On Impact Podcast 003: Danny "Su" Griffin
On Impact Podcast
Episode Summary: In this episode of On Impact, Benny Pough sits down with Danny "Su" Griffin, who shares his journey from a challenging upbringing in Paterson, New Jersey, to becoming a force in the music industry. Danny opens up about how the loss of his father propelled him into the business and reflects on his pivotal discovery of Fetty Wap and the explosive success of “Trap Queen.” Offering advice for the youth of Paterson, Danny emphasizes the power of authenticity and the importance of having champions who believe in your music. He delves into the differences between...
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On Impact Podcast 002: Sita Lewis
On Impact Podcast
Episode Summary: In this episode, Benny Pough sits down with Sita Lewis, award-winning television producer and creator of Mama Sita’s Miracle Butter Cream, to discuss her inspiring journey through the entertainment industry. Sita reflects on how her upbringing as the daughter of entertainment legend, Butch Lewis, set a high standard of excellence, leading to her early career at BET, where she learned on the job. The conversation covers the importance of faith, authenticity, and staying true to her values, including how her letter to Tupac in prison, guided by her faith...
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On Impact Podcast 001: Freddy Cameron, Jr.
On Impact Podcast
Episode Summary: In the latest episode of On Impact, hosted by Benny Pough, Freddy Cameron, Jr., MBA, shares his fascinating journey and insights. He discusses his pivotal relationship with MC Hammer, which helped shape his early career, and his dual pursuits in retail and the music industry, highlighting the strategy of having "2 Plan As." Freddy explains his decision to choose retail over music, emphasizing the benefits of a stable career, and how he used his retail roles to discover and elevate new talent. He reflects on his success as a minority in various professional spaces and his...
info_outlineEpisode Summary:
In the latest episode of On Impact, hosted by Benny Pough, Freddy Cameron, Jr., MBA, shares his fascinating journey and insights. He discusses his pivotal relationship with MC Hammer, which helped shape his early career, and his dual pursuits in retail and the music industry, highlighting the strategy of having "2 Plan As." Freddy explains his decision to choose retail over music, emphasizing the benefits of a stable career, and how he used his retail roles to discover and elevate new talent. He reflects on his success as a minority in various professional spaces and his career transitions from big box retail to thrift retail and eventually into the cannabis industry. Freddy delves into the evolution of cannabis from criminalization to legalization and the importance of social equity programs for minorities. He introduces "Cookies Corners," innovative retail options in cannabis spaces ahead of legalization, and discusses the varying rules for medical cannabis. Freddy also highlights the impact of dedicated leadership, the role of AI in retail, and the importance of authenticity when selecting products and celebrities for the Cookies brand. Looking ahead, he shares his future goals, passion projects, and advice for the next generation of leaders. This episode offers valuable insights and inspiration from Freddy Cameron’s multifaceted career.
About Today’s Guest:
Today’s guest, Freddy Cameron, is a seasoned retail leader with over 20 years of experience managing large-scale operations for companies like Costco, Sam's Club/Walmart, and cannabis giant Cookies. Known for his commitment to supporting minority and regional suppliers, Freddy has dedicated his career to creating opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs in big-box and small-format retail. He also serves as an advisor to Tiffany Haddish’s Diaspora Groceries and has shared his expertise as a Retail Expert on the CW Network’s "Hatched." As a retail expert and "Tastemaker for the Everyday Person," Freddy is dedicated to helping organizations and CPG entrepreneurs streamline their operations and achieve success. His passion for working with companies and suppliers with compelling stories allows him to use his expertise to enhance their missions and drive impactful results.
Key Points from this Episode:
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Freddy’s relationship with MC Hammer
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Freddy’s connection with and start in the music business
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Building a career in retail while also pursuing a career in the music industry
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Discussion of 2 Plan As
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Deciding to pursue retail over music and weighing the benefits of building a career in retail over music
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Using retail roles as a vehicle for finding talent and elevating talent in retail spaces
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Being successful as the only minority in the room
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Moving from big box stores to thrift retail, to the cannabis space
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The evolution of cannabis from criminalized to legalized and social equity programs for minorities and people of color
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“Cookie’s Corners”
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Additional retail options with merchandise in cannabis spaces ahead of legalization
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Discussion on medical cannabis and the varying rules before recreational legalization
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The impact of a CEO who gives special care and attention to the products and mission of the company
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The use of AI in retail spaces and its usefulness in product recommendations
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Determining which products and celebrities become part of the Cookie’s brand based on authenticity and brand alignment
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Freddy’s future goals and passion projects
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Freddy’s recommendation and advice for the next generation of leaders
Mentioned on the Show:
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On Impact: Life, Leadership, and Betting On Yourself by Benny Pough
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Crafting Global Brilliance: A Guide to Building a Brand from Scratch