Aaron Henderson on LinkedIn: Excited to launch a service many in the industry have asked us about.… (2024)

I get to work with this man. Thoughtful, genuine and curious. The kind of person you want on your team…on every team. Well said Ben Davis

3

Caitlin Clark and the Larry Bird / Magic Johnson ParallelsWith all the Caitlin Clark noise around her signature shoe deal with Nike (high), her starting WNBA pay (low) and how it compares to both women of color as well as NBA counterparts, I could not help but think of the parallels to the NBA 40 years ago. Did you know the NBA use to be on tape delay and you could not watch a live game? That was not that long ago. Larry and Magic brought enough demand from customers that the NBA was able to work a tv deal that essentially changed the future of the league.This is what Caitlin Clark has and will do. Ticket sales going through the roof for her games (home and away), shoe/jersey sales and more eyeballs watching the WNBA than ever before. So where do women of color fit in this changing landscape given 70% of the league is not white? The next wave coming in (example Michael Jordan following Larry/Magic). This may be JuJu from USC or a teenager getting ready to break through. Change is coming and Caitlin Clark is only the beginning.

7

Thoughts from an evening in the Vet ER…Naturals 2 Go vending is a joke without a punchline. Look at this mix of products! 🤦♂️😩The real theatre of the night was getting folks in the waiting room talking about TGI Fridays Potato Skins (bacon and cheddar) vs Pop Tarts or the challenger Cup of Noodles. Who is your pick in this vending machine staredown? Red Vines and Gatorade? Who stocked this thing????BTW - updates on Scout (aka the best family member as voted on by our kids) forthcoming.

13

9 Comments

Foxtrot - Did Debt Financing Sink The Ship?As recently as March 2023 Foxtrot raised $18.6 million in debt financing, this was on top of the previous $160 million raised from investors. While I cannot speak to the details of the capital raised from investors, Foxtrot would have had to service the debt on at least the $18.6 million. Those regular payments combined with fueling new store growth may have just been too much weight to carry. For all those brands raising money right now, it's important to remember to plot your growth carefully.

17

Teenagers may end me! For those without daughters I wanted to perform my civic duty of letting you know that Taylor Swift launched a new album last night. I was awakened a few times to this news. Don't even get me started on the surprise double album launch at 2am. You are welcome.

41

10 Comments

I spent the weekend thinking about this post from John Foraker and the growth of Once Upon A Farm. As much as I believe in the sentiment John communicates (listen, learn and adapt), there is some critical context missing for the broader emerging CPG community. Once Upon A Farm has raised over $116MM (if public information is accurate), they have a well known celebrity involved in Jennifer Garner as well as a CEO in John that previously ran Annie's and was a President at General Mills. I am not trying to diminish the message of persevering but 99% of brands in our industry will never reach a series D raise or have the tools for success this brand does. What would be wildly helpful in our industry is what are 3 or 4 things brands can do if they are struggling to raise money, adapt properly or rethink their brand positioning. I am not putting that on John but more of a broader suggestion to understand context as it relates to not all brands are on equal playing fields.

23

7 Comments

This is part of the thesis from a profound book Die With Zero. Thank you for sharing this message Jesse Itzler. I just booked a trip to take my son to Europe to see a castle. Very much appreciate your vulnerability here.

33

1 Comment

Understanding value can be found in everyone. After I watched this, I watched it again with my wife and children. I would encourage all to watch this and explore how you might take this approach in your business and personal relationships. Ernie and his wife Cheryl changed one life and in return, his son changed thousands. I am warning you now, you may view the world differently after this and yes, you may also need a tissue. #iloveyoutoo

27

3 Comments

It is not often you get to work with the fastest growing company in a country but Love Good Fats has done it and The Touch Agency could not be prouder! It is also not often that client says, "no way in holy hell I could do my job without you. You all are the most exceptional group of people I have worked with." Vanessa Crites thank you for the wonderfully kind words and most importantly, congratulations to Suzie Yorke for the exceptional brand building!

2