In this episode, I sit down with Mike Kelly to talk about what it really takes to build and scale modern footwear brands like Taft and Journeys.

Mike shares his 17-year journey in the footwear industry, from early days selling opportunity buys online to leading brands that now ship millions of pairs of shoes each year. We dive into how Taft has redefined men's footwear through bold design, craftsmanship, and confidence—and how Journeys has grown into a dominant women's brand built on comfort, value, and scale.

We also explore global manufacturing decisions across China, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, the realities of supply chains, why specialization in footwear matters, and how operational excellence enables creative freedom. Along the way, Mike opens up about leadership, brand evolution, and why great products—and even great shoes—can have a deeper emotional impact than we often realize.

This conversation is a deep look at building brands that stand out, operate efficiently, and continue to grow without losing what makes them special.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Brockbank | Retail War Games Podcast

In this episode, James Dayton pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to capture attention in today's crowded digital landscape. From his small‑town beginnings in Cokeville, Wyoming to producing some of the internet's most iconic ads, James shares the stories, lessons, and hard‑earned insights that shaped his creative career.

He breaks down the evolution of viral content, the rise of narrative‑driven campaigns, and how platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are rewriting the rules of engagement. James also dives into the realities behind high‑impact ads—budgets, testing, algorithms, shelf life, and why brands must think in ecosystems rather than one‑off videos.

Whether you're a marketer, founder, or creative, this session is a masterclass in storytelling, strategy, and the psychology of what makes people stop scrolling.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Brockbank | Retail War Games Podcast

In this session, we hear directly from two leaders within the Utah Governor's Office as they share key insights into the state's economic direction.

Mike Mower opens with a powerful look at Utah's history of entrepreneurship — from pioneer merchants to modern innovators — and how that spirit continues to shape the state's resilience and identity.

Following him, Ryan Starks provides a strategic overview of Utah's economic priorities, including the role of the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, the inland port network, and the policies designed to support retailers, manufacturers, and emerging industries.

Together, they offer a rare, inside look at how Utah balances quality of life, business‑friendly regulation, infrastructure development, and long‑term economic vision.

A valuable session for anyone interested in leadership, public policy, logistics, or the blueprint behind one of the strongest economies in the nation.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Brockbank | Retail War Games Podcast