Subscriptions: Scaled - A podcast about subscription businesses

Recorded on the main stage at the 2024 PaymentsEd conference in Washington DC, this episode explores how organizations set up their teams to collaborate effectively on subscriptions and recurring payments. Host Josh Mathers of Rebar Technology is joined by panelists Fred Rodriguez, HomeServe USA, Melissa Shields, Starbucks, and HanJie Xiao, Semrush.

In today's episode, we dive into global payments and subscriptions, featuring insights from Melissa Shields, Executive Director of Payments and Strategic Operations at Dotdash Meredith*, Jay Matthews, Director of Global Payments and Subscriptions/Retention at Yahoo, and Melanie Stout, Head of Recurring Services at Optimized Payments. The trio emphasizes the critical role of detailed analytics in understanding subscriber behavior, and how strategic reporting can drive better decision-making for subscription-based businesses. The conversation covers practical approaches to leveraging data for optimizing subscription models and enhancing customer retention.*Since recording the interview, Melissa Shields has moved to Starbucks, where she is Director, Payments Strategy & Operations. Key Takeaways:(3:31) Personalized communication for improving customer engagement.(7:16) Discussion on scaling challenges, focusing on operational solutions and data-driven strategies.(12:15) The impact of regional payment preferences on global subscription models.(18:29) Strategies for reducing churn and boosting subscriber retention through payment operations optimization.(24:47) The importance of using analytics for trend identification and strategic decision-making in payment strategies. (30:54) The future of payment technologies and their revolutionary potential for the subscription industry.(35:12) The integration of new payment methods to reach a broader audience and the challenges and opportunities it presents.  Resources Mentioned:Melissa Shields -https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagruener/Jay Matthews -https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaymatthews/Melanie Stout -https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniestout/Dotdash Meredith -https://www.dotdashmeredith.com/Yahoo -https://www.yahoo.com/?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAAdRipKTIpg_xTlqJe45aw5ti5WopyTbkFgpuZq-IIksH1z6El14PDDsU_O34UQ7TUbENp8BE-gSaHUDT_yWhR_94JnQLv7DAZj8vrOUjt2GsdZO-VtBefnQcJsdzuTy0PNN1Y41Wx7oaCV4SGxjenhIFCpjEFfoA421KJH2P-kLOptimized Payments -https://optimizedpayments.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.  #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we welcome Christine Wade, Co-Founder and Consultant of Payment Operations Group, LLC; Mandi Grimm, Director of Fraud Prevention of Etix; and Scott Adams, Founder and CEO of Fraud Deflect and CNPMentors. Together, we explore the complexities of chargeback management and fraud prevention. Each of them shares their expertise as we discuss current challenges and strategies in the industry. Key Takeaways:(06:22) Discussing the evolving nature of payment operations and its business impact.(12:15) Insights into the latest fraud prevention trends and techniques.(18:40) Exploring the influence of technology in combating online transaction fraud.(24:55) The role of customer behavior analysis in enhancing fraud detection.(31:07) Perspectives on the future of digital payments and their security measures.(37:19) Highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in fraud mitigation.(43:30) The necessity of ongoing education and awareness in payment security. Resources mentioned:Christine Wade -https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjwade/Payment Operations Group, LLC  -https://www.linkedin.com/company/payment-operations-group-llc/Mandi Grimm -https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandigrimm/Etix -https://www.linkedin.com/company/etix/Scott Adams -https://www.linkedin.com/in/speakerscotteadams/Fraud Deflect -https://www.linkedin.com/company/fraud-deflect/CNPMentors -https://www.linkedin.com/company/cnpmentors/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we dive into retention and revenue recovery in subscription-based businesses with the help of our guests, Kevin Salerno at Newfold Digital and Kristen Vandendriessche at Optimized Payments. Key Takeaways:(01:28) The impact of retention in subscription businesses.(03:51) An in-depth look at churn in subscription models, and strategies to manage it effectively.(09:06) Technical causes of involuntary churn and methods to improve payment collection.(16:36) The benefits and necessity of having multiple payment processors for successful payment authorizations.(24:11) Innovative strategies for simplifying customer payment updates and enhancing the recovery process.(31:02) The legal and regulatory considerations in payment recovery and retention strategies. Resources Mentioned:Kevin Salerno -https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-salerno-156530/Newfold Digital | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/newfold/Newfold Digital | Website -https://newfold.com/Kristen Vandendriessche -https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-vandendriessche-pcip-7b16924/Optimized Payments | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimized-payments/Optimized Payments | Website -https://optimizedpayments.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

Join us in a compelling discussion with Brian Kehn, Vice President Operations and Director of Payments at HomeServe USA, and Melanie Stout, Head of Recurring Services at Optimized Payments. We explore essential aspects of subscription payment processing and offer practical insights for businesses in this sector. Key Takeaways:(03:03) The importance of seamless customer experience in subscription billing.(04:49) The necessity of data management for successful billing.(07:30) Advice for startups on outsourcing payment processing.(12:18) Understanding decline codes in payment processing.(17:08) The improvement in approval rates with network tokens.(23:52) How different payment methods affect customer lifecycle and business strategy.(33:26) Insights into the role of fees, and strategies for their management.(42:23) The significance of data analytics in monitoring payment processing performance. Resources Mentioned:Brian Kehn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-kehn-b5a1804/HomeServe USA -https://www.homeserve.com/en-us/Melanie Stout -https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniestout/Optimized Payments -https://optimizedpayments.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.  #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

We're excited to introduce our new podcast series, Subscription Fundamentals. As the name implies, we will be diving into the essentials of the subscription business, including enrollment, billing, payments, fraud, chargebacks and more. Nick Fredrick will be joined on this series by co-host Josh Mathers, Vice President of Product at Rebar Technology, to guide you through the subscription process from the point at which your customer signs up for your product.   Key Takeaways:(03:24) The absence of formal training in subscription billing and the importance of experience and networking in this industry.(04:35) The basics of subscription payment flows and the necessity of understanding the enrollment and transaction processes.(05:24) The centrality of customer retention and engagement in subscription models and strategies to increase lifetime value.(06:12) The challenges of maintaining customer expectation continuity in the face of new marketing channels and subscription models.(06:53) Insights into fraud and chargeback management, including prevention strategies and understanding different types of fraud risks.(08:54) The critical role of data in the success of billing programs, focusing on trends in payment acceptance and chargeback rates. Resources Mentioned:Josh Mathers -https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamathers/Rebar Technology -https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebar-technology/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.  #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

On today's episode, we welcome Brian Comiskey, Director, Thematic Programs of the Consumer Technology Association. Brian delves into various topics including data-driven decision-making, cybersecurity and smart home innovations.  Key Takeaways:(02:44) Brian's background in international relations and his transition to media analytics and technology.(12:16) Evolving customer engagement strategies and the importance of maintaining touchpoints in a digital world.(17:29) The role of standards in technology development and innovation.(26:35) The importance of market research in understanding macroeconomic forces in technology.(33:00) Cutting-edge trends in various industry verticals, especially artificial intelligence.(34:18) Sustainability and alternative power sources as key elements in future technology trends.(43:00) Resources available at the Consumer Technology Association for further research on technology trends. Resources Mentioned:Brian Comiskey -https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-comiskey15/Consumer Technology Association research -https://www.cta.tech/Resources/Research Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

In this episode, we talk with Neil Dudley, Vice President of Pederson's Natural Farms, about the journey and challenges of transitioning from traditional business models to a direct-to-consumer and subscription-based approach. Key Takeaways:(02:00) Pederson's Natural Farms' shift toward direct-to-consumer sales and subscription models.(3:13) Understanding consumer needs for recurring deliveries.(07:40) Challenges faced in handling perishable goods and finding the right fulfillment partner.(11:07) The significance of subscriptions in building a sustainable customer base and the benefits of achieving scale.(14:50) Exploring different technology solutions for e-commerce, such as Shopify, and the continuous evolution of these platforms.(18:28) Transitioning from relying solely on traditional retail channels to adopting an omni-channel approach.(23:19) Plans for continuing to build the brand and servicing consumers through e-commerce channels. Resources Mentioned:Neil Dudley -https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecowboyperspective/Pederson's Natural Farms | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/pederson's-natural-farms/Pederson's Natural Farms | Website -https://pedersonsfarms.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

Samantha Coxe, Founder and CEO of Flaus, shares her unique journey from being a mergers and acquisitions attorney to spearheading innovation in oral care with the world's first electric flosser.  Key Takeaways:(04:20) Samantha's transition from a legal career to entrepreneurship, identifying a significant market gap.(07:25) Launching a crowdfunding campaign, marking a pivotal moment in Flaus' journey.(09:42) Choosing a direct-to-consumer model, and its evolution over time.(16:51) Emphasizing environmental responsibility in product packaging and recycling.(29:01]) Dealing with a 20% defect rate in the first batch of product.(30:28) Raising capital for product innovation and retail distribution.(38:04) The decision to incorporate as a public benefit corporation.(39:20) Striving for sustainability as a startup and the minimum viable product approach. Resources Mentioned:Samantha Coxe -https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthacoxe/Flaus | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/goflaus/Flaus | Website -https://goflaus.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.  #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

Join us on the latest episode as we talk to Kaylin Marcotte, Founder and CEO of JIGGY. Kaylin delves into her journey of creating a puzzle brand with a unique subscription model, blending art and business.Key Takeaways:(05:30) The origins of JIGGY and how personal experiences shaped its business.(10:24) Challenges of introducing a subscription service in the puzzle market.(15:08) Using customer feedback to improve JIGGY's products and services.(21:03) JIGGY's growth and the pursuit of the right partnerships for on-demand, high-quality, personalized puzzle production and fulfillment.(28:49) Balancing creativity with business demands.(32:17) The impact of social media and marketing on JIGGY's growth.(39:05) Future directions and plans for expanding subscriptions. Resources Mentioned:Kaylin Marcotte -https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylin-marcotte/JIGGY | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/jiggy/JIGGY Puzzles website -https://jiggypuzzles.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.  #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we're joined by John Tabis, Founder and Chairman of the Board of The Bouqs Company. John shares his start-up journey, including the decision to build his technology platform to offer customers a unique and flexible subscription model.Key Takeaways:(16:55) The flexibility of offering adjustable subscription options and the ability to deliver faster have been key to the success of the business.(29:52) Building a robust technology platform in-house was a pivotal decision that allowed for scalability and efficient management of the supply chain.(36:08) The company's expansion into physical retail stores has enabled it to offer additional products and target new markets.(50:53) The decision to transition from CEO to executive chairman allowed the founder to focus on his strengths and bring in a more capable CEO, leading to better overall leadership.(58:08) Self-reflection and understanding one's strengths and weaknesses as a founder/CEO is crucial for personal growth and success within a company. Resources Mentioned:John Tabis -https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtabis/The Bouqs Company | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebouqsco/The Bouqs Company | Website -https://bouqs.com/Rebar Technology | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebar-technology/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we talk with Sasha Siddhartha, Co-Founder and CTO of Thrive Market, delving into the growth, strategies and technological innovations propelling the e-commerce grocery platform. We discuss the shift in consumer behavior, the emphasis on personalized shopping experiences and how AI and large language models are setting the stage for a revolutionary leap in online retail.Key Takeaways:(03:59) Membership advantages include better cash flow and opportunities for reinvestment.(07:08) Initial funding and marketing from health influencers instead of traditional VCs.(15:06) A membership model is crucial for maintaining low prices and encouraging a sense of investment and community among users.(18:06) Engagement and loyalty are measured by monitoring order frequency, basket size and renewal rates, with a notable consistent activity from initial user groups.(24:48) Custom tech development has been vital for meeting specific operational needs.(28:18) Evolving tech from a single system to flexible microservices for greater agility.(34:19) Language models are set to refine customer interactions with intuitive product suggestions. Resources Mentioned:Sasha Siddhartha -https://www.linkedin.com/in/sashasiddhartha/Thrive Market | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivemarket/Thrive Market | Website -https://thrivemarket.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

On this episode of Subscriptions: Scaled, we delve into an insightful conversation with Lloyed Lobo, Co-Founder and Board Member of Boast and Co-Founder of Traction. Lloyed sheds light on the immense power of community in business. He talks about how brands evolve and the crucial role of human connections and addresses the nuances of building a community-driven brand.Key Takeaways:[01:30] The importance of concentrating on tasks that spark joy while delegating the ones that don't.[11:00] The significance of proactive outreach: How cold emailing can lead to significant opportunities.[13:45] To master a skill you need to immerse yourself in environments that demand its constant use, such as sales-enhancing communication.[29:01] How Traction identified three community types and built its tribe before having a product or customers.[41:32] Transitioning from audience to community — achieved through curated startup events, leading to large conferences and a substantial online presence.[52:18] Harley Davidson prioritized community, which became its key to success; True brand value lies in human connections. Resources Mentioned:- Lloyed Lobohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyedlobo/- Boast | LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/boast-ai/- Boast AIhttps://www.boast.ai/- Traction Conferencehttps://www.tractionconf.io/- From Grassroots to Greatness - Lloyed's Bookhttps://www.lloyedlobo.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.  #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we explore influencer marketing with Bradley Hoos, CEO of The Outloud Group, a leading agency in the influencer and content marketing space. Bradley shares invaluable insights into brand partnerships, risk management and the future landscape of influencer marketing.Key Takeaways:(03:16) The concept of influencer marketing and the strategy of paying creators to promote brands to their organic audiences.(12:26) Influencer marketing often drives more consumer purchases than directly recorded.(16:50) Customers acquired through influencer marketing show higher retention rates, likely due to the trust and relatable content shared by influencers.(26:53) Brands need to shift from controlling brand voice to allowing creators' personal expression in influencer marketing.(30:54) The influencer marketing industry will grow, requiring better accountability and influencer authenticity discernment. Resources Mentioned:Bradley Hoos -https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyhoos/The Outloud Group | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/theoutloudgroup/The Outloud Group | Website -https://www.outloudgroup.com/  Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.  #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

In this episode, we sit down with Roi Ben Daniel, the Founder and CEO of Received. Roi shares valuable insights into the world of software and fintech, discussing everything from the evolution of SaaS to the future of AI in finance. Join us as we dive into the trends and challenges shaping the finance and software industries.Key Takeaways:(04:27) The challenges of applying subscription solutions to sales-led organizations with complex pricing and bespoke contracts. (12:07) The importance of customer interviews, BI and effective communication in determining custom pricing. (16:40) Transitioning away from cloud-based services may not be practical due to the complexities of managing servers and software patches.(27:00) Companies are growing smarter about their SaaS investments and embracing consolidation as a response to potential “SaaS fatigue.”(30:07) The fintech industry is going through an identity crisis as it evolves, and the future is uncertain.  Resources Mentioned:Roi Ben Daniel -https://www.linkedin.com/in/roibendaniel/Received | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/getreceived/Received | Website -https://www.received.ai/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.  #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

On this episode, Shunan Teng, CEO and Founder of Tea Drunk, discusses the authentic world of Chinese tea. She offers a glimpse into the blend of passion and business that has brewed the success of Tea Drunk, while also sharing her fascinating knowledge of Chinese tea culture. Key Takeaways:(04:01) Identifying and addressing issues with mobile website usability and customer purchase difficulties.(08:00) Shifting the website's color scheme from dark to light to reflect a luxury, friendly brand image.(14:18) Enabling Tea Club members to skip a month to manage their accumulated product, while also revising Tea Club strategies to boost experiences and revenue.(20:08) Shunan emphasizes the importance of understanding and sharing the story behind each tea.(23:56) Retention rates of recurring customers are notably high at 70%.(24:41) Around 50% of web traffic comes from people directly typing the Tea Drunk URL, indicating a strong brand recall.(27:46) Approximately 20% of Tea Drunk's customers are from outside the United States and Canada, revealing a diverse, international customer base. Resources Mentioned: Shunan Teng -https://www.linkedin.com/in/shunanteng/Tea Drunk | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/tea-drunk/Tea Drunk | Website -https://www.teadrunk.com/Tea Drunk Academy Website -https://www.teadrunkacademy.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we sit down with David Pinkus, Chief Technology Officer of Pvolve, as he navigates the challenges of international expansion and the intricacies of online platforms like Shopify. David offers insights into the growth and adaptation strategies that have defined Pvolve's journey. For businesses considering expansion, especially into international markets, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways and reflections on learning from past missteps.Key Takeaways:[06:20] David Pinkus highlights the importance of digital transformation and innovation for businesses, especially during the pandemic.[08:34] The challenge of selling both physical equipment bundles and digital memberships in the same transaction due to e-commerce platform limitations. [17:45] The challenges of ensuring teams have a consistent problem-solving framework as they get more distant from direct budget control.[19:00] The importance of establishing high levels of trust and emotional safety within teams, as highlighted by Google's Project Oxygen.[28:52] The necessity of adhering to GDPR and data protection laws when expanding businesses internationally, ensuring user trust and compliance.[33:25] The impact of celebrity endorsements on a product and the importance of refining product polish and detail in light of such endorsements. Resources Mentioned:David Pinkus -https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpinkus/Pvolve | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/pvolve/Pvolve's Website -https://www.pvolve.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

On today's episode, Chad Kauffman, Co-Founder and the driving force behind Kitty Poo Club, shares his journey and insights into the world of subscription-based businesses, particularly in the pet industry. For pet lovers and entrepreneurs alike, this discussion is an insightful glimpse into optimizing product delivery and the art of evolving to meet the demands of the customer.We dive deep into the challenges and solutions of delivering timely products and look at the strategy behind expanding product lines, and we also discuss the big vision for Kitty Poo Club's foray into the retail space.Key Takeaways:[01:00] What sparked the idea for Kitty Poo Club and its eco-friendly angle, and the scoop on the monthly use of the eco-friendly, toss-out litter box.[06:01] The company's secret sauce.[17:24] Listening to the crowd: how customer feedback shaped the business.[22:21] Kitty Poo Club's typical yet effective referral program. [29:07] Branching out and eyeing opportunities in the dog market.[29:43] Looking ahead at Kitty Poo Club's plans to step into retail. Resources Mentioned: Chad Kauffman -https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadkauffman/Kitty Poo Club | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/kitty-poo-club/Kitty Poo Club | Website -http://kittypooclub.com/ Interested in checking out the innovative solutions Kitty Poo Club offers for your feline friends? Head to kittypooclub.com or explore their comprehensive FAQs and videos to see the product in action. Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we talk to Guilherme Martins, CEO of Sandbox Experiences, a London-based group operating a network of learning businesses featuring 18 different brands. Key Takeaways:[3:47] Guilherme co-founded Leiturinha, a Brazilian book subscription company, to encourage reading in children.[6:03] Subscription models were relatively new in Brazil in 2013-2014, and Leiturinha aimed to create regular reading habits.[9:19] Leiturinha introduced subscription payments on a six-month or annual basis, leveraging installment payments and bank guarantees due to high credit card interest rates in Brazil.[17:44] The use of digital advertising, such as Facebook and Google, for customer acquisition.[25:56] Differences in consumer behavior and perceptions between the UK/European market and Brazil require tailored marketing strategies.[33:26] The company maintains a core family audience but is open to exploring opportunities that align with its expertise and business model, with the potential of expanding into different age ranges and industries. Resources Mentioned: Guilherme Martins -https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghcmartins/?originalSubdomain=brSandbox Experiences -https://www.linkedin.com/company/sbx-group/Sandbox Group -https://sbxgroup.com/Leiturinha -https://leiturinha.com.br/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we sit down with Benjamin Katz, Chief Executive Officer at Happy Head. Our discussion takes us on a journey through the intricacies of starting a venture, discerning between genuine market demand and mere vocal enthusiasm, as well as giving some invaluable pointers. As Benjamin shares his wisdom, we learn the nuances of focusing on the right markets and the potential pitfalls of conflating passion with business.Key Takeaways:[03:42] Benjamin touches on the importance of confronting and managing fear, knowing that entrepreneurs often face uncertainty and must navigate uncharted waters.[06:30] Benjamin emphasizes the need to secure a genuine commitment from potential early users or partners. [20:05] The importance of securing an initial investment to gather feedback.[38:22] The significance of showcasing genuine effort, building trust, and establishing a reputation in B2B settings to foster long-term relationships.[43:25] The joy of watching a team evolve and produce results beyond one's expectations. [44:00] An insight into why it's essential to think about the vastness of the market when planning a business venture. Resources Mentioned: Benjamin Katz -https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetbenkatz/Happy Head | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/hihappyhead/Happy Head Website -http://www.happyhead.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

On this episode, Catherine Bhattachar, Chief Operating Officer at Tiny Earth Toys, provides insights into the innovative and environmentally-conscious business model that sets their brand apart in the toy industry. Utilizing a subscription service, Tiny Earth Toys is at the forefront of sustainability by counteracting toy waste and offering families a more eco-friendly approach to children's play. Key Takeaways:[17:15] Tiny Earth Toys' unique subscription model combats toy waste.[20:22] The company values adaptability and a go-getter attitude, and encourages everyone, regardless of position, to voice innovative ideas.[21:08] Embracing a hybrid work model post-Covid to facilitate collaboration.[22:08] Core values of Tiny Earth Toys include proactive transparency and fostering an environment where everyone's voice is valued.[23:49] Future aspirations include improving the customer experience and potentially extending service offerings. Resources Mentioned: Catherine Bhattachar -https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-krege-bhattachar/Tiny Earth Toys | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/tiny-earth-toys/Tiny Earth Toys | Website -http://www.tinyearthtoys.com/Tiny Earth Toys on Social Channels:Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/tinyearthtoys/Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/tinyearthtoys/TikTok -https://www.tiktok.com/@tiny.earth.toys Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.  #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

In today's episode, Ben Fisher, Co-Founder and Technical CEO of Rodeo, joins us to discuss tech solutions and effective consumer engagement in subscription-based businesses. This chat is a must-listen for anyone interested in e-commerce, as it delves into how Rodeo is revolutionizing its customer experience through tech-forward design and strategic decision-making.We cover topics including fine-tuning subscription plans, leveraging data in your operations and reducing friction in the customer journey.Key Takeaways:[02:47] Ben Fisher's journey from starting Rodeo to its current position in the market.[07:45] The essential elements that drive growth in tech enterprises.[14:52] The importance of aligning business goals with technological advancements.[20:25] Strategies that Rodeo employed to tackle early challenges and how they evolved over time.[26:00] The critical role of understanding and anticipating customer needs in the tech industry.[36:28] Perspectives on the ever-evolving digital landscape and its influence on businesses. Resources Mentioned:Ben Fisher -https://www.linkedin.com/in/skinnyandbald/Rodeo -https://www.linkedin.com/company/hey-rodeo/“Don't Make Me Think” by Steve Krughttps://sensible.com/dont-make-me-think/“Who” by Geoff Smart and Randy Streethttps://whothebook.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.  #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

In this episode, CEO and Founder Zarina Bahadur of 123 Baby Box joins the discussion to unpack the challenges and strategies surrounding the company's rapid growth and retention. She highlights the necessity of regular communication with customers, emphasizing its significance when dealing with failed payments.The subscription market is changing. It's vital to understand if cancellations are due to pricing or product quality. An important discussion point is the value of giving customers flexibility. This includes the option to pause subscriptions during tough times.The dialogue underscores the role of top-notch customer service and genuine empathy in retention. Above all, treating customers with the same respect you expect for yourself, is fundamental for business success. Resources Mentioned:Zarina Bahadur -https://www.linkedin.com/in/zarina-bahadur-14a907123/123 Baby Box | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/123babybox/123 Baby Box | Website – Zarina's company specializing in baby subscription boxeshttp://www.123babybox.com/Instagram: @123babybox – Stay updated with the latest offerings and news Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.  #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we talk to Adriel Darvish, Co-Founder and CEO at Switch, a luxury handbag and jewelry rental membership service.The idea for their company originated from Adriel observing his mother's experience as a jewelry designer. Witnessing a friend return a necklace after flaunting it at a party sparked the realization that jewelry, being durable and reusable, was ideal for a rental model. He and his brother launched an MVP version of Switch, which received overwhelmingly positive feedback.Their early relationships and vendor network played a crucial role in the company's success. By viewing luxury vintage accessories as valuable assets rather than traditional inventory, they have been able to secure financing and capitalize on the rental business model. This has led to impressive returns and appreciation of their products over time.They focus on creating an exceptional offering that excites and engages their members, leading to significant organic growth and referrals, which account for about 65% to 70% of their customer acquisition.Adriel plans to build and expand the select membership levels, catering to higher-tier clients with a $4,000 average price point, and he has potential plans for even higher tiers in the future. Resources mentioned:Adriel Darvish -https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriel-darvish-1187a28/Switch | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/join-switch/Switch | Website -https://www.joinswitch.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we talk to Melissa Kwan, Co-Founder and CEO of eWebinar, a platform that turns any video into an interactive webinar.Melissa is a three-time bootstrapper and entrepreneur in real estate technology. She created eWebinar to solve the problem of automating webinars and scaling content effectively, allowing businesses to engage with audiences on demand without being tied to live broadcasts.Melissa initially struggled to determine the right pricing strategy, aiming to avoid attracting undesirable customers while justifying the value of the platform. Over two years of continuous improvement and growth, the pricing tiers evolved, doubling prices for new customers. But Melissa regretted not heeding advice she was given to raise prices for existing customers, realizing in hindsight it could have supported the platform's increasing costs and facilitated company growth.Melissa talks openly about other mistakes she made along the way. For example, one of the biggest ones was not having an annual subscription plan when they started. Putting that off cost her a lot of money.Looking forward, Melissa Kwan wants to achieve more than break-even profitability. She wants to ensure that her co-founder and COO receive fair compensation for their sacrifices and dedication. Melissa plans to explore different product positioning options, focusing on on-demand webinars or interactive video platforms, aiming to find the best fit within the market for eWebinar's growth in the coming years.| Resources mentioned:Melissa Kwan -https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissakwan/eWebinar | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/ewebinar/eWebinar | Website -https://ilove.ewebinar.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.#SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we talk to Matt Poleski, Regional CFO/Finance Director at Arthur J. Gallagher and Co., a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting firm.Matt kicked off his career as an auditor at KPMG, working on publicly traded subscription software. In 2006, he made a move to the insurance brokerage industry.Gallagher is growing at an impressive rate, chiefly through acquisitions of smaller insurance brokers. Matt says it's important to build solid relationships with sellers to ensure both sides benefit from the deal. Gallagher's business model combines organic growth with strategic acquisitions. They've got their eyes on companies with good reputations, and they're diligent about examining the financials and compensation structure to ensure a good fit before making a move.Their growth strategy includes steady renewals in the insurance industry and smart acquisitions that open up new markets and capabilities. When Covid hit, they didn't miss a beat, thanks to their smart tech investments and cost controls.Gallagher plans to keep the momentum going with more M&A action and expanded capabilities. They're adaptable to industry trends and know how to shift their focus to growing segments. It's all about leveraging economies of scale to cut costs and boost performance. Resources mentioned:Matt Poleski -https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-poleski-615a764/Arthur J. Gallagher and Co. | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/gallagher-global/Gallagher | Website -https://www.ajg.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.#SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #CustomerChurn #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we talk with Jeremy King, CEO and Founder at Attest, a market research company that revolutionizes market research by offering a user-friendly SaaS platform with a microservices architecture. Their automated approach eliminates guesswork, allowing businesses to obtain actionable data to inform decisions and accelerate growth.Jeremy explores various aspects of subscription businesses, focusing on understanding triggers for cancellations, strategies for winning back churned customers and attributions of blame for cancellations. They researched consumer perspectives and found that external factors — like the economy and the subscription company itself — are often blamed for cancellations. Consumers prioritize better pricing and product value when reconsidering subscriptions, while other factors, like packaging, delivery, and customization, rank lower in importance. The study provides valuable insights into consumer behavior and preferences for subscription businesses.Some customers use the platform to track competitors and market trends, while others take a more event-driven approach, reacting to market changes or investment opportunities.Jeremy highlights a favorite example of a successful bold move made by a customer called Bloom and Wild, an online flower retailer, who delisted the top-selling SKU of red roses in the UK, leading to a significant increase in revenue and media attention during Valentine's Day. This example showcases the power of innovative ideas and informed decision-making using Attest's platform. Resources mentioned:Jeremy King -https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremykingjk/Attest | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/attest-technologies-limited/Attest | Website -https://www.askattest.com/Bloom and Wild -https://www.bloomandwild.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #Churn #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we talk with Kristen Baileys, Co-Founder and CEO at Bake Eat Love Box (BEL Box), a subscription company that sends monthly boxes of ingredients to members to help them become better bakers. The idea was born out of Kristen's desire to become a better baker, something she admits she wasn't very good at. She searched for a baking subscription service and couldn't find one, so she decided to start one. After doing her research in 2018, Kristen decided to use the Cratejoy platform, which was perfect for her needs at the time. Today the company runs on Shopify, which isn't necessarily a subscription platform, but it fills her needs perfectly.They started as a bootstrapped company and proudly remain bootstrapped to this day. That means tight budgets, and they rely on partnerships and SEO-driven PR for most of their marketing and customer acquisition efforts.When they launched, Kristen thought their customer base would be females in their late 20s to early 40s. While that demographic does participate, a large segment of their customers are grandparents. The bottom line is the service isn't about baking the desserts. It's more about sharing the experience with friends and family.Resources mentioned:Bake Eat Love BoxCratejoyShopifyReady to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.#SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #Churn #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we talk with Tim Stoddart, Co-Owner at Copyblogger Media, about building businesses based on content and the importance of writing about real human experiences. Inspired by a Seth Godin interview, Tim started his first blog more than 13 years ago and didn't tell anyone about it. He wrote about a variety of topics, and he tried to write something every day. Eventually, people found his blog, inspiring him to learn more about content marketing and SEO.He started a different blog about addiction and sobriety, which turned into another content-based business called Sober Nation. He was a big fan of a website called Copyblogger at the time, and he met the founder, Brian Clark. As his content businesses grew, he was eventually able to buy a majority stake in Copyblogger, making a dream come true.He currently has an SEO content company that focuses solely on behavioral health. The foundation of all his businesses is recurring revenue. He believes that a business that has recurring revenue that doesn't require advertising is the holy grail of business. He has an interesting take on the rise of AI tools and how they are going to affect the popularity of human-generated content. He also shares some lessons he learned about building community-based businesses, lessons he learned the hard way. Resources mentioned:Tim Stoddart | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-stodz/Tim Stoddart | Website -https://www.timstodz.com/Copyblogger Media | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/copyblogger-media-llc/Copyblogger Media | Website -https://copyblogger.com/Sober Nation -https://sobernation.com/Circle -  https://circle.so/Digital Commerce -  https://digitalcommerce.com/  Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #Churn #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we talk with Greg Connolly, Co-Founder and CEO of Trifecta, a subscription service that ships fully cooked, organic meal options to users to help them keep their fitness goals on track.Unlike other subscription food companies, Trifecta guides subscribers through the fitness process, telling customers what to eat, when to eat it and what workouts to do, making it a total health and fitness solution that includes the convenience of delivered meals.Greg and his team have had a laser focus on health and fitness from the beginning, and he advises other entrepreneurs to focus on their niche before trying to expand into a mass marketplace. Brand positioning is priority number one.One feature that sets Trifecta apart from other food-delivery companies is customized exercise and fitness programs that are tailored to work for individuals wherever they are in their fitness journey. Users follow the program in addition to eating the food for a well-rounded health and fitness experience.Greg sees more opportunities coming for Trifecta in the future, with new features in the app, including adding meal choice. That is a feature they have wanted for years. One big goal for Greg is getting the company to an IPO. Resources mentioned:Greg Connolly -https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregconnolly/?original_referer=Trifecta | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/trifecta-nutrition/Trifecta | Website -https://www.trifectanutrition.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we talk with Austin Armstrong, Co-Founder and CEO at Syllaby, a new subscription platform that enables customers to use the latest AI tools to develop a social media strategy and to generate scripts for any social media video platform.The Syllaby platform works best for service businesses like law firms, real estate agencies and medical practices. The algorithm uses search engine data to identify popular questions or problems people are searching for that your service could help them with. It can then automatically generate a script for a social media post that addresses those questions.Austin says that a lot of people are visual learners like him, and a 30- or 60-second video is perfect for those types of learners. Also, with video, potential customers can begin to feel a personal connection with the service provider. Austin and his team set the business up as a subscription SaaS model that starts with a free trial. His experience with having several other businesses tells him that the SaaS subscription model is easier to scale.  After five months in operation, the company has more than 1,400 active subscribers with a 50% growth rate month over month. They have an impressively low churn rate of 8%, showing that the model is working. Resources mentioned: Austin Armstrong | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinarmstrong90/Austin Armstrong | YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@SocialtyProSyllaby | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/trysyllaby/Syllaby | Website -https://www.syllaby.io/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.#SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we talk with Matthew Roberts, CEO and Co-Founder at Cometeer, a technology-driven company with a new-format coffee capsule that delivers high-quality specialty coffee in a unique, convenient format. Cometeer has taken a process dreamed up by Matt, a Massachusetts native, when he was living in Spain and missing his daily dose of Dunkin' coffee. He started experimenting with melting coffee ice cubes back into iced coffee, and that led him to learn more about brewing a freezing coffee for optimal flavor. Education is key for customer acquisition because this is a novel approach to coffee making. Short-form social media like TikTok doesn't work well for them, but they have seen success with established influencers on YouTube who have an audience with a longer attention span. With a majority of their customers being in an office setting, they were hit hard by the pandemic. Fortunately, people still wanted coffee, and the DTC sales went through the roof. They have a strong referral program, which includes a gifting program that generates a high rate of new customers. Great customers will gift a box to other potential great customers. Resources mentioned: Matthew Roberts - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-roberts-35567725/Cometeer - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cometeer/Cometeer | Website - https://cometeer.com/Discount code for Subscriptions: Scaled listeners - https://cometeer.com/subscriptionsscaled Ready to get started with Rebar? Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we talk with Keith Zubchevich, President and CEO at Conviva, the pioneer in standards for real-time, cross-screen, end-to-end streaming media intelligence. Keith and his team started the company over sixteen years ago, back when there was basically no video on the internet. There was no YouTube and no streaming yet. The only way to consume video online was via a flash player on a PC.As video began to proliferate, his company was a pioneer in measurement of performance. Since online video was new, performance was key to success, and that performance needed to be measured.They came up with ways to analyze metrics like quality of experience, quality of service, resolution and join time to provide publishers with data that could help them improve their performance to get more views. He has seen the creation of Netflix as a streaming service, the rise of Disney as a video powerhouse, and the creation of subscription video on demand (SVOD) and transaction video on demand (TVOD). It's been an interesting journey.Resources mentioned:Keith Zubchevich -https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithzubchevich/Conviva | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/conviva/Conviva | Website -https://www.conviva.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to https://rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #SaaS #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we talk with Robby Allen, Chief Revenue Officer at AgentSync, a subscription SaaS provider that helps insurance companies with compliance requirements in all 50 states.Growing up in San Francisco, Robby was exposed to the tech scene in Silicon Valley. He started his career in sales with high-growth start-ups in the B2B SaaS world. He was lucky enough to be around some companies with tremendous growth, going from zero to over $100 million in revenue. He talks about the growth mindset with companies backed by venture funds, especially the “triple, triple, double, double, double” revenue targets VCs want to see in the first five years of a company. He sees a lot more companies valuing profits over growth at all costs these days. His company works with enterprise clients, and some of those companies have been around for over 150 years. Still, he says a lot of their customer acquisition comes from word of mouth. The people in the industry know each other, and they'll talk about vendors they like and vendors they don't like to their competitors.Robby Allen -https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbyallen/AgentSync -https://www.linkedin.com/company/agentsync/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to https://rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.#Saas #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we talk with Ed Vincent, Founder and CEO of festivalPass, the world's first festival and events subscription marketplace across music, film, food and wine, and more.Ed has a background with companies in e-commerce, experiential marketing and B2B SaaS. A common theme throughout his career is that he worked a lot with live events, concerts, TV networks and film festivals.After spending quite a bit of time consulting for MoviePass, he decided to create a subscription business for live events, concerts and festivals based on the knowledge he gained as a consultant.The business runs on a credit system with three tiers, all under $100 a month. Users can buy tickets to festivals without the high ticket fees that are standard in the industry. They can also use credits for hotel nights.They have recently launched a lifetime membership, which they are going to sell in lots of 1,000 and cap it at 10,000 total. That membership will be a digital asset that owners can resell at a later date.Ed talks about the ways they use influencers to acquire new customers and his plans for the future.Ed Vincent | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/edvincent/festivalPass | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/festivalpass/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.#Saas #Subscriptions #SubscriptionBusiness #SubscriptionService

On this episode, we talk with Mike Mayer, Co-Founder of Windmill and builder of a connected suite of beautiful, eco-friendly, and clean-air products, starting with the window air-conditioner and a whole-home air filter subscription service.Mike co-founded the company with his brother, Danny, and friend, Ryan Figlia. The idea for building a better window AC unit came when Danny was moving apartments in New York City, and they walked into the new apartment and were faced with what Mike calls, a horrendous window AC.Taking a page from new product redesign companies like Quill for toothbrushes and Casper for mattresses, they set out to build a better AC. While Mike and Danny had no HVAC experience, Ryan comes from a multigenerational family of AC experts. They got into the subscription business by selling replacement filters that should be changed on a regular basis for their window units. They boast a 70% attachment rate on those filters, with very low churn.They are branching out into high-quality activated-carbon filters for central AC units, which is also a subscription-based business. They text customers when it is time to change filters, which keeps customers loyal and happy.Mike Mayer | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikmayer/Windmill | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/windmillair/about/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.#Saas #subscriptions #subscriptionbusiness #subscriptionservice

On this episode, we talk with John Haji, Co-Founder of the Subscription Trade Association (SUBTA), an organization that helps connect and grow the global subscription commerce economy through valuable resources, data and events.John and his team are gearing up for their annual SubSummit, a subscription industry trade show that runs from May 31 to June 2, 2023, in Dallas, Texas. The gathering will feature speakers from brands like the NBA, Porsche, Mercedes Benz and the Honest Company.John's first foray into the subscription industry dates back to starting a subscription box service called Gentleman's Box in 2014, during the time when physical subscription box companies were booming with companies like Dollar Shave Club and Birchbox.John and his team wanted to network with people from established subscription companies like those, and the idea for SubSummit was born.John breaks down subscription businesses into six categories: Subscription Box, Subscribe & Save, Membership, Media and Publication, Digital Software and Streaming. All categories are well represented at SubSummit.John gives his thoughts and ideas about customer experience, retention strategy, and partnerships with influencers, which is something that has changed recently.John Haji | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-haji/Subscription Trade Association  (SUBTA) | LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/subta/SubSummit | Website - https://subsummit.com/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to  rebartechnology.com  or email info@rebartechnology.com  to schedule a call today.#Saas #subscriptions #subscriptionbusiness #subscriptionservice

On this episode, we talk with John Roman, CEO of BattlBox, a monthly subscription for receiving hand-picked outdoor, survival, EDC and other cool gear.When John started with BattlBox, he actually had another full-time job, and he got to the point where he was working 60 hours per week at each. Something finally had to give, and he went with BattlBox. He and his team believe in creating all types of content across all the major platforms, to attract new customers and provide a better customer experience. At one point they noticed that a certain customer was doing online reviews that were generating a lot of new subscribers. They reached out to that customer, and he eventually came on with the company full time.The company has four tiers, and much to John's surprise, the top, premium tier has the most subscribers. He talks about looking at products on a need/want scale, and he thinks that their community-building efforts help make that a reality.They have a very good retention rate, and he discusses some interesting methods they use to mitigate both active and passive churn. John Roman -https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/BattlBox -https://www.linkedin.com/company/battlbox/ Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.#Saas #subscriptions #subscriptionbusiness #subscriptionservice

On this episode, we talk with Chris Porter, President and Co-Founder of GOHUNT, an online subscription community for hunting enthusiasts.Chris had never hunted when he co-founded the company with Lorenzo Sartini, who was actually an avid outdoorsman who brought the hunting experience to the team. They came up with the concept and wrote the business plan in 2013 and launched in 2014 as a free online hunting digital destination community. On the first of January 2015, they launched the paywall section of the website. Chris compares the value they brought to hunters with what Zillow did for real estate. Hunting is highly regulated by state and region, and hunters are highly dependent on maps. GOHUNT allowed users to enter search criteria, like bow hunting for elk in Colorado, into their tool to get all the relevant information they needed before taking that hunting trip.They use a yearly subscription model and have a very low churn rate. Chris attributes the low churn to the value they bring to hunters that can't be found anywhere else.The company has been totally bootstrapped, and they launched three additional memberships after eight years of only having their initial. They have also launched a mobile app presence, and they are seeing a lot of traction, especially with younger hunters who don't use PCs.Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.#Saas #subscriptions #subscriptionbusiness #subscriptionservice

On this episode, we talk with Luke Switkowski, CEO of Kognitiv Inc. and Rooster. Kognitiv is a consultancy that works with enterprise clients who run the Workday HR software platform. Rooster is an interview-scheduling software platform that was developed by Kognitiv and later spun off into its own company.Rooster was built based on client needs, but not a single client. The team at Kognitiv saw a common theme with their clients, that scheduling was done differently at each company, and there were multiple headaches involved. Rooster was built to automate a lot of those processes and eliminate the problems associated with them.Because they cater to enterprise clients, the Rooster pricing model is a flat monthly rate for unlimited seats. In the recruiting world, there is a lot of movement and turnover, and doing seat management isn't practical.Luke and his team started the development of Rooster before Covid, and when the pandemic hit and interviews moved to platforms like Zoom, it created a situation that was perfect timing for an interview-scheduling solution.In the future, Luke sees the company focusing on having a platform that solves all the scheduling use cases under one roof. Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.#Saas #subscriptions #subscriptionbusiness #subscriptionservice

On this episode, we talk with Bobby DeMars, Founder and CEO of Blind Barrels, a blind whiskey-tasting subscription service that is disrupting the industry's current distribution model by showcasing American craft distilleries.The distribution of alcoholic beverages is heavily regulated, with laws dating back to prohibition. Bobby's business model is new and he describes talking with numerous alcoholic beverage control attorneys to find ways to distribute his blind-tasting concept into as many states as possible.He has a basic quarterly subscription where customers receive tasting samples delivered in custom bottles with custom caps. It also includes tasting notes and a QR code that takes the subscriber to a reveal page that tells you all about the whiskey.Like any subscription business, churn rate is always on Bobby's radar. Their churn is much lower than the industry average. He credits a lot of that to the fact that his service provides members with access to whiskeys they couldn't otherwise acquire.His marketing efforts rely heavily on PR, word of mouth and SEO efforts on the website. He says his bottom line is based on running his business ethically and not squeezing every ounce of profit he can from each sale.Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.#Saas #subscriptions #subscriptionbusiness #subscriptionservice

On this episode, we talk with York Baur, CEO at MoxiWorks, a comprehensive open platform system for large residential real estate brokerages.York describes himself as a serial entrepreneur or, as he calls it, a repeat offender. With his degree in computer science, he worked his way through 12 other tech companies before landing his current role at MoxiWorks in 2012.The platform was created to serve one customer, the original parent company called Windermere, which is a real estate brokerage that was an early adopter of technology to help its agents sell houses.Converting from a single company's technology to a product that can be used by many customers created some challenges, and York was brought in to lead that transition. Windermere remains one of their biggest customers to this day.Yorks's advice for those coming up in the SaaS industry is to avoid the temptation to take on custom projects. The temptation can be there, especially with a large prospective client, but the headache it creates isn't worth the effort.He believes that retention is the key to subscription, and MoxiWorks does an excellent job in that department with a gross retention rate that is over 90%. Keeping customers you already have makes it much easier to maximize your growth. Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #Saas #subscriptions #subscriptionbusiness #subscriptionservice

On this episode, we talk with Jim McKelvey, Co-Founder of Square, Founder of Invisibly, and Author of “The Innovation Stack.”Jim opens with the interesting story of why he started Square. He was originally a professional glass blower and he lost a sale because he couldn't accept American Express. He teamed up with Jack Dorsey, formerly of Twitter to start Square. Eventually, Amazon tried to copy Square, which is usually a fatal attack for any small business. Surprisingly, Amazon didn't manage to kill Square and the lessons Jim learned from the experience led to him writing his book, “The Innovation Stack.”He talks about his struggles with writing the book, including hiring and firing three different ghostwriters. He ended up writing every word himself, although it took several years to complete. We also talk about his new venture, Invisibly. An app that empowers users to take control of their personal information that gets sold to marketers; resulting in the elimination of paywalls, allowing users to enjoy premium content without ads. Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #Saas #subscriptions #subscriptionbusiness #subscriptionservice

On this episode, we talk with Ann Boyd, Chief Marketing Officer at Stoplight, a platform that empowers users to design, test, mock and document APIs with a design-first approach.Ann talks about the challenges she faced when she joined Stoplight in trying to get the stories out about what their products do. The technology the company had developed was so advanced that they had to educate their potential users on how it worked.Stoplight deals with the same issues that all subscription services face, increasing customer acquisition, upgrading customers from free to pay levels, and preventing churn. Ann's background in marketing and communications serves her well in being able to communicate with potential and existing customers in engaging ways.She sees value in flexibility, and she is always looking for new ways to offer their services and to identify gaps in the company's offerings that might be a hindrance to growth. They rely heavily on social media to get their message across and have seen high conversion rates from it. Is there a future for generative AI at Stoplight? Ann thinks so, and she and Nick take a detailed dive into the subject. Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.#Saas #subscriptions #subscriptionbusiness #subscriptionservice

On this episode, we talk with Felicia Bochicchio, Chief Executive Officer at Unbounce, a company that helps customers generate leads, signups and sales through AI-powered tools like landing pages, copywriting and traffic optimization tools. The needs of marketers have changed over the years. Ten to fifteen years ago, marketers wanted to spin up a landing page quickly and painlessly, get it launched and be done with it. Today's marketers expect the page to be optimized and also want insights on how the page is performing. That's where partners like Unbounce come in. Moving forward, AI is going to play a big role in lead generation and retention. Those intelligent tools can learn from huge data sets to provide relevant optimization insights. Felicia says the fact that businesses of all sizes, not just huge enterprise organizations, can leverage those tools, creates a democratization of data, leveling the playing field in many cases. Unbounce aims to lead the way in this endeavor. Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today.#Saas #subscriptions #subscriptionbusiness #subscriptionservice

On this episode, we talk with Deon Nicholas, CEO and Co-Founder of Forethought, a generative AI platform for customer support automation.Deon started his career as an engineer, building out products and infrastructure for companies like Facebook, Dropbox and Pure Storage. During that time, he was fascinated by the potential uses of AI technology in customer service, and in 2018 he took the leap and founded Forethought.The platform is customer-centric, with a focus on improving efficiency and experience. Customers prefer to have their problems solved through self-service these days, but when it gets elevated to talking to an agent, Forethought gives the agent as much information about the situation and possible solutions as possible.Deon believes that AI is in the most exciting place it has ever been, especially considering the media frenzy surrounding ChatGPT. The Forethought platform takes AI to the next level, letting customers customize the platform for their specific business needs.Forethought is a subscription business itself, and it is really leaning into building out new AI platforms specifically for subscription-based organizations. Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #Saas #subscriptions #subscriptionbusiness #subscriptionservice

On this episode, we talk with Michael Salguero, Founder and CEO at ButcherBox, a subscription company that delivers high-quality meat and sustainable seafood products to its customers.Michael talks about spending seven years at a VC-backed company that never really took off, shutting that down, taking a weekend off then starting ButcherBox the next day. It was a hit from the beginning. He originally started the business as a hobby, wanting something to do on the side. This affected his decision-making at the beginning, but in a positive way. He focused solely on protein products and having the best meat and seafood he could find. Michael discusses the unexpected growth surge when the pandemic hit, so much so that ButcherBox had to limit its growth. He also talks about some of the intricacies of running a subscription food-based business through all the inflation that happened because of Covid.Part of the company's growth strategy included using influencers, which was a way for it to become profitable from the first box.  Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #Saas #subscriptions #subscriptionbusiness #subscriptionservice

On this episode, we talk with Scott Hurff, Founder and CPO at Churnkey, about a hot topic in the world of subscriptions — churn. Churnkey is a subscription company that provides data and analytics to other subscription companies to minimize churn and increase customer retention.Scott spent over a decade in VC-backed subscription startups, the most famous being Tinder. After helping a friend create a simple prototype that brought churn down from double to single digits for his company, he knew he was on to something and founded Churnkey. He talks about different types of churn: involuntary (20-40% of all churn) and voluntary. Involuntary categorizes things like non-payment due to an expired card or error code.Scott points out that their most successful customers have a team in place to look at critical feedback from Churnkey and then act on it quickly. Their best customers are second-time founders because they've already been around the block and they're willing to act swiftly.He also looks at the trend of moving away from app stores and taking it in-house. Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #Saas #subscriptions #subscriptionbusiness #subscriptionservice

On this episode, we talk with Luis Quiroga, Senior Vice President, HVAC Strategy and Growth at HomeServe USA.Luis is leading an interesting new approach to HVAC systems in the home, where the homeowner leases the equipment instead of buying their own system. The lease includes the latest, most efficient HVAC system, plus add-ons like smart thermostats. The lease also includes all maintenance and repairs for the life of the contract. The program is called the Home Serve Advantage program, and it is truly out-of-the-box thinking for American homeowners. However, Luis points out that in Canada, there are already nearly two million water heaters being leased, so the concept is proven to work for our neighbors to the north.Luis talks about their marketing strategies to get people to think differently about the equipment in their homes. He also talks about the importance of energy efficiency when it comes to your HVAC system, to reduce your carbon footprint.It's an interesting concept that could change the HVAC business in America.  Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #Saas #subscriptions #subscriptionbusiness #subscriptionservice

On this episode, we talk with Beth Shaw, Founder and CEO of  YogaFit Training Systems, about her career growth journey since starting the company over 25 years ago.Beth originally started YogaFit out of the trunk of her car and in her living room in the 90s and it has grown to be the largest Mind/Body yoga training school in the world. Today, to generate recurring revenue, it does a lot of continuity groups online, predominately groups for weight management, but also subjects like mental health and alcohol cessation. For years, the business was 100% in-person, and when the pandemic hit they had to pivot quickly to offer digital classes. They were up and running in three weeks, and had a very good year in 2020 with online instruction.At the time of the recording, Beth had just returned from two weeks in Japan, where she is working to integrate Yoga into the healthcare system. One of her goals is to do the same in the United States. Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #Saas #subscriptions #subscriptionbusiness #subscriptionservice

On this episode, we talk with Kamille McCollum, Chief Operations Officer at BODYBAR Pilates, a franchise pilates studio chain with a focus on reformer pilates — a popular option for those who desire to improve their fitness for a variety of health reasons.Kamille and her husband opened a BODYBAR franchise location in Fort Worth in 2016. Through working hard on their sales and marketing processes they saw rapid success. This resulted in the owner asking them to take over the franchising arm of the company. Kamille takes us through details of their rapid early expansion, which skyrocketed until 2020 when the pandemic hit. Despite the restrictions, they were able to re-open their first location in August 2020 — and the growth continues.She talks about marketing strategies, using social media and word of mouth, sign-on incentives, referral bonuses and everything in between. Kamille also explains their membership options and their philosophy on gaining and retaining new members.  Ready to get started with Rebar?Head to rebartechnology.com or email info@rebartechnology.com to schedule a call today. #Saas #subscriptions #subscriptionbusiness #subscriptionservice