When PGC acquired Loddie Doddie, it was a promising chalk marker brand with strong Amazon reviews and a loyal customer base. But it was also a business running without the operational discipline needed to reach its full potential.
Here's how our veteran-led team transformed Loddie Doddie into the #1 chalk marker brand on Amazon with 42% market share.
The Starting Point
At acquisition, Loddie Doddie had: - Strong brand recognition among chalk marker enthusiasts - Excellent customer reviews (4.7+ stars) - Growing but inconsistent revenue - Limited product line (3 SKUs) - No direct-to-consumer channel - Inefficient supply chain with long lead times
The fundamentals were strong. The business just needed disciplined, strategic leadership.
The Veteran Playbook
Phase 1: Stabilize (Months 1-6) Our veteran operator's first priority was stabilization. Like securing a forward operating base, the team focused on: - Auditing every operational process - Fixing supply chain inefficiencies - Building relationships with key suppliers - Establishing clear KPIs and reporting
Phase 2: Optimize (Months 7-18) With the foundation stable, the team shifted to optimization: - Reduced supply chain lead times by 40% - Implemented inventory management systems - Optimized Amazon advertising, reducing ACOS by 25% - Hired and trained key team members
Phase 3: Scale (Months 19-36) With operations humming, it was time to grow: - Expanded from 3 to 12+ SKUs - Launched a direct-to-consumer website - Entered new marketplaces (Walmart, Target) - Built wholesale relationships
The Results
Today, Loddie Doddie is the undisputed category leader: - 42% market share in Amazon chalk markers - #1 best seller in the category - 3x revenue growth since acquisition - 25+ team members and growing - D2C channel driving 20% of revenue
The Lesson
Loddie Doddie proves what happens when you combine a great product with mission-driven veteran leadership. It's not magic — it's discipline, strategy, and relentless execution.
And it's the playbook we're applying to every business in our portfolio.