Winter 2025
What’s Good.
Perspectives on the changing face of retail, a look at brands making bold moves, and actionable guides for retail and restaurant leaders—it’s all coming up this season in The Gist.
In this Episode
Guest: Bill Schiffmiller
Founder of Akoio
Host: Maxwell Miller
Marketing + Brand Strategy at Chute Gerdeman
Introducing
A podcast where cool people from cool brands come together and talk shop.
Allow us to introduce Brands & Banter: a laid back conversation between retail experts, brand leaders, and cutting edge creatives. We’ll trade stories, banter about our industries, and share one-of-a-kind perspectives that you won’t want to miss.
In this episode we’re sitting down with Bill Schiffmiller. He’s a creative catalyst, a business maestro, and an accessibility champion. We’ll dive into his success with brands like Apple, Forbes, and his own purpose-led entrepreneurial endeavor, Akoio.
THE LATEST
Inside SKIMS Columbus: Design That Turns Retail Into a Brand Moment
Holiday Review
2026 Holiday Season Performance & Consumer Activity Recap
In a controversial, turbulent year for retail, join us as we analyze an impressive holiday performance from brands and consumers alike.
The Gist Podcast
Episode 1 - Brands and Banter
Our first guest on deck is Dan Sokolik. He’s a marketing guru, a brand leader, and a guy who loves music almost as much as he loves Mizzou. We’ll unpack his success with brands like Subway, Domino’s, the Stone Ward agency, and now Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken.
Global Trends
Holiday Markets Overseas
Heading into 2026, we wanted to take a more global look at holiday experience, and share who does it well overseas. Here are a few of our favorites
Not Your Typical Warby Parker
IRDC Recap
Decoding New and Optimistic Retail Futures
IRDC was incredible this year! There’s no doubt about it, brands are moving and shaking in exciting ways.
Build-A-Bear at ICON Park
A Remarkable “Retailtainment” Experience is Coming Soon
We’re thrilled to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the new multi-level interactive Build-A-Bear Workshop experience coming to ICON Park in Orlando.
Edwards Galleries
Creativity Meets Community
Blending historic preservation with modern design, we help Edwards Companies reimagine three landmark buildings in the heart of Columbus.
Altar'd State
Stand Out for Good
Get a closer look at Altar’d State’s new store design, blending meaningful experiences with elevated shopping.
ASG Report
10 Emerging Retail Trends
Understand the key factors influencing the retail and wholesale sectors, and how brands can navigate this complex environment.
Tiltons Automotive Service
Generational Community Hospitality
See how we worked with Tiltons Automotive Service to create a new experience focused on transparency and enhanced customer service.
BYLT Basics
Bringing A Digital Brand To Brick & Mortar Retail
BYLT partners with ASG to create a compelling and scalable retail experience that resonates with both landlords and customers alike
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ASG Report
Top 10 Emerging Retail Trends
Understand the key factors influencing the retail and wholesale sectors, and how brands can navigate this complex environment.
Industry Report
The Grocery of the Future
A collaboration with Envirosell & Supermarket Guru—learn how modern grocers can meet the needs of today and tomorrow, plus see strategy visualizes in a new grocery concept from our team.
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The Ultimate
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Craft RFPs that attract the right creative partners and spark innovative solutions.
