Ecommerce Wizards Podcast

Matt Putra is an experienced financial executive with a long career spent with small businesses and conducting long-term forecasting for ecommerce brands. He is a Fractional CFO for EightX, a company specializing in predicting the pattern, future, and profit for businesses in any industry.  Matt has worked with many businesses, including Tru Earth, The Tumeric Co., Lusomé, Community Forward Fund, and New Market Funds. Additionally, he works closely with entrepreneurs to help them establish new businesses. In this episode… The Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC) is a metric that many businesses don't consider enough. How many days does your ecommerce business take to convert sales into cash?  Cash is everything for ecommerce businesses. Sales are essential, but cash management is even more important for long-term health. Many young companies neglect this aspect and suffer in the long run, leaving potential growth on the table or burning out. A handful of incredible tips can help online brands shorten their CCC. Guillaume Le Tual again joins Matt Putra, a Fractional CFO at EightX, to discuss CCC in-depth and what ecommerce businesses should improve about their process. They dive into the four steps Matt suggests for brands, why the subject matters so much, and how even small changes can make massive differences. They also go through inventory pricing and adding more value on the back end.

Matt Putra is an experienced financial executive with a long career spent with small businesses and conducting long-term forecasting for ecommerce brands. He is a Fractional CFO for EightX, a company specializing in predicting the pattern, future, and profit for businesses in any industry.  Matt has worked with many businesses, including Tru Earth, The Tumeric Co., Lusomé, Community Forward Fund, and New Market Funds. Additionally, he works closely with entrepreneurs to help them establish new businesses. In this episode… Are you an ecommerce entrepreneur struggling to get a handle on your finances? When starting a business, getting a foothold on your finances is one of the most complex and vital aspects of your endeavor. You may face a myriad of financial hiccups, strains, and issues. You can get advice on improving logistics, but that doesn't address your financial structure or the effects of inventory levels on cash flow. Should you take out a loan or secure a line of credit? Entrepreneurs need sound financial advice and long-term solutions so they can concentrate on growing a thriving business. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual speaks with Matt Putra, a Fractional CFO at EightX, about properly structuring your finances as an ecommerce company. They discuss the best loans, properly using a line of credit, how to handle inventory spikes, and keeping money for continual growth. Matt also talks about how to handle yourself when approaching lenders. 

Paul Rafelson is a Partner at Rafelson Law Firm, which focuses exclusively on ecommerce business concerns. With over 15 years of experience, he has in-depth knowledge of tax, litigation, and M&A legal matters and is regularly cited by the press when it comes to Amazon and ecommerce. The House Antitrust Committee used him as a primary resource in its report on Amazon's business practices. Before his private practice, Paul worked as an in-house attorney at Microsoft, Walmart, and General Electric. He is also a professor at Pace University School of Law in New York, where he teaches constitutional law on state taxation. In this episode… Most of the advice available for ecommerce businesses centers around building and growing the company. However, questions for entrepreneurs interested in selling and exiting remain, including what's a fair price and what issues deserve special attention. As an experienced ecommerce attorney, Paul Rafelson has extensive knowledge in the complex world of mergers and acquisitions. With many moving parts, the process of selling your business and having a successful exit needs special attention. Paul knows that having someone to help you navigate these matters is essential, especially for Amazon sellers. Having legal counsel at your side will help prevent a deal from going sideways and ensure you get the best return possible. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual sits down with Paul Rafelson, Partner at Rafelson Law, to talk about selling an ecommerce or Amazon seller business. They go through the entire process, including appropriate expectations, how much you should receive upfront, considering economies of scale, and the legalities involved in selling your business.

Brent O'Brien is the Senior Ecommerce Manager at Pactimo, a cycling clothing and custom team apparel store. As a dynamic and motivated ecommerce manager, he brings 10-plus years of experience to the table. He has developed marketing and sales strategies at companies such as Yeti and Truewerk. Before his ecommerce career, Brent worked in the football programs at several universities. In this episode… Every ecommerce store is looking for simple ways to drive traffic and increase sales. Unfortunately, it can be complex to decipher what may be the best plan of attack and often requires someone with experience to map it out. To learn the most effective strategies, you should learn from those with a proven track record. With a wealth of experience as an ecommerce manager and marketing leader, Brent O'Brien knows the tricks of the trade. At Pactimo, he has propelled the company toward furthering its success by growing its ecommerce DTC clothing line. When you know how to use the strategic intricacies of directing, attracting, and retaining customers using exemplary methods, you will boost your bottom line. So what are Brent's secrets?  In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual talks with Brent O'Brien, Senior Ecommerce Manager at Pactimo, to discuss his approach to acquiring customers and improving sales. They touch on the company's best strategies, average order value, maximizing the checkout process, and how to use free trials of apps to your advantage. 

Tom Kulzer is the CEO and Founder of AWeber, a company he started in 1998 to guide small businesses in fostering more engaging customer relationships and designing effective email marketing. Tom grew the company from zero to 300,000 clients through his unique take on market strategy and team building. Due to his dedication to building a thriving and unique workplace culture, AWeber has been voted one of Pennsylvania's Best Places to Work 10 years in a row. In this episode… Bootstrapping can be a formidable method of financing a startup. There are many unknowns and hurdles to overcome, especially when it's your first venture. For SaaS companies, getting your name out there and establishing a demand for your offering is also necessary. Tom Kulzer started AWeber 25 years ago and turned a startup into a reliable software company. His email marketing strategies are already respected, but now he explains how he grew his business from the ground up. In this episode of Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual invites Tom Kulzer, the Founder and CEO of AWeber, back onto the show to talk about how he nurtured his startup. They touch on the early days, how Tom cultivated his initial audience, and how he established customers. The two also discuss the potential pitfalls of a budding business and finding people to grow with the company.

Antony “Tony” Kattukaran is an entrepreneur, ecommerce veteran, and skilled technology partner. He is the Founder and CEO of Tagalys, a company that reimagines visual product merchandising for other businesses. He has founded three companies and has served trusted companies such as Deloitte and Johnson Controls AG. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Tony invests time listening to his customers to understand their needs. In this episode… Merchandising and ecommerce go hand in hand, yet many stores neglect to give it the attention it deserves. The details of optimal merchandising can be highly variable and difficult to nail down. When handled properly, the improvement to a company's presence and sales can be immense.  Antony “Tony” Kattukaran is an entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in merchandising and ecommerce. His company, Tagalys, focuses on the visual and sales components of merchandising, working with brands such as Speck and Fila. His insights can make a massive difference in your online business. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual talks with Tony Kattukaran, the Founder and CEO of Tagalys, about how to improve your merchandising, touching on the importance of the process and what should be prioritized for ecommerce storefronts. They also give practical advice on when to recommend products, show out-of-stock merchandise, and use AI technology.

Tyler Sperry is an experienced e-commerce specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the retail and publishing industries. As the Director of E-commerce and Affiliates at America's Test Kitchen, he oversees the presentation of products across e-commerce, physical retail, and third-party distribution. Tyler is skilled in procurement, merchandising, social media, online marketing, and project management. He previously worked as a Buyer for BJ's Wholesale Club and as a Sales and Events Manager at KarmaLoop. In this episode… Are you an e-commerce company considering a change to your commerce platform? It's essential to weigh your options and pick one that fits your needs. Selecting the right e-commerce platform can be tricky. Not only is it difficult to know which is best, but it is hard to know if it will stay that way. Companies change over time, and some platforms lack the flexibility to adapt alongside your business. Adobe Commerce is a popular option, but it may not be perfect for every shop. So what are some of the key advantages and limitations of the platform? On this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual talks with Tyler Sperry, the Director of E-commerce and Affiliates for America's Test Kitchen, to discuss his experience with Adobe Commerce. Tyler touches on the company's first platform, why they changed to Adobe, and some of their experiences with it. They also offer advice to those considering making a transition. 

Reinis Krumins is the Co-founder of AgencyJR, helping e-commerce businesses scale quickly through their unique product launch formula. They specialize in email marketing for seven and eight-figure brands. AgencyJR is the second marketing service he founded; his first was Sprelf Media in 2018. Reinis is also the Product Director for Frozen Ventures, LLC and has a background in social media graphic design. In this episode… In a previous episode, Guillaume and Reinis spoke about the viability of email marketing and how it can increase revenue. Yet there are many mistakes that companies make when starting out. There are a lot of minute details that can hold back the potential of the model. It is important to not only be aware of them but know how to solve any missteps. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Reinis Krumins returns to talk about the five biggest email marketing mistakes companies make. He and Guillaume discuss the importance of email structuring, segmentation, using TikTok, and getting more out of repeat customers. They also touch on brand consistency and how it applies to emails.

Reinis Krumins is the Co-founder of AgencyJR, helping e-commerce businesses scale quickly through their unique product launch formula. They specialize in email marketing for seven and eight-figure brands. AgencyJR is the second marketing service he founded; his first was Sprelf Media in 2018. Reinis is also the Product Director for Frozen Ventures, LLC and has a background in social media graphic design. In this episode… Email marketing can be an afterthought for many online businesses. Most people are familiar with the constant barrage of meaningless emails that wind up costing more than they generate revenue. However, there is a better way to use emails that can lead to significant increases in sales. Reinis Krumins co-founded AgencyJR in 2019 to help other businesses use emails that actually convert. Its process has been refined over the years, with clients seeing an average boost of $127,000 in monthly email sales. So what do you need to know about the system for your own business? Guillaume Le Tual interviews Reinis Krumins, the Co-founder of AgencyJR, to discuss a better way of using email marketing. They talk about how to bring in and keep customers, Black Friday emails, and product launches. The two also talk over the experience you can only get when working with established brands. Hear the rest on this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast.

As President of Insogna CPA, Chase Insogna is passionate about helping small businesses and their owners with accounting, tax strategy, and wealth building. Since its inception in 2011, Chase has grown the business to include a team of highly-trained professionals that use tech-savvy solutions to create efficiencies and provide expertly designed and transparent advisory, coaching, planning, and strategy. In this episode… Are you a small business owner who's focused on growing your business? That's one crucial aspect of running a business, but how much planning have you put into your long-term goals? For many business owners, much of their focus is absorbed in growing the business. Although that's essential for success, it doesn't take wealth-building into account. You don't want to spend your whole life growing and reinvesting profits back into the business and have little to show for it at retirement. That's where a trusted advisor comes in to help prepare you with long-term planning, including where to invest, how to build wealth, and how to get the most out of tax-saving strategies. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual has an informative conversation with Chase Insogna, the President of Insogna CPA, about wealth management and tax-saving strategies. They talk about various topics such as C Corps versus S Corps, forecasting and planning cash flow, and forming a financial safety net. The two also talk about personal finance tips for business owners at each stage of growth.

Preston Brown is a speaker, entrepreneur, consultant, and real estate guru. He is the Owner of Zia Homes, a luxury home builder located in El Paso, Texas. He works closely with other entrepreneurs and business leaders to scale effectively and discover their purpose. As a speaker, Preston orates extensively on culture, entrepreneurial growth, business, and achieving financial freedom. In this episode… Entrepreneurs are faced with thousands of thought leaders, books, blogs, and opinions on how to succeed. The sheer volume can be intimidating and confusing, with contradictory information becoming more abundant. There are several pitfalls to avoid, including the personal and the business side of starting a business. With all of this in mind, how do you find actionable steps toward being a successful entrepreneur? Preston Brown is an entrepreneur who helps others start and scale their businesses. Through his personal success, he has taken his tenants and synthesized them into a simplified list. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual invites Preston Brown onto the show to discuss the essentials for entrepreneurs. They break down the seven steps and the keys to securing each one. They touch on a host of valuable wealth-building and management topics, including the best ways to invest. The two also discuss employees, software, automation, and much, much more.

Tom Kulzer is the CEO and Founder of AWeber, a company he started in 1998 to guide small businesses in fostering more engaging customer relationships and designing effective email marketing. Tom grew the company from zero to 300,000 clients through his unique take on market strategy and team building. Due to his dedication to building a thriving and unique workplace culture, AWeber has been voted one of Pennsylvania's Best Places to Work 10 years in a row. In this episode… Email marketing is an often misused tool. For many people, emails feel stiff and forced and lack helpful information or offer them anything they truly want. How can ecommerce brands use email marketing to engage customers and boost their lifetime value? AWeber is an agency that helps small businesses connect with their clients and communicate more effectively through emails. Their version of email marketing is far more organic, inviting, and effective than many other simple solutions. The result is a vital marketing tool that will exceed expectations. So what do you need to know to get started? In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual invites Tom Kulzer, the CEO and Founder of AWeber, to break down the essentials of email marketing for ecommerce businesses. Tom walks through the most common mistakes and the small tweaks that can lead to huge improvements. They also address the terms of service for email platforms, selling to other businesses, and the best ways to collect new subscribers.

Erik Dotzauer is the Ecommerce Manager at DocShop Pro, a one-stop-shop medical supply marketplace that also provides a customizable inventory management system for clinical offices. He has served in a host of leadership and marketing positions, including Senior Magento Project Manager and Team Lead at Human Element and Director of Athletics Marketing at Eastern Michigan University. His early career was spent in city and community development.  In this episode… Every online marketplace is made or broken by its ecommerce platform. The customer experience, data management, and usability have lasting repercussions that can lead to meaningful growth. While there are many areas in business that taking shortcuts can be justified, your platform should be a priority. Few companies understand this principle better than DocShop Pro. As a massive online storefront for medical practices, DocShop Pro has grown considerably over the last decade. A major component of this success has come from adopting a more capable ecommerce platform. And you can hear all about it in this episode.  Guillaume Le Tual sits down with Erik Dotzauer, Ecommerce Manager at DocShop Pro, on this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast to discuss Erik's experience with Adobe Commerce. They talk about the company's eight years of growth, the necessary changes they made, and how they functioned both online and offline. Erik also details how DocShop's ecommerce platform helped accelerate its growth.

Jay Gibb is an entrepreneur, developer, consultant, and the CEO and Founder of CloudSponge. Since 2010, the company has helped ecommerce businesses increase their sharing volume and referral email open rates. He spent over 22 years at Arizona Bay as a principal engineer and partner and recently joined Verto as VP of Product Strategy. Throughout his career, Jay developed specialties in software development management and product design, software architecture, and process definition and execution. In this episode… Every ecommerce store is looking to grow by leaps and bounds, but few have their websites and processes optimized. Substantial improvements can be highly effective, but so can minor tweaks. There are many tactics that can lead to long-term advancement and repeat customers, but they're easy to overlook. Jay Gibb is an entrepreneur and ecommerce expert who helps business leaders in this exact situation. So what are his tips and tricks? Guillaume Le Tual invites Jay Gibb, the Founder and CEO of CloudSponge, to talk about effective ecommerce tactics on this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast. They discuss the best way to get referrals and leverage address books to your advantage. They also go through emails, coupons, and keeping your customer on your website longer. Stay tuned to hear all of this and more.

Omar Soliman is the Co-founder and COO of Couryah, a Canadian-based online on-demand delivery platform launched in 2019 designed to be a one-stop-shop for your needs — from grocery stores to drug stores to restaurants and more. Originally from Cairo, Omar moved with his family to Canada in 2007 and dove head-first into ecommerce and marketing. He has an extensive background in business analysis and raising customer service standards. His previous positions include Manager of Franchise Performance at Restaurant Brands International and Business and Operations Analyst at Citco Group. Additionally, Atlantic Business Magazine recognized him as one of its 30 Under 30 Innovators. In this episode… Every startup wants to hit the ground running, but how many actually accomplish that goal? The current ecommerce landscape is filled with tough competition and several pitfalls for new businesses. However, some startups have found quick success through a combination of preparation and strategy. Couryah is a grocery delivery platform that rose to the occasion. Now you can learn exactly how they did it. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual hosts Omar Soliman, the Co-founder and COO of Couryah, to discuss how they handled their overnight success. They break down the platform and the advantages of their product. They also touch on the competition, starting their business with minimal capital, and Omar's advice for other entrepreneurs.

Brent Peterson is an entrepreneur, commerce evangelist, and a Magento Master. His podcast, Talk Commerce, is designed to help entrepreneurs know how to start, grow, and scale their businesses through the lens of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and marketers. Before he sold it, Brent was the President and Co-founder of Wagento, a full-service Magento ecommerce development agency specializing in SEO, web design, and the Magento platform. Speaking at Magento events worldwide, he's given presentations, keynotes, and held workshops. In addition, he is an active member and the SAP Chairperson of the Minnesota Chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization. In this episode… Employee happiness is a nebulous concept; however, it's evident that happier employees lead to stronger businesses, but many companies still fail to invest in their teams. When top talent leaves, it trickles down into all aspects of the organization. So what can you do to attract and retain valuable employees in this competitive environment? From his experience mentoring Wagento's project team on a customer and employee-centric approach to communications and project management, Brent Peterson has gained many insights into employee happiness. It takes more than offering a big paycheck for companies to attract and retain talent in today's job market. Employees have the power of negotiation since the jobless rate is so low, which means businesses big and small have to compete with each other, keeping employee happiness at the forefront. On this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual speaks with Brent Peterson, the host of Talk Commerce, to discuss employee happiness and its direct influence on business success. They touch on the hiring process, keeping star talent, the challenge of having a remote team, and system modifications that benefit everyone. Brent also goes through the expectations of employees and businesses and how they relate to each other.

René-Sylvain Bédard is the Founding CEO of Indominus, the President and Chairman of the Board for its consulting arm, and the Chairman of the Board for the AI arm of the business. Indominus is an innovative IT firm that provides comprehensive strategic support, develops cybersecurity programs, and leads major technological transformation projects, applying automation and artificial intelligence to company operations to help them scale and grow. René-Sylvain has an extensive career spanning 25 years with clients such as Hilton, Bell Canada, the Toronto Montreal Stock Exchange (TMX), and various municipal government agencies. He is a recognized Microsoft partner and has previously worked with HP and Dell. He is also an entrepreneur and public speaker in the areas of infrastructure and cybersecurity. In this episode… On the last episode with René-Sylvain Bédard, he and Guillaume discussed cybersecurity and potential pitfalls to avoid. Now, they dive deeper into visibility. Preventing cyberattacks is crucial, but having an incident monitoring system in place is equally, if not more, important. Many companies have blindspots in their detection systems, leaving vulnerable windows for potential attackers. So now that you've taken a step towards greater security, how can you finalize that shift with better visibility? In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, René-Sylvain Bédard returns to talk with Guillaume Le Tual about the visibility of cyberattacks. They touch on the concept of “eyes on console,” various systems that can notify ecommerce businesses, and why you must implement protection across all devices.

René-Sylvain Bédard is the Founding CEO of Indominus, the President and Chairman of the Board for its consulting arm, and the Chairman of the Board for the AI arm of the business. Indominus is an innovative IT firm that provides comprehensive strategic support, develops cybersecurity programs, and leads major technological transformation projects, applying automation and artificial intelligence to company operations to help them scale and grow. René-Sylvain has an extensive career spanning 25 years with clients such as Hilton, Bell Canada, the Toronto Montreal Stock Exchange (TMX), and various municipal government agencies. He is a recognized Microsoft partner and has previously worked with HP and Dell. He is also an entrepreneur and public speaker in the areas of infrastructure and cybersecurity. In this episode… Cybersecurity can be a nebulous concept for many ecommerce businesses. Everyone can acknowledge the importance without adequately investing in their own protection. The result is weak systems that are prone to disaster, costing companies far more than they ever would have spent on security. It's not only important to focus on cybersecurity but to find the right people who can properly implement it. René-Sylvain Bédard is an expert on cybersecurity and the present danger of cyberattacks. He started his company, Indominus, to help other companies navigate their journeys toward better prevention and restoration. So what do you need to know to keep your company safe? In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual interviews René-Sylvain Bédard, Founding CEO of Indominus, to discuss the most critical aspects of cybersecurity for ecommerce businesses. They break down the current state of cyberattacks, necessary training and protections, and how to identify threats. They also go through two-factor authentication, tokenization, and much more.

With over 13 years of experience as an entrepreneur, Nathan Hirsch is a knowledgeable ecommerce leader and a successful founder. He is the Co-founder and CEO of EcomBalance, which offers simple bookkeeping services for growing ecommerce brands. He co-founded and eventually sold FreeeUp, which provided online business owners a more reliable and faster way to hire talented workers online. Nathan also co-founded Outsource School to help companies find virtual assistants. Most recently, he launched the sister company of EcomBalance, and AccountsBalance was born and provides bookkeeping services to agencies, SaaS, and online businesses. At the beginning of his career, Nathan got his start selling textbooks through Amazon, and he and his co-founder eventually scaled it to $5 million. In this episode… In the last episode, Guillaume spoke with Nathan Hirsch about how to scale a business from nothing to eight figures. Now they touch on the next step for many entrepreneurs: How do you successfully sell and exit your business? There are countless pitfalls you need to be aware of when selling. Higher numbers are not always better, and many unsuspecting entrepreneurs have missed the proper way to exit. Since Nathan and his business partner successfully navigated their own deal, he wants to offer those same insights to you. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual interviews Nathan Hirsch, the Co-founder and CEO of EcomBalance, to detail how to successfully sell an eight-figure business. They talk about the success that led to exiting, how to maximize your company's value, and strategies for negotiating the best possible deal. Stay tuned to hear all of the essential advice for yourself!

With over 13 years of experience as an entrepreneur, Nathan Hirsch is a knowledgeable ecommerce leader and a successful founder. He is the Co-founder and CEO of EcomBalance, which offers simple bookkeeping services for growing ecommerce brands. He co-founded and eventually sold FreeeUp, which provided online business owners a more reliable and faster way to hire talented workers online. Nathan also co-founded Outsource School to help companies find virtual assistants. Most recently, he launched the sister company of EcomBalance, and AccountsBalance was born and provides bookkeeping services to agencies, SaaS, and online businesses. At the beginning of his career, Nathan got his start selling textbooks through Amazon, and he and his co-founder eventually scaled it to $5 million. In this episode… Every entrepreneur wants to know the keys to launching a successful ecommerce startup. What about the challenge of starting from scratch and working up to eight-figure revenue? This process is difficult but not impossible, and few know this better than Nathan Hirsch. Starting in his college dorm room, Nathan quickly built his side hustle into a full-blown business. Since then, he has started and successfully operated several other companies using the same winning principles. One of his more recent ventures is Outsource School, having scaled the business from zero to eight figures of income. Now he explains the process he uses that makes his companies thrive. On this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual talks with Nathan Hirsch, the Co-founder of Outsource School, the Co-founder and CEO of EcomBalance, and the Co-founder of FreeeUp, about his advice and strategies for launching his businesses from the ground up. They talk about Nathan's entrepreneurial background, the internal structures his teams used, and how they got the word out about their brand. They also take time to break down Outsource School's approach to hiring and freelancing.

Osayame (Osa) Gaius is a software engineer with extensive experience and is the Founder and CEO of Parrot, an end-to-end payment solution that uses SMS to drive a better checkout experience. Before Parrot, he served as the Vice President of BlackRock and was a senior software engineer for both MailChimp and Luma.  Having grown up in Nigeria, Osa went from having minimal computing exposure to being an ecommerce software development expert. He received his bachelor's in computer science from the University of West Georgia and worked as a research intern at Texas A&M University and the Georgia Institute of Technology. In this episode… Do people tend not to open your emails? Would you like to implement a more effective way of deploying your ecommerce marketing strategy to engage with customers? While emails have been the most common method of collecting information and creating accounts, it is not the only one. In fact, emails are only opened approximately 20-30% of the time compared to SMS, which hits about 90-95%. SMS messaging is a more direct and friendlier approach and has made it easier for ecommerce brands to interact with consumers to drive sales. So, what do you need to know to get started? Guillaume Le Tual invites Osa Gaius, the Founder and CEO of Parrot, back onto the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast to dive into SMS checkout and what the future holds for SMS mobile ecommerce. They talk about the unique advantages of the model, the differences between SMS and emails, and how to leverage the strategy for increased upselling and cross-selling. They also touch on the common mistakes most ecommerce brands make along the way and how to avoid them.

Osayame (Osa) Gaius is a software engineer with extensive experience and is the Founder and CEO of Parrot, an end-to-end payment solution that uses SMS to drive a better checkout experience. Before Parrot, he served as the Vice President of BlackRock and was a senior software engineer for both MailChimp and Luma.  Having grown up in Nigeria, Osa went from having minimal computing exposure to being an ecommerce software development expert. He received his bachelor's in computer science from the University of West Georgia and worked as a research intern at Texas A&M University and the Georgia Institute of Technology. In this episode… Successfully launching a startup is a daunting task for anyone. Even seasoned entrepreneurs encounter new problems and obstacles when starting a new business. The process is as exciting as it is difficult, so advice is essential to getting it right from the beginning. Osa Gaius quit his job and started a company, but he needed investors to make it work and take it to the next level. His friends and family initially helped, but he needed to acquire venture capital to explode the business. At the onset, he had to deal with the challenges of the pandemic while pitching his product to investors. Osa found success with his company, Parrot, having run a successful fundraising campaign of over $2 million. Now he shares his knowledge and his experience with you. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual interviews Osa Gaius, the Founder and CEO of Parrot, on launching a successful startup. They break down Osa's introduction to entrepreneurship, building an MVP, and acquiring free users to fuel growth. They also touch on the best ways to acquire and utilize venture capital after fundraising.  

Anna Taylor is the Director of Digital and Marketing Projects at Supply America, Inc., a food service business dedicated to distribution solutions for chain businesses, multi-unit operators, and national companies. She has nearly two decades of experience executing cross-functional projects and UX and UI systems. Anna worked in marketing and ecommerce at TriMark USA and SG Commerce LLC before joining Supply America.  In this episode… Have you considered upgrading your ecommerce platform to improve the customer experience and diversify your audience? Ecommerce platforms can be a powerful tool for reaching your business goals and increasing profitability. So, how do you know what platform is best for you? With nearly two decades in the ecommerce and marketing arena, Anna Taylor knows the ins and outs of selecting an ecommerce platform, why choosing the right one is key, and why Adobe Commerce and its capabilities may be the right choice for your business. One of the essential considerations is adaptability as your company scales. You don't want to go two or three years and suddenly, your platform is antiquated and needs a complete overhaul. Anna recommends assessing your company goals to determine the functionality and customization you'll need to support your growth to decide whether Adobe Commerce could be a perfect fit for your ecommerce business. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual sits down with Anna Taylor, Director of Digital and Marketing Projects at Supply America, to discuss choosing the right commerce platform. Anna explains the importance of future-proofing, assessing your company's growth playbook, what integrations you want, and why Adobe Commerce may be the right ecommerce platform for your business. 

Josh Ward is the VP of Sales at Nexcess, a business that provides managed hosting services for WordPress, Magento, and other ecommerce platforms. In his role, he helps the sales team, processes, and marketing initiatives at Nexcess and assists with recruiting. He spent the first decade of his career switching from IT manager to system administration before transitioning to marketing.  In addition to his career, Josh is also the President of Gateway All Sports Booster Club, where he supports students by raising funds for facilities, equipment, and uniforms. In this episode… On the last episode with Josh Ward, he broke down the key differences between PWA and standard Magento builds. Now he goes into depth on optimizing hosting performance. Even with the perfect web application, many optimizations still need to be made to your hosting capabilities. Many ecommerce brands are missing out on their full potential by failing to ask the right questions and look in the right places. Now you will find out exactly what you need to know. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual invites Josh Ward, the VP of Sales at Nexcess, back onto the show to talk about improving your hosting performance on Adobe Commerce. They go through topics such as CDNs, knowing when and how to split your database, strategically planning for traffic spikes, and much more.

Josh Ward is the VP of Sales at Nexcess, a business that provides managed hosting services for WordPress, Magento, and other ecommerce platforms. In his role, he helps the sales team, processes, and marketing initiatives at Nexcess and assists with recruiting. He spent the first decade of his career switching from IT manager to system administration before transitioning to marketing.  In addition to his career, Josh is also the President of Gateway All Sports Booster Club, where he supports students by raising funds for facilities, equipment, and uniforms. In this episode… The technology behind ecommerce hosting can be complicated at first. There is no magic bullet for your brand — each need or feature might require completely different solutions. However, this does not mean you cannot be informed about what might be best. PWA builds can be a powerful alternative to more traditional builds, but now you can know which is right for your brand. Guillaume Le Tual invites Josh Ward, the VP of Sales at Nexcess, to detail the key differences between hosting a PWA versus a standard build for Magento. They discuss the strengths of both models, how they deal with indexing issues, and why some brands have gone to cloud hosting rather than physical servers. Stay tuned to hear all this and more on this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast!

John Jonas is the Founder and CEO of OnlineJobs.ph, a job board that provides hundreds of thousands of jobs to virtual workers in the Philippines. He hosts The Secret Sauce of Outsourcing, a podcast where he discusses tips, tricks, advice, and stories on how to utilize outsourcing properly. Before OnlineJobs.ph, John worked as the Chief Technology Advisor for ClientSkills and a PHP Programmer for QComm. In this episode… There is often a stigma associated with outsourcing labor. There may be connotations of exploitation, inefficient staffing, and communication difficulties related to the industry. However, some agencies find incredible benefits for employers and employees alike. One leading company in this field is OnlineJobs.ph. John Jonas started OnlineJobs.ph after encountering his own issues with staffing and outsourcing. He and his team have since honed the process, supplying ethical and effective solutions for brands. Throughout the process, John has developed core principles to help others experiencing the same problems. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual has an insightful discussion with John Jonas, the Founder and CEO of OnlineJobs.ph, about getting the most out of outsourcing solutions. They start with John's initial experiences with the field and how he created a better way for ecommerce brands. He goes on to cover topics like cultural barriers, time zones, emails versus interviews, filtering for the right people, and so much more.

Jacob Springer is the Senior Account Executive for Canadian Expansion at Sezzle, a certified B Corp that offers financial education and payment options without interest. He is a sales expert with extensive experience in driving growth in industries such as eCommerce, retail, and financial technology. With a focus on customer experience, trend forecasting, and B2B solution selling, Jacob aids in strategic direction, increasing market share, and catering to changing consumer trends. In this episode… Are you struggling to convert traffic into leads? Do you notice prospective customers browsing your website and then leaving without making a purchase? The most important step for any ecommerce brand is to convert their leads. Even generating incredible traffic is not enough if customers never check out. One effective solution is the buy now/pay later model. This offers customers the ability to buy more expensive items without relying on their own credit or immediate funds. Ecommerce businesses have seen increases in their conversions without getting locked into difficult contracts. So how does it work in practice? In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual speaks with Jacob Springer, the Senior Account Executive of Canadian Expansion at Sezzle, to discuss the company's approach to the buy now/pay later model. They dive into the tangible benefits of the model, how it's taking off in North America, and why Sezzle doesn't utilize vendor contracts. They also touch on why Sezzle works well for particular customers and brands. Stay tuned for more!

As an experienced entrepreneur, GQ Fu has founded and co-founded five companies. He is the CEO of LTVplus, a business that offers customer service outsourcing for ecommerce brands to increase their lifetime customer value. Most recently, GQ started Recover Payments and UberQA to solve other problems for digital brands. In addition to his startups, he hosts the How We Solve Podcast. In this episode… Involuntary churn is a subtle but damaging trend for any subscription-based service. Ecommerce brands can often lose shocking sums of revenue based solely on negligence. While the issue can be devastating to a company's bottom line, the solutions are often simple and easy to implement. All it takes is knowing the right steps to keep more current subscribers. Guillaume Le Tual invites GQ Fu back on the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast to break down involuntary churn and how to minimize it. They discuss the source of the problem, the best strategies to combat churn, and how to solve the growing issue of abandoned carts. They also touch on how to anticipate subscriber needs to create a better user experience.

As an experienced entrepreneur, GQ Fu has founded and co-founded five companies. He is the CEO of LTVplus, a business that offers customer service outsourcing for ecommerce brands to increase their lifetime customer value. Most recently, GQ started Recover Payments and UberQA to solve other problems for digital brands. In addition to his startups, he hosts the How We Solve Podcast. In this episode… Most online shoppers have had negative digital customer service experiences at some point. Companies need to take these instances more seriously because a bad experience can lead to a poor word-of-mouth reputation and lower customer retention rates. Just as inadequate customer service can result in adverse consequences, outstanding customer service can often bolster the success of a business. As an experienced entrepreneur, GQ Fu had his own subpar experiences in digital customer service, so he started LTVplus to solve this issue by outsourcing world-class customer service specifically for ecommerce brands. The results have been significant for his clients. Now he's here to explain the benefits and value of implementing this service into your ecommerce platform. Guillaume Le Tual interviews GQ Fu, the Co-founder and CEO of LTVplus, to talk about how live chat customer service positively impacts the success of ecommerce brands. They go through the common pain points and benefits of the service. They also touch on chatbots, customer lifetime value, and the overlooked benefits of down-selling customers.

Joseph Maxwell is the Founder and CEO of SwiftOtter, Inc., an agency that specializes in Magento to help ecommerce brands establish a presence in the marketplace. He cut his teeth in development and design during his five-year role at Communication Concepts, Inc. Joseph hosts two podcasts for ecommerce developers and industry experts: Smash the Bug and Actionable Insights. In 2019, he was recognized as a Magento Master, the highest award in the Magento community. In this episode… Completing and supporting any project as an ecommerce platform is a monumental task. It requires an incredible amount of experience, expertise, and time to provide an excellent platform for businesses. Beyond the work itself, however, is the relationship with clients. Both sides of the process are integral to the success of any agency. So what does it take to propel your agency to the next level? Joseph Maxwell started his agency in 2011 that specializes in Magento. He and his team have grown by leaps and bounds, including an award for Magento Master within the community. They have worked on countless projects and can now teach others how to navigate their client relationships. Guillaume Le Tual speaks with Joseph Maxwell, the Founder and CEO of SwiftOtter, on this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast to discuss how to improve your agency. They talk about clients' expectations and requests and how to deliver a fantastic platform. They then touch on providing support, mutual trust, saving disaster projects, and much more.

Jacob Anson is the Co-founder of AgencyJR, a marketing agency that generates additional revenue through better email marketing. Across the life of the agency, they have generated over 30 million in email and SMS marketing sales with over 70 clients. Jacob is also a brand specialist for Frozen Ventures, LLC and has become adept at ecommerce marketing. In this episode… Black Friday and Cyber Monday are among the most crucial days for ecommerce brands. The competition is fierce as digital marketing reaches a fever pitch in November. With so many companies fighting for a limited number of customers, how can your marketing stand out from the rest? Jacob Anson has found success for his clients through SMS and email marketing. His approach is not only effective but is also distinct from the endless stream of advertisements. He knows how important the holiday season is for businesses, and today, he tells you how to get the most out of your marketing. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual talks to Jacob Anson, the Co-founder of AgencyJR, about SMS and email marketing for Black Friday. The two go through how to build a client list, why you should invest in pre-existing customers, and the keys to an excellent email marketing strategy during the holidays!

Manish Chowdhary is a software and ecommerce wizard as well as a thought leader in the technology space. He is the Founder and CEO of Cahoot and Pulse Commerce, two cloud platforms designed for order and inventory management. He was recognized as one of The 30 Most Innovative Business Leaders by Insights Success Magazine and has been featured in the New York Times, Forbes, and Internet Retailer. Outside of his businesses, he serves as a member of the Forbes Technology Council and is an advisor for BWG Strategy LLC. In this episode… Every ecommerce business wants to perform well outside of Amazon, but this is often much harder than most entrepreneurs realize. The current landscape of online shopping is determined by Amazon and its influence.  There are alternatives to order fulfillment, but it takes expertise and grit to make it work. Fortunately, there are experts who know other ways to fulfill orders. Manish Chowdhary offers a reliable fulfillment platform for ecommerce brands. He has started two companies that work to solve the enduring problems of order fulfillment. So what does this model look like in practice? Guillaume Le Tual invites Manish Chowdhary, the CEO and Founder of Cahoot, onto the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast to discuss fulfillment platforms and if they are the right choice for your business. They break down what Cahoot does for their clients and how they stand out from the competition. They then dive into the realities of Amazon, the challenges of the warehouse model, and best practices for B2C brands. 

Manish Chowdhary is a software and ecommerce wizard as well as a thought leader in the technology space. He is the Founder and CEO of Cahoot and Pulse Commerce, two cloud platforms designed for order and inventory management. He was recognized as one of The 30 Most Innovative Business Leaders by Insights Success Magazine and has been featured in the New York Times, Forbes, and Internet Retailer. Outside of his businesses, he serves as a member of the Forbes Technology Council and is an advisor for BWG Strategy LLC. In this episode… Amazon's Buy with Prime button is an ecommerce feature that has exploded in popularity. Because of Amazon's ubiquity, the option for storefronts is worth considering. There are pros and cons related to the feature, but the reality is far more complicated. In fact, if you want to continue growing your ecommerce brand, you may want to hear what the experts have to say. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual talks with Manish Chowdhary, the Founder and CEO of Cahoot, about Amazon's Buy with Prime button. They talk about how it functions, when it works well, and its inherent dangers. They also touch on the difference between the button and FBA, why Shopify banned it, and if it successfully converts customers.

Harry Drajpuch is the CEO of Amware Fulfillment, a network of fulfillment centers that provide scalable and outsourced solutions to help businesses. He joined Amware as COO in 2015 and became CEO in early 2018, and he is now responsible for company strategy and operations. Before Amware, Harry was President and CEO at Weber Logistics, overseeing 15 distribution centers and a large truckload fleet. Across his 30-year career in logistics services, he worked at companies such as Kuehne + Nagel, Con-Way, and Kane Is Able, Inc. In this episode… Do you have a business plagued with problems related to shipping and packaging processes? For ecommerce businesses, the logistics are just as important as the product and marketing. Online storefronts face hundreds of complications created by the shipping and packaging process. Over time, these small details can either lead to immense success or gradual failure. Many companies turn to the 3PL model as a solution, but is it the right choice for your brand? With 30-plus years of experience in logistics, Harry Drajpuch of Amware Fulfillment has a proven record of delivering reliable, scalable, outsourced fulfillment solutions where space, automation, and labor adapt to growth requirements, risk is mitigated, and distribution costs parallel revenue. He has become an expert on the subject, so if anyone can answer questions about 3PL services, it's him. Guillaume Le Tual has an informative discussion with Harry Drajpuch, the CEO of Amware Fulfillment, to go through the benefits and nuances of 3PL shipping. They touch on Harry's background and his advice for most businesses. He then details the customer experience, packaging, sustainable practices, and much more. Hear it all on this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast!

Brandon Taylor is an established figure in the energy sector and is the CEO of GreenTech Environmental. He serves on the company's board of directors, and before stepping into his role as CEO, he served as their CFO and COO. He was the Head of Treasury and Strategy at Mission Coal and led them through DIP financing and accelerated bankruptcy. Before his work at Mission Coal, Brandon was the Vice President of Finance at Brock Group and was involved in several private equity transactions that produced a $1 billion turnaround. In this episode… How do you launch a new product in a new market? The prospect is daunting, introducing challenges for both the product and the developing marketplace that is rapidly changing. It can be difficult to know where to start when there is little precedent for your product. Fortunately, there are key strategies and principles that can help businesses navigate new territories. All you need is an expert who has learned those lessons through experience. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual sits down with Brandon Taylor, the CEO of GreenTech Environmental, to discuss launching new products in emerging markets. They tackle the three keys to a successful launch and how to implement them into your business. They then discuss topics such as connecting with distributors, creating a compelling message, and why honesty is crucial.

Avi Kumar is an expert in PPC and digital marketing. As the Founder and CEO of KUWARE, a digital marketing agency, he focuses on customer acquisition through SEM, SEO, web design, email, and other tools. He spent eight years at Intel at the beginning of his career and recently became the CEO at InvisiblePPC.  With over two decades of experience, Avi is a powerhouse of talent. It's rare to come across a person who understands the finer nuances of business and technology at the same time. He has a BS, a BSEE, an MSEE in computer engineering, and an MBA in Entrepreneurship. In his free time, Avi mentors youngsters or reads books, blogs, and magazines. In this episode… When choosing the right ecommerce platform, there are hundreds of complications that can be hard to predict. Online businesses each have their own needs, which cannot always be met by choosing the most popular platform. It helps to have unbiased experts who can guide entrepreneurs to the best fit for their company. Avi Kumar has deep experience with multiple ecommerce platforms, including WooCommerce. He knows the unique advantages and limitations and helps his clients use the service efficiently. However, there are plenty of other platforms to choose from, including powerful options like Magento. So what exactly makes WooCommerce and Magento different from the rest? Guillaume Le Tual interviews Avi Kumar, the Founder and CEO of KUWARE, to learn about the differences between WooCommerce, Magento, and other popular ecommerce platforms. They start with Avi's entrepreneurial journey and his experience in this complex field. They go through topics such as security, why the size of your platform matters, scalability, using freelancers, and much more. Hear it all on this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast!

Eldad Alfi is an entrepreneur who started his first business at the age of 19. Since then, he has gone on to start four companies. He is the Founder and CEO of Alfi Trade, Inc., a wholesale distribution company that supplies decorative plumbing, kitchen, and bath fixtures. Eldad is the Founder and CEO of Blue Bath, an online retailer of name-brand high-end decorative plumbing fixtures for kitchens and baths.  In addition to those two businesses, Eldad has built up his rental portfolio and expanded his investments into property management companies. He's the CEO of Alfi Properties LLC, a real estate holding and property management firm, and he co-founded La Casa Zula, an organic beach house and retreat center in the works. His focus remains on cutting-edge technologies and advancements in hospitality. In this episode… At first glance, retail and wholesale feel like completely different worlds. Any transition or cooperation between the two is rare, requiring distinct strategies and philosophies. However, they are not mutually exclusive, and some people have found success in both spaces. Eldad Alfi has worked in the two fields at various times in his four businesses. His experience is filled with obstacles and breakthroughs, giving him his unique perspective. He has a lot to share about his time in ecommerce and, more specifically, what's the best way to play the game. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual talks with Eldad Alfi, the Founder and CEO of Alfi Trade Inc., to go through his advice on retail and wholesale. They start with his multiple businesses and how he found his footing as an entrepreneur. They go on to discuss the transition from wholesale to retail, MAP enforcement, and how to sell in the marketplace. Check out the full episode to hear all of this and more.

Susan Bradley is the Founder of The Social Sales Girls, an ecommerce brand where she helps clients grow their businesses. Through community, self-paced courses, tight-knit communities, masterminds, and private sessions, she works with Shopify store owners to develop solid, strategic plans they can follow over and over to create reliable, consistent revenue. Susan has built and sold one business and bought and sold the children's shoe brand Wee Squeak. In association with her ecommerce site, she runs a blog and podcast where she offers actionable advice on growing your business. In this episode… The eternal question for ecommerce business owners is how to increase conversions. Driving traffic is important, but your brand will never grow without capitalizing on those online visits. Thousands of people say they know the secret, but not all of them have personal experience with success in the ecommerce space. One person who found success is Susan Bradley. Having grown and sold two businesses, Susan has firsthand knowledge of the difficulties of growing an ecommerce brand. She also has a background in wholesale and DTC companies. Now she uses her expertise to help other entrepreneurs grow their brands and increase their conversion rates. Want to know how she does it? Guillaume Le Tual talks with Susan Bradley, the Founder of The Social Sales Girls, to go through the best advice for ecommerce brands. They start by discussing conversions and how to make the most out of your visitors. Then, the two dive into more detail on the power of social media for marketing, wholesale versus DTC, and the turnover rate for online businesses. Hear all this and more on this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast! 

Dan Hubbert is an established executive in the music business world and is the CEO and Owner of Power Music. He joined the company after leaving prominent positions at labels such as Columbia, Capitol, and Sony. He grew Power Music into the #1 fitness music company on Apple Music and transformed it into a global leader in pre-choreography videos since his start in 2004.  Dan also serves as a partner for Subtropic Studios, where he focuses on customer strategy through content creation and brand marketing. In this episode… The music industry is a notoriously difficult sector within business. Not only is the space crowded with competition, but it is often reliant upon new technology. Keeping up with shifting customer expectations can be challenging, requiring a flexible business model and platform to adjust properly. One company that has managed this tightrope walk is Power Music. Power Music is a fitness music business that has found much of its success through its unique technology and successful app. Additionally, the team has adapted its ecommerce platform and stayed current to suit its customer base. The end result is an established company that has proven you can thrive within a tough marketplace. Now they show you how they managed it. Guillaume Le Tual interviews Dan Hubbert, the Owner and CEO of Power Music, on this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast to discuss their ecommerce platform and the technology that goes into their app. They discuss Dan's background in business and music and what he brought to the company when he joined. The two then dig into the business' shift to Magento, their subscription model, and the best tips for growing your own ecommerce company.

Megan Blissick is the Head of Global Agency Partnerships at Signifyd, the leader in ecommerce protection. Megan's background includes a widespread ecommerce experience, ranging from brand management to digital marketing and advertising, in addition to building partnerships throughout the SaaS ecosystem. Signifyd provides an end-to-end commerce protection platform that leverages its commerce network to maximize conversion, automate customer experience, and eliminate fraud and customer abuse for retailers. Signifyd uses big data and machine learning to provide a 100% financial guarantee against fraud and chargebacks on approved orders. This effectively shifts the liability for fraud away from ecommerce merchants, allowing them to increase sales and open new markets while reducing risk. Signifyd counts among its customers many companies on the Fortune 1000 and Internet Retailer Top 500 lists. Signifyd is headquartered in San Jose, CA, with locations in Denver, New York, Mexico City, Belfast, and London. In this episode… Fraud is an unfortunate reality for ecommerce businesses, but what if it could be effectively and consistently prevented? Both fraud and fraud protection are in a constant game of cat and mouse, with new issues and solutions being introduced every day. Most companies can't afford to stay on top of these trends, so they only treat the symptoms rather than the underlying causes. The best solution is to have a dedicated service specializing in ecommerce fraud. A few of these exist, and Signifyd is leading the charge with its knowledgeable staff. So while fraud can never be fully prevented, now you can stay one step ahead. Guillaume Le Tual joins Megan Blissick, the Head of Global Agency Partnerships at Signifyd, on the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast to discuss fraud in ecommerce and the best preventions. They start with the common issues in the current ecommerce landscape and what measures are being taken to deal with them. They also get into returns, subscriptions, and bot-based attacks and the unique challenges each one brings.

Brooke Ihlefeld is a digital marketing specialist with experience in SEO, lead generation, social media, copywriting, and more. She is the Digital Marketing Manager at pc/nametag, which offers custom supplies and promotional products for businesses and events. Previously, she worked in digital marketing for companies such as Orascoptic, Gray Plant Mooty, and AkitaBox. Outside of work, she runs multiple blogs on pop culture with more than 60,000 followers in total. In this episode… How much does money play into successful digital marketing? It can sometimes feel like a necessity to have a monstrous marketing budget. After all, so many competitors have extensive budgets that can succeed by sheer force. However money is not the only important factor for success, and, in some situations, it can be almost entirely circumvented. Many companies have had to overcome this particular challenge due to recent changes in the market. It is not an impossible feat — all you need to know is how to make the most out of the least. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual talks with Brooke Ihlefeld, the Digital Marketing Manager at pc/nametag, to discuss how to improve your digital marketing on a tight budget. They go through the company's challenges during the pandemic and how they found new ways to market with limited resources. Brooke also gives her advice on topics such as quality over quantity, turning your business into a thought leader, and how to adapt products quickly.

Evan Padgett is a subscription commerce expert with nearly 20 years of experience under his belt. He is the COO of Stealth Venture Labs, having started as a General Manager and Partner. He also works as a consultant to help businesses grow their marketing, define their brand, and strengthen their investment strategy. He developed his skills in leadership and data analysis while working with companies like Intelligent Beauty and JustFab Inc. In this episode… The subscription model has skyrocketed over the past decade, and there are several advantages to implementing the model for an ecommerce brand. With such a low barrier to entry for most people, it can be hard to resist the allure of a budget-friendly monthly rate. Businesses of all kinds are trying out subscriptions, but many are finding out that it's not as easy as it may seem. All of those advantages come with difficulties, and if you don't know how to navigate them, it can paralyze your model from the start. Evan Padgett knows this better than most with 20 years of experience in subscription commerce. He has helped companies both large and small navigate marketing, funding, brand development, and everything in between. He knows the multitude of factors that can lead a subscription model to success — and he's here to share his insights. Guillaume Le Tual sits down with Evan Padgett, the COO of Stealth Venture Labs, to discuss subscription models and how to make them work. They dive deep into marketing and funding, talking about the necessary cash flow that most companies need. They then go into a variety of topics including recent supply chain issues, good unit economics, and compelling value propositions. Hear all of this and much more on this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast.

Ciara Stockeland is a serial entrepreneur and the Founder of The Boutique Workshop. She uses her experience as a former seven-figure boutique owner to coach others on how to find success with their boutiques. Her original business, MODE, is now a franchise with multiple locations throughout the midwest. Along with her coaching, Ciara started a membership and wholesale subscription box for the same purpose. She is also the Host of The Boutique Workshop Podcast. In this episode… Building a boutique shop, by its very essence, means catering to a particular niche. As a result, it can be challenging to find a market and customer base to carry your business model. However, the rewards can be incredible as you develop something new and different. It's a complicated proposition that carries its own advantages and obstacles. Ciara Stockeland has experienced this firsthand. She opened her own boutique in 2007 and slowly built it into a successful franchise. Since then, she has shifted her focus to helping other boutique owners thrive with their own businesses. Ciara has valuable insight from both the inside and outside of this business model and is here to share her expert advice with you. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual interviews Ciara Stockeland, the Founder of The Boutique Workshop, to discuss how to make your boutique business thrive. They start with her own story of entrepreneurship and the lessons she learned while franchising. They then dive into more specific topics, including product sourcing, scaling, and developing relationships. Stay tuned to hear all this and more!

Mitchell Callahan is the CEO and Co-founder of Saucal, a WordPress partner and agency that works extensively in WooCommerce development. Mitchell is a specialist in WooCommerce and hosts the Toronto meetup for other dedicated users. His background consists of sales and client services experience at companies in Toronto. He has visited more than 40 countries and previously lived in South Korea as an EFL teacher. In this episode… There's a lot more than meets the eye when building an ecommerce website. With more options comes more choices for businesses — each one potentially affecting their sales and success. While every ecommerce platform claims to be the best, the reality is much more complicated. The distinct strengths and weaknesses of each platform need to be considered, and having expert help can be invaluable.  Mitchell Callahan is the CEO of Saucal, an agency filled with experts in WooCommerce. In addition to his specialization in WooCommerce, Mitchell is also familiar with the full range of options for different platforms. He's done his homework and has a comprehensive understanding of what makes each ecommerce platform and feature worth considering. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual sits down with Mitchell Callahan, the CEO and Co-founder of Saucal, to discuss what makes an ecommerce platform successful. Together, they go through the many different options and distinct features of each style and platform. They then go on to talk about topics such as open source software, focusing on frontend versus backend, and the complex future of cryptocurrency. Check it out to hear all this and much more!

With a long and diverse career, Valentin Radu is a well-rounded entrepreneur with a specialization in ecommerce. He is the CEO of Omniconvert, a business that offers growth solutions for other ecommerce companies. He also created the Omniconvert CVO Academy, which offers education and strategy to improve customer lifetime value. Before Omniconvert, Valentin founded other companies such as Pint.ro, which became one of the largest online car insurance companies in Romania, growing to 250,000 customers. His background also includes time in radio, optometry, web design, and sales training. In this episode… How often do we think about changing our mindsets? Outside of the occasional motivational book or social media post, few of us apply much effort to adapting our mindset. As an entrepreneur, your first instinct may be to focus on strategies and results, but your underlying mindset is the foundation of your business. Changing your outlook and becoming aware of your own biases will not only improve your personal life but also transform your company.  Valentin Radu has built multiple companies and worked in several different industries. He has learned the hard way what it takes to be successful. Changing his mindset in small but crucial ways allowed him to grow as an entrepreneur and leader. So what exactly were those changes, and what do they look like in practice? Guillaume Le Tual interviews Valentin Radu, the CEO and Founder of Omniconvert, to talk about changing your entrepreneurial mindset. They discuss how to learn from your past mistakes and what it means to optimize your outlook on business. They also touch on different ways to learn as an entrepreneur, the outdated ecommerce growth formula, and why you should focus on customer lifetime value. Find out more by listening to this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast.

Michael Rubino is a Lead UX Designer for Adobe Commerce (powered by Magento), an all-in-one ecommerce platform. He was a Senior UX Designer with Magento before it was acquired by Adobe and has a decade of experience in UX design. Previously, Michael worked at Pando Networks and Sanctri in New York City before moving to Austin. He earned his bachelor's degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey. In this episode… Because it's open-source, Magento has always been a popular choice with distinct strengths and advantages. But the world of ecommerce is quickly evolving, which leaves businesses and users with a vested interest in how their platform will adapt. Enter: Adobe Commerce, powered by Magento.  Michael Rubino is a Lead UX Designer at Adobe, working hands-on with the transition from Magento to Adobe Commerce. He was with Magento before the acquisition, giving him both an inside and outside perspective on the company. Michael and the rest of the team have continued to work on the platform, adjusting and refining its features. So what exactly is on the horizon for Adobe Commerce? In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual talks with Michael Rubino, a Lead UX Designer at Adobe, about Magento's transition to Adobe Commerce and what's happening on the ground floor. The two go over the three clouds within Adobe and how they work together. They also discuss the changes with the platform, how to submit feedback, and the integration of new features. Stay tuned for more!

Guillaume Le Tual is an entrepreneur and multimedia technologist with more than 15 years of experience in web design, digital marketing, and the Magento platform. He has worked with clients including Volkswagen, Discovery Channel, The National Bank of Canada, and Warner Bros. Guillaume is also the Founder of MageMontreal, a Magento-certified ecommerce agency based in Montreal, Canada. MageMontreal works exclusively with the Magento platform to complete ecommerce website design and development, perform maintenance and support, and integrate Magento with ERP, SAP, and other third-party software. In addition to this, Guillaume also hosts the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast. In this episode… While listening to podcasts can be informative, it can be even better to host one. The process of interviewing different industry experts and hearing fresh perspectives about ecommerce can do wonders.  Guillaume Le Tual had a productive year in podcasting, gaining new wisdom about a multitude of subjects within the ecommerce space. Each episode touched on familiar themes while simultaneously bringing something new to consider and implement into a business. With so many lessons learned, Guillaume is here to share some of the key takeaways from his conversations over the past year.  In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz of Rise25 sits down with Guillaume Le Tual to discuss his wisdom-filled year of podcasting. They go episode by episode and break down the expert guests, the main ideas and lessons shared, and how they come together to highlight a few universal principles in ecommerce. Tune in to hear the full list and check out the podcast for new interviews!

Nick Sonnenberg is a serial entrepreneur and business efficiency consultant. He founded his growth agency, Leverage, to reinvent the way work gets done. Leverage uses operational efficiency tactics and strategic marketing expertise to help businesses optimize their revenue and performance. Nick is also the co-author of the book Idea to Execution: How to Optimize, Automate, and Outsource Everything in Your Business. He has worked with leading individuals and companies including Tony Robbins, Reckitt, Poo-Pourri, Ethereum, and more. In this episode… Have you ever considered how much inefficiency is costing your business? You may have a talented team at your company, but if they're unorganized or inefficient, it can start to add up. Those small errors not only drive down profits but also add extra strain to your employees over time. However, they can be fixed with a few simple changes. You just have to know what you're looking for. Nick Sonnenberg has dedicated his career to business efficiency. When working with a business, his agency, Leverage, starts at the bottom and systematically rethinks the small pain points that lead to large losses. If anyone can identify and solve the hindrances in your company, it's him. Now, he's here to share his top optimization tips with you. Guillaume Le Tual invites Nick Sonnenberg, the CEO and Founder of Leverage, onto the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast to discuss business efficiency and how to help your team be more productive. They talk about the small cracks in your company that can easily be fixed to keep your team focused. They also go into the resources, tips, and strategies you need to create a more efficient workplace. Tune in to hear all this and more!

Robert Murray is an experienced entrepreneur who has dedicated his career to helping other entrepreneurs thrive through revenue growth and digital marketing strategy. He started his business, Intrigue, over 15 years ago with the mission of empowering homeowner and professional services companies. In addition to his role as CEO at Intrigue, Robert is the Learning Chair for the Entrepreneurs' Organization in Ontario. He also volunteers as a Member of the Fergus/Elora Chapter of the Rotary Club. In this episode… How do you make your ecommerce business stand out? For many leaders, it's a difficult process. The market is overflowing with online stores and solutions for every problem. What's more, there are typically many businesses occupying the same spaces — even niche areas. To truly differentiate yourself, you need to find ways to not only improve your offering, but make it memorable for consumers. Robert Murray has been empowering companies for over 15 years with this mindset. He helps them refine their strategy, find their core customers, and thrive despite the competition. With his tried-and-true methods, Robert has been able to make his mark and generate results for his clients time and time again. Now he talks about those same principles with you. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual interviews Robert Murray, the Founder and CEO of Intrigue, to discuss how companies can rise above the rest through differentiation and strategy. They go over the differences between marketing tactics and strategy and talk about leveraging the ecommerce space for your business. They also touch on finding the right talent for your team and how to motivate them to apply. Check out this episode for all this and more!

Michael Erickson Facchin is the CEO of Ad Badger, a company that delivers powerful Amazon PPC software and resources. Michael specializes in helping Amazon marketers and entrepreneurs scale their advertising campaigns and boost their revenue.  Michael's initial experience with online marketing comes from his role as a PPC Strategist for Search Scientists, where he continues to work to this day. He is also the host of the PPC Den, a podcast that discusses the fundamentals of Amazon PPC. In this episode… There are a lot of different ways to get your brand promoted on Amazon. As PPC has grown in usage, the results haven't always followed proportionally. After all, there's a limited amount of space and customer attention to go around, despite a seemingly endless number of products in the marketplace. So how do you get that extra leg up on the competition? Plenty of experts offer their advice on how to excel, but few have built a community around it. Michael Erickson Facchin, the CEO of Ad Badger, has designed his software company by pulling from a larger pool of technology and expertise. The result is a service that delivers concrete results the old-fashioned way: by getting well-researched people in one place.  In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual talks with Michael Erickson Facchin about his Amazon PPC software company, Ad Badger. They discuss the early days of the company and Michael's experience with fundraising. Michael also goes into detail on acquiring customers, optimizing your marketing channels, and making your mark on Amazon. They even share the tips and tools your brand needs to succeed. Check out this episode to hear it all for yourself!

Yoni Kozminski is the Founder and CEO of both Escala and MultiplyMii.  Escala offers consulting services for ecommerce companies and Amazon sellers who want to scale their businesses. On the other hand, MultiplyMii specializes in affordable offshore staffing solutions and HR outsourcing for ecommerce businesses. Both companies provide different solutions aimed at taking ecommerce and Amazon businesses to the next level. In addition to being a scaling expert and entrepreneur, Yoni also hosts the podcast Successful Scales, where he interviews leaders on what it takes to build successful businesses. He has a background in digital marketing and advertising, and has worked with companies such as Mercedes-Benz, Mastercard, and Sony. In this episode… As your ecommerce business scales, it can be difficult to keep track of everything. Your small, focused team starts to expand and your simple business plan has to adapt. There might be that initial urge to micromanage and keep a tight hold on your company, but there's a better and more natural way. In fact, it might even directly contribute to your continued growth. Organization and systematization are crucial to the success of your company. More specifically, the ability to automate and structure your business can work wonders for your day-to-day and bottom line. It's difficult to do it well; but, it helps to have someone who has done it a thousand times before. That's where Yoni Kozminski comes in. In this episode of the Ecommerce Wizards Podcast, Guillaume Le Tual talks with Yoni Kozminski, the Founder and CEO of Escala and MultiplyMii, about the best way to systematize your ecommerce brand. They go step by step through Yoni's process of evaluation, education, and organization. They also talk about the specific tools and lessons that will help your company scale effectively. Stay tuned to find out more!