Founders
We founded C/G Brand Advisors to bring seasoned expertise and powerful networks to the brands shaping what’s next. Our work is rooted in helping companies overcome growth obstacles, reach the right decision makers, and secure valuable partnerships with leading retailers.
As sisters and business partners, our backgrounds span Fortune 500 companies and multiple consumer categories — from apparel and shoes to cosmetics, fragrances, kids, and home. We’ve had the privilege of working with businesses across the globe and at every stage of growth.
Alongside our advisory work, we created Retail Rundown™ and Ready, Set, Wholesale™ — signature courses designed to share our playbook with a broader community. These programs distilled years of experience into accessible, actionable guidance, giving more beginning founders the tools to confidently enter and thrive in retail.
To date, more than two thousand founders, creatives, and entrepreneurs have engaged with our work to launch, grow, and scale their product businesses. We’re honored to be part of their journey, and we can’t wait to be part of yours.
—Rita & Maria Catapano
Maria Catapano
I work with product companies to refine and strategically scale their businesses. My focus is on building smart distribution strategies — helping brands balance D2C, wholesale, and other channels in a way that aligns with their long-term vision and brand objectives.
I began my career in the Buying & Planning offices of Macy’s Inc., where I worked in several spotlight departments, managing over 600 stores. From there, I led business development for a family manufacturing company, traveling throughout Asia to source, develop, and manufacture children’s products. Along the way, I sold into some of the world’s most influential retailers — including Macy’s, Nordstrom, Walmart, Target, Amazon, Costco, and TJX Stores.
Today, I work with clients on every aspect of bringing a product line to market: from designing, merchandising, and pricing to sourcing, prototyping, and manufacturing. I specialize in building long-term retail partnerships, crafting product pitches that resonate with buyers’ needs. I’ve built and managed several multi-million dollar private label programs and helped countless startups secure placements in their dream stores.
Above all, I bring a deep understanding of how to grow wholesale alongside D2C — ensuring each channel supports the brand’s larger goals rather than competing with them. That’s the balance I strive to create with every client.
-Maria
Rita Catapano
I am an strategist, problem solver, and overall wearer of many hats. Most recently, I helped launch YEEZY GAP, a brand that delivered the most sales by an item in a single day in Gap.com history. I played a critical role in the execution of the brand, from tech to packaging to fulfillment operations.
I’ve led strategy for large ecommerce businesses and facilitated the development and syndication of best-practice playbooks. My career has taken me from Macy’s Inc. to Gap North America + Gap worldwide, working hand-in-hand with corporations like Amazon. What I do best is aligning internal and external stakeholders, driving deal negotiations, and managing key partnerships to drive growth.
I am a creative at heart who has a proven track record of achieving results, driving growth, and executing strategic initiatives across various industries. I work with our clients to formalize processes and plan for scale.
-Rita