In this episode of Grocery Pulse, host George Goodwin speaks with Stu Gavurin, founder of Opsense, about the transformative role of smart technology in food safety, compliance, and efficiency within the grocery and consumer packaged goods (CPG) sectors. They discuss the inspiration behind Opsense, the significant issue of food waste, and the importance of real-time monitoring and alerts in grocery operations. The conversation also touches on the challenges retailers face in food safety compliance, the future of food safety technology, and the operational wins experienced by retailers using Opsense. Throughout the discussion, Gavurin emphasizes the need for technology that simplifies processes and enhances customer experience, while also sharing personal insights on maintaining a sharp entrepreneurial spirit.

Takeaways

• Smart technology is revolutionizing food safety and compliance.
• Food waste in the U.S. amounts to over $218 billion annually.
• Opsense was inspired by the needs of mid-sized grocers.
• Real-time monitoring can prevent significant food loss.
• Independents are quicker to adopt new technology than corporates.
• Data collection is crucial for identifying patterns in food safety.
• Store walks are essential for maintaining operational efficiency.
• Automation can free up employees to focus on customer service.
• The metric of 'saves' is vital for understanding operational success.
• Peace of mind is a key benefit of using Opsense.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Smart Technology in Grocery

03:19 The Inspiration Behind Opsens

06:30 The Impact of Food Waste

10:42 Implementing Technology for Efficiency

15:40 Tips for Reducing Food Loss

20:32 The Importance of Store Walks

24:10 Enhancing Customer Experience through Automation

28:08 Challenges in Food Safety Compliance

32:37 Future Trends in Food Safety Technology

39:00 Predictive Analytics in Retail

42:55 Operational Wins and Metrics

50:19 The Importance of Non-Negotiables

53:52 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

01:03:35 Lessons Learned in Scaling a Business

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We’re always looking for leaders in grocery, retail, and CPG with a story to share.

🌐 Learn More: ⁠www.opsense.com⁠ 📧 More Info⁠

• ⁠https://www.innovaragency.com/blog/-smart-tech-in-grocery-how-opsense-is-helping-grocers-prevent-loss-boost-compliance-reduce-food-waste

• ⁠What Does Kōbu Mean? The Inspiring Roots Behind Kōbu Kombucha Powder, the Trending CPG Product⁠

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In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with CJ Warstler, the inventor of the Handycart Workstation, to unpack how one simple tool is revolutionizing efficiency in retail environments. With over 30 years of experience in sales and consulting, CJ shares the real-world problems that inspired him to create a smarter, more effective workstation—right from his own garage.

Together, they explore the process of prototyping, gathering user feedback, and launching the Handycart into stores across the country. CJ highlights the importance of employee satisfaction, the value of U.S.-based manufacturing, and the growing demand for practical tools that make retail work faster and easier.

From improving retention to streamlining in-store resets, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a purpose-driven product to life—and how a focus on usability, quality, and innovation can lead to game-changing results.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

✅ Handycart was born from real-world retail challenges
✅ CJ’s 30+ years in sales guided the development process
✅ Prototyping and user feedback led to continuous product improvements
✅ The cart boosts efficiency, saves time, and reduces employee fatigue
✅ U.S. manufacturing ensures high-quality and consistent builds
✅ It’s being used beyond grocery—in hardware stores, CPG resets, and more
✅ Employee satisfaction is a key factor in retention and productivity
✅ Positive testimonials are driving organic growth
✅ CJ continues to innovate based on customer needs

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Handycart Workstation
02:55 – The Journey of CJ Warstler
06:02 – Designing for Real Retail Challenges
09:08 – The Power of Prototyping and Feedback
12:00 – Market Launch and Customer Response
14:53 – Boosting Employee Efficiency and Morale
18:15 – The Case for U.S. Manufacturing
20:56 – Handycart in Grocery, Hardware, and More
23:48 – User Testimonials and Field Results
26:55 – What’s Next: Product Expansion and Innovation

📖 Read the Full Write-Up
🔗 Smart Tech in Grocery – How OpSense is Helping Grocers Prevent Loss, Boost Compliance & Reduce Food Waste

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We’re always looking for grocery, retail, and CPG leaders with a story to share.
📧 Email: marketing@innovaragency.com

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In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with design experts Adam Steinberg and Henry Casanova to explore the evolving world of CPG packaging and grocery retail design. Together, they dive deep into the importance of clarity in packaging, how consumer behavior drives design decisions, and why eco-friendly packaging is more than just a trend.

The conversation touches on the power of A/B testing and customer persona research, the balancing act of creative instincts vs. customer feedback, and how AI and digital printing technology are transforming the design landscape for grocery and CPG brands. Adam and Henry also share the critical role of brand consistency, the impact of rebranding on consumer perception, and what it really takes to create packaging that stands out on crowded grocery shelves.

Whether you’re a CPG founder, retail marketer, or design enthusiast, this episode is your front-row seat to the strategies, insights, and trends shaping the future of grocery and CPG packaging design.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Clarity in design is crucial for consumer understanding
✅ Brands have only 3–5 seconds to grab attention
✅ Eco-friendly packaging is increasingly important for customers and the planet
✅ Digital printing technology unlocks innovative design possibilities
✅ Color consistency is essential for brand recognition and trust
✅ Balancing customer feedback and creative instincts is an art
✅ Rebranding can make or break a company
✅ Consumer behavior and perception directly influence packaging success
✅ The human element in design can’t be replaced by AI
✅ Design is not a magic formula—it’s a thoughtful process

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Design in Grocery and CPG
02:57 – The Importance of Clarity in Packaging Design
05:49 – Trends in Design: Simplicity and Eco-Friendliness
09:04 – The Role of Technology in Packaging Design
11:49 – Consumer Behavior and Shelf Visibility
14:58 – The Human Element in Design and AI
18:12 – Creating a Brand Story Through Design
20:58 – The Impact of Color and Consistency in Branding
31:21 – Understanding Customer Personas and Targeting
34:55 – Balancing Feedback and Expertise in Design
39:23 – The Impact of Rebranding on Consumer Perception
43:09 – Rapid Fire Insights on Design Trends
48:13 – Key Takeaways for CPG Founders on Design

🎧 Listen Now
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We’re always looking for leaders in grocery, retail, and CPG with a story to share.
📧 Email: podcast@innovaragency.com

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📧 Contact Adam: adam@kitprint.co

• The Power of Packaging: How Design Drives CPG Growth

• What Does Kōbu Mean? The Inspiring Roots Behind Kōbu Kombucha Powder, the Trending CPG Product

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