313. Why Community Is the Shortcut to CPG Growth With Kristine Carey, Naturally Colorado

313. Building a CPG brand can feel isolating. You're making decisions alone, solving problems from scratch, and trying to figure out retail, marketing, and operations without a roadmap. That's expensive—and it slows your growth. In this episode, I sit down with Kristine Carey, Executive Director of Naturally Colorado, to break down why community is one of the most overlooked competitive advantages in CPG. You'll learn how the right network helps you avoid costly mistakes, accelerate learning, access mentors, and build relationships that open doors to retailers, investors, and strategic partners. We also unpack how Naturally Colorado evolved, how the pitch competition prepares brands for real-world selling, and why collaboration—not isolation—is how successful brands are built. You don't need to figure this out alone. Get connected, get involved, and start learning from people who've already done it. Visit NaturallyColorado.org and download your free guide at RetailSolved.com to take the next step.