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Mike Wickman

Mike Wickman

Founder and President of Champ's Pet Kitchen, a protein-first dog treat brand based in Danville, California.

Jul 29, 2026

2:26
So what are some of the retail strategies brands have traditionally used that you think need updating for the current shopping landscapes?
2:35
Originally, as brands came to brick and mortar, it was all about how much money they were going to throw at a brand.
2:41
They have this massive media spend.
2:44
We used to pitch or present products and they say, okay, what is your media spend and where is it going to be? How are you going to touch my consumer as a retailer? And if it was $1 million, you had a chance.
2:56
If it was $100 million, you were probably going to get some distribution.
2:59
Those days are far over with.
3:02
Most of the brands have now pivoted toward direct-to-consumer and some subscription models and things like that.

19 MINS LATER

21:42
What do you think is the true path to success for physical retailers and brands working with them? And what is one step a brand can take to even figure out what they need to do next?

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