Thursday, February 27, 8:00pm - 9:00pm (EST)
Join the National Inventor Club for an exclusive session with Michael (Mike) Stancill, hosted by Brian Fried. With over 30 years of experience, Mike has worked on both sides of the retail equation—as a former buyer for PetSmart and Sprouts Farmers Market and now as Business Development Manager at Central Garden & Pet, representing brands like Nylabone, Cadet, and Kaytee.
Mike will share insider knowledge on what makes product pitches successful, drawing from his experience evaluating thousands of proposals at PetSmart. He’ll break down what catches a buyer’s attention, how retailers evaluate new products, and how inventors can navigate the high-stakes retail decision-making process. He’ll also discuss a real-life pitch—the "Buy The Pound" custom pet food machine—to illustrate how preparation and strategy can make or break a deal.
Brian Fried will contribute his expertise on manufacturer partnerships and getting products to market. Together, they’ll cover:
✔ What retail buyers look for in a pitch
✔ How to craft a compelling value proposition
✔ Managing sales volume expectations and promotional budgets
✔ Navigating buyer meetings and manufacturer partnerships
This must-attend event will provide practical, actionable insights for inventors and entrepreneurs serious about bringing their innovations to retail.
With three decades in retail buying, sourcing, and business development, Mike has unique insight into what buyers need and how vendors secure deals. At PetSmart, he managed multiple categories and reviewed thousands of pitches. Now, at Central Garden & Pet, he helps brands successfully enter the market.
A leader in pet and garden products, Central Garden & Pet owns brands like Nylabone, Kaytee, Four Paws, Aqueon, and Cadet, selling through major retailers nationwide.
National Inventor Club, info@inventorsmart.com