Wharton Marketing Matters

Consumers do not only want more energy. Increasingly, they are looking for ways to pause, moderate, and unwind.Zech Francis, CMO of Recess, explains how the functional beverage brand is positioning calm as a counterweight to caffeine, overstimulation, and high-alcohol drinking occasions. He discusses how Recess makes relaxation feel relatable through everyday moments such as a difficult commute, an overloaded inbox, or the Sunday scaries, rather than relying on clinical language or complicated ingredient claims.Francis also shares how Recess is building a platform that spans mood-support sparkling water, zero-proof mocktails, powders, and future innovations. He explores the marketing strategy behind turning a niche functional benefit into a broader consumer ritual, the value of getting "cans in hands" through sampling and retail, and the role of AI as a creative thought partner.

The NFL's most important currency is not a product. It is relevance.Marissa Solis, SVP of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing at the NFL, explains how the league is reaching new generations of fans while staying connected to its core audience. She discusses the global strategy behind the Bad Bunny halftime show, turning players into human stories through the NFL's Helmets Off initiative, creating content for Gen Z, and introducing American football to fans around the world.

What does it take to market a product that challenges long-held category expectations?Conley Downing, CMO of Archer Roose Wines, breaks down the strategy behind building a premium canned wine brand. From consumer trial and experiential marketing to Elizabeth Banks' creative role, retail visibility, moderation trends, and the power of a distinct brand identity, she shares how Archer Roose is making canned wine feel approachable without compromising quality.

How do restaurant brands create loyalty when every guest wants something different?Joel Bulger, CMO of WOWorks, the parent company of Saladworks, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, Frutta Bowls, Barberitos, The Simple Greek, and Zoup!, explains how the fast-casual restaurant group markets distinct brands while sharing technology, data, supply chains, and operational resources.He discusses building stronger customer relationships through customizable menus, nutrition filters, digital ordering, and loyalty programs. Bulger also explores using AI to analyze menu performance and personalize offers, co-branding concepts to reach more occasions, and ambassador programs that turn local customers into advocates.

Baby technology is changing how parents monitor sleep, health, and well-being. But how can brands provide meaningful information without creating more anxiety?Krista Weaver, Vice President and Head of Marketing at Owlet Baby Care, joins Barbara Kahn and Americus Reed to discuss marketing in the fast-growing baby tech category. They explore how Owlet combines FDA-cleared wearable monitoring with parent-first product design, actionable sleep insights, and ongoing customer feedback.The conversation also examines the power of parent communities and word of mouth, social listening as a driver of product innovation, responsible uses of AI in health-adjacent marketing, and how a brand can grow alongside the families it serves.

How did AG1 turn podcast advertising into a powerful engine for trust and growth?Paulie Dery, Chief Marketing Officer at AG1, explains why the company invested early in podcast advertising and built long-term relationships with hosts who genuinely use the product. He discusses how AG1 measures both brand impact and conversions, why authenticity is essential to host-read advertising, and how the company protects its premium positioning.Dery also shares the strategy behind the transition from Athletic Greens to AG1, lessons from his time at YETI, AG1’s expansion into Costco and Target, and how strong brands avoid becoming commodities.

How do you market healthcare in a way that builds trust?Kate Metzinger, Vice President of Marketing and Physician Outreach at Piedmont Healthcare, discusses her transition from consumer packaged goods to healthcare, why authentic storytelling is more effective than statistics, how marketing can drive growth in a mission-driven organization, and how AI is helping improve both the patient and provider experience.She also shares lessons on measuring marketing effectiveness, leading organizational change, and applying timeless marketing principles in one of the most trust-driven industries. 

Most brands compete against other brands. Liquid Death competes against entertainment. Greg Fass, Vice President of Marketing at Liquid Death, joins Barbara Kahn and Americus Reed to explain how the company builds campaigns designed to “win the internet.” From hiring comedians and creators instead of traditional marketers to developing ideas in a writer’s room environment, Greg shares the unconventional approach behind one of the most talked-about brands in marketing. They discuss why most people distrust marketing, how humor drives sharing, what brands can learn from entertainment, and the creative process behind some of Liquid Death’s most successful campaigns.

Can a simple idea create an entirely new product category? Mike Kurtz, Founder of Mike’s Hot Honey, shares the story behind transforming a homemade honey and chili pepper infusion into one of the most recognizable brands in the condiment aisle. Inspired by a memorable pizza experience in Brazil, Kurtz spent years refining his recipe before introducing the product through New York City’s pizza community. He discusses the power of word-of-mouth marketing, building an authentic brand, fostering customer advocacy, and scaling a business while staying connected to its roots. The conversation explores category creation, strategic partnerships, product innovation, and why community remains one of the strongest competitive advantages a brand can have.