Hardware Podcasts

#191 - GNC’s Next Big Thing: Plink! and Green Regimen’s Winning Formula

The Startup CPG Podcast · 9 Apr 2025 · 39m · Episode 140

What this episode covers

Luke Montgomery-Smith of Plink! and Tyshawn Bryant of Green Regimen discuss winning GNC’s Next Big Thing competition, detailing their application strategies, the high-stakes pitch in Pittsburgh, and the subsequent national retail test. They explain how they leveraged the win to secure permanent shelf placement, raise funds, and build relationships with GNC’s store staff to drive sales across different regional markets. The founders emphasize the importance of understanding GNC’s evolution from hardcore fitness to holistic wellness and the necessity of active founder involvement in retail execution.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies and companies scaling up

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
GNC, Startup CPG, Erewhon, Bevnet
Products
Plink!, Green Regimen, Ghost Energy, Aulani Nu
Also
Expo West

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