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Through FirstLook and Distrobox, Brian Folmer is helping connect brands with early-stage investors and DSD distributors.
How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in retail? My job is to get products from emerging consumer brands into the hands of the right people. At FirstLook, I send products from brands raising capital to early-stage investors so they can experience, learn about, and potentially invest in them. At Distrobox, I send products from brands to DSD distributors so they can experience, learn, and potentially distribute to stores for consumers to buy.
One thing we can’t guess about your job from your LinkedIn profile? I still handpack boxes out of my parents’ garage with help from my wife. She’s the best.
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on? My favorite project has to be the CPG Industry Master Calendar I created. It’s a free, public Gmail calendar industry folks can subscribe to which has all the major conferences, pitch competitions, and key events unfolding in the space. It took a bit of work to launch, but luckily we now have over 1,500 subscribers and people submitting events which further improves its usefulness.
Which emerging retail trend are you most excited about this year, and why? I’m excited to see more retailers get into venture investing. When retailers have a meaningful financial interest in supporting brands that are better for consumers and the planet, consumers win, the environment wins, and startups win, which inspires the next generation of founders and innovation.
What’s your go-to coffee order? Iced mocha with regular milk.
Worst piece of advice you’ve received? “Don’t move back to Cleveland.”
What was your favorite retail product when you were 15, and what’s your favorite retail product now? When I was 15, the Sony Walkman. Music has such a special place in my heart. Today, probably my plant mister, which I use while on calls as I walk around my apartment.