On this episode of Pitch Lab, we cracked open a can of Donna’s Pickle Beer and an even better story with co-founder Scott Baird—a hospitality lifer whose career spans from world-renowned cocktail bars to roadside burger joints. Alongside his longtime collaborator Josh Jankovic, Scott has created a beer that’s turning heads, dividing palates, and somehow bringing everyone together over the polarizing power of pickles.

From a texted crayon sketch to nearly 10,000 cases shipped monthly, Donna’s Pickle Beer is more than a quirky idea—it’s a masterclass in authenticity, gut instinct, and brand storytelling.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start with joy, and the rest will follow.
   The best brands are built from something real. Donna’s isn’t a marketing stunt—it’s a personal tribute, and that sincerity shows.
2. Don’t wait for permission.
   From a crayon sketch to a national brand, Scott and Josh moved on instinct and tapped their community instead of chasing VC approval.
3. Fun sells.
   Whether it’s the product, the packaging, or the story, Donna’s has leaned into humor, curiosity, and nostalgia—and people can’t help but share it.
4. Relationships matter.
   The reason Donna’s is in 40+ states with no sales team is simple: people like Scott and Josh. That goodwill drives everything.
5. Pickles are polarizing—and that's a good thing.
   You don’t need everyone. You just need the 75% who are on Team Pickle to show up, sip, and spread the word.

Learn more about Donna's Pickle Beer campaign on Wefunder at:
https://wefunder.com/donnaspicklebeer

Pitch Lab is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, and communications specialist, Jackie Hampton. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking brand discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts.

In this engaging conversation, Brooke Vaughn, founder of Please and Thank You, shares her journey from a barista to the owner of a thriving coffee shop and bakery known for its acclaimed chocolate chip cookies. She discusses the evolution of her brand, the impact of the pandemic on her business model, and the importance of building a strong team culture. Brooke emphasizes the significance of community and personal connections in her entrepreneurial journey, revealing how her experiences shaped the unique identity of Please and Thank You. In this conversation, Brooke Vaughn discusses her journey in building the cookie and coffee brand 'Please and Thank You'. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing people over profits, sustainable growth, and community engagement. Vaughn shares her innovative approach to franchising, including the use of Airstream trailers, and her vision for the brand's future expansion. The conversation highlights her commitment to creating a unique customer experience and fostering relationships with both employees and customers.

Key Takeaways

• Brooke's background includes a family history in the coffee business.
• She transitioned from a full menu to focusing on coffee and cookies during the pandemic.
• The pandemic allowed her to streamline operations and become more profitable.
• Brooke emphasizes the importance of community and personal connections in her business.
• Her team retention is statistically higher than industry standards.
• The brand's slogan is 'hot coffee, fresh cookies, loud music, no decaf.'
• Brooke's journey reflects a passion for hospitality and customer service.
• The future includes expanding the brand through Wefunder and other avenues.
• Sustainable growth is a priority for her business model.
• Community engagement is key to her business strategy.
• Franchising is set to begin this summer with significant interest.
• The Airstream trailer model offers a low barrier to entry for new franchisees.
• The gluten-free cookie line has been well received and took years to develop.

Learn more about Please and Thank You's campaign on Wefunder at:
https://wefunder.com/pleaseandthankyou

Pitch Lab is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, and communications specialist, Jackie Hampton. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking brand discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts.

In this episode, Niles X. Lichtenstein, CEO of Nestment, shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leader in innovative real estate solutions. He discusses the importance of home ownership, the challenges faced by first-time buyers, and how Nestment aims to make home ownership attainable through co-buying and other strategies. Niles emphasizes the need for new pathways in real estate, especially for younger generations, and explains how Nestment's services can help navigate the complexities of purchasing a home. In this conversation, Niles discusses innovative housing solutions such as co-buying and house hacking, emphasizing the importance of consumer advocacy in real estate. He highlights the need for trust and credibility in the industry, particularly for first-time home buyers. The discussion also covers the unique value proposition of his company, the importance of engaging younger audiences, and the role of community investment in funding. Niles shares insights on how to create pathways to home ownership and the significance of building a supportive community for aspiring homeowners.

Key Takeaways

• Homeownership is a powerful tool for building generational wealth—but it's increasingly out of reach for many.
• Co-buying and house hacking are rising as practical solutions for first-time buyers.
• Nestment is creating innovative, user-friendly pathways to help millennials and Gen Z enter the market.
• Establishing trust and offering clear guidance are critical in supporting new buyers.
• The market for first-time buyers is vast, under-served, and hungry for change.
• Effective storytelling and community-driven branding are essential to engage younger audiences.
• Real estate can be a collective journey—community investment and shared ownership models are reshaping access.

And don’t miss how we take all that sharp insight and turn it into a punchy, 30-second spot—mixing humor, cultural truth, and a fresh take on housing to make Nestment’s message hit home.

Pitch Lab is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, communications specialist, Jackie Hampton, and content guru, William "Classic" Thomas. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking brand discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts.