Pitch Lab brings Merrick Creative’s Tom Frank and communication strategist Jackie Hampton together to spotlight CEOs and founders in the middle of the real work—launching products, scaling brands, and raising capital. No fluff. No buzzword bingo. Just sharp conversations about what it actually takes to stand out.Tom and Jackie dig into the origin stories, quirks, challenges, and ambitions behind emerging brands—then flip the script. The conversation becomes the raw material for a fast, punchy 30-second content piece designed to cut through noise and stick in people’s heads.Part brand workshop, part performance, Pitch Lab is where big ideas meet bold storytelling, strategic messaging, and just enough humor to make serious ambition unforgettable.
Pitch Lab is produced by Merrick Studios – where culture takes the mic.
Jamie Fahrner, co-founder of Shake Up Cocktails, discusses building a canned cocktail brand inspired by Midwest fairground flavors and engaging the community through investment, in this interview.
23 Oct 2025
Marianna Sachse - Jackalo
Marianna Sachse, founder and CEO of Jackalo, discusses building a sustainable kidswear brand focused on durability and circular fashion in an interview.
13 Oct 2025
Mark Elias - We Could Be Heroes
Actor Mark Elias discusses his fifteen-year journey in the entertainment industry, highlighting the importance of hustle and independent filmmaking, and previews his new project in this interview.
16 May 2025
George Turkette - Turchetti's Salumeria
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 ...
1 May 2025
Scott Baird - Donna's Pickle Beer
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 ...
11 Apr 2025
Brooke Vaughn – Please and Thank You
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 shape...
28 Mar 2025
Niles X Lichtenstein - Nestment
In this episode, Niles X. Lichtenstein, CEO of Nestment, shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leader in innovative real estate solutions. He discusses the importance of home ownership, the challenges faced by first-time buyers, and how Nestment aims to make home ownership attainable through co-buying and other strategies. Niles emphasizes the need for new pathways in real estate, especially for younger generations, and explains how Nestment's services can help navigat...
20 Feb 2025
Bartholomew Jones – Cxffeeblack
Bartholomew Jones, the co-founder of Cxffeeblack, discusses how his brand seeks to reclaim coffee's African roots while empowering Black farmers and promoting social justice. Through storytelling, music, and ethically sourced ingredients, Cxffeeblack offers an authentic coffee experience that emphasizes cultural connection and community. Key Takeaways • Bartholomew's journey from hip-hop artist to coffee entrepreneur • The mission of Cxffeeblack to create an equitable Black future • The impor...
12 Feb 2025
Introducing Pitch Lab
Pitch Lab brings Merrick Creative’s Tom Frank and content wizard William “Classic” Thomas together to spotlight CEOs and founders hustling to take their brands to the next level. Whether they're launching groundbreaking products, tackling growth challenges, or in the midst of raising capital, Tom and Classic dive into the heart of their stories. Each episode features a spirited conversation uncovering the quirks, origin tales, and future plans that make these brands tick. But the real magic h...
Who has been a guest on Pitch Lab
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Jamie Fahrner
Marianna Sachse
Mark Elias
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
556,813
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
13
Social presence
97
YouTube
86
Engagement
32
Contact Pitch Lab
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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