Manufacturing consultant Jen Hegeman explores the essentials of white-label and private-label product development, providing actionable advice for brands navigating the complexities of launching their own product lines.

WESA Retail Roundup June 25, 2026:

• Host: Glenn the Geek, Host of Horses in the Morning
• Facebook: Retail Roundup Facebook grou
• Guest: Jen Hegeman from Jen X Designs
• Presented By: Western English Sales Association

Time Stamps:

• 00:55 - Jen and Gamble the raccoon
• 03:16 - White label explained
• 05:13 - Private label overview
• 07:50 - Why volume and materials matter
• 08:08 - Case for in-house manufacturing
• 10:36 - Protecting innovation and IP
• 10:45 - Equine-safe materials vs human foams
• 13:22 - What products brands want to make
• 14:24 - Hidden costs and sampling realities
• 18:29 - COVID-era U.S. manufacturing story
• 21:19 - State of American cut-and-sew
• 23:06 - IP theft and enforcement limits
• 28:44 - How retailers find white-label options
• 31:37 - Inventory, color strategy, and close

For more than 40 years, Schaefer Outfitter has represented the grit, values, and traditions of the American West. What started with a need for better gear for working ranchers evolved into a beloved western brand with an incredibly loyal following. In this episode of Wisdom by WESA, Jason Smith shares the story behind Schaefer's enduring success, the lessons learned from generations of western customers, and why preserving western heritage matters now more than ever.

• Hosts: Jennifer Hebert, Morgan Nicole Zipperlen
• Contact: Sophia Jagella, WESA Marketing Specialist
• Guest: Jason Smith, CEO & President Schaefer’s Outfitter - Website | Instagram

Glenn sits down with Rose from Equus Now and Mary from Kerrits to unpack what the Dover Saddlery closures really mean for the equestrian retail industry. They explore how independent tack shops and small to mid-size manufacturers can turn Dover’s liquidation into opportunity through smarter inventory management, omni-channel selling, and stronger vendor–retailer partnerships. The conversation covers vendor credit risk, the role of private equity in niche equine businesses, using events and community-building to drive traffic, and practical strategies to keep core products in stock while still offering “good, better, best” assortments. It’s a must-listen for tack store owners, equine brands, and anyone navigating the changing landscape of horse retail.

WESA Retail Roundup June 10, 2026:

• Host: Glenn the Geek, Host of Horses in the Morning
• Facebook: Retail Roundup Facebook grou
• Guest: Rose Staeck from Equus Now
• Guest: Mary Hallissey, VP of Sales, at Kerrits
• Presented By: Western English Sales Association

Time Stamps:

• 03:30 - Dover history & ownership changes
• 05:30 - Millers/Iselin collapse parallel
• 07:45 - Fire sale fears & real inventory picture
• 10:25 - Vendor risk, terms & big accounts
• 12:10 - Diversifying beyond Dover
• 13:05 - How local retailers capture Dover customers
• 14:50 - Events, community & vendor-supported promos
• 17:35 - Credit limits, communication & due diligence
• 21:20 - Private equity: good, bad & misunderstood
• 26:50 - Future of small tack shops & omni-channel
• 28:50 - What new shops should NOT do
• 31:50 - Core product, inventory tools & final takeaways