engineering. Jessie brings years of expertise to the table, sharing how to select the best packaging solutions, streamline operations, and build strong, reliable relationships with contractors and suppliers. If you’re looking to avoid costly missteps and refine your packaging strategy, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

EPISODE 37: Expert PR Tips: Amplify Your Brand

Looking for expert PR tips? Today's guest is Annette Malkin, CEO and founder of Culturewise Collective, a PR agency that helps small-to-mid-size brands build awareness, amplification, and credibility through strategic and authentic messaging. Annette has worked with brands like Tequila Don Julio, Zacapa Rum, Altoids, TAZO Tea and Maxwell House. In this episode, you'll hear expert advice on amplifying your brand message through social media and traditional media outlets, as well as ways entrepreneurs can present themselves as a subject matter experts to build credibility.