Paul Gill, Founder & CEO of Naked & Saucy on Food Innovation, Retail Growth & Entrepreneurial Success

Paul Gill, Founder & CEO of Naked & Saucy on Food Innovation, Retail Growth & Entrepreneurial Success

On this episode of The FEED powered by Loblaw podcast, host Michael LeBlanc travels to Vancouver to sit down with Paul Gill, Founder & CEO of Naked & Saucy, for a fascinating conversation about food entrepreneurship, innovation, retail growth, and what it really takes to build a successful consumer packaged goods brand in today’s competitive grocery industry. Paul shares the remarkable story behind Naked & Saucy’s origins, explaining how a family member’s soy allergy inspired him to identify a significant gap in the market for soy-free alternatives. What began as an entrepreneurial experiment eventually evolved into one of North America’s fastest-growing premium sauce brands, now sold in approximately 5,000 retail locations across Canada and the United States. Throughout the conversation, Paul reflects on his unconventional path into entrepreneurship—from initially pursuing medicine to discovering his passion for business—and discusses the lessons learned while scaling a food company from farmers’ markets and independent retailers to national grocery chains. He offers candid insights into product development, why great taste must always come first, and why successful innovation is often about improving familiar products rather than inventing entirely new categories. Michael and Paul dive deep into the realities of building a modern food business, including managing cash flow, navigating supply chain complexity, achieving operational excellence, and listening carefully to retail buyers. Paul reveals how an offhand conversation with Loblaw merchants completely reshaped his product strategy, leading him to focus on high-velocity core flavours rather than niche innovations—an insight that transformed the trajectory of Naked & Saucy’s business. The discussion also explores Paul’s decision to vertically integrate by acquiring his own manufacturing facility and creating Hummingbird Foods, which now produces for more than 20 brands while supporting both retail and foodservice customers. The conversation highlights the operational challenges that emerge once a product earns national distribution and why execution often becomes more difficult after securing a coveted retail listing. Finally, Paul shares practical advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs, emphasizing product quality, operational discipline, resilience, and continuous learning. He also discusses the evolving role of retail media, consumer marketing, and household penetration as Naked & Saucy enters its next phase of growth. From the value of the Loblaw Small Supplier Program to the realities of scaling operations and building a lasting brand, this episode is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, retailers, and anyone passionate about innovation in the food business. Whether you’re launching your first product or leading an established consumer brand, you’ll find actionable advice from an entrepreneur who has successfully navigated every stage of the journey. About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur.  He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career.  Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax. Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail.   If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael’s cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok. Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Patrice Mousseau, Founder & CEO of Satya Organics: Scaling Purpose, Retail Growth and Indigenous Entrepreneurship

On this episode of The FEED powered by Loblaw, host Michael LeBlanc travels to West Vancouver to sit down with Patrice Mousseau, Founder and CEO of Satya Organics, for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, innovation, Indigenous business leadership, and building a purpose-driven consumer brand. Patrice's journey is anything but conventional. A former journalist, broadcaster, and national news anchor, she never imagined herself becoming an entrepreneur. But when her infant daughter developed severe eczema and Patrice couldn't find a natural solution she trusted, she turned to research, traditional knowledge, and experimentation. What started in a small crock pot in her kitchen quickly became Satya Organics. In this episode, Patrice shares how a deeply personal challenge evolved into a thriving business built on trust, simplicity, and product performance. She explains why Satya's minimalist approach—using only a handful of carefully selected ingredients—has resonated with consumers seeking effective alternatives to conventional skincare products. Michael and Patrice explore the realities of scaling a consumer packaged goods business in Canada, from farmers' markets and independent retailers to national distribution and placement in major chains including Shoppers Drug Mart and other leading retailers. Patrice offers candid insights into what it takes to prepare for retail growth, manage inventory challenges, build operational infrastructure, and maintain strong customer relationships while expanding rapidly. The conversation also examines the value of retailer support programs for emerging brands, the importance of educating store associates, and why word-of-mouth remains one of the most powerful marketing tools available to entrepreneurs. As an Indigenous founder and leader, Patrice discusses how values, authenticity, and community have shaped her leadership philosophy. She shares lessons learned from building a high-performing team, navigating setbacks, and staying focused on long-term sustainability rather than chasing short-term growth. Looking ahead, Patrice reveals ambitious plans for international expansion, including opportunities in China and beyond, while reflecting on the importance of resilience, adaptability, and maintaining a clear sense of purpose. About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur.  He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career.  Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax. Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail.   If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael’s cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok. Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Stephen Poloz, Former Governor of the Bank of Canada on the Formula for Prosperity in an Uncertain World

On this episode of The Feed Powered by Loblaw, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with former Bank of Canada Governor and renowned economist Steve Poloz for a timely and wide-ranging conversation about the forces reshaping Canada's economy. Drawing on insights from his influential book The Next Age of Uncertainty, Poloz reflects on how many of the disruptions he anticipated have accelerated far faster than expected. From geopolitical conflict and the restructuring of global trade to inflation, artificial intelligence, demographic shifts, and supply chain volatility, he explains why Canadians are entering a new era defined by greater uncertainty—and greater opportunity. The conversation begins with a look at the rise of generative AI and why Poloz believes it represents the Fourth Industrial Revolution. While businesses are rushing to deploy artificial intelligence technologies, he argues that the largest economic benefits are still ahead. Drawing parallels to the introduction of electricity and the computer chip, Poloz explains how productivity gains ultimately create more prosperity, even as they disrupt labour markets and force difficult transitions for workers and industries. Michael and Stephen also examine the growing concerns surrounding employment, automation, and Canada's productivity challenges. Poloz outlines why Canada cannot afford to lag in AI adoption and argues that accelerating business investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship will be essential to maintaining living standards in the years ahead. The discussion then turns to one of the most consequential issues facing Canada today: the disruption of global trade. Poloz explains why rising protectionism and tariff barriers create inefficiencies that ultimately reduce global growth, lower incomes, and slow economic progress. While Canada's deep economic ties to the United States remain critically important, he outlines why diversification, regulatory reform, energy development, critical minerals, and new trading relationships will become increasingly important. Food inflation and affordability also take centre stage. Poloz offers a clear explanation of how global shocks—including energy prices, fertilizer costs, drought conditions, geopolitical conflicts, and supply chain disruptions—continue to influence food prices long after the initial event has passed. He also discusses Canada's internal trade barriers, describing them as a major untapped economic opportunity. The episode concludes with Poloz's prescription for Canada's future prosperity: embrace technology, remove barriers to investment, improve productivity, and create the conditions for innovation-led growth. About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur.  He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career.  Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax. Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail.   If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael’s cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok. Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

How Fardad Moayeri & Family Built Parissa Laboratories into a Global Retail Brand

In this episode of The FEED powered by Loblaw, recorded in North Vancouver, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Fardad Moayeri, Principal - Chief Esthetics Officer, Parissa Laboratories Inc., to explore a classic Canadian entrepreneurial journey—from immigrant startup to globally recognized natural beauty brand. Parissa Laboratories, now approaching 43 years in business, began out of necessity. Moayeri’s mother, a highly educated chemical engineer, struggled to find employment after immigrating to Canada in the early 1980s. Faced with limited options, she turned to a traditional Persian sugar wax recipe, producing and packaging products at home with her family before selling them at local markets and stores. What followed is a story of persistence, adaptability, and disciplined growth. Built literally “store by store,” Parissa scaled alongside the evolution of modern retail—transitioning from independent shops to major partners like Loblaw and Shoppers Drug Mart. Today, the company operates globally, with distribution across North America, Europe, and Asia, while maintaining a focused niche in natural hair removal products. At the heart of Parissa’s success is an unwavering commitment to customer intimacy. From early days conducting in-store demos to today’s direct engagement through digital channels, the company has prioritized understanding real consumer pain points—often outperforming larger competitors who rely on expensive market research. This connection has fueled product innovation, education, and brand loyalty. Moayeri also shares candid insights into the realities of scaling in retail. From supply chain readiness and category positioning to the financial pressures of onboarding major accounts, he emphasizes that success requires more than a great product—it demands operational excellence and deep alignment with retailer expectations. His advice to entrepreneurs is clear: understand your category, prepare for rapid growth, and never underestimate the complexity of retail execution. Beyond business fundamentals, the episode highlights Parissa’s broader purpose. Rooted in values of ethics, sustainability, and community, the company continues to invest in local manufacturing, support new Canadians, and prioritize long-term impact over short-term gains. About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur.  He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career.  Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax. Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail.   If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael’s cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok. Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Craft, Crunch & Culture: Chris Hobson, Founder & CEO of Hobbs Pickles, on Reinventing Pickles for Modern Retail

In this episode of The FEED powered by Loblaw, recorded live at Granville Island in Vancouver, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Chris Hobson, Founder of Hobbs Pickles, to explore how a creative professional transformed a personal obsession into one of Canada’s most distinctive emerging food brands. Chris didn’t set out to disrupt the pickle category—but after years in advertising and a deep passion for flavour, he saw a clear gap in the market. After moving to Vancouver, Hobson noticed the absence of high-quality, authentic deli-style pickles and decided to build something entirely new. What began as a concept—complete with branding boards, experiential retail design, and a “pickle tasting bar”—quickly evolved into a cult-favourite destination at Granville Island. At the heart of Hobbs Pickles is a commitment to craft and storytelling. Working with traditional pickle-making families in New York, Hobson developed a product that delivers a classic East Coast flavour profile with a modern West Coast brand aesthetic. The result is a premium, clean-label product that stands apart in a legacy category dominated by heritage brands. The conversation dives deep into how he built his brand from the ground up, leveraging experiential retail, word-of-mouth marketing, and a relentless focus on product quality. Hobson shares how Granville Island became his “ultimate focus group,” helping refine everything from flavour profiles to naming conventions—like the now-iconic “Big Dill.” As the brand scaled beyond its physical roots, Hobson discusses the challenges of translating that in-person energy to grocery shelves across Canada. From packaging design to strategic retail placement and storytelling, he explains how Hobbs Pickles competes in a crowded aisle by simplifying its message and staying laser-focused on one thing: doing pickles exceptionally well. The episode also explores broader industry dynamics, including disruption in the pickle category, the rise of Canadian brands, and evolving consumer interest in artisanal, flavour-forward foods. Hobbs reflects on working with major retailers like Loblaw, the importance of education at shelf, and the role of innovation—such as snackable pickle pouches—in driving trial and growth. For food entrepreneurs, Hobson offers clear, actionable advice: tell your story authentically, stay focused, and build a brand with your first true fans who connect with it emotionally. About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur.  He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career.  Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax. Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail.   If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael’s cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok. Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.