The Harvest Growth Podcast

Hosted by Jon LaClare

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Episodes

272

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Listen to inspirational stories from successful inventors and entrepreneurs as our host, Jon LaClare, founder of Harvest Growth, leads interviews targeted at helping aspiring inventors and market-leading entrepreneurs alike. If you’d like to see how Harvest Growth can help grow your product business, click below.

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June 15, 2026Episode 27425 min

Amazon SEO, PPC & Rufus: What Sellers Need to Know Now

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Rachel Hasson, Amazon expert and founder of Evolve Ad Agency, to break down what brands need to know to compete and convert on Amazon today.Rachel shares how she built her Amazon expertise from the ground up, starting with listing optimization work on Fiverr while managing Amazon accounts in a full-time marketing role. Today, she helps brands improve their Amazon presence through better listing strategy, conversion optimization, PPC campaigns, and channel growth.The conversation dives into why so many brands make the mistake of copying their website content directly onto Amazon — and why that rarely works. Rachel explains what she looks at first when evaluating a brand’s Amazon presence, including main images, infographics, listing copy, backend attributes, A+ Content, and how well the listing is built to convert shoppers in a crowded marketplace.Rachel also shares timely insight into Amazon’s AI shopping assistant, Rufus, and why sellers need to start optimizing not only for shoppers, but also for how AI understands and recommends products. From alt text in A+ Content to image copy and product attributes, she explains how Amazon’s changing search experience is reshaping listing optimization.The episode also covers Amazon PPC, including why brands should fix conversion problems before spending more on ads, how video can help products stand out, and why sellers should be careful about trying to manage campaigns without fully understanding how quickly Amazon advertising changes.If you’re selling on Amazon, launching a new product, or trying to improve an existing listing, this episode offers a practical look at what actually drives visibility, clicks, conversions, and long-term marketplace growth.In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why your Amazon listing should not simply copy your websiteHow to optimize your main image to stand out in search resultsWhy infographics and listing images matter for both shoppers and AIWhat Amazon Rufus is and why sellers need to optimize for itHow A+ Content, alt text, FAQs, and product specs can improve visibilityWhy conversion issues should be fixed before scaling PPCHow video ads can help brands stand out on AmazonWhy founders should be cautious about managing PPC themselvesHow to handle Amazon support issues with persistence and the right framingWhy TikTok Shop and Walmart.com can complement Amazon growthWant to connect with Rachel?Visit EvolveAdAgency.com to learn more about Rachel Hasson and Evolve Ad Agency.Do you have a brand you’d like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

June 8, 2026Episode 27230 min

From Unknown Idea to 8-Figure Brand: How to Educate, Sell, and Scale

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Evan Zhao of Pacagen to discuss how his team developed and marketed a new kind of pet allergy solution designed to help people live more comfortably with the animals they love.Evan shares the challenge of bringing a product to market when customers do not already understand the category. Unlike products built around familiar trends like magnesium, creatine, or protein, Pacagen had to educate customers on why pet allergies happen, how their solution works, and why it is different from traditional options.The conversation dives into what it takes to build demand for a new product category, including how Pacagen approached longer sales cycles, performance marketing, website sales, Amazon, and customer education. Evan explains why products that require more explanation often perform better on a brand’s own website, where companies can capture customer information, retarget visitors, and continue educating them over time.Evan also shares why lifetime value is one of the most important drivers of growth, especially for a product customers may come back to repeatedly. From customer service to packaging, scent, shipping, and the full product experience, Pacagen focuses on improving every touchpoint to make sure customers have a reason to return.This episode also explores Pacagen’s work with shelters, where the company gives away free samples to help more people keep their pets instead of giving them up due to allergies. Evan explains why this is one of the few initiatives his team does without focusing directly on ROI — because helping pets stay in loving homes is valuable on its own.In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:● How Pacagen created a new category in pet allergy relief● Why educating customers is critical when selling an unfamiliar product● How longer sales cycles impact performance marketing strategy● Why website sales can be more effective than Amazon for products that require explanation● How Amazon can serve as a demand capture channel● Why lifetime value depends on the full customer experience● How customer service helps improve product retention● Why product sampling can build trust, create goodwill, and support a larger mission● How Pacagen is helping pet owners and shelters reduce allergy-related pet surrenderIf you’re building a new product category, marketing a product that requires education, or trying to improve long-term customer value, this episode offers practical insight into how product quality, customer experience, and clear messaging work together to support sustainable growth.To learn more about Pacagen, visit Pacagen.com or search for Pacagen on Amazon.Do you have a brand you’d like to launch or scale? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

June 1, 2026Episode 27133 min

Building a Premium Product Brand: Colton Forth on Juke Audio, Customer Trust, and Copycats

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Colton Forth, President of Juke Audio, to discuss how a personal home audio problem turned into a fast-growing consumer electronics brand.Colton shares how he and his father originally developed Juke Audio for their own family home after receiving expensive five-figure quotes for an in-ceiling speaker system. What started as a practical solution for their own needs eventually became a commercial product designed to make whole-home audio more affordable, elegant, and reliable.The conversation explores the advantages of built-in audio systems over bulky “wireless” speakers, especially for new construction, remodels, and retrofits. Colton explains why hardwired, centralized audio systems can offer better aesthetics, stronger reliability, and higher sound quality than many plug-in alternatives.Colton also walks through the early days of launching Juke Audio, including the unforgettable first sale around Thanksgiving 2019, the simple website that helped validate demand, and the handwritten notes that helped create early customer loyalty. From there, he shares how the company built trust through industry trade shows, awards, customer support, Crutchfield, Amazon, authentic founder-led social media content, and user-generated videos.This episode also dives into one of the toughest challenges product brands face: copycats. Colton explains how Juke Audio dealt with a company that copied its product design, logo, listings, and marketing assets — and how patents, legal action, strong branding, and founder authenticity helped protect the business.In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why built-in home audio can outperform bulky wireless speaker systemsHow Juke Audio started as a solution for Colton’s own family homeWhat Colton learned from the company’s very first saleHow handwritten notes and accessible customer support built early trustWhy industry awards and trade shows helped validate the brandHow Juke Audio earned a major retail partnership with CrutchfieldWhy authentic founder-led video ads can outperform overproduced contentHow user-generated content can fuel both marketing and product developmentWhat product founders should know about copycats, patents, and brand protectionWhy the best time to start building your business may be right nowIf you’re building a premium product, launching a technical consumer brand, or trying to create trust in a competitive market, this episode offers practical insight into product validation, customer support, authentic marketing, and long-term brand protection.To learn more about Juke Audio, visit JukeAudio.com. You can also find Juke Audio on Amazon and Crutchfield.Do you have a brand you’d like to launch or scale? Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

May 25, 2026Episode 27034 min

Why Getting Into Walmart Almost Broke This Product Business

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Scott Anderson, entrepreneur, Air Force veteran, and founder behind multiple growing businesses, including iFlex, Optimal Weight and Wellness Med Spa, and Get VA Help.Scott shares the story of iFlex, a phone holder product that saw exciting early momentum in retail stores like Walmart, Office Depot, Staples, and Fred Meyer. But what looked like success on the surface quickly revealed a painful lesson: revenue does not always equal profit. After cutting pricing dramatically to meet Walmart’s requirements and splitting already-tight margins between multiple partners, Scott realized the retail path was not the right long-term solution for his business.The conversation dives into how Scott took the product back, canceled the licensing deal, and rebuilt iFlex around customer feedback. By launching the improved iFlex Buddy, optimizing Amazon listings, investing in PPC, and paying closer attention to reviews, Scott was able to regain control of the brand and drive renewed growth on Amazon.Scott also shares how the lessons he learned from product development carried into his next venture: Optimal Weight and Wellness Med Spa in Sun City West, Arizona. What started as a one-room weight loss clinic quickly expanded into a seven-room med spa offering medically supervised weight loss, GLP-1 support, facials, dermaplaning, microneedling, massage therapy, red light therapy, and more.Finally, Scott introduces Get VA Help, a new platform designed to help veterans better understand their VA disability ratings. Powered by the Veteran Rating Intelligence System, or VRIS, the platform helps organize medical records, decision letters, exams, and supporting statements so veterans can better see how their records align with VA rating criteria.If you’re building a product brand, considering retail, growing on Amazon, launching a service business, or looking for a real-world example of how customer feedback can shape better decisions, this episode is packed with practical lessons.In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why getting into Walmart is not always as profitable as it looksHow retail pricing pressure can destroy product marginsWhy Scott took iFlex back from a licensing dealHow customer feedback helped create the improved iFlex BuddyWhy Amazon reviews, PPC, and listing optimization helped restart growthHow Scott’s mindset shifted from passive licensing to hands-on business managementWhat product founders can learn from listening closely to customersHow Optimal Weight and Wellness Med Spa grew from one room to seven roomsWhy Google reviews and community trust matter for local service businessesHow Get VA Help is being built to support veterans with VA disability rating clarityAnd so much more!Want to connect with Scott?Search for iFlex phone holder on Amazon to find the iFlex Buddy. To learn more about Optimal Weight and Wellness Med Spa, visit myoptimallifeaz.com. If you are a veteran or family member of a veteran, visit getvahelp.org to learn more about Get VA Help.Do you have a brand you’d like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

May 18, 2026Episode 26928 min

The REAL Reason Customers Pay More (with Andy Auble)

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Andy Auble, entrepreneur behind Gluetread and Proof Razor, to explore how American manufacturing, fast product development, and customer trust can create a powerful competitive advantage.Andy shares the story behind Gluetread, a unique off-road tire sidewall repair product that was born from a real problem and eventually grew into a patented solution trusted by off-roaders, agricultural users, and even organizations like the U.S. Border Patrol. He explains how early skepticism was overcome through product demos, customer reviews, word-of-mouth, and a bold Rubicon Trail “torture test” that proved the product could perform under extreme conditions.The conversation also dives into Proof Razor, Andy’s premium Made-in-USA razor brand built around long-term quality, honest pricing, universal blades, and freedom from subscription lock-in. Unlike Gluetread, which created a new product category, Proof Razor competes in a crowded market—making its positioning, materials, customer experience, and manufacturing story even more important.Andy also shares practical advice for founders, including why entrepreneurs should fail fast, test minimum viable products, get feedback from people outside their personal circle, and avoid getting stuck chasing perfection before launch.In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why moving quickly can be a major advantage for American-made product brandsHow domestic manufacturing can improve speed, quality control, cash flow, and relationshipsThe story behind Gluetread and how it solved a real off-road tire repair problemHow customer reviews, real-world demos, and torture tests build credibilityWhy premium products need strong proof, trust, and clear positioningHow Proof Razor challenges the traditional razor-and-blades business modelWhy founders should test minimum viable products before scaling too quicklyThe importance of failing fast, setting goals, and learning from real customersIf you’re building a product business, launching a new idea, or trying to stand out in a crowded market, this episode offers practical lessons on product validation, manufacturing, brand trust, and long-term growth.Want to connect with Andy or learn more about his products?Visit Gluetread.com or ProofRazor.com.Do you have a brand you’d like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

May 11, 2026Episode 26831 min

From Amazon to Retail: The Omni-Channel Strategy Behind Jaxon Lane’s Success

Over the past 20 years, the team at Harvest Growth has helped launch and grow hundreds of consumer products, generating more than $2 billion in revenue. On the Harvest Growth Podcast, we break down what actually works in product marketing—real stories, real strategies, and lessons you can put to work right away.In this episode, Jon LaClare sits down with Alex Penfold, co-founder of Jaxon Lane, to share how he built a leading men’s skincare brand by combining Amazon dominance, strategic PR, and a smart omni-channel expansion strategy.Alex explains how starting with a niche focus on long-tail keywords helped Jaxon Lane stand out on Amazon—even as competition and costs increased. From there, he leveraged PR exposure, including major publications and editorial features, to drive awareness, organic growth, and retail demand.The conversation dives deep into how Jaxon Lane expanded beyond Amazon into direct-to-consumer, Meta advertising, TikTok, and major retail partners like Urban Outfitters, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue—turning each channel into a growth engine that feeds the others.Alex also breaks down what it really takes to win with PR, why having a compelling product story matters more than just launching something new, and how consistent product innovation keeps brands relevant year after year.If you’re building a product brand and wondering how to scale beyond a single channel—or how to fund growth without outside investment—this episode offers a practical roadmap from someone who’s done it successfully.In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why niche positioning and long-tail keywords drive early Amazon successHow PR exposure can accelerate brand awareness and organic growthThe role of retail as both a revenue channel and top-of-funnel marketingWhy omni-channel strategies outperform single-channel businessesWhat it takes to succeed on TikTok (and why it’s a completely different model)How to approach influencer and UGC strategies more efficientlyWhy product quality and manufacturing decisions directly impact growthThe advantages and challenges of bootstrapping vs. taking outside investmentHow to fund growth by reinvesting profits across channelsAnd so much moreIf you’re launching a product, scaling on Amazon, or looking to expand into retail, PR, or TikTok, this episode will help you think more strategically about long-term growth.To learn more about Jaxon Lane, visit jaxonlane.com or search for their products on Amazon.Do you have a brand you’d like to launch or grow?Want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenue?Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation with our team today.

May 4, 2026Episode 26734 min

How a Simple Lip Balm Became a Best-Selling Product on Amazon

Over the past 20 years, our team at Harvest Growth has helped launch and grow hundreds of consumer products, generating more than $2 billion in revenue. On this podcast, we break down what actually works in product marketing—real stories, real strategies, and lessons you can put to work right away.In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Dave Maloney, founder of a rapidly growing skincare brand built around simple, effective formulations and a commitment to product quality over hype.Dave shares how what started as a personal project—creating a product to help his mom—evolved into a thriving business, with his lip balm becoming a standout best-seller on Amazon. Drawing from his background in biotech and chemistry, Dave explains how understanding natural ingredients, testing formulations, and focusing on performance helped him create products that customers truly love.The conversation dives into why his lip balm outperformed other products, how customer behavior and repeat purchases drive growth, and why many competing products fail to deliver lasting results. Dave also breaks down his lean business model, explaining how he scaled quickly without building a large internal team by leveraging contractors and maintaining flexibility.You’ll also learn why starting small was one of his biggest advantages—testing products with minimal inventory, refining based on real customer feedback, and avoiding costly mistakes early on. Dave shares his perspective on Amazon as a sales channel, including its advantages, challenges, and why being where customers are ready to buy can make all the difference.In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we’ll cover:Why products that truly work drive repeat purchases and organic growthHow Dave formulated a high-performing product using natural ingredientsWhy his lip balm became the #1 seller—and what made it differentThe importance of starting small and validating product-market fit earlyHow to scale a business while keeping your team lean and flexibleWhy Amazon can be a powerful channel (if used strategically)The realities of getting reviews and building trust on AmazonWhy focusing on one “hero product” can accelerate growthThe importance of community and mentorship for entrepreneursAnd so much more!If you’re launching a product, scaling an eCommerce brand, or trying to build something that customers come back to again and again, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.To be a guest on our next episode of the podcast, contact us today!Do you have a brand that you’d like to launch or grow? Do you want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenues? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation with us today!

April 27, 2026Episode 26628 min

How Scientific Validation and Amazon Strategy Drive Supplement Brand Growth

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Hank Cheatham to explore what it really takes to build and scale a supplement brand in one of the most competitive—and skeptical—categories on the market.With a background rooted in a Japanese pharmaceutical company, Hank shares how Daiwa Health Development brought a unique brain health supplement to the U.S., powered by a specialized ingredient designed to support memory and cognitive function. But beyond the product itself, this conversation dives into the bigger picture: why scientific validation, quality standards, and strategic channel expansion are essential for long-term success.You’ll learn how an aging global population is driving demand for cognitive health solutions, why most supplements lack meaningful testing, and how clinical studies can become a powerful differentiator in a crowded marketplace. Hank also breaks down the realities of launching a product in the U.S.—including the importance of direct-to-consumer channels, Amazon growth strategy, and the challenges of maintaining control over your brand.From leveraging existing distribution relationships to navigating unauthorized sellers on Amazon, this episode is packed with practical insights for founders, marketers, and anyone looking to build a trusted product brand.In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:Why scientific validation is critical in the supplement industryHow clinical studies can dramatically increase credibility and trustThe growing demand for brain health products driven by aging populationsWhat most supplement brands get wrong about proof and differentiationHow to successfully launch a product from overseas into the U.S. marketThe three core distribution channels: direct-to-consumer, retail, and professionalWhy Amazon is essential—but shouldn’t be your only strategyHow to protect your brand from unauthorized sellers on AmazonThe role of quality, testing, and cultural standards in product developmentWhy products that truly work ultimately drive repeat customers and growthEXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR LISTENERSHank and his team are offering Harvest Growth Podcast listeners an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on their official website:Visit https://www.dhdmed.com/Use promo code DBH2026 at checkout to receive 20% off your orderThis offer is available directly through their website, where you can explore their full product line and learn more about their science-backed approach to brain health.If you’re building a supplement brand—or any product in a competitive category—this episode offers a clear roadmap for standing out through real results, strong positioning, and smart channel strategy.To learn more about Daiwa Health Development and their products, visit their website or search for their offerings online.Do you have a brand that you’d like to launch or grow? Do you want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenue? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation today!

April 20, 2026Episode 26532 min

How Wellnesse Built a 7-Figure Clean Oral Care Brand in a Crowded Market

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Seth Spears, founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Wellnesse, a B Corp-certified brand that has sold over 1 million units in the highly competitive personal care space.Seth shares how he transitioned from building a content-driven audience over more than a decade into launching a product-based business—and why that foundation gave him a powerful advantage when entering the market. He explains how Wellnesse identified a major gap in personal care: products that are both clean and high-performing, without sacrificing one for the other.The conversation dives into the realities of building a brand in a crowded category, including how to differentiate beyond price, why most competitors fail to build long-term trust, and how storytelling, product quality, and consistency drive sustainable growth. Seth also breaks down how direct-to-consumer strategy enabled premium pricing, why customer feedback remains central to product development, and how the brand continues to evolve through testing and iteration.If you're building a product brand—especially in health, wellness, or any saturated market—this episode offers a practical blueprint for standing out, earning trust, and scaling with purpose.In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we cover:How Wellnesse sold over 1 million units in a competitive categoryWhy “clean” products often fail—and how to fix thatThe advantage of building an audience before launching a productHow to differentiate when competitors are copying your spaceWhy brand > product for long-term successHow to use customer feedback to drive product innovationThe role of direct-to-consumer in premium pricing strategyWhy most founders fail by chasing profits instead of purposeLessons learned from scaling too fast and hiring too earlyHow consistent storytelling builds trust and lifetime customersIf you’re launching or scaling a product brand and want to stand out in a crowded market, this episode delivers actionable insights you can apply immediately.To learn more about Wellnesse, visit Wellnesse.com or search for their products online.Do you have a brand you’d like to launch or grow?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.

April 6, 2026Episode 26427 min

Amazon Growth Strategy: Listings, Ads & AI Explained

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Nik Hall, founder and CEO of Revive Amazon Partners, to break down what it really takes to grow and scale a product-based business on Amazon.Nik brings a unique perspective, having built and exited his own multi-million dollar CPG brand before launching an agency focused on helping other companies succeed on Amazon. Through firsthand experience, he’s seen what works, what fails, and why so many brands grow quickly—only to hit a frustrating plateau.The conversation dives into the real drivers of Amazon success, from identifying the right products to scale, to optimizing listings for conversion, to structuring ad campaigns in a way that actually drives sustainable growth. Nik also explains why most brands focus too heavily on tactics like keyword bidding, while ignoring the bigger operational and strategic factors that ultimately determine success.We also explore how Amazon’s evolving AI ecosystem is beginning to change product discovery, and what brands should be doing now to stay competitive as the platform continues to evolve.In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we’ll cover:Why many Amazon brands plateau—and how to break throughHow to identify which products in your catalog are worth scalingThe role of conversion rate and sales velocity in Amazon’s algorithmWhy most Amazon listings fail to convert (and how to fix them)The difference between main images and A+ content—and when each mattersHow campaign structure impacts your ability to scale profitablyWhy pricing, reviews, and CPC determine your growth ceilingThe importance of operations, inventory, and supply chain in scalingHow Amazon’s AI is reshaping search and product discoveryA practical 90-day strategy for launching and growing on AmazonIf you’re selling on Amazon—or planning to—this episode provides a clear, practical framework for building a business that doesn’t just grow quickly, but continues to scale over time.Want to connect with Nik?Find him on LinkedIn or visit revivemp.com to learn more about Revive Amazon Partners and how they help brands grow on Amazon.Do you have a brand you’d like to launch or scale?Visit HarvestGrowth.com to book a free consultation and learn how our team has helped generate over $2 billion in product sales.