Unofficially SLATS: Day 1 - Exclusive Interviews from the Floor✨

1️⃣Frost Buddy: Revolutionizing Beverage Cooling at SLATS Conference

Frost Buddy, led by CEO Brock Mammoser, is shaking up the beverage cooling industry with its innovative universal can cooler. Designed to fit 12-ounce cans, slim cans, bottles, and 16-ounce cans, this all-in-one solution eliminates the need for multiple coolers, offering convenience and functionality at a competitive price.

Brock and his team created Frost Buddy in response to market demand for versatile solutions. Instead of relying on traditional data, the company prioritizes direct customer feedback and social media engagement to identify needs and develop innovative products. Beyond the universal can cooler, Frost Buddy has expanded its lineup to include to-go cup insulators and tumblers with practical features like key and chapstick storage.

Looking ahead, Frost Buddy is focused on growth, aiming to scale profitably from $30 million to $60 million in revenue. They’re also expanding licensing partnerships, currently offering designs for 80 NCAA schools, MLB, and NHL teams, with plans to enter brick-and-mortar retail and explore non-sports licensing opportunities.

Frost Buddy’s commitment to unique, customer-driven solutions and sustainable growth is redefining the beverage cooling experience, one universal cooler at a time.

2️⃣Wilson Sporting Goods: Pioneering Innovation and Excellence in Sports Equipment

Rob Woidneck, National Sales Director at Wilson Sporting Goods, shares how the company is shaping the future of sports with its commitment to innovation and quality.

Driving Innovation for Every Athlete

Wilson aims to make the world better through sports by creating top-tier products for both elite and recreational athletes. From collaborations with professional leagues like the NFL and NBA to developing cutting-edge gear, Wilson remains a market leader.

Differentiation Through Quality

Wilson's best-in-class product performance and authentic partnerships with major sports organizations set it apart. Products like the 3D-printed airless basketball and connected football (QBx) highlight their commitment to innovation and pushing technological boundaries.

Data-Driven Strategy

Wilson integrates advanced analytics and AI to enhance player performance. Their connected football leverages metrics like spin rate, velocity, and spiral efficiency, providing athletes with a competitive edge. This data-driven approach influences product development and market strategy.

Off The Pitch

Analytics and AI are as crucial off the pitch as they are on it. Integrating tools like Hive Perform into your sales strategy equips teams with unique product and partner insights, giving them the knowledge they need to win in any scenario.

3️⃣Northwest Group: Expanding Horizons with Innovative Textiles and AI-Driven Solutions

Ryan Valentine, VP of Global Marketing at Northwest Group, outlined the company’s growth strategy at a recent expo. As a leader in licensed textiles, they’re expanding into new markets like NASCAR, Formula One, and U.S. Soccer while growing geographically in Canada and Mexico. With over 250 meetings at the event, they aimed to secure major buys for the fall season.

AI plays a pivotal role in their operations, optimizing ad spend, automating product descriptions, and managing their vast catalog of 40,000+ SKUs annually. They’re also adapting to consumer trends, focusing on athleisure and new product categories like tote bags and picnic blankets.

Looking ahead, Northwest Group plans to expand its collegiate product portfolio, adding offerings for 2,500 more U.S. colleges. Their commitment to innovation and assortment ensures they remain a leader in the licensed textiles market.

4️⃣OCS Columbia and TCA: Innovating Licensed Sportswear

Justin Ciccarello, Sales Director at OCS Columbia and TCA, shared insights into their licensed sportswear business, which covers NCAA, MLB, NHL, and NBA products. Here's how they stand out and their plans for the future:

• Quick Turnaround: With in-house stock and print-on-demand capabilities, OCS delivers custom orders in just 1-2 weeks, differentiating them in a competitive market.

• Data-Driven Trends: By analyzing competitor offerings and market insights at industry events, OCS refines its product assortment to meet evolving consumer demands.

• Brand-Specific Strategies: Adidas focuses on basics over fashion for NCAA sports, while Columbia emphasizes competitive price points and stylish trends in the outerwear and polo categories.

Looking ahead, OCS aims to strengthen its market position, deliver high-quality products quickly, and adapt to shifting trends in sportswear.

5️⃣Michael Gaudioso - Director of Marketing at MV Sport | The Game

Michael Gaudioso shared how MV Sport | The Game, which operates under one umbrella, are excelling in the competitive licensed apparel and headwear markets. With 400 employees across New York and Alabama, the company specializes in producing high-quality blanks and custom-decorated products for retail, collegiate, and promotional sectors.

What Sets Them Apart

Key differentiators include in-house manufacturing, design, and inventory management, allowing for quick turnaround times and consistent quality. With over 20 years of experience, the company delivers premium products at competitive prices, positioning itself as a trusted partner in the apparel market.

Leveraging AI for Efficiency

Recently, the team explored AI-driven solutions to streamline imagery creation for e-commerce. Collaborating with a data company specializing in AI photo shoots, they aim to address the growing demand for high-quality product imagery without the need for traditional photo shoots, enhancing their ability to meet customer expectations efficiently.

Future Focus

Looking ahead, The Game and Top of the World plan to expand their licensing portfolio, strengthen partnerships, and continue leveraging technology to stay ahead in the evolving apparel industry. Their commitment to quality and innovation ensures they remain a strong player in the competitive licensed goods market.