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June 26, 2025 43 mins

In this episode of GroceryPulse, host George Goodwin sits down with CJ Warstler, the inventor of the Handycart Workstation, to unpack how one simple tool is revolutionizing efficiency in retail environments. With over 30 years of experience in sales and consulting, CJ shares the real-world problems that inspired him to create a smarter, more effective workstation—right from his own garage.

Together, they explore the process of prototyping, gathering user feedback, and launching the Handycart into stores across the country. CJ highlights the importance of employee satisfaction, the value of U.S.-based manufacturing, and the growing demand for practical tools that make retail work faster and easier.

From improving retention to streamlining in-store resets, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a purpose-driven product to life—and how a focus on usability, quality, and innovation can lead to game-changing results.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

✅ Handycart was born from real-world retail challenges
✅ CJ’s 30+ years in sales guided the development process
✅ Prototyping and user feedback led to continuous product improvements
✅ The cart boosts efficiency, saves time, and reduces employee fatigue
✅ U.S. manufacturing ensures high-quality and consistent builds
✅ It’s being used beyond grocery—in hardware stores, CPG resets, and more
✅ Employee satisfaction is a key factor in retention and productivity
✅ Positive testimonials are driving organic growth
✅ CJ continues to innovate based on customer needs

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Handycart Workstation
02:55 – The Journey of CJ Warstler
06:02 – Designing for Real Retail Challenges
09:08 – The Power of Prototyping and Feedback
12:00 – Market Launch and Customer Response
14:53 – Boosting Employee Efficiency and Morale
18:15 – The Case for U.S. Manufacturing
20:56 – Handycart in Grocery, Hardware, and More
23:48 – User Testimonials and Field Results
26:55 – What’s Next: Product Expansion and Innovation

📖 Read the Full Write-Up
🔗 Smart Tech in Grocery – How OpSense is Helping Grocers Prevent Loss, Boost Compliance & Reduce Food Waste

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We’re always looking for grocery, retail, and CPG leaders with a story to share.
📧 Email: marketing@innovaragency.com

Fuel your gut health, hydration, and daily energy — all in one refreshing powdered drink.
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The workstation built for retail efficiency — now in grocery, hardware, and beyond.
🌐 Visit: thehandycart.com
📧 Contact CJ: sales@thehandycart.com

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