Pitch Lab

Jamie Fahrner - Shake Up Cocktails

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0400

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

Taste the fair. Invest in the future.

Pitch Lab is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, and communications specialist, Jackie Hampton. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking brand discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts.

Marianna Sachse - Jackalo

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0400

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

Mark Elias - We Could Be Heroes

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400

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

George Turkette - Turchetti’s Salumeria

Fri, 16 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400

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

Scott Baird - Donna’s Pickle Beer

Thu, 01 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400

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

Brooke Vaughn – Please and Thank You

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this engaging conversation, Brooke Vaughn, founder of Please and Thank You, shares her journey from a barista to the owner of a thriving coffee shop and bakery known for its acclaimed chocolate chip cookies. She discusses the evolution of her brand, the impact of the pandemic on her business model, and the importance of building a strong team culture. Brooke emphasizes the significance of community and personal connections in her entrepreneurial journey, revealing how her experiences shaped the unique identity of Please and Thank You. In this conversation, Brooke Vaughn discusses her journey in building the cookie and coffee brand 'Please and Thank You'. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing people over profits, sustainable growth, and community engagement. Vaughn shares her innovative approach to franchising, including the use of Airstream trailers, and her vision for the brand's future expansion. The conversation highlights her commitment to creating a unique customer experience and fostering relationships with both employees and customers.

Key Takeaways

Brooke's background includes a family history in the coffee business.
She transitioned from a full menu to focusing on coffee and cookies during the pandemic.
The pandemic allowed her to streamline operations and become more profitable.
Brooke emphasizes the importance of community and personal connections in her business.
Her team retention is statistically higher than industry standards.
The brand's slogan is 'hot coffee, fresh cookies, loud music, no decaf.'
Brooke's journey reflects a passion for hospitality and customer service.
The future includes expanding the brand through Wefunder and other avenues.
Sustainable growth is a priority for her business model.
Community engagement is key to her business strategy.
Franchising is set to begin this summer with significant interest.
The Airstream trailer model offers a low barrier to entry for new franchisees.
The gluten-free cookie line has been well received and took years to develop.

Learn more about Please and Thank You's campaign on Wefunder at:
https://wefunder.com/pleaseandthankyou

Niles X Lichtenstein - Nestment

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Niles X. Lichtenstein, CEO of Nestment, shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leader in innovative real estate solutions. He discusses the importance of home ownership, the challenges faced by first-time buyers, and how Nestment aims to make home ownership attainable through co-buying and other strategies. Niles emphasizes the need for new pathways in real estate, especially for younger generations, and explains how Nestment's services can help navigate the complexities of purchasing a home. In this conversation, Niles discusses innovative housing solutions such as co-buying and house hacking, emphasizing the importance of consumer advocacy in real estate. He highlights the need for trust and credibility in the industry, particularly for first-time home buyers. The discussion also covers the unique value proposition of his company, the importance of engaging younger audiences, and the role of community investment in funding. Niles shares insights on how to create pathways to home ownership and the significance of building a supportive community for aspiring homeowners.

Key Takeaways

Homeownership is a powerful tool for building generational wealth—but it's increasingly out of reach for many.
Co-buying and house hacking are rising as practical solutions for first-time buyers.
Nestment is creating innovative, user-friendly pathways to help millennials and Gen Z enter the market.
Establishing trust and offering clear guidance are critical in supporting new buyers.
The market for first-time buyers is vast, under-served, and hungry for change.
Effective storytelling and community-driven branding are essential to engage younger audiences.
Real estate can be a collective journey—community investment and shared ownership models are reshaping access.

And don’t miss how we take all that sharp insight and turn it into a punchy, 30-second spot—mixing humor, cultural truth, and a fresh take on housing to make Nestment’s message hit home.

Pitch Lab is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, communications specialist, Jackie Hampton, and content guru, William "Classic" Thomas. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking brand discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts.

Bartholomew Jones – Cxffeeblack

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 22:00:00 -0400

Bartholomew Jones turned a million streams and $1,200 into a million-dollar coffee brand. In this debut episode of Pitch Lab, Tom Frank and Classic sit down with the co-founder of Cxffeeblack, the Memphis social enterprise building an all-Black coffee supply chain from Ethiopia to Tennessee.

It's a masterclass in brand differentiation: selling coffee as limited-edition streetwear, the "authenticity" play big brands can't copy, why the C-market just hit a 60-year high, and how Cxffeeblack beat out Portland for world's most notable roaster. Plus going narrow to win broad, and the colonial history baked into your morning cup.

Find Cxffeeblack at cxffeeblack.com.

Pitch Lab is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios and hosted by Merrick Creative Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank and content marketer, storyteller, and brand strategist, William "Classic" Thomas. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking brand discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts.

Introducing Pitch Lab

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0400

Pitch Lab brings Merrick Creative’s Tom Frank and content wizard William “Classic” Thomas together to spotlight CEOs and founders hustling to take their brands to the next level. Whether they're launching groundbreaking products, tackling growth challenges, or in the midst of raising capital, Tom and Classic dive into the heart of their stories. Each episode features a spirited conversation uncovering the quirks, origin tales, and future plans that make these brands tick. But the real magic happens when they transform all that into a punchy, fun 30-second content piece. Pitch Lab is where big ideas, bold branding, and a little comedic flair collide — turning serious ambition into seriously memorable content.