Hardware Podcasts

2 - Adam Peek

People of Packaging · 18 Jun 2019 · 28m

What this episode covers

Adam Peek, co-host of the People of Packaging podcast and a professional at WS Packaging, shares his unconventional career path from pastor and Starbucks employee to packaging industry leader. He discusses the critical functional role of labels and secondary packaging in building consumer trust and meeting regulatory requirements. Peek highlights how digital printing technology has enabled smaller brands and new industries like cannabis to enter the market with flexible, personalized packaging solutions. He also emphasizes the growing consumer demand for transparency regarding sourcing and sustainability, urging young engineers to consider the practical realities of packaging design.

Most relevant to

established companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
WS Packaging, Peak Packaging, Coca-Cola, Lowe's

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 44m

    #260 - Packaging Changes as you Grow with Evie's Snacks and Belmark

    Eve Ackerley, founder of Evie's Snacks, and Cody Ponsler from Belmark discuss how packaging must evolve as a CPG brand scales from farmers markets to national retail. Ackerley details her journey from hand-applied stickers on craft bags to custom printed stand-up pouches, highlighting a critical lesson where buyer feedback revealed her initial design looked like 'laundry detergent.' Ponsler explains why 50% of brands change their packaging art between their first and second production runs and advises founders to prioritize shelf-life and brand storytelling over premature premium finishes.

    Packaging designScaling production
    6 chapters

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 56m

    #89 Packaging Design and Printing 101 with Kirk & Kurtts

    Kirk Visola of Mind the Font and Andy Kurtts of Buttermilk Creative discuss the complexities of packaging design and printing for CPG brands. They explain the critical differences between screen colors and printed output, emphasizing the use of Pantone matching systems and the distinction between spot and CMYK colors to ensure shelf consistency. The guests advise brands transitioning from DTC to retail to prioritize regulatory compliance, such as proper net weight and nutrition labeling, and to design for shelf visibility rather than just digital aesthetics. They also highlight the importance of strategic cost-saving measures, like using stock boxes and shells, and fostering strong partnerships with printers to navigate production challenges.

    Packaging designDesign for manufacturing & NPI
    10 chapters

  • Product Startup · 18m

    177: Package Design Tips for New Hardware Products

    Justin Chen, co-founder of PickFu, explains how hardware startups can use iterative consumer feedback to design effective packaging. He outlines a process of testing packaging variations against competitors to de-risk design decisions and ensure the product's value is clearly communicated. Chen emphasizes that high-quality, informative packaging acts as a 'digital billboard' that builds trust and drives sales both in retail and online.

    Packaging design
    7 chapters

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 1h 08m

    #202 - Buyer Spotlight: Total Wine & More

    Michael Lowry, VP of Global Spirit Sourcing, and Andrea Starr, Senior Director of Merchandising at Total Wine & More, explain how the largest independent alcohol retailer in the U.S. discovers, evaluates, and scales new CPG brands. They discuss the critical role of packaging design in spirits and seltzers, the shift toward flavor-driven purchasing, and the rapid growth of the non-alcoholic and THC beverage categories. The guests detail Total Wine's data-driven assortment strategy, their preference for brands that invest in staff education and tastings, and the logistical realities of getting products onto 300+ store shelves.

    Retail, wholesale & distributionPackaging design
    8 chapters

  • The Startup CPG Podcast · 29m

    Founder Feature: Lex Evan of Lexington Bakes

    Lex Evan, founder of Lexington Bakes, discusses his transition from a 20-year graphic design career at Johnson & Johnson to creating luxury baked goods with radical ingredient transparency. He explains his trademarked 'no naughty ingredients' philosophy, the decision to print supplier logos like Nielsen-Massey and Artisana on packaging, and the recent shock of his co-manufacturer going out of business. Evan shares how staying true to his vision led to winning a NEXTY Award at Expo West and offers advice on protecting time as a solo founder.

    Validation & product-market fitMarketing & brand
    6 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by People of Packaging. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.