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
two men walking

How Leaders Can Unleash AI’s Potential As a Catalyst for Growth

To be sure, AI isn’t just about challenges, it’s also about opportunities. In communicating AI as a catalyst for growth, leaders can highlight the transformative potential of AI in their operations and strategy. For example, demonstrating how AI can automate repetitive and mundane tasks can free up employees’ time for higher-value, strategic work, ultimately boosting efficiency and productivity — a win-win.  For example, in customer-facing teams, the opportunity to use AI for personalized experiences can be emphasized, underlining how this can strengthen customer relationships and brand reputation (this can all be done in minutes, as opposed to hours). Moreover, the […]

person playing chess

How Leaders Can Navigate AI’s Ethical Minefield

AI is powerful, but it’s not infallible. Issues around bias, privacy, and decision transparency are legitimate concerns. This will also present a challenge for leadership to overcome with employees. They will want to ensure that AI is not running untethered in the background and/or will not unintentionally produce results that might reflect poorly on them. Indeed, despite AI’s immense capabilities, most will acknowledge that its present rate of development has outpaced its cautionary oversight.  Enter AI ethics. AI ethics 101 What are AI ethics and why are businesses of all sizes (especially leadership) starting to take notice of them? AI […]

woman in AI

Embracing AI in the Workplace: A Leadership Guide to Addressing and Normalizing AI

Should you have been blissfully sequestered on a lunar terrain or surviving on a remote, WiFi-less island, here’s a pertinent update: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is dramatically reshaping the world as we know it, and it’s happening right before our eyes. Its omnipresent influence impacts businesses, industries, and the global job market at large. While the benefits of AI are significant, it’s crucial to openly address the associated risks and concerns, particularly from an employment or “internal brand” perspective. This article will provide a guide to leaders and HR professionals on how to effectively communicate about AI to their teams, discussing […]

tbh

How TBH Builds a Creator Brand While Its Founder Is in College

Building a creator brand takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Doing it while your founder is still in college, meanwhile, presents its own set of challenges, but the team at Noah Schnapp’s tbh is figuring it out and excelling at it. We chatted with the hazelnut spread company’s CEO Elena Guberman to discuss the unique learning experience and steps she’s taken to ensure the company succeeds.  Alexis Benveniste: Would you call tbh a creator brand?Elena Guberman: Our origin story is a little unique. Noah Schnapp is involved with the company, and the origin of tbh is fundamentally his idea. […]

ForceBrands CFO report on desk

Highlights From Our ‘Beyond the Balance Sheet’ CFO Webinar

ForceBrands’ Impactful Search® hosted a live webinar in May 2023 with industry leaders in a timely conversation about trends impacting the modern CFO and finance team. KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Explore more about the CFO evolution and what skills and competencies are required of today’s financial leaders. Download our Force Multiplier Report on the rise of CFO and executive finance roles.• Today’s CFOs should consider every form of funding out there. There are always other better alternatives for businesses in the short-term.• When it comes to financial stability and social impact, it shouldn’t be a trade-off. “If people come into it thinking it’s […]

  • ForceBrands
  • May 25, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
onboarding

Onboarding vs. Integrating: What’s the Difference?

Bringing a new leader into your organization, whether a member of the C-suite or a divisional manager, requires careful steps to help them feel equipped and empowered to perform. While your onboarding process can get you part of the way there, you’ll need a plan for integrating new hires into your culture so they can have maximum impact in fulfilling your company vision.  The difference between onboarding and integration On the surface, it may seem that onboarding and integration are more alike than different. After all, both are critical to the success of any new hire. Onboarding gives new hires […]

graduation advice

4 Best Pieces of Advice to Recent Graduates From Executive Recruiters

Class of 2023 graduates have a lot to look forward to — the pandemic is officially in the rearview and companies are hiring. The job market is growing strongly despite high interest rates. And as if a burgeoning job market wasn’t enticing enough, compensation is also at a high. When it comes to compensation, 53 percent of new graduates entering the workforce reported that starting salaries surpassed their expectations. Some fields are proving to be more lucrative than others. In technology, finance, and consulting, it’s not uncommon to see starting salaries in the six figures. We tapped into some of […]

  • ForceBrands
  • May 10, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
two men at a table

How Venture Capital Funds Can Support the Growth of Their Portfolio Companies

Venture capital funds play a vital role in supporting the growth of their portfolio companies. Beyond providing funding, they offer invaluable resources and strategic guidance to help companies achieve growth and scale. Some of the ways that venture capital funds can support the growth of their portfolio companies include the use of online job boards to help companies recruit top talent and stay connected with their investors and other stakeholders. Read on as we explore some other ways emerging companies can benefit from being members of a portfolio. Provide strategic guidance One of the primary ways that venture capital funds […]

  • ForceBrands
  • May 8, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
man on laptop

Finance in the Age of Digital Transformation

As the pace of change has accelerated for businesses everywhere, so has the need to double down on digital transformation efforts, and Chief Financial Officers are right in the middle of it all. With the rise of automation, artificial intelligence, and big data, CFOs and their finance teams are taking the lead in leveraging new technologies to improve business processes and generate actionable insights.  In this third of a four-part series covering the CFO role, discover how the finance function is using new technologies to drive business strategy and decision-making. The role of CFOs in leading corporate digital transformation The […]

person typing on calculator

How Today’s CFOs Approach Risk Management

There’s no doubt that organizations face many risks, from the known to the unknown and unpredictable. Given that those risks can disrupt company operations and, therefore, productivity and cash flow, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) must remain alert and ready to take swift action. Of course, the CFO is not singly responsible for managing the broad assortment of imminent and long-range risks. They must work with other members of the C-suite and rely on the right tools to help them make intelligent, data-driven decisions. In this second of a four-part series covering the CFO role, learn more about the key risks […]

  • ForceBrands
  • April 27, 2023
  • Melanie Haniph
ForceBrands CreatorForce

ForceBrands Introduces CreatorForce Hiring Practice for the Creator Economy

ForceBrands is proud to introduce CreatorForce, its specialized hiring practice for creator and celebrity brands.  CreatorForce’s hiring solutions include Impactful Search® for executive search with access to elite C-suite leadership, executives, advisors, and board members; Direct Hire for consumer-focused recruitment for VP, director, and senior management positions; and a job board for hiring entry-level talent, brand ambassadors, field marketing experts, and social coordinators. CreatorForce connects top creators, creator agencies, celebrities, tech entrepreneurs, and venture groups investing in the creator space to the strategic talent that accelerates business growth. “The creator economy is booming with creators who are driving real industry […]

  • CreatorForce
  • April 25, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
men looking at laptop

How the Modern CFO Is a Strategic Business Partner to the C-Suite

Whether organizations are in the midst of navigating economic hardship or releasing quarterly financial results, the actions and words of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) are often front and center. But, as organizations tackle other enterprise challenges and initiatives, the CFO remains a pivotal figure not only in partnership with the CEO but also in collaboration with other leaders in the C-suite. In this first of a four-part series covering the CFO role, discover the top ways today’s CFOs meet heightened expectations to act as strategic business partners to the CEO and C-suite. The modern CFO Where the CFO was […]

  • ForceBrands
  • April 18, 2023
  • Melanie Haniph
Women at the office

The Rise of Alternative Education: How Companies Are Embracing Job Candidates Without Four-Year Degrees

Although conventional candidate qualifications within the job market have always been governed by having earned a college degree, in recent years there has been a shift in mindset. Job candidates are increasingly skipping the traditional four-year degree in favor of alternative paths, such as vocational training and coding boot camps. This trend is driven in part by rising student debt and changing attitudes toward higher education. As a result, many companies are reevaluating their hiring practices and placing more emphasis on continued skill development and experience rather than simply requiring a degree. Reasons for job candidates skipping four-year degrees There […]

su casa mezcal

Industry Veteran Joey Angelo Launches SU CASA MEZCAL

Mezcal is having a moment. Now the fastest growing liquor category in the United States, mezcal’s global market is expected to reach $2.1 billion by 2031 with North America driving this growth. Despite this surge in popularity, a true market leader has yet to emerge — most consumers would be hard-pressed to name a single mezcal brand.  Introducing SU CASA MEZCAL from industry veteran Joey Angelo. With its striking custom blue bottle and unique look, a memorable and easy-to-pronounce name, and an attractive price point, SU CASA MEZCAL is uniquely poised to lead a competitive market. “It’s rare for a […]

  • Beverage
  • March 30, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
woman at laptop

How Naturally Network Keeps Its Nationwide Community Connected

Naturally Network, a national organization for the natural and organic consumer product industry, is all about community building. Its mission is to harness, accelerate and elevate the power and impact of conscious business practices in the natural and organic products ecosystem through community-based programming, networking, influence, and collaboration. What began as a support system in Boulder, Colo., now spans over 5,000 members and more than 20,000 entrepreneurs in cities across the nation. The community consists of professionals across the natural and organic products industry, including food, beverage, beauty, products, supplements, and more. Naturally Network’s ecosystem positively unites and engages practices, […]

  • ForceBrands
  • March 27, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
person pointing to laptop screen

How to Use ForceBrands’ Salary Reports to Plan Your Hiring Strategy

When it comes to attracting and retaining talent in today’s competitive job market, compensation is table stakes. Fair market compensation — the salary or wage that an employee would receive for a particular job in a specific geographic location, taking into account factors such as the job responsibilities, required skills and experience, and the prevailing job market conditions — is critical to the success of any business. “It’s important to recognize that our economic environment is ever-changing and it affects the hiring process,” Annette Kim, ForceBrands’ Director of Client Strategy, said. “It’s no surprise that today’s labor market is extremely […]

  • ForceBrands
  • March 27, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
people sitting at a table

Understanding the Difference Between Lead Generation and Performance Growth Marketing

Lead generation and performance growth marketing are fundamental in the world of digital marketing. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two that marketers and brand professionals should be aware of to maximize their marketing strategy. Read on to explore the differences between lead generation and performance growth marketing and discover insights on how to effectively integrate both strategies into your marketing plan. Whether you’re a marketer looking to refine your abilities or are a business owner seeking to boost your revenue, understanding the nuances of these two approaches is essential for success. What is lead […]

project potluck lunch

ForceBrands Partners with Project Potluck for Expo West Networking Luncheon

ForceBrands joined forces with Project Potluck — a nonprofit on a mission to help People of Color (POC) build successful companies and careers in consumer packaged goods (CPG) — for an invite-only lunch during the week of Expo West. Hosted at the Hilton Anaheim, just steps from the trade show, more than 150 attendees from across the industry came together for an afternoon of networking. The luncheon’s primary goal was to provide a safe space for POC professionals to connect with allies and other POC leaders, as well as network as a collective. The event was a curated mix of […]

  • ForceBrands
  • March 20, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
Whipstitch Panel Expo West

Highlights From Whipstitch’s “2023 Capital Markets and Building Value” Panel

Specialized investment firm Whipstitch Capital kicked off Expo West with a “2023 Capital Markets and Building Value” panel conversation that explored the status of the capital markets for consumer businesses, both M&A and private placements. Moderated by Whipstitch Capital’s Managing Director Michael Burgmaier, panelists included: Josh Wand, CEO and Founder of ForceBrands; Ryan Lewendon, Partner at Giannuzzi Lewendon; Megan Klingbeil, Partner at Anchin; Nick McCoy, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Whipstitch Capital; Edricco Reina, Managing Director and General Manager of Financial and Professional Services at SPINS; and Kristy Lewis, Founder of Quinn Snacks. Discover some of the highlights from the […]

  • ForceBrands
  • March 20, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
ForceBrands team

Get to Know Some of ForceBrands’ #FemaleForces

The ForceBrands team is made up of incredibly talented individuals who work remotely, coast to coast — from Boston to Los Angeles. In celebration of Women’s History Month (March), we’re highlighting some #FemaleForces on our own team (it is 76 percent female, after all) who are helping to build today’s most exciting and impactful consumer brands. Read on to get to know some of our talented female leaders. Or, as we like to say, female forces. Annette Kim Title: Manager, Client StrategyRemote work location: Los AngelesWhat she does in her role: As a Manager of Client Strategy, I am your […]

  • ForceBrands
  • March 19, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
computer screen with chatgpt

We Talked to ChatGPT About Creators and Creator Brands; Here’s What Happened

Hi ChatGPT! Let’s talk about creators. Sure, I’d be happy to talk about creators! What specifically would you like to discuss? What is a creator? A creator is someone who makes something original or innovative. They can be artists, musicians, writers, designers, programmers, inventors, or anyone who produces something new and unique. Creators can work in a wide range of fields and industries, and their creations can take many different forms, from visual art to software applications. Essentially, a creator is someone who brings something new into existence through their creativity, talent, and hard work. How would you define a […]

Chamberlain Coffee

Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Company Proves Marketing Goes Beyond Celebrity

Emma Chamberlain, the “Cold Brew Queen” wanted to share her passion for java with the world, so she created Chamberlain Coffee. Almost immediately, her followers and coffee lovers around the country were hooked. Now, you can find Chamberlain Coffee in stores and online — and you can rock highly sought-after merch. But it took time and a lot of important decisions to get the company to where it is today. I spoke to Christopher Gallant, the CEO of Chamberlain Coffee about the brand’s success and the moments that transformed the company into a powerhouse. Alexis Benveniste: How did you get […]

women sitting on steps

#FemaleForces: 6 Industry Founders On Hiring and Leadership

When it comes to the consumer brand universe, women have found great success in launching game-changing startups that translate into household names. Billion-dollar brands like Glossier (valued at $1.8 billion) and Savage X Fenty (valued at $3 billion) are two that come to mind. According to Pitchbook, companies with at least one female founder comprised 34.6-44.5 percent of business-to-consumer deals between 2016 and 2022. But while these numbers are promising, the headwinds are still strong for creating breakout companies, especially when it comes to funding. Women-led startups receive less than 3 percent of all venture capital investments, research suggests. But […]

  • ForceBrands
  • March 5, 2023
  • Rebecca Fryer
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