In the latest episode of Pitch Lab, hosts Jackie and Tom slice into the flavorful world of craft meats with George Turkette, CEO and founder of Turchetti’s Salumeria. From DIY pancetta in restaurant kitchens to building a premium meat brand with national reach, George shares the unfiltered story behind one of the most exciting names in charcuterie today.

Learn more about George Turkette and the Rise of Turchetti’s Salumeria at https://merrickcreative.com/pitchlab/george-turkette

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.

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.