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CEO Bill Bennett explained that the retail cheese business can achieve profitability at its current scale through ongoing operational efficiencies, such as reduced labor and shipping costs, which have not yet fully impacted financials. Regarding catalog growth, Bennett noted the current pace of 13 new SKUs per week is constrained by legacy systems, but a new AI-driven platform is in development to dramatically accelerate vendor onboarding from months to a fraction of that time. For future growth, he identified adjacent categories like cured meats and olives as natural extensions for the retail cheese business, while also highlighting opportunities in fresh seafood and beef, cautioning that B2B sales cycles are long.

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CEO Bill Bennett stated that the company believes the cheese business can achieve profitability at its current scale, citing ongoing cost improvements and operational efficiencies. He noted that the new AI-driven catalog management platform is still in development, so the pace of new SKU additions has not yet accelerated. For future growth, Mr. Bennett highlighted adjacent categories like cured meats and olives as natural extensions, as well as potential opportunities in fresh seafood and beef, while cautioning that the B2B sales cycle is long.

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CEO Bill Bennett addressed the questions, stating that the company believes the cheese retail business can achieve profitability at its current scale due to ongoing efficiency improvements in labor and shipping. He clarified that the new AI-driven platform to accelerate catalog additions is still in development, so the current pace remains at about 13 new SKUs per week, but the new system will enable more aggressive vendor sourcing. Regarding future growth, Bennett highlighted adjacent categories like cured meats and olives as natural extensions, along with potential opportunities in fresh seafood and beef, while noting the long B2B sales cycles involved.

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CEO Bill Bennett responded, confirming that management believes the retail cheese business can become profitable at its current scale due to ongoing operational and cost efficiencies. He clarified that the new AI-powered catalog management system is still in development, so the SKU addition rate remains at the prior year's pace, but he anticipates it will significantly accelerate vendor onboarding and strengthen key partnerships like US Foods once launched. Bennett also outlined future growth avenues, identifying adjacent gourmet categories like cured meats and olives, as well as potential new verticals in fresh seafood and beef, while noting the long B2B sales cycles for such initiatives.

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CEO Bill Bennett explained that the cheese business can become profitable at its current scale, citing ongoing efficiency gains in labor and shipping that are not yet reflected in financials. He noted the new AI-driven platform for accelerating catalog additions is still in development, so the current SKU addition rate remains at the historical pace of about 13 per week. Bennett also highlighted growth opportunities in adjacent categories like cured meats and fresh seafood, while cautioning that B2B sales cycles are long.

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CEO Morgan Frank responded that the core strategy to engage larger customers remains, but the team is now more senior and experienced in selling at higher corporate levels. He highlighted a continued focus on nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities, along with a strong outreach into the growing mobile and home healthcare markets.

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CEO Morgan Frank confirmed that with a stronger financial position, the company is re-engaging with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and researchers. He mentioned that customers will present retrospective data at the upcoming SAWC conference, including one with a novel application. Frank highlighted a specific interest in revisiting a previously underpowered 2015 study on split-thickness donor sites, which showed promising results in reducing wound recurrence. He suggested that proving efficacy in reducing recurrence rates for conditions like diabetic foot ulcers is a key area of focus for future prospective studies, with concrete plans expected in the next couple of quarters.

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Executive Morgan Frank explained that while there is already significant data on UltraMIST, the company is interested in bolstering its claims with real-world data, which is increasingly important to CMS and insurers. He also mentioned the potential for manageable prospective studies that could yield beneficial data for making new claims, suggesting they are more for enhancing claims than for initial market penetration.

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An executive, identified as Sam, detailed that the company is seeking both financial partners, particularly strategics who bring execution value, and execution partners like DME providers and product suppliers. He also confirmed that the THP segment will require a ramp-up period to achieve profitability and will not be immediately profitable at launch.

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Chairman Marc Gabelli explained that the capital was raised to position the company for strategic growth, including potential acquisitions in the defense sector where market corrections may create opportunities. He also noted it helps broaden the institutional investor base. Regarding bookings, MtronPTI President Bill Drafts clarified that they are inherently 'lumpy' due to large, long-lead-time blanket orders from defense customers. He stated that a significant Q4 order was deferred but is currently being renegotiated, and that such fluctuations are normal. Bill Drafts also highlighted positive traction with new products for the Satcom market.

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