What does it take to successfully scale a CPG brand in today’s complex retail environment—without overspending on talent or sacrificing strategy?

In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn sits down with Robert Fascia, Owner of Vandelay Strategies, and Tommy Renda, President of TCR Consulting and Partner at Vandelay Strategies, to discuss how fractional sales and strategy leadership can deliver an outsized impact for emerging and growing CPG brands.

Drawing from decades of combined experience across retail, merchandising, finance, and vendor leadership, Robert and Tommy shared how they partner with brands as fractional VPs of Sales and Strategy—bringing structure, clarity, and execution to companies navigating retail expansion, turnaround situations, and category placement decisions.

They explore the realities of modern retail, the importance of broker and buyer relationships, and why thoughtful strategy must precede scale. Robert and Tommy also reflect on their own non-linear career paths, the lessons learned from working on both sides of the table, and how strong leadership, humility, and work ethic continue to shape long-term success.

Key topics include:

• Why strategy is the foundation of every successful CPG brand
  
  
  
• How fractional leadership can reduce cost while increasing effectiveness
  
  
  
• The risks of short-term retail decisions and their long-term implications
  
  
  
• Scaling legacy and emerging brands across regional and national footprints
  
  
  
• Career lessons from transitioning between retail, finance, and vendor roles
  
  
  
• What hiring leaders truly look for in candidates entering the industry
  
  
  

Whether you’re a CPG founder, retail professional, or leader navigating growth and change, this episode offers practical insight into building sustainable strategies—and careers—in an evolving industry.

🎧 Listen now to gain a clearer perspective on CPG growth, strategic leadership, and the career decisions that drive lasting impact.

Guest Links:

Connect with Robert Fascia on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-fascia-6b503a11
Email: robert.fascia@vandelaystrategies.com

Connect with Tommy Renda on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-renda-8714652a/
Email: tommy@tcrconsulting.info

Next Steps:
Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail.

For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn