DTC Podcast

Ep 616: How Neuro Built a Nine-Figure Smart Gum Brand Before Expanding to Retail.

June 1, 2026·42 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupNeuro didn't fight for checkout shelf space first. They built a nine-figure online business through TikTok Shop, creator marketing, Amazon, and DTC, then used that momentum to walk into Walmart, Costco, CVS, and 7-Eleven with demand already proven.In this episode of the DTC Podcast, Eric talks with Brian Evangelista, Chief Commercial Officer at Neuro, about creating a category that didn't exist, running an affiliate program with tens of thousands of creators, and what actually changes when a digitally native brand wakes up as a real retail business.Built for DTC founders scaling from $5M–$100M who are trying to turn ecom momentum into retail distribution.We also get into:Why TikTok Shop worked so well early on, and what changed when it got pay-to-playHow creator incentives shifted once GMV Max rolled outThe retail launch strategy behind Walmart, Costco, CVS, and 7-ElevenWhy retail completely reshapes your P&L, ops, and marketing stackThe hidden operational tax of moving from DTC into omnichannelHow Neuro frames category creation vs stealing shareThe strategy behind the "Your Gum Is Dumb" sloth campaignWhy brand marketing started making sense only after retail expansionWho this episode is for: DTC founders, retail operators, consumer brand marketers, TikTok Shop teams, and brands considering omnichannel expansion.What to steal:Build demand digitally before asking retail to believe in your categoryUse creator momentum as proof for retail buyersTreat retail launches like media moments, not inventory placementSubscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

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