Join us for an exclusive inside look at product development and retail buying with industry veteran Michael (Mike) Stancill, hosted by Brian Fried, founder of National Inventor Club. Drawing from over 30 years of experience, Mike brings invaluable perspective from both sides of the retail equation – as a former buyer for major retailers PetSmart and Sprouts Farmers Market, and now as Business Development Manager at Central Garden & Pet, where he represents major pet brands like Nylabone, Cadet, and Kaytee. Mike will share critical insights on what makes product pitches successful, drawing from his experiences evaluating thousands of proposals during his 15-year tenure at PetSmart. He'll break down the essential elements that catch a buyer's attention and guide inventors through the complex decision-making process at major retailers. Particularly compelling will be his firsthand account of evaluating innovative concepts like the "Buy The Pound" custom pet food machine, illustrating how preparation and strategic thinking can give revolutionary ideas a fighting chance. The session will deliver practical, actionable advice for inventors and entrepreneurs, with Brian Fried contributing his extensive expertise on manufacturer partnerships and bringing products to market. Together, they'll cover crucial topics ranging from understanding retailer goals and effective value proposition communication to strategic planning for sales volumes and promotional budgets. Attendees will gain invaluable insights on navigating both retail buyer meetings and manufacturer partnerships, making this an unmissable event for anyone serious about bringing their innovation to market. RSVP to reserve your spot, free webinar, courtesy of National Inventor Club and the Inventor Smart Community app. https://inventorsmart.app https://nationalinventorclub.com ------------------------------------------- About Michael (Mike) Stancill: With over three decades of experience in retail buying, strategic sourcing, and business development, Mike Stancill brings a unique perspective from both sides of the table—first as a retail buyer at PetSmart then a procurement buyer Sprouts Farmers Market, and now as a manufacturer’s representative leading business development for Major Pet Brands like Nylabone, Cadet, Aqueon, Kaytee, Four Paws, Pets International at Central Garden & Pet. This dual experience gives Mike Stancill deep insight into what buyers look for in a pitch and what vendors/Inventors need to do to secure a deal. During Mike’s 15-year tenure at PetSmart, he managed multiple buying categories, working with vendors and evaluating thousands of product pitches. One of the most memorable was Greg’s “Buy The Pound” cat food concept—a machine capable of creating custom dry food blends. While innovative, the concept posed significant risks due to its cost and complexity. However, Greg’s meticulous preparation, clear vision, and ability to address concerns gave the idea a fighting chance. This experience reinforced a crucial lesson: passion alone isn’t enough—you need a well-structured plan and the ability to help a buyer sell the idea internally. Now, as Business Development Manager at Central Garden & Pet, Mike applies his retail expertise to help brands successfully navigate the buyer’s decision-making process. In this live stream, they will break down how inventors and product creators can prepare for high-stakes meetings with major retailers. About Central Garden & Pet: Central Garden & Pet is a leading American company that develops, manufactures, and markets branded products in both the pet supplies and lawn & garden industries. As a major player in the pet segment, they own well-known brands including Nylabone, Kaytee, Four Paws, Aqueon, and Cadet. The company sells their products through major retailers, independent stores, and mass merchants across the country, making them a significant force in both the pet and garden products markets. See you soon!! RSVP to reserve your spot, FREE webinar, courtesy of National Inventor Club and the Inventor Smart Community app. https://inventorsmart.app https://nationalinventorclub.com