Stories from David & Adam Blumenthal covering 144 years and five generations of an iconic yarn brand in the creative industry. From how it got its name to what keeps it strong and growing. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Lion Brand has been around for 144 years Lion Brand was the sole supplier of yarn to Target for many years up until Target discontinued the catego…

When your company has a Dean of Leadership Development and twelve Character Commitments, you know they take servant leadership seriously. Jim Iyoob, Chief Customer Officer of Etech Global Services, shares the culture that began with a vision “to make a remarkable difference for each other” — clients, team members, and community. KEY TAKEAWAYS Etech…

Retail authority Michael Barker shares his philosophy on how Happy Customers + Happy Employees always leads to a Healthy Business [Podcast first published November 2021] KEY TAKEAWAYS Happy Customers + Happy Employees = Healthy Business If you reduce employee turn 20% you increase profits by more than 20% Happy employees make Happy customers AVID I…

Garry Ridge, retired CEO of WD-40, is this amazing combination of a confident leader and a very humble servant who has led his tribe very well. Although he was in the oil products business, in this episode we talk about a lot of things that have nothing to do with oil but everything to do with how to grow your business and grow your people. [Podcas…

As Dean of Global Leadership Development, Melissa Wood spearheads all learning and development business-building programs for Etech. She shares insights into the next generation of leaders and how you can build your personal leadership development program. KEY TAKEAWAYS John Maxwell had a tremendous influence on Etech and Melissa ever since he spok…

Creating a more colorful, connected, comforting and caring world with yarn. KEY TAKEAWAYS Lion Brand has an amazing Purpose Statement with four key words Colorful Lion Brand produces high-quality, uniquely colored yarn that stands above the competition Connected Lion Brand stays connected to the craft and the community that the craft creates Comfor…

When employees and leaders choose to share their talent with your company, give them opportunities on their journey. Melissa Wood shares the 12 character commitments of Etech culture and the 5 Pillars of Education to produce the next generation of leaders. KEY TAKEAWAYS Etech has 12 character commitments for their company culture Humility Integrity…

A comment on the Tonight Show leads to a 30-year partnership with Vanna White. The mindset of giving back and making a difference has led to #HATNOTHATE, donations to charities like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a wider spectrum of skin tones (Skein Tones), and sustainability. KEY TAKEAWAYS Lion Brand has stayed in the family because famil…

Melissa Wood turns the table and interviews Clint about his WHY and his passion for servant leadership. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Melissa Wood flips the interview on Clint and interviews him for a few minutes Clint talks about the influence his Dad had on teaching him about Servant Leadership starting with listening to cassette tapes of Zig Ziegler Clint also…

If you make a living in the fiber arts, whether it's a side gig, full-time gig, small store, mega store or multinational store, h+h americas 2022 is the place to be. h+h americas will become the U.S. based sister event of the German h+h cologne, the world’s leading trade fair for the handicrafts industry. Starting in 2022, h+h americas will take pl…

Stories covering 144 years and five generations of an iconic yarn brand in the creative industry. From how it got its name to what keeps it strong and growing. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Lion Brand has been around for 144 years Lion Brand was the sole supplier of yarn to Target for many years up until Target discontinued the category Lion Brand has been on the…

Mentoring isn’t just talk at Etech Global Services. With a formal program that promoted over 300 people last year, Jim Iyoob and other company leaders mentor the next generation of leaders. Which fits perfectly with Jim’s belief that you need to ‘get out of the stand and onto the field’ with your people. KEY TAKEAWAYS You want and have to be intent…

When your company has a Dean of Leadership Development and twelve Character Commitments, you know they take servant leadership seriously. Jim Iyoob, Chief Customer Officer of Etech Global Services, shares the culture that began with a vision “to make a remarkable difference for each other” — clients, team members, and community. KEY TAKEAWAYS Etech…

Jim Scatena, a legend in the creative industry, discusses what it's like to work with two of the most creative companies — Crayola and FloraCraft — and the life and leadership lessons he learned. KEY TAKEAWAYS Keep an eye on your goals. They'll help you make the moves to grow your experience and expand your skills Sometimes you can impact your most…

Creative Industry legend, Jim Scatena, reveals the secret to trade show success and looks ahead at trade shows, supply chain management, and the need for innovation in the craft industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS The real success of trade shows comes from focusing on networking and education Meetings between suppliers and retailers at trade shows are valuable…

Creative Industry legend Jim Scatena on the importance of being engaged in your community, the power of content creators, and stories of industry connections. KEY TAKEAWAYS Take care and look out for your community Mentors are a necessity for success Wilton launched in JCPenny, not in the Craft channel Wilton success was largely attributed to havin…

Retail Authority Michael Barker Shares His Philosophy On How Happy Customers + Happy Employees Always Leads To Healthy Business KEY TAKEAWAYS Happy Customers + Happy Employees = Healthy Business If you reduce employee turn 20% you increase profits by more than 20% Happy employees make Happy customers AVID Insights creates a Health ID score to measu…

Creative Industry Icon Joann Pearson shares why in creating there are no mistakes, just happy accidents. KEY TAKEAWAYS In creating there are no mistakes, just happy accidents! As you learn in the creative process, share and help others learn. Be open to learning from those who will share with you. SUGGESTED ACTIONS For Suppliers and Retailers - lis…

Rich Ezra shares how Schitt's Creek inspired a new product line that has hit an emotional chord with fans of the show, plus how competing against mega brands inspired Lion Brand to find unique and innovative ways to carve out a niche. KEY TAKEAWAYS When competing against mega brands with huge advertising dollars you have to find unique and innovati…

Abby Glassenberg’s journey started as a blogger and dollmaker. The journey then evolved to the business side of the craft industry, eventually launching Craft Industry Alliance, while still running her sewing business. KEY TAKEAWAYS Craft Industry Alliance (CIA) is made up of businesses of all sizes, from small Etsy shop owners to large companies. …

Lifelong Crafter, Author & Creative Industry Icon Joann Pearson Entertains and Delights Us With Her Life of Crafting Adventures. KEY TAKEAWAYS Listen as Jo Pearson shares how she got started in the Creative Industry and about her journey as she was the creative leader for one of the largest craft retailers in the world. SUGGESTED ACTIONS For Suppli…

Lawrence Hoffman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Marvy Uchida, shares how Le Pen became the most recognizable product of the Marvy Uchida brand. He and Clint discuss how Marvy Uchida is now working with influencers to bring people together in the creative industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS Lawrence is VP Sales for Uchida. Customers are endeared to U…

Clint talks to craft industry influencer, Alexa Westerfield, Founder of Swell Creative Media, as she reflects on her journey from the early days at DecoArt and Duncan, as well as how Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica, impacted her life in a big way. KEY TAKEAWAYS Who has influenced Alexa’s life? Kathy Cano Murillo - Crafty Chica Has been a guidi…

Kathy Cano-Murillo, author, artist and founder of the award-winning brand Crafty Chica shares her strategy for being consistent and knowing the end goal. KEY TAKEAWAYS Kathy’s “Gospel of Glitter” - be positive and make space for a successful outcome! It’s about giving and sharing - if things are going bad in your own life go do something nice for s…

In Part 2, Charlie Leichtweis, founder of Experts in HOW LLC, digs into Results and Relationships in leadership (100% of both). Charlie shares the value of no longer doing what you're not getting paid for with his unique Direct Profitability Model. KEY TAKEAWAYS Leadership has an equal emphasis on Results and Relationships. When you build the relat…

Charlie Leichtweis, founder of Experts in HOW LLC, shares his approach to organizational development to help leaders with the HOW to create sustainable, profitable growth - and it all starts with the people! The hallmark of trust begins with respect. Part 1 KEY TAKEAWAYS The Power of Respect in Business About Leadership Leadership is equal emphasis…

Garry Ridge, CEO of WD-40, is this amazing combination of a confident leader and a very humble servant that leads his tribe very well. Although he is in the oil products business, in this episode we talk about a lot of things that have nothing to do with oil but everything to do with how to grow your business and grow your people. KEY TAKEAWAYS 70%…

Consumer anthropologists, Rich Kizer and Georganne Bender, discuss their watershed moments and how the pandemic has changed the retail landscape for the better. Despite the rise of eCommerce, Brick & Mortar is here to stay. KEY TAKEAWAYS We are at a fork in the road moment for many businesses right now. Another fork in the road in retail was when B…

Everyone wants to be seen, and brands need to start taking steps to help everyone be seen by and feel included by the brand. Clint discusses inclusion in today's craft industry with Alexa Westerfield, Founder of Swell Creative Media. KEY TAKEAWAYS It’s time to take a look at how we are serving a diverse base of consumers People want to be seen - we…

Lawrence Hoffman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Marvy Uchida, cut his teeth in retail when he was 12 years old, working for Michael Dupey/MJ Designs. Lawrence and Clint discuss what it's like to work with world class retailers and manufacturers. KEY TAKEAWAYS Mike Dupey, was the father of Arts & Crafts Retail - one key to his success was…

Kathy Cano-Murillo, author, artist and founder of the award-winning brand Crafty Chica shares the magic formula of what inspires her creative journey. KEY TAKEAWAYS Kathy’s love of creativity goes all the way back to fifth grade when she found that by sharing a story that she created with her class, she found a magic formula that connected with peo…

Consumer anthropologists, Rich Kizer and Georganne Bender, discuss generational diversity and the retail experience with Clint O'Rear. KEY TAKEAWAYS As a supplier or retailer, it is important to understand the changing needs of your consumer base. One of the biggest demographic trends in America is the aging of the population, and many retailers an…

Build your social media strategy around where your customers are, not where you think the cool place is to be. Clint O’Rear has a frank discussion with craft industry influencer Alexa Westerfield, Founder of Swell Creative Media, about using social media strategy to build your brand. KEY TAKEAWAYS Brands previously told consumers what to do with th…