From Hangovers to Hemp: Navigating the Shifting Beverage Landscape

Eric Rosen, our cannabis talent strategy expert shares his thoughts on the changes occurring in the beverage and cannabis market, having helped multiple companies rebuild their teams to capitalize on these new opportunities. Change is the only constant—and nowhere is this more evident than in the evolving world of adult beverages. In recent years, traditional alcohol consumption has taken a notable downturn, while cannabis and hemp-derived THC products have surged into the mainstream. This shift isn’t just a fleeting trend; it signals a broader movement toward healthier, more mindful consumption choices. A Steady Decline in Alcohol Consumption Over the past several […]

  • ForceBrands
  • April 2, 2025
  • ForceBrands

What Is the Consumer Economy?

As businesses strive to meet evolving market demands, understanding the consumer economy becomes crucial for strategic planning, hiring, and growth.

  • ForceBrands
  • July 8, 2024
  • Rebecca Fryer
hand on laptop with pen

How to Write a Standout Job Posting On the ForceBrands Job Board

Searching for a new job often begins online. In fact, the majority of job searches — 80 percent of them —were conducted online in 2022, according to Zippia. For employers, this means that special attention must be paid to job postings as they’re often the first touchpoints candidates experience during the online hiring process. Creating a compelling job listing that attracts qualified candidates and encourages them to apply takes more than writing a thoughtfully crafted job description. We asked ForceBrands’ Client Success Manager Justin Sligh for tips on how to maximize the job board experience. What should employers be most […]

  • ForceBrands
  • November 13, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer

ForceBrands Releases 2024 Salary Reports for Consumer Brands

ForceBrands has released its 2024 Salary Reports for the following industries: beer, wine, and spirits; beauty and wellness; cannabis; and food and non-alc beverage. The reports offer salary data across marketing, operations, sales, finance, and human resources.  This salary report includes salary, benefits, and bonus ranges for our most common placements within consumer brands; insights from our industry practice leaders; in-demand titles or areas of growth in 2024; and roles that saw the highest growth in the last three years. Key findings, trends, and insights from the report include: • “I am picking up some notable trends from the frontlines […]

  • ForceBrands
  • November 7, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
creator desk

A Conversation with M88’s Talent Powerhouse Stephanie Piza

Stephanie Piza is nothing short of a powerhouse when it comes to talent and the creator space. The talent and management executive — who now works as Head of Emerging and Interactive Media for representation firm M88 — launched UNCMMN, a female-founded management firm focused on diverse talent and a holistic approach to management.  About four years after launching her firm, Piza decided to merge with M88, a representation firm that also focuses on amplifying diverse voices and storytelling. Naturally, we were eager to sit down with the talent expert and chat about the industry and where it’s headed. Here’s […]

SKU

Watch SKU’s Fall 2023 Showcase Pitch Event

SKU, the nation’s leading consumer product accelerator, will host its Showcase Pitch event on November 14 from 4:30-8 p.m. CT in Austin, Texas for the eight brands participating in SKU’s Pet Care and Women & BIPOC Tracks. RSVP here to watch the event. The two cohorts feature brands that make some of the most innovative products we’ve seen — from an at-home pet diagnostic test to treats that relieve the symptoms of menstruation and menopause. “We are excited for the CPG community to see these exciting brands, who all bring something unique to their categories, whether it be delicious seedy crackers […]

  • Food
  • October 30, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
tequila

The Tale of Talent and Tequila: Matthew McConaughey and Wife Camila Alves Launch Tequila Brand

Are you even a celebrity if you haven’t launched your own tequila brand? Just kidding — kind of. Matthew McConaughey and his wife, model and designer Camila Alves, are joining the long list of celebrities who have launched their own tequila brand. The parents of three kids call their new tequila, Pantalones: “the best thing we’ve made with our pants on.” When it comes to the creator space, we know the world of tequila all too well. The Tequila Club is one that every celebrity seems to be interested in joining, and it’s no surprise. Even as the non-alcoholic beverage […]

man with laptop

The Value of Hiring a Great CHRO

In any organization, there are many individuals with seats at the proverbial leadership table. After all, the complexities of managing a business compel CEOs to assemble a team of diverse perspectives and expertise to help guide the organization’s strategic direction.  One of the most critical voices on this team is the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). A great CHRO doesn’t merely lead the HR function and its many programs for hiring, developing, and engaging employees; the CHRO is also an invaluable partner to the CEO and executive leadership team. Why the CHRO is One of the Most Important Hires For […]

  • ForceBrands
  • October 23, 2023
  • Melanie Haniph
scrabble leadership words

6 Hidden Talents of Purpose-Driven Leaders

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, leadership is not only about managing operations and making profits. Sure, that helps, but it’s not everything. It’s about leading with a purpose that goes beyond the bottom line. Purpose-driven leaders are powerful forces. They have the ability to influence teams and motivate companies to succeed beyond revenue and other business-related goals. So, how do you become an impactful leader? And what are the tell-tale signs — or, hidden talents — of these figureheads? Read on as we explore the DNA of purpose-driven leaders and how you can tap into your own potential to […]

  • ForceBrands
  • October 23, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
beauty influencer

5 Industries That Are Booming in the Creator World

The creator economy — a term that refers to a massive group of personal brands and businesses built by influencers and content creators — is growing substantially and continuing to increase in popularity. The space, which is projected to be worth $480 billion just five years from now, is booming with opportunity. We took a look at five industries that are particularly interesting to watch in the creator economy. Beauty The beauty industry is booming — and worth more than $530 billion — so it’s no surprise that creators are jumping at the opportunity to be part of it. From […]

woman walking in new york

Finding and Hiring Purpose-Driven Talent: A Guide for Employers

Today’s job market is competitive which invariably means that finding and hiring the right talent is a challenge. Adding to the challenge is that it’s still a candidate-driven market. Even amid economic uncertainty, candidates are still very much in the driver’s seat when it comes to calling the shots as it relates to what they want from their careers — a theme that has continued throughout the pandemic. Top talent is in high demand, especially as companies prioritize purpose-driven talent acquisition as part of their long-term retention strategy. And the proof is in the numbers: employees who feel connected to their […]

  • ForceBrands
  • October 10, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
man looking out window

Does Your Company Need a Head of AI?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has made its mark in every facet of life. Anyone anywhere can use ChatGPT or a similar tool to write video scripts, proofread text, and a lot more. In the world of work, companies use AI to improve customer service and perform a host of other internal business functions. Given the spread of AI today, it’s no wonder so many companies are hiring data-savvy leaders to help them leverage this new technology.  Hiring a Head of AI seems like the logical next step for companies seeking to invest in the technologies of the future. And early signs […]

  • ForceBrands
  • October 9, 2023
  • Melanie Haniph
Slate Milk cans

How Slate Milk Built a National Sales Team Using ForceBrands’ Job Board

Launched in the midst of the Covid pandemic, Slate Milk is the brainchild of college friends Manny Lubin and Josh Belinsky who set out on a mission to create healthy chocolate milk they could drink every day. The brand has since evolved into a company that sells strength through high protein milkshakes and lattes. The Boston-based startup recognized early on that having salespeople in the field would be fundamental to their long-term growth strategy. The proof was already in the numbers: on average in that first year of launch, they saw a large increase in sales by having team members on the ground selling the product. […]

  • Beverage
  • October 6, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer

SKU Is Accepting Applications for Its Spring 2024 Track

SKU, the nation’s first accelerator for consumer packaged goods (CPG), is accepting applications for its Spring 2024 track here. Ideal candidates are market-validated companies with compelling founders and innovative products in hot categories, including food and beverage, pet care, beauty, and apparel. The application deadline is November 19. The cohort will kick off on March 5 and will culminate on May 21 with the showcase pitch event. Although it is Austin, Texas-based, the track is a hybrid program and brands and mentors do not need to be based in Austin. “We cannot state enough how amazing the SKU track has […]

chatgpt

We Asked ChatGPT About Top Creator Brands; Here’s What It Said

While the initial hype around ChatGPT may have subsided, it’s still very much a thing. As the creator economy continues to grow, we’re eager to ask the popular AI chatbot more questions about the space. We asked, “What are the top creator brands?” and ChatGPT seemed to avoid pointing to specific companies. Instead, it referenced platforms that creators use to expand their reach. Here’s how it responded: ChatGPT’s introduction to its answer was, “As of my last training cut-off in September 2021, several creator-centric brands and platforms have gained significant recognition. The term ‘creator brands’ can be a bit ambiguous, but […]

man walking on street

Fall Is Hiring Season; Here’s What the ForceBrands Team Has to Say About Navigating It

Is fall really the best time to look for a new job? Our recruiting team thinks so. More than just a trendy title, there’s a lot of truth to the ‘September Surge’ when hiring activity picks up through the fall season. What’s the rationale behind the increased volume of job postings? Companies typically spend the latter half of the year — especially September through November — actively assessing their annual budgets and planning ahead for next year’s growth strategy. We checked in with the ForceBrands team to get more intel on this hiring surge to see how job seekers should […]

  • Career Advice
  • September 26, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer

New York Is the Latest State to Implement a Pay Transparency Law; Here’s What It Means for Job Seekers

New York is the latest state to implement a pay transparency law that will allow job seekers to see salary ranges for open roles. New York State’s Pay Transparency Law went into effect on September 17 and mandates that employers include minimum-maximum salary ranges that are believed to be in line with fair market compensation. This includes promotions and transfer opportunities. In addition to salary disclosure, employers must also include a job description. The purpose of pay transparency laws The law is designed to empower job seekers with important information up front and to address systemic pay inequity and discriminatory […]

  • ForceBrands
  • September 18, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
man looking at laptop

Just How Confident Are Candidates Job Searching in Today’s Economy?

Sure, the job market may have cooled over the summer months, but it still remains strong and resilient. U.S. employers continue to add jobs — roughly 187,000 jobs were added in July. While that number falls short of expectations, it’s still solid. The unemployment rate dipped to 3.5 percent, close to a half-century low, the Labor Department Reports. So what do candidates think about navigating the job search in this economy? In ForceBrands’ Consumer Talent Compensation and Job Market Confidence Trend Report, we uncover compensation and job market confidence trends and their impact on employee attraction, retention, and workplace attitudes. We […]

  • ForceBrands
  • August 24, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
Cannabis Matters Jason Nelson BeLeaf Medical

Cannabis Matters with Jason Nelson of BeLeaf Medical

One of the more recent states to legalize the recreational use of cannabis in 2022, Missouri is often considered a leader in the Midwest when it comes to the medicinal use of the plant. Medical use was legalized in 2018. At the forefront of the medical use market, BeLeaf Medical is a leader in the state of Missouri. Vertically integrated with years of experience in several states, BeLeaf provides consistent quality natural plant-based therapies through its handful of brands like SWADE, SINSE, and PHYTOS. We caught up with BeLeaf Medical’s Chief Executive Officer Jason Nelson to learn more about the company, […]

  • Cannabis
  • August 15, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer

Report: Compensation Is High But It Might Not Be High Enough to Keep Talent From Job Hopping

Did you receive a raise within the last year? Are you satisfied with your current compensation? In ForceBrands’ Consumer Talent Compensation and Job Market Confidence Trend Report, we uncover compensation and job market confidence trends and their impact on employee attraction, retention, and workplace attitudes. We surveyed more than 1,000 workers across various industries and demographics in the U.S. Our findings reveal that while both compensation and confidence in the job market are high, despite economic uncertainty, talent is still very much on the move. Read on for some highlights from our report as it relates to salaries and overall compensation satisfaction. […]

  • ForceBrands
  • August 14, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
SKU cohort

SKU Launches Inaugural Pet Care Track and a Cohort for Women and BIPOC Founders

SKU, the trailblazing consumer product accelerator, has launched its first pet care track and a cohort centered on women and BIPOC-founded brands. The four brands selected for each cohort showcase creativity, passion, and true innovation — from functional foods to remedies to ease painful periods to hip-hop-inspired pet treats.  The pet care cohort includes D.R.E.A.M. Pet Food, 5 Element Food Therapy, Innovative Pet Lab, and Pupsentials. The women and BIPOC tracks include Blossom Essentials, Neeshi, Phreshly, and The Humble Seed. The 12-week cohort kicks off on August 24, 2023. The founders and mentors will celebrate the culmination of the tracks […]

  • ForceBrands
  • August 14, 2023
  • ForceBrands
woman typing on laptop

How to Write Compelling Job Descriptions That Attract Top Talent

Job descriptions are often an overlooked piece of the talent acquisition strategy puzzle. But especially in today’s fiercely competitive job market, they can make all the difference in attracting qualified candidates in that first initial hiring stage. Because job descriptions serve as the first point of contact between your company and potential candidates, it’s important to provide them with a glimpse of your organization’s culture, values, and long-term career growth opportunities. Best practices for writing job descriptions An effectively written job description can help attract highly qualified candidates who are not only skilled but also aligned with your company’s vision […]

  • ForceBrands
  • August 8, 2023
  • ForceBrands
woman holding book

The Evolving Chief Diversity Officer Role

In a climate of social justice concerns and an increasingly polarized society, the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) role has remained a critical lever for creating a more inclusive and united workplace. But as organizations strive to achieve diversity goals amid many obstacles, this impactful member of the C-suite will need to continue evolving and working in partnership with other leaders to make measurable progress. The Current Landscape for Chief Diversity Officers Organizations have been hiring diversity and inclusion leaders for decades, but in recent years, the CDO role has joined the C-suite in spectacular fashion. According to LinkedIn, Chief Diversity […]

  • ForceBrands
  • August 8, 2023
  • Melanie Haniph
ForceBrands Compensation Report

ForceBrands Releases Consumer Talent Compensation and Job Market Confidence Trend Report

How is consumer talent currently assessing their career, workplace, and confidence in the job market? In ForceBrands’ Consumer Talent Compensation and Job Market Confidence Trend Report, we uncover compensation and job market confidence trends and their impact on employee attraction, retention, and workplace attitudes. We surveyed more than 1,000 workers across various industries and demographics in the U.S. to bring you our key findings on compensation trends, job market confidence, and engagement, loyalty, and attrition levers.  Here are some key findings from our report: • Compensation increased (8 in 10 respondents received a raise within the last year)• Compensation satisfaction […]

  • ForceBrands
  • August 1, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
two men having a beer

Raising a Glass to Inclusivity: 4 Wine, Beer, and Spirits Companies That Celebrate Disability Pride

Disability Pride Month, observed annually in July, is a time to honor and celebrate the achievements, talents, and contributions of individuals with disabilities. It’s also an opportunity to promote inclusivity and advocate for equal rights and opportunities. In recent years, several forward-thinking wine, beer, and spirits brands have emerged, actively working to embrace diversity, break down barriers, and celebrate disability pride. These innovative companies are redefining the landscape of the beverage industry while championing inclusivity. Explore some innovative beverage brands that are making a positive impact. Beyond Distilling Company Charleston, S.C.-based Beyond Distilling Company specializes in craft spirits such as […]

  • ForceBrands
  • July 16, 2023
  • ForceBrands
job board

The Data Advantage: How an Internal Job Board Provides Valuable Insights for HR

There’s no doubt that hiring from within can be a valuable way to source qualified talent for new roles and replacements. After all, existing employees already understand your organizational culture, structure, and processes. Similarly, HR teams are familiar with employee skills and performance, and where they may fit in other areas of the organization.  Internal job boards make it easier to match employees with internal job opportunities. They provide the data HR and internal recruiting teams need to understand where (and when) employees can move internally, and they can work alongside other candidate sourcing methods. How an internal job board […]

  • ForceBrands
  • July 11, 2023
  • Melanie Haniph
man at desk

Mastering the Art of Job Postings: 5 Tips for Attracting High-Quality Candidates Online

In an increasingly competitive job market, the quality of your online job postings matters. When done right, job postings don’t just yield a higher volume of applications; they also draw more interest from the types of candidates you want to attract.  While your organization likely attracts candidates via referrals, networking, social media, and other sources, online job posting remains critical to a successful talent acquisition program. According to the 2022 Job Seeker Nation Report, 59 percent of surveyed job seekers named online job boards their top method of researching available jobs. To attract high-quality candidates that are excellent matches with […]

  • ForceBrands
  • July 10, 2023
  • Melanie Haniph
chatgpt

How to Unleash the True Potential of Your AI Marketing Strategy

Today’s marketers must not only be digitally savvy, but they need to be curious and proactive about emerging technology trends in order to remain relevant and ahead of the competition. It’s no secret that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful marketing tool to enhance customer engagement, drive personalization, and optimize campaigns. And it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. According to a report by Gartner, the global AI market is expected to reach $266.92 billion by 2027. To design a successful AI marketing strategy, leaders must integrate cutting-edge technology with creative thinking and data-driven insights. Read on as we […]

  • ForceBrands
  • July 10, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
Demeine Estates leadership team

Get to Know Demeine Estates with President Philana Bouvier

Demeine Estates is a family-owned producer, importer, and marketer of the world’s finest wines based in the heart of Napa Valley, Calif. A leader in luxury wines in the U.S., Demeine Estates sets the standard in exceptional marketing, fine wine sales, and distribution services. Founded by The Lawrence family and Carlton McCoy Jr., the company is led by President Philana Bouvier. We caught up with her to learn more about Demeine Estates’ curated portfolio, growth opportunities within the company, team building, and more. On being a culture of builders We’re very fast-paced, high energy. We actually look beyond the resume when it […]

  • Beverage
  • June 29, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
pregnant woman at office

Everything You Need to Know About the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

In a significant stride toward workplace equality and protection of pregnant employees’ rights, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) has emerged as a pivotal legislation aimed at preventing pregnancy discrimination and ensuring reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 80 percent of pregnant women, and nearly a quarter of mothers have considered leaving their jobs while pregnant due to lack of workplace accommodations or fear of discrimination, NBC News reports. The PWFA has far-reaching implications for both employers and employees. Here’s what the PWFA entails and the impact it has on the workplace. Understanding the Pregnant Workers […]

  • ForceBrands
  • June 28, 2023
  • ForceBrands
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