Grocery Pulse Podcast by Innovar Marketing Agency | Insights for Retailers

Mike "Fitz" Fitzsimmons: 178 Miles Solo, Reno Tahoe Odyssey — Ultramarathon Mindset, Mental Toughness, Endurance, Nutrition & Resilience | GroceryPulse w/ George Goodwin, 4th-Gen Grocer & CPG Founder

Mike Fitzsimmons became only the second person in history to complete the 178-mile Reno Tahoe Odyssey solo — finishing in 45 hours and 5 minutes through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. But this episode isn't just about running. It's about mastering your mindset when everything in you wants to quit, building resilience through adversity, fueling your body for peak performance, and why success — in business, athletics, or life — is won one step at a time. Host George Goodwin sits down with ultrarunner Mike "Fitz" Fitzsimmons to unpack the physical, mental, and emotional lessons from one of the toughest endurance races in America. In this episode you'll learn: ✅ How to stay mentally strong during impossible challenges✅ Why "running the mile you're in" changes everything✅ The three versions of yourself that keep you moving forward✅ Why your tribe determines your success✅ What a vegan ultramarathon athlete actually eats✅ How to overcome self-doubt and stop quitting on yourself✅ Why the real reward is found in the struggle — not the finish line Whether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, leader, or simply someone chasing a big goal, this conversation will leave you motivated to take the next step. Episode Highlights 🏃 Becoming only the second solo finisher in Reno Tahoe Odyssey history🧠 The mindset that carried Mike through 178 miles💥 Battling cramps, exhaustion, and mental fatigue🤝 Why surrounding yourself with the right people matters🥔 Nutrition strategy during 45 hours of nonstop running🌱 Thriving as a vegan endurance athlete⛰️ Lessons every entrepreneur can learn from ultrarunning🔥 Why discomfort is where growth happens About Mike Fitzsimmons Mike "Fitz" Fitzsimmons is an ultramarathon runner, endurance coach, and member of Reno's running community. In 2026, he became just the second athlete ever to complete the 178-mile Reno Tahoe Odyssey as a solo runner, setting a new course record while inspiring thousands with his grit and perseverance. Connect with Mike 📸 Instagram: @fromfattofitz ✉️ Email: fitzcoaching@gmail.com [fitzcoaching@gmail.com] Connect with George Goodwin 🌐 enjoykobu.com 🔗 linkedin.com/in/georgegoodwin ✉️ george@innovaragency.com [george@innovaragency.com] About GroceryPulse GroceryPulse is hosted by George Goodwin, fourth-generation grocer, entrepreneur, and founder of Kōbu Kombucha Powder. Each week we sit down with leaders across grocery, CPG, health, entrepreneurship, and high performance to uncover practical lessons that help you build a healthier business — and a healthier life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:15 Becoming the second solo finisher08:45 The mental battle of 178 miles18:20 Learning to stay present29:15 Your tribe determines your success39:40 Nutrition and fueling strategy48:30 Life lessons from ultrarunning57:10 Rapid-fire questions1:05:45 Final advice If this episode resonated, share it with someone who needs to hear it — and follow GroceryPulse for more conversations with the leaders shaping grocery, entrepreneurship, nutrition, and performance. Innovar Marketing Agency (grocery/CPG marketing insights): innovaragency.com Order Kōbu Kombucha Powder (gut health made easy): enjoykobu.com/discount/podcast10 — code PODCAST10 for 10% off

The Power of Relationships in Grocery: Leadership, Sales & the Future with Lori Brown | Grocery Pulse Podcast

"The grocery industry may be driven by logistics and supply chains—but it’s still powered by relationships." In this episode of Grocery Pulse, George Goodwin speaks with Lori Brown, a 40+ year grocery industry leader and President of The Illuminators. Lori shares insights from her experience across retail, CPG, and supply chain—revealing why communication, presence, and servant leadership are more important than ever. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Lori Brown and Her Journey 02:06:35 Lori's Career Path and Experiences02:10:15 The Importance of Communication in Crisis02:14:32 Building Relationships in the Grocery Industry02:17:24 Lessons from Early Career Experiences02:19:59 Balancing Family, Work, and Community Involvement02:22:41 Understanding Servant Leadership02:27:11 Insights from Industry Leaders02:28:40 The Importance of Personal Connection in Retail02:31:33 Brand Strategies for Modern Retail02:34:46 Finding Your Niche in the Market02:36:35 Building a Supportive Network02:38:32 Effective Time Management in Leadership02:40:48 The Reluctant Leader's Journey02:43:48 Nurturing the Next Generation of Leaders02:45:02 Core Values in Leadership George and Lori dive deep into: * Showing up and building real connections Why being physically present at events and in stores creates long-term opportunities and trust. * Communication during uncertainty How consistent communication—even with no updates—builds stronger relationships during crises. * Servant leadership in action Leading by serving others, sharing knowledge, and empowering teams at every level. Connect with Lori Brown: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-brown-ms/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-brown-ms/] Email: lkbrown9600@gmail.com Connect with George Goodwin: * Kōbu: ⁠enjoykobu.com⁠ [http://www.enjoykobu.com] promo code: podcast10 * LinkedIn: ⁠George Goodwin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/number-one-marketer/]

From Burnout to Breakthrough: The Gut-Brain Connection with Mike Schmidt | GroceryPulse Podcast

"Nutrition is the gateway drug to spirituality." In this episode of Grocery Pulse, George Goodwin sits down with holistic health coach Mike Schmidt to discuss the powerful intersection of gut health, identity, and the grocery industry. Mike opens up about his personal journey—battling 10 years of chronic acne and a 16-month period of burnout—and how he used "food as medicine" to transform his life and his business. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Health and Wellness Transformation 02:32 Personal Journeys and Health Challenges 05:17 The Role of Food in Healing 08:10 Consumer Trends in Health and Nutrition 10:58 Understanding Gut Health and Its Importance 13:39 Navigating Grocery Stores for Healthier Choices 16:15 The Impact of Emotional Well-being on Nutrition 19:23 The Science Behind Food Quality 21:50 Kobu: A New Approach to Probiotics 24:38 Final Thoughts on Health and Nutrition 28:27 The Role of Electrolytes and Natural Hydration 29:31 Nutrition for Athletes: The Importance of Clean Fuel 32:06 Japanese Wisdom in Nutrition and Eating Habits 35:54 Lessons from Okinawa: Community and Simple Diets 38:12 The Impact of Food Choices on Health and Economy 41:50 Investing in Health: The Long-Term Benefits of Nutrition 45:50 Consumer Choices and the Food Industry's Response 48:34 Integrity in Food Choices: A Path to Self-Respect 51:31 Listening to Your Body: The Key to Healthy Eating 52:31 Coping Mechanisms and Health Trends 57:29 Listening to Your Body 01:02:18 Holistic Health and Daily Habits 01:04:11 Gratitude and Mindfulness 01:05:09 Future Endeavors and Community Engagement George and Mike dive deep into: * The "Why" Behind the Brand: Why passion-led companies (like Goodwin’s Organics and Kōbu) are the most impactful. * The Gut-Brain Connection: Why 90% of your serotonin is made in your gut and how that affects your daily confidence. * Navigating the "Grocery Casino": Tips for avoiding "greenwashed" labels and sticking to the nutrient-dense edges of the store. * The Future of Kōbu: George shares the science behind Kōbu's 33 billion probiotics and the mission to "inspire, encourage, and motivate." Whether you are a CPG founder, a retail professional, or someone looking to optimize your own health, this conversation offers a raw look at how the food we sell—and eat—shapes who we become. Connect with Mike Schmidt: * Website: superfoodsuperhuman.com [https://www.superfoodsuperhuman.com] * Instagram: @mike_schmidt_ [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/mike_schmidt_] Connect with George Goodwin: * Kōbu: enjoykobu.com [http://www.enjoykobu.com] * LinkedIn: George Goodwin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/number-one-marketer/]

How Independent Grocers Win: Modernizing a Family-Owned Health Food Store / Vitamen Store with Jake Kiviko Recorded Live at the Natural Independent Expo | GroceryPulse Podcast

In this episode, Jake from Nature's Finest shares insights into the journey of running a family-owned health food store, the importance of customer empowerment through education, and the challenges of modernizing operations in a competitive market. He discusses the significance of selecting the right brands to partner with and highlights current trends in health and nutrition. The conversation also includes a product tasting segment, showcasing the importance of customer feedback in product development. Takeaways * Jake's family started Nature's Finest in 1982, emphasizing health and nutrition. * The transition from traditional retail to e-commerce was crucial for the business. * Customer education is a key aspect of their service. * Modernizing operations has improved efficiency and customer experience. * Partnerships with brands should align with the store's values. * Health trends like gut health and magnesium supplementation are gaining popularity. * Independent stores can be first to market with innovative products. * Customer feedback is essential for product development. * Family businesses thrive on passion and commitment. * Nature's Finest aims to empower customers to take charge of their health Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nature's Finest 02:39 The Family Business Journey 05:25 Customer Empowerment and Health Education 08:35 Modernizing Operations and Technology 10:55 Navigating Competition and Brand Selection 13:59 Trends in Health and Nutrition 16:18 Product Tasting and Customer Feedback 18:52 Advice for Family-Owned Businesses .Keywords Nature's Finest, health food, family business, supplements, customer empowerment, health education, e-commerce, competition, nutrition trends, product tasting Guest: Jake Kiviko — Nature’s Finest 🥗 Family-owned health food store founded in 1982📍 Recorded live at the Natural Independent Expo💡 Focus: modernizing independent grocery, customer education, and health-forward retail🥄 Bonus: live product tasting + real customer feedback insights Sponsor: Kōbu Kombucha Powder A modern take on kombucha designed for gut health, hydration, and everyday wellness—without the sugar bomb. ✨ Clean, convenient kombucha powder you can take anywhere.🌐 Learn more or try it out: ⁠**www.enjoykobu.com**⁠ Host: George GoodwinInnovar Marketing AgencyHelping grocery, retail, and CPG brands tell better stories, grow community, and launch products with real-world traction — from in-store to digital. 📧 Contact Innovar: ⁠marketing@innovaragency.com george@innovaragency.com⁠🌐 Learn more: ⁠*www.innovaragency.com

How a CPG Founder Built a Clean Protein Bar—Backed by an NBA Champion | Retail lessons on brand, growth & integrity with George Goodwin, 4th Gen Grocer & CPG Founder | GroceryPulse Podcast

In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with Jacqueline Smith, Founder & CEO of E3 Energy Cubes—a Utah-based, woman-owned protein bar brand on a mission to “change the flavor of healthy.” Jacqueline shares how an accountant’s mindset (yes—math) helped her build a better-for-you bar with balanced macros (fats, carbs, protein), clean ingredients, and flavor that actually hits. You’ll hear how E3 went from a commercial kitchen concept to manufacturing in-house, why the bar is shaped into three shareable cubes, and how Jacqueline landed 2x NBA Champion Norris Cole as an early investor after a wild “I don’t know why I’m here… oh THAT’S why” moment. The conversation also dives into real founder realities: ingredient sourcing, label transparency (including seed oil nuances in dried fruit), the cashflow math of CPG, packaging lessons (why black looked amazing online but disappeared in-store), and what it takes to keep going when you’re exhausted—but the mission is bigger than you. Chapters 00:00 – Welcome + Jacqueline’s mission to make healthy taste good 01:38 – Why E3 started with math, not “food creativity” 03:22 – Cleaning up a tasty recipe: boosting protein, fiber, and removing extra sugars 04:31 – What E3 Energy Cubes are: 3 squares + 5 flavors 11:07 – How the first flavors were chosen 12:30 – The Norris Cole story: gut instinct → first investor 17:10 – Staying true to the mission (and being transparent about ingredients) 19:12 – “Seed oil-free” nuance + sourcing realities at small scale 23:17 – Natural flavors, propylene glycol, and what founders should watch for 27:18 – Why Jacqueline manufactures in-house (and how she bought machinery early) 29:20 – Expo West 2020 shutdown + surviving COVID as a new CPG brand 30:24 – Packaging pivot: why black film didn’t work in refrigerated sets 32:40 – Biggest sales channels: convenience + Circle K, plus new retail wins 34:10 – The margin squeeze: distributors, freight, demos, and buying power 36:43 – RFPs, comparing quotes, and logistics math that saves real money 38:30 – What “women-owned certified” means (and Jacqueline’s merit-based view) 42:21 – “Burned the ships”: what keeps her motivated 46:23 – Avoiding budget traps: shows, ads, and follow-up systems 49:29 – Online vs retail strategy without undercutting stores 53:46 – Fire chat: joy, favorite flavors, and what’s next in 2026 57:46 – Advice for founders who want to manufacture themselves 1:05:20 – E3 fundraising: raising to prep for major Q1 growth Guest: Jacqueline Smith — Founder & CEO, E3 Energy Cubes 🌐 Website: E3EnergyCubes.com 🥶 Tip: They’re refrigerated, cube-style, and built for busy everyday people who still care about ingredients. Sponsor: Kōbu Kombucha Powder A modern take on kombucha designed for gut health, hydration, and everyday wellness—without the sugar bomb. ✨ Clean, convenient kombucha powder you can take anywhere. 🌐 Learn more or try it out: www.enjoykobu.com [http://www.enjoykobu.com] Host: George Goodwin Innovar Marketing Agency Helping grocery, retail, and CPG brands tell better stories, grow community, and launch products with real-world traction — from in-store to digital. 📧 Contact Innovar: marketing@innovaragency.com 🌐 Learn more: www.innovaragency.com [http://www.innovaragency.com]