Mark Hamstra

CONTRIBUTOR

About Mark

Mark Hamstra is a freelance business writer with experience covering a range of topics and industries, including food and mass retailing, the restaurant industry, direct/mobile marketing, and technology. Before becoming a freelance business journalist, Mark spent 13 years with Supermarket News, most recently as content director, where he was involved in all areas of editorial planning and production for print and online. Earlier in his career he also worked as a reporter and editor for other business publications, including Financial Technology, Direct Marketing News, Nation’s Restaurant News and Drug Store News. \nAreas of expertise include:\n• Company financial performance\n• Technology deployments\n• Supply chain strategies\n• Product marketing, merchandising and procurement\n• Retail real estate, design and construction\n• Labor issues

Latest—
GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Supply Chain Tech Helps Businesses Drive Profitability

Rising costs highlight the need for deep data-driven insights around sales productivity of merchandise for Bells of Steel, Snow Cosmetics and Snap Supply.

GOOD COMPANY » THE LEAP

How Chloe’s Pops Became One of The Fastest Growing Frozen Treats in the Grocery Aisle

Co-founders of the additive-free fruit — and now oat milk — treats on taking market share in the booming nondairy dessert category and expansion in national retailers.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Food Companies Tap the Sales Potential of Plant-Based Eating Trend

Startups Mosaic Foods and jack & annie’s, and restaurant chain Native Foods, target ‘nutrition-engaged’ consumers seeking health and environmental benefits without sacrificing taste.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Top Brands' SMS Text Messaging Sales and Marketing Strategies

Experts from tech companies that work with Airbnb, Michaels, Coach, and more share SMS strategies that personalize and monetize customer transactions.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

Ritual, Bugaboo, and Genexa Execs Discuss Key Growth Opportunities

Execs from DTC vitamin startup Ritual, stroller brand Bugaboo, and ‘clean medicine’ disruptor Genexa on plotting expansion strategies that tap into sustainability and health and wellness.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

3 Startups Share Pandemic Pivots That Yield Long-Term Wins

How Filteroff, Frameable, and Lingokids leaned into video dating and tech tools that enable remote work and online learning to create lasting businesses in a transformed environment.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

How to Monetize the Metaverse: Big Brands' Tech Partners Share Tips

Experts from companies that work with brands from Forever 21 to Chipotle on creating a presence and driving business in this new, immersive virtual dimension.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

3 Startups on Cracking the Nation’s Biggest Retailer, Walmart

Eco Lips, The Fresh Dolls, and Bean Box each took different routes to gaining Walmart distribution. Here’s an insider, step-by-step look at their strategies and navigating challenges.

GOOD COMPANY » THE LEAP

How Curb Became a Multimillion-Dollar App

Curb VP and Head of Mobile on growing the platform’s active users by more than 300% in a fiercely competitive market via tech and a cabbie-first ethos.

GOOD COMPANY » LAUNCH PAD

3 Investors Demystify Why Some Startups Win Funding Windfalls

Companies including Zappos, Dollar Shave Club, Outside, and Maker Wine are cited as examples of startups exhibiting traits that set them up for success.