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

In this episode, we sit down with Blake Brown to uncover how True Classic has redefined men's apparel by shifting the conversation from product to emotion. Instead of competing through trends or complexity, True Classic built its explosive growth on a simple but powerful idea: men deserve to feel confident, comfortable, and seen.

Blake breaks down the brand's approach to fit, accessibility, and emotional connection — and why these elements have allowed True Classic to dominate one of the most saturated categories in retail. From understanding real male body types to designing clothing that supports confidence rather than insecurity, True Classic is rewriting the rules of modern menswear.

This conversation goes beyond fabric and fit. It explores the psychology behind why men buy, what they respond to, and how a brand can earn loyalty by speaking to identity rather than just style. If you're building a brand or want to understand the new era of men's branding, this episode is a masterclass.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Brockbank | Retail War Games Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Brady — entrepreneur, storyteller, and the mind behind two of the most influential kid‑tech brands in the country. We dive into the origins of Gab and Troomi, the mission to keep kids safe in a digital world, and what it really takes to build a company that challenges an entire industry. Bill opens up about fundraising, supply chain battles, parenting in the smartphone era, and why technology should be a tool, not a tyrant. It's a conversation about leadership, purpose, and the future of tech for the next generation.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Brockbank | Retail War Games Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Afleck from HULU's Secret Lives of Mormon Wives to unpack the real story behind her unexpected rise from wedding videographer to viral creator. Jennifer opens up about motherhood, creativity, and the moment a single TikTok video changed everything — taking her from posting for fun to building a powerful personal brand with over a million followers.

We dive into the business behind going viral: how she chooses the right brand partnerships, the role her manager plays in scaling her career, and why authenticity is the foundation of her influence. Jennifer also shares her perspective on TikTok vs. Instagram, the future of creator platforms, and what it truly takes to build trust with an audience in today's digital landscape.

If you're interested in the creator economy, brand strategy, or the human side of going viral, this conversation delivers real insight and impact.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Brockbank | Retail War Games Podcast

In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Chris Willis to explore what it really means to stay curious as a leader in a world shaped by AI, data, and constant change.

Chris shares his unconventional journey—from editorial cartoonist and Pulitzer-winning newsrooms to startups, design, and speaking on AI—revealing why the most valuable leaders aren't the ones with linear paths, but the ones willing to learn from anyone, anywhere. They talk about humility as a leadership advantage, building trust inside teams, and why creative thinking still matters more than ever in a data-driven world.

This conversation is about seeing opportunities others miss, choosing the right rooms to grow in, and understanding that learning never stops—no matter how experienced you are.

If you're building, leading, or rethinking what leadership looks like in the age of AI, this episode will change how you see your own path.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Brockbank | Retail War Games Podcast

In this episode, Crystal Maggelet—CEO of FJ Management and one of the most influential leaders in modern retail—joins us for a conversation that's equal parts inspiring, real, and unforgettable.

Crystal shares the remarkable story behind her family's legacy, from the early days of Flying J to leading Maverik's explosive growth across 20+ states. We dive into how she thinks about leadership, purpose, family, and building companies that last for generations.

From self-service gas stations in the 60s to acquiring Kum & Go and scaling to 800+ stores, Crystal reveals the mindset that's guided her through every chapter—rooted in heart, purpose, and big-vision thinking.

We talk entrepreneurship, resilience, raising driven kids, exploring the world, outdoor adventures, and the real work behind becoming one of the most respected operators in the country.

If you're building anything—your career, your company, or your legacy—this conversation will light you up.

Enjoy the episode. And as always… adventure starts here.

🎙️ Hosted by Jeremy Brockbank | Retail War Games Podcast