Pitch Lab

Jamie Fahrner - Shake Up Cocktails

This week on Pitch Lab, we’re cracking open a can of nostalgia with Jamie Fahrner, co-founder of Shake Up Cocktails — the fairground-inspired canned cocktail brand bringing the zest of the Midwest to life. From barbecue stands to business plans, Jamie shares how a childhood lemonade stand moment became a booming beverage brand — and how Shake Up is now inviting its community to invest through WeFunder. 🎡 Real fruit. Real sugar. Real spirits. Real story. 🔗 Learn more at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/pitch-lab/jamie-fahrner [https://wearemerrickstudios.com/pitch-lab/jamie-fahrner] Taste the fair. Invest in the future. Pitch Lab [https://merrickcreative.com/pitchlab] is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios [https://merrickcreative.com/studios] and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank [https://instagram.com/tomonedge], and communications specialist, Jackie Hampton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-fell-hampton/]. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking brand discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts.

Marianna Sachse - Jackalo

What do ripped knees, fast fashion, and circular economies have in common? They all show up in this week’s conversation with Marianna Sachse, founder and CEO of Jackalo, a kidswear brand built on durability, sustainability, and serious style. A former public health advocate, Marianna shares how she went from policy to play clothes—designing pants that can survive playgrounds and growth spurts. We talk about building a brand from scratch, the challenges of circular fashion, why her trade-in model wins customer loyalty, and how you can now invest in Jackalo through WeFunder. 👖 Tough clothes. Smart model. Real impact. 🔗 Learn more at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/pitchlab/marianna-sachse [https://wearemerrickstudios.com/pitchlab/marianna-sachse] Pitch Lab [https://merrickcreative.com/pitchlab] is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios [https://merrickcreative.com/studios] and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank [https://instagram.com/tomonedge], and communications specialist, Jackie Hampton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-fell-hampton/]. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking brand discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts.

Mark Elias - We Could Be Heroes

Actor–writer–producer Mark Elias (9-1-1: Lone Star, Lucifer, Truth Be Told, Criminal Minds, Justified, CSI) drops into Pitch Lab to unpack fifteen years of grind and how he leveled up from co-star credits to building his own slate. We get into the Beverly Hills Playhouse days, why almost every gig traces back to hustle, and the indie math of making a $1M film look like $5M. Mark previews his new project We Could Be Heroes, a fast, funny, gamer-forward crime caper in the Deadpool/Scott Pilgrim vein complete with a not-yet-announced marquee “Uncle Bob,” the cold truth about distribution (hello, Europe), and why the name above the title can make or break your budget. We also talk investor basics (LLCs, credits, real upside), esports/Twitch partnerships, and a realistic shoot-to-festival timeline. If you’ve ever wanted a front-row seat to how films actually get made—and a chance to be part of one—this is your episode. Invest via WeFunder and follow Mark to track the ride. Learn more about George Turkette and the Rise of Turchetti’s Salumeria at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/pitchlab/mark-elias [https://wearemerrickstudios.com/pitchlab/mark-elias] Pitch Lab [https://merrickcreative.com/pitchlab] is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios [https://merrickcreative.com/studios] and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank [https://instagram.com/tomonedge], and communications specialist, Jackie Hampton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-fell-hampton/]. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking brand discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts.

George Turkette - Turchetti’s Salumeria

In the latest episode of Pitch Lab, hosts Jackie and Tom slice into the flavorful world of craft meats with George Turkette, CEO and founder of Turchetti’s Salumeria. From DIY pancetta in restaurant kitchens to building a premium meat brand with national reach, George shares the unfiltered story behind one of the most exciting names in charcuterie today. Learn more about George Turkette and the Rise of Turchetti’s Salumeria at https://www.wearemerrickstudios.com/pitch-lab/george-turkette [https://www.wearemerrickstudios.com/pitch-lab/george-turkette] Pitch Lab [https://merrickcreative.com/pitchlab] is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios [https://merrickcreative.com/studios] and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank [https://instagram.com/tomonedge], and communications specialist, Jackie Hampton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-fell-hampton/]. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking brand discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts.

Scott Baird - Donna’s Pickle Beer

On this episode of Pitch Lab, we cracked open a can of Donna’s Pickle Beer and an even better story with co-founder Scott Baird—a hospitality lifer whose career spans from world-renowned cocktail bars to roadside burger joints. Alongside his longtime collaborator Josh Jankovic, Scott has created a beer that’s turning heads, dividing palates, and somehow bringing everyone together over the polarizing power of pickles. From a texted crayon sketch to nearly 10,000 cases shipped monthly, Donna’s Pickle Beer is more than a quirky idea—it’s a masterclass in authenticity, gut instinct, and brand storytelling. Learn more about Donna's Pickle Beer campaign on Wefunder at: https://wefunder.com/donnaspicklebeer [https://wefunder.com/donnaspicklebeer] Pitch Lab [https://merrickcreative.com/pitchlab] is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios [https://merrickcreative.com/studios] and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank [https://instagram.com/tomonedge], and communications specialist, Jackie Hampton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-fell-hampton/]. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking brand discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts.