The Pour Decisions Podcast

From Startup to Acquisition: What Top Consumer Brands Get Right

What separates brands that break through from brands that blend in? In this episode of Pour Decisions Podcast, host Danny Stepper, Co-Founder at LA Libations, sits down with Blake Mitchell, Principal at Interact Brands, and Avery Henderson, Executive Director of Growth at Interact Brands, to discuss the role branding plays in building category leaders, winning at retail, and creating long-term enterprise value. From Interact Brands' beginnings as a family business to helping shape some of the fastest-growing consumer brands in the market, Blake and Avery share insights on positioning, packaging, retail readiness, acquisitions, AI, and what founders often get wrong about brand building. If you're a founder, operator, marketer, retailer, or investor in CPG, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Everyone Said Print Was Dead. Chris Herpich Explains Why It’s Not.

Is print media really dead? Not according to Chris Herpich, Executive Director at RRD. In this episode of Pour Decisions, hosts Dino Sarti and Danny Stepper sit down with Chris Herpich to discuss how RRD helps retailers and brands reach consumers through print, digital media, packaging, and targeted advertising. Chris shares why direct mail still drives measurable store traffic, how grocery shopping habits are evolving with e-commerce, what retailers are focused on in today’s competitive environment, and why events like The Beverage Forum create opportunities that can’t be replicated online. Whether you're a retailer, emerging brand, or marketing leader, this conversation offers valuable insights into consumer behavior, retail marketing, and the future of grocery commerce.

From a Beach in Hawaii to Costco Shelves Across America

What happens when a beverage idea born on a beach in Hawaii turns into one of the fastest-growing emerging brands in the country? In this episode of Pour Decisions Podcast, Dino Sarti and Danny Stepper, Co-Founders of LA Libations, sit down with Caesar Ho, Founder of Hawaiian Soda Co., to discuss the brand's incredible growth story—from launching in Hawaii to opening nearly 1,000 retail doors across the mainland in less than two years. Caesar shares how Hawaiian Soda Co. was inspired by traditional Hawaiian fruit sodas, the challenges of scaling a beverage business, why profitability matters more than ever, and how restaurants have become a key part of the company's growth strategy. The conversation also dives into Costco success, retailer relationships, WAFC, emerging brand opportunities, and what comes next for Hawaiian Soda Co.

Why Relationships Still Matter Most in Grocery Retail

What does a 35-year career in grocery teach you about leadership, retail, and giving back? In this episode of Pour Decisions Podcast, Dino Sarti sits down with Marla McIntosh, Vice President of Grocery West at Crossmark, to discuss her journey through some of the industry's most respected organizations, the evolution of grocery retail, and her leadership role within the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) and the Illuminators. Marla shares lessons learned from decades in CPG, insights into emerging food trends, how Crossmark supports brands at retail, and why investing in education and future leaders remains one of the most important responsibilities in the industry. Whether you're a founder, retailer, sales leader, or aspiring executive, this conversation is packed with valuable career and leadership insights.

How Gelson’s Became One of California’s Most Innovative Retailers

What does it take to go from picking up trash and cardboard at a grocery store to becoming CEO of one of California’s most respected retailers? In this episode of Pour Decisions, Dino Sarti and Danny Stepper sit down with Ryan Adams, CEO of Gelson’s Markets, to discuss his remarkable career journey, the future of grocery retail, innovation, leadership, customer behavior shifts, and why community is at the center of everything Gelson’s does. Ryan shares lessons learned from nearly three decades in the industry, how education helped shape his career, why accountability and transparency matter, and what trends like AI and GLP-1s mean for the future of food and beverage. If you're a founder, retailer, operator, or simply fascinated by the business of consumer products, this episode is packed with insights.

The Leadership Secrets Behind 165 Stater Bros. Stores

What does it take to lead one of Southern California’s most iconic grocery retailers? In this episode of Pour Decisions, Dino Sarti and Danny Stepper, Co-Founders of LA Libations, sit down with Rebecca Calvin, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Stater Bros. Markets, to discuss retail leadership, grocery innovation, AI, and the future of the industry. Rebecca shares her journey from Roundy's and Mariano's to Kroger, Save Mart, and ultimately Stater Bros., where she now oversees marketing, merchandising, procurement, and supply chain operations. The conversation also dives into the mission of the Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC), why industry education matters, and how collaboration continues to fuel growth across grocery retail. Whether you're a retailer, supplier, entrepreneur, or CPG founder, this episode offers valuable insights into leadership, innovation, and building meaningful industry relationships.

Surfside’s Next Big Bet? Ani Reilly Breaks Down Super Lyte

What happens when one of the fastest-growing beverage companies in America launches a new product in front of the industry's biggest retailers? In this episode of Pour Decisions, hosts Dino Sarti and Danny Stepper sit down with Ani Reilly, Director of National Accounts at Stateside Brands, to discuss Surfside’s meteoric rise, the launch of Super Lyte, and how the company is scaling one of the hottest alcohol brands in the country. Ani shares her journey from Southern Wine & Spirits and Flying Embers to Spindrift and ultimately Stateside Brands, while offering a behind-the-scenes look at the retailer relationships, distribution strategy, sports partnerships, and innovation fueling Surfside's growth. If you're a founder, retailer, distributor, or beverage industry leader, this episode is packed with insights on scaling brands, winning national accounts, and building momentum in a competitive category.

Why Chobani Is One of the Most Admired Brands in Grocery

What does it take to become one of the most admired brands in grocery? In this episode of Pour Decisions Podcast, Danny Stepper and Pat Bolden, Co-Founders of LA Libations, sit down with Nick Schott of Chobani to discuss the company's incredible momentum, its recent recognition as Walmart's Supplier of the Year, and how Chobani continues to drive innovation across yogurt, protein, and coffee. Nick shares lessons from nearly three decades in CPG, including leadership roles at PepsiCo, Muscle Milk, Red Bull, and now Chobani. The conversation covers category leadership, working alongside founder Hamdi Ulukaya, Chobani's acquisition of La Colombe, the rise of protein-focused products, and why retail partnerships remain central to the company's growth strategy. Whether you're a founder, retailer, supplier, or emerging brand, this episode offers valuable insights on building brands, growing categories, and creating meaningful partnerships.

How Rosauers Competes Against Kroger & Albertsons | Cliff Rigsbee’s Playbook

Independent grocery chains face more pressure than ever—but Rosauers continues to grow. In this episode of Pour Decisions Podcast, Dino Sarti sits down with Cliff Rigsbee, CEO of Rosauers Supermarkets, to discuss his journey from bagging groceries at Albertsons to leading one of the Pacific Northwest's most respected independent grocery chains. Cliff shares lessons from nearly three decades at Albertsons, why community-focused retailers continue to thrive, how Rosauers differentiates itself from national competitors, and why local goodness remains one of the most powerful advantages in grocery retail. Whether you're a retailer, brand founder, supplier, or industry leader, this conversation offers valuable insights on leadership, growth, culture, and the evolving grocery landscape. Timestamps

Why Keurig Dr Pepper Is Winning in Energy, Soda & Functional Drinks

How does someone go from delivering beverages on a route in East Los Angeles to leading one of the largest beverage sales organizations in the country? In this episode of Pour Decisions, Dino Sarti and Pat Bolden sit down with Carlo Ohanian, Regional Vice President of DSD Sales at Keurig Dr Pepper, to discuss his 25-year journey through the beverage industry, the evolution of KDP's portfolio, the return of Dr Pepper to company distribution, and what it takes to build a winning DSD organization. Carlo shares lessons on leadership, staffing, retail execution, acquisitions, innovation, and how Keurig Dr Pepper has transformed into one of the industry's most dynamic players.