Drive Wheel Speakers Bureau
Where Retail Strategy
Meets the Stage
Theo Schweitz brings more than two decades of retail and CPG experience to keynotes, breakout sessions, and podcast conversations that leave your audience with actionable takeaways.
Speakers Bio
Theo Schweitz spent nearly 15 years at Target Corporation, rising to Director of Private Label Strategy where he oversaw a $1.3 billion portfolio and led brand strategy for Target’s $2.2 billion private label food business. He then served as VP and Head of Strategy at BBDO Minneapolis before moving into the CEO seat at Drive Wheel, a peer group and insights network for food and CPG executives. His career spans retail strategy, brand development, and executive leadership.
Today, Theo facilitates strategic conversations with hundreds of industry leaders each year and has been recognized as a ReThink Retail Top Expert for three consecutive years. His speaking blends retailer-side experience with a deep understanding of what manufacturers face daily. His sessions are known for being engaging, strategic, and immediately applicable.
Our Topics
These are the topics Theo is asked to speak on most often, though every session is tailored to your audience.
Getting Started with Generative AI in CPG
This session is for leaders who are tired of hearing about AI’s potential and ready to see it in action. Theo walks through specific use cases, common pitfalls, and the mindset shift required to move from experimentation to implementation.
Uncertainty's Impact
on Decision Making
When uncertainty or ambiguity enters the picture, buyers struggle to say yes. There are six psychological reasons behind this hesitation. Theo breaks down each one and shows you how to overcome them to move your buyer to a decision.
The AI Shift: Why CPG Teams Cannot Afford to Wait
When PCs entered the workplace, some people adapted quickly and others resisted. AI is following the same pattern. Theo explains what AI means for CPG teams and why getting comfortable with it now will determine who thrives in the years ahead.
Leading Change Through Better Communication
Change is hard. Getting people to embrace it is harder. Theo shares practical communication techniques that help leaders move teams from resistance to action.
Private Label's Moment: What Manufacturers Need to Know
Retailers are investing in private label like never before. This session explores why store brands have become central to retail strategy and what that means for manufacturers looking to grow or protect their business.
Custom Presentation
Have a specific challenge or theme in mind? Theo works with event organizers to develop custom presentations that address what matters most to your audience.
Engagement Types
Theo delivers content in formats that fit your event structure and audience needs.
Keynote (45-60 Minutes) – High-energy presentations designed to open or close your event with strategic insight and actionable takeaways.
Breakout (30-45 Minutes) – Focused sessions that allow for deeper exploration of a single topic and more audience interaction.
Podcast – Looking for a guest who can hold a conversation? Theo brings depth and energy to podcast formats across industry topics.
Panel/Facilitator – Theo leads hundreds of executive conversations annually. He keeps discussions focused, draws out insights, and delivers results.
On Stage
Theo has delivered keynotes and breakouts at PLMA Trade Show, PLMA Executive Education (where he was the highest-rated speaker), manufacturer national sales meetings, and executive peer groups across the food and CPG industry.
Attendees describe his sessions as “engaging,” “smart,” and “interesting.”
Interested in Booking Theo?
Fill out the form below to start the conversation.