What does it really take to turn a good product into a great brand—one that people can’t stop talking about (or eating)?

If you’ve ever wondered how to revive a once-famous brand or stand out in a crowded market, this conversation is for you. Host Jim Schleckser talks with David Clarke, CEO of Chipwich, about how he brought a nostalgic favorite back to life and built a great brand story that connects with both retailers and consumers.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Identify undervalued brands with untapped potential and bring them back to relevance.

• Turn operational setbacks into opportunities for growth and stronger customer trust.

• Build a great brand by focusing on consistent quality, retail partnerships, and real consumer connection.

Treat yourself—press play now to hear how Chipwich became a great brand comeback story that every business leader can learn from. 🍦

Check out:

David Clarke shares why he sees grocery shelves as real estate—and how treating retailers as your real customers (not just end consumers) changes everything about how you build a great brand that lasts.

Hear the origin story of how David rediscovered the Chipwich name, realized its massive latent brand equity, and brought it back to life—proving that a great brand can be reborn with the right focus and persistence.

When a contract manufacturer’s listeria issue threatened the company, David explains how decisive action, transparency, and leadership kept the great brand reputation intact—and even strengthened retailer trust.

About David Clarke

David Clarke has 25 years of food & beverage leadership experience. From 2004 – 2013, Clarke was CEO of DeMet’s Candy Company, where he revitalized the Flipz™ and Turtles™ brands after acquiring them from Nestle growing them from $9MM and $32MM in annual sales respectively to over $130MM combined. In 2014, Yildis (owner of Godiva) acquired DeMet’s and named Clarke CEO of the wholesale chocolate business. Prior to DeMet’s, Clarke led a similar brand comeback in the sweet popcorn business, growing a set of struggling brands from $21MM to $78MM. Clarke’s connection to the ice cream category is derived from his time working in distribution for Häagen-Dazs, and his family’s ownership of the Klondike brand from 1978-1989.

What if the secret to stronger client relationships isn’t about selling more — but about creating experiences people can’t stop talking about?

If you’ve ever wondered how to make clients feel genuinely valued instead of just served, this episode is for you. Jim Schleckser chats with leadership strategist and author Neen James about how luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton and Rolex master the art of human connection — and how you can apply the same principles to elevate every client and team interaction.

You’ll learn how to:

• Apply Neen’s “Experience Elevation Model” to strengthen both client and employee relationships.

• Design moments of surprise and delight that transform loyal clients into enthusiastic advocates.

• Combine personalization with technology to create meaningful, lasting connections that set your business apart.

Hit play now to discover how to turn every client interaction into an exceptional experience that builds loyalty for life.

Check out:

• [08:45] — Neen breaks down the Experience Elevation Model and explains how leaders can use it to design exceptional client and employee experiences.

• [21:30] — A powerful discussion on how surprise and delight builds emotional loyalty — with real examples from luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton and Delta.

• [36:10] — Neen and Jim dive into the balance between AI efficiency and human connection, revealing how technology can enhance — not replace — authentic client relationships.

About Neen James

Over the past two decades, Neen James has partnered with some of the most iconic brands in the world, including Comcast, Paramount Pictures, Four Seasons Hotels, and Virtuoso Travel, helping them challenge the status quo by focusing on one fundamental principle: exceptional experiences are built on intentional focus and connection.

Her groundbreaking luxury mindset research—the only study of its kind—shows that luxury isn’t about things, it’s about a way of thinking and communicating that transforms how businesses connect with their audiences. As the author of Attention Pays and the forthcoming Exceptional Experiences, she brings a wealth of insights that have transformed how Fortune 500 CEOs, luxury brands, and global organizations lead and grow their market share.

What if banana ball held the secret to building a business culture that fans can’t stop talking about?

This episode takes you inside the world of the Savannah Bananas—a team that has turned baseball upside down by creating banana ball, a fast-paced, joy-filled experience that keeps fans lining up for more. And the lessons go way beyond sports. You’ll see how putting customers first, eliminating friction, and daring to innovate can transform your own organization just like it did for theirs.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How banana ball grew from one small experiment into a nationwide phenomenon.

• Why “fans first” thinking is the mindset shift every leader needs.

• Practical ways to build culture, spark innovation, and scale without losing your edge.

Press play now to learn how the bold moves behind banana ball can inspire you to reinvent your own playbook for success.

Check out:

• 09:45 – The birth of banana ball on the road
  Tyler explains how a small test in one city turned into a touring phenomenon that now sells out stadiums across the country.

• 21:10 – Fans first in action
  Discover the creative ways the Savannah Bananas removed friction—like all-you-can-eat tickets and fan-caught foul balls counting as outs—that made banana ball unforgettable.

• 47:30 – Scaling culture while scaling teams
  Tyler shares how the Bananas are building a Championship League, expanding teams, and keeping “fans first” at the core as they grow nationwide.

About Tyler Gillum

Tyler Gillum is a coach, educator, and entrepreneur who’s dedicated his life to helping others believe in themselves and chase their biggest dreams. His mantra, “Bet on Yourself” isn’t just a phrase, it’s how he lives, leads, and speaks.

From growing up on the rodeo circuit to leading the Savannah Bananas as Head Coach, his journey has been built on resilience, vision, and servant leadership. He has seen firsthand what happens when you bet on yourself, and more importantly, what happens when you help others do the same.