Podcasts about COGS

"It's not about the size of the room, it's about the richness of the details." Whether you're making new robot friends, investigating a haunted school, or cooking up some puzzles, the escape rooms at Omescape Sunnyvale are all absolute bangers. Omescape Sunnyvale is a rare gem in the escape room world. Their games are all massive (or feel massive) with gorgeous sets, chock-full of puzzles, and oftentimes with unique mechanics. They're all telling different stories with different styles of gameplay, and this is all contained under one roof at Omescape's Sunnyvale location. Sarah Zhang, one of the co-founders of Omescape Sunnyvale, joins us to chat about their escape rooms. While many of their games are licensed, Sarah explains that they usually end up changing over 80% of the game, building new sets, creating new puzzles, and even writing new narratives. As an escape room enthusiast, Sarah often travels the world playing games, and when an especially interesting mechanic or aesthetic catches her attention, rather than just copying it, she looks to license the game. This is a pretty unique approach, and I appreciated her candor in explaining their business practices. As the conversation progresses, it becomes very clear that Sarah has a deep understanding of what makes games fun for players. She talks about the need for puzzles that involve the whole team as well as designing around a few "aha!" moments. I especially appreciated the segment where she talks about the importance of ending a game on a thrilling, physical sequence. This gets the players' heart rates up, and creates a strong ending memory for the guests. Check out the whole episode for the secret sauce behind Omescape Sunnyvale's success.   Full Show Notes   Episode Sponsors Thank you to our sponsors: Weldwood Marketing, Buzzshot, COGS by Clockwork Dog, and Patreon supporters like you.    Weldwood Marketing Maximize your online presence with Weldwood Marketing. It's a one-stop shop for digital marketing—specializing in web design, SEO, online ads, and best business practices. They can even manage all your integrations so you can track the customer journey from clicking on an ad to booking your game. Let Weldwood help unlock more money for your business. Special offer exclusively for REPOD listeners: Weldwood rarely offers discounts, but they did for us. REPOD listeners get 15% off Marketing Services for the first 3 months, PLUS $750 off escape room websites. Schedule your Discovery Call and mention REPOD in the notes! Visit weldwoodmarketing.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   Buzzshot Buzzshot is Escape Room Software, Powering Business Growth, Player Marketing, and improving the Customer Experience. They offer an assortment of pre and post game features including robust waiver management, branded team photos, and streamlined review management for Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Morty. Buzzshot now has integration with the other REPOD sponsors: Morty and COGS. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners get an extended 21-day free trial plus 20% off your first 3 months, with no set-up fees or hidden charges. Visit buzzshot.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   COGS COGS by Clockwork Dog is an easy to use software/ hardware platform for running interactive events, including escape rooms, and other immersive experiences. They have plug & play hardware that seamlessly integrates with their software so you can create a show with lighting and sound cues without having to write a single line of code. Map all kinds of inputs to outputs by building up simple logic steps which determine what you want to happen and when. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners can get the COGS Starter Set for only $130 + free shipping to the USA. This bundle is usually valued at $257. You can learn more and purchase your Starter Set at cogs.show. Use code REPOD at checkout.   Become a Patron Today! Supporitng us on Patreon helps to fund our work, pay our team, and it grants you access to an incredible library of bonus content including:  The REPOD Bonus Show The Spoilers Club The Travelogue Series Thank you to all of our ongoing supporters

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIn this episode, IQBAR founder Will Nitze shares his journey from burnout in the corporate world to launching a bar brand rooted in cognitive nutrition. He walks through the steps that took IQBAR from kitchen counter tests to Amazon bestseller and retail mainstay.What you'll hear is less about hacks and more about the fundamentals: why starting online mattered, how feedback drove product-market fit, and what it really takes to scale profitably in CPG today.Key topics include:Launching DTC to validate demand and iterate fastWhy clean label and plant protein were non-negotiablesPackaging shifts driven by real-world feedbackScaling into retail once logistics and cost structures were optimizedViewing DTC as one piece of an omnichannel puzzleIt's a grounded roadmap from someone who's done the work—no shortcuts, just thoughtful strategy.Did you know that 98% of your website visitors are anonymous? Instant powers next-level retention by identifying who they are and converting them into loyal shoppers. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI: instant.one/dtcTimestamps:00:00 – How IQBAR started from a personal health journey02:55 – From kitchen experiments to product-market fit07:10 – Why the brain-focused bar category was a white space12:10 – DTC vs Amazon vs retail: channel strategy evolution17:45 – Profitability, scaling, and efficient COGS in CPG22:50 – Brand evolution: packaging, messaging, and keto pivot27:10 – Retail shelf strategy and planogram insight31:25 – Podcast and display ads as top-of-funnel growth levers34:45 – DTC Twitter, omnichannel mindset, and business realism37:55 – Exit strategy, Mars dreams, and post-exit vision41:00 – Tariffs, supply chain chaos, and CPG realitiesHashtags:#IQBAR#dtcpodcast#consumerpackagedgoods#ecommercegrowth#omnichannelstrategy#dtcbrand#scalingcpg#founderjourney#brandbuilding#podcastmarketing#supplychainchallenges#cleanlabelproducts#retailstrategy#amazonads#shopifysuccess Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

" It's a quirky and complex puzzle."  In the sleepy town of Ravenswood Bluff, on the stroke of midnight during a hellish thunderstorm, you hear a scream. You all rushed to the town square to find that your beloved storyteller has been murdered! This is the work of a nefarious demon... a demon that kills by night and takes on human form by day. Blood on the Clocktower is a game of lies and truth, team building and betrayal, and a game of secret identities. It is also, in our opinion, the best social deduction game in the world. Steven Medway, the creator of Blood on the Clocktower, joins us to talk about fine-tuning the balance of the game, the role of dead players, how the game experience changes depending on which country you're playing in, and so much more. What sets Blood on the Clocktower apart from other social deduction games is how well-balanced it feels as a player. Much of the information given and gathered by the "good team" works like a sort of logic puzzle, as the players piece together the truth in a variety of ways. However, the "evil team" is given many opportunities to spread misinformation, which really levels the playing field. There are also affordances made for "dead players" as well as people joining the game late or leaving early. Steven shares insights about his design process when creating characters and mechanics for Blood on the Clocktower. He also answers questions from our listeners. I was particularly fascinated by the segment where he talks about how the gaming experience varies by country. Whether you're a game designer interested in balancing strategy games or just a fan of Blood on the Clocktower, I highly recommend checking out this interview.   Episode Sponsors Thank you to our sponsors: Weldwood Marketing, Buzzshot, COGS by Clockwork Dog, and Patreon supporters like you.    Weldwood Marketing Maximize your online presence with Weldwood Marketing. It's a one-stop shop for digital marketing—specializing in web design, SEO, online ads, and best business practices. They can even manage all your integrations so you can track the customer journey from clicking on an ad to booking your game. Let Weldwood help unlock more money for your business. Special offer exclusively for REPOD listeners: Weldwood rarely offers discounts, but they did for us. REPOD listeners get 15% off Marketing Services for the first 3 months, PLUS $750 off escape room websites. Schedule your Discovery Call and mention REPOD in the notes! Visit weldwoodmarketing.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   Buzzshot Buzzshot is Escape Room Software, Powering Business Growth, Player Marketing, and improving the Customer Experience. They offer an assortment of pre and post game features including robust waiver management, branded team photos, and streamlined review management for Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Morty. Buzzshot now has integration with the other REPOD sponsors: Morty and COGS. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners get an extended 21-day free trial plus 20% off your first 3 months, with no set-up fees or hidden charges. Visit buzzshot.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   COGS COGS by Clockwork Dog is an easy to use software/ hardware platform for running interactive events, including escape rooms, and other immersive experiences. They have plug & play hardware that seamlessly integrates with their software so you can create a show with lighting and sound cues without having to write a single line of code. Map all kinds of inputs to outputs by building up simple logic steps which determine what you want to happen and when. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners can get the COGS Starter Set for only $130 + free shipping to the USA. This bundle is usually valued at $257. You can learn more and purchase your Starter Set at cogs.show. Use code REPOD at checkout.   Become a Patron Today! Supporitng us on Patreon helps to fund our work, pay our team, and it grants you access to an incredible library of bonus content including:  The REPOD Bonus Show The Spoilers Club The Travelogue Series Thank you to all of our ongoing supporters

INTELLIGEMSIntelligems is the ultimate profit-optimization tool for DTC brands. Use it for all of your CRO efforts by visiting https://intelligems.io.WORKSPACE6Workspace6 is a private community for 7, 8 & 9 figure+ eCommerce operators and executives. Join for just $1 for your first month and no annual commitments at https://workspace6.io. //Will Nitze is the Founder & CEO of IQBAR, an omnichannel food & bev brand on pace to do $125M at 17% EBITDA in 2025 after doing $59M in revenue at 13% EBITDA in 2024. Follow Will on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-nitze/ and on X at https://x.com/willnitze.//Will Nitze is the Founder & CEO of IQBAR. Follow Will on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-nitze/ and on X at https://x.com/willnitze.//Will Nitze, founder of IQBAR, shares how he scaled his food and beverage brand into the 9 figures and successfully turning the corner to profitability. This episode unpacks why he raised capital (and doesn't regret it), how he thinks about supply chain leverage, what founders get wrong about bootstrapping, and the real path to operational excellence.You'll learn how volume-driven growth models differ from high-margin products, how to avoid channel conflict in OmniChannel, and why your COGS might be the biggest opportunity in your business.If you're operating a 7–9 figure eCom brand and care about scale, margin, or long-term exit value—this is a masterclass.// SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL FOR 2X/WEEKLY UPLOADS!//ADMISSIONGet the best media buying training on the Internet + a free coaching call with Common Thread Collective's media buyers when you sign up for ADmission here: https://www.youradmission.co/andrew-faris-podcast//FOLLOW UP WITH ANDREW X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/andrewjfaris Email: podcast@ajfgrowth.comWork with Andrew: https://ajfgrowth.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#metaads #facebookads #ecommerce #advertisingCHAPTER TITLES:1:21: Is there really a big against fundraising?8:23: How to make money as a food/beverage business?13:57: Choosing the right investors for your DTC Business27:08: Finding Product Market Fit36:14: Operational Muscles For Omni Channel DTC45:24: Supply Chain 101//SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL FOR 2X/WEEKLY UPLOADS!//ADMISSIONGet the best media buying training on the Internet + a free coaching call with Common Thread Collective's media buyers when you sign up for ADmission here: https://www.youradmission.co/andrew-faris-podcast//FOLLOW UP WITH ANDREW X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/andrewjfaris Email: podcast@ajfgrowth.comWork with Andrew: https://ajfgrowth.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

MOVE SUPPLY CHAINPay less for COGS, get shorter lead times, and improve payment terms in your supply chain with help from Move Supply Chain at https://⁠movesupplychain.com⁠.INTELLIGEMSIntelligems is the ultimate profit-optimization tool for DTC brands. Use it for all of your CRO efforts by visiting https://intelligems.io.//Reach out to James Lee on X at https://x.com/jameshyujinlee to get started with overseas product photography.Get my complete guide to Target ROAS bidding here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_7SbiBun10//What separates the most profitable eCommerce operators from the rest?In this episode, Andrew breaks down 5 underutilized tactics that high-performing 7–9 figure brands are using to grow faster, retain customers longer, and increase margins—without adding risk.From low-MOQ product launches to price testing that lifts per-visitor profit, to smarter Meta bidding strategies and supply chain overhauls, this episode is packed with actionable insights. If your brand is stuck at a growth plateau, or bleeding margin from inefficiencies, this is the roadmap you've been looking for.You'll walk away with a clear, tested list of what's working right now—and where you might be leaving serious money on the table.//CHAPTER TITLES:00:22 - Not Launching Enough Products8:21 - Lower Cost of Product Launch15:33 - Price Testing18:08 - Target ROAS Campaigns21:43 - Supply Chain Management28:05 - Brand Marketing// SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL FOR 2X WEEKLY UPLOADS!//ADMISSIONGet the best media buying training on the Internet + a free coaching call with Common Thread Collective's media buyers when you sign up for ADmission here: https://www.youradmission.co/andrew-faris-podcast//FOLLOW UP WITH ANDREW X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/andrewjfaris Email: podcast@ajfgrowth.comWork with Andrew: https://ajfgrowth.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

“Creating the escape room becomes the escape room.” New York City is REPOD co-host David Spira's home market. Whenever he's recommending escape rooms to guests and visitors, his favorite go-to is MyssTic Escape Rooms in Brooklyn, NY. Two of their escape rooms have won Golden Lock awards: Ghost Light, and their newest game, The Bird. Gara Roda and Moritz Marti, the co-founders of MyssTic Rooms, join us today on REPOD to talk about the challenges of building a world class escape room in bustling New York City, especially when they are far from their home countries. There are many reasons it's challenging to build escape rooms in NYC. Real estate is expensive, the hurdles of navigating the city's fire codes are many, and square footage is at a premium. An affordable place for their business meant a basement location which came with its own set of complications. A near catastrophic flood in the early days led to some pretty impressive flood mitigation. Shortly after they first opened, a tragic fire occurred in an escape room in Poland, which led to a crackdown by fire inspectors all over the world, but with especially tight restrictions in New York. Gara and Moritz persevered, despite all the setbacks, and it was inspiring to hear them talk about how all the different constraints led to more creativity. As David points out, even though their games are small in comparison to other escape rooms, "every single nook and cranny had an abundance of detail." These two escape room creators have endured seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and yet have recently just been honored with another Golden Lock award for their newest game, The Bird. They mention at the end of the episode that eventually they are looking to move back to Europe and are open to finding a partner or even possibly a buyer. So hit 'em up if this sounds interesting to you. Full Show Notes   Episode Sponsors Thank you to our sponsors: Weldwood Marketing, Buzzshot, COGS by Clockwork Dog, Hive: The Race to Save Time Puzzle Hunt, and Patreon supporters like you.    Weldwood Marketing Maximize your online presence with Weldwood Marketing. It's a one-stop shop for digital marketing—specializing in web design, SEO, online ads, and best business practices. They can even manage all your integrations so you can track the customer journey from clicking on an ad to booking your game. Let Weldwood help unlock more money for your business. Special offer exclusively for REPOD listeners: Weldwood rarely offers discounts, but they did for us. REPOD listeners get 15% off Marketing Services for the first 3 months, PLUS $750 off escape room websites. Schedule your Discovery Call and mention REPOD in the notes! Visit weldwoodmarketing.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   Buzzshot Buzzshot is Escape Room Software, Powering Business Growth, Player Marketing, and improving the Customer Experience. They offer an assortment of pre and post game features including robust waiver management, branded team photos, and streamlined review management for Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Morty. Buzzshot now has integration with the other REPOD sponsors: Morty and COGS. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners get an extended 21-day free trial plus 20% off your first 3 months, with no set-up fees or hidden charges. Visit buzzshot.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   COGS COGS by Clockwork Dog is an easy to use software/ hardware platform for running interactive events, including escape rooms, and other immersive experiences. They have plug & play hardware that seamlessly integrates with their software so you can create a show with lighting and sound cues without having to write a single line of code. Map all kinds of inputs to outputs by building up simple logic steps which determine what you want to happen and when. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners can get the COGS Starter Set for only $130 + free shipping to the USA. This bundle is usually valued at $257. You can learn more and purchase your Starter Set at cogs.show. Use code REPOD at checkout.   Hive: The Race to Save Time Puzzle Hunt Based on the new Madders of Time series by bestselling author DL Orton. Registration opens May 1, 2025 Hive: The Race to Save Time runs from May 16-26, 2025 Over $1,000 in Prizes, winners determined by sweepstakes. Purchase of the book or free alternative method of entry registration is required to participate, but the e-book will be available for just 99 cents while the hunt is running. Visit Hive: The Race to Save Time website for more details. Preorder the book today!   Become a Patron Today! Supporitng us on Patreon helps to fund our work, pay our team, and it grants you access to an incredible library of bonus content including:  The REPOD Bonus Show The Spoilers Club The Travelogue Series Thank you to all of our ongoing supporters

  "Hiding interesting objects in plain sight is a hallmark of Great Gotham Challenge." In New York, everyone's got a story. A gimmick. A hustle. The city's crawling with characters. Some are just colorful. Others... well, others are part of something bigger. A secret. A puzzle. That hot dog vendor on the corner? A whispered password might just grant you access to a secret underground lair. You never really know if someone's just being New York... or if you're already inside the game. Capturing this elusive feeling of a magical underground is what drives Jon Seale and Ryan Patch. They run the Great Gotham Challenge, a massive city-wide puzzle adventure that weaves through the bones of New York City. They describe it as part puzzle hunt, part Amazing Race, and part immersive theater. I really enjoyed hearing about all the custom props they create for the Great Gotham Challenge that look like ordinary New York objects, but are actually part of the game. There is something magical about an item hidden in plain sight that players will overlook until they're clued to take a deeper look. Much of their game is designed to encourage players to explore stories of New York's oddities and its secret histories. They also talk about working on Compass, formerly known as "Midnight Madness." You can read reviews about past Great Gotham Challenges on Room Escape Artist.   Full Show Notes   Episode Sponsors Thank you to our sponsors: Weldwood Marketing, Buzzshot, COGS by Clockwork Dog, Hive: The Race to Save Time Puzzle Hunt, and Patreon supporters like you.    Weldwood Marketing Maximize your online presence with Weldwood Marketing. It's a one-stop shop for digital marketing—specializing in web design, SEO, online ads, and best business practices. They can even manage all your integrations so you can track the customer journey from clicking on an ad to booking your game. Let Weldwood help unlock more money for your business. Special offer exclusively for REPOD listeners: Weldwood rarely offers discounts, but they did for us. REPOD listeners get 15% off Marketing Services for the first 3 months, PLUS $750 off escape room websites. Schedule your Discovery Call and mention REPOD in the notes! Visit weldwoodmarketing.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   Buzzshot Buzzshot is Escape Room Software, Powering Business Growth, Player Marketing, and improving the Customer Experience. They offer an assortment of pre and post game features including robust waiver management, branded team photos, and streamlined review management for Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Morty. Buzzshot now has integration with the other REPOD sponsors: Morty and COGS. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners get an extended 21-day free trial plus 20% off your first 3 months, with no set-up fees or hidden charges. Visit buzzshot.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   COGS COGS by Clockwork Dog is an easy to use software/ hardware platform for running interactive events, including escape rooms, and other immersive experiences. They have plug & play hardware that seamlessly integrates with their software so you can create a show with lighting and sound cues without having to write a single line of code. Map all kinds of inputs to outputs by building up simple logic steps which determine what you want to happen and when. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners can get the COGS Starter Set for only $130 + free shipping to the USA. This bundle is usually valued at $257. You can learn more and purchase your Starter Set at cogs.show. Use code REPOD at checkout.   Hive: The Race to Save Time Puzzle Hunt Based on the new Madders of Time series by bestselling author DL Orton. Registration opens May 1, 2025 Hive: The Race to Save Time runs from May 16-26, 2025 Over $1,000 in Prizes, winners determined by sweepstakes. Purchase of the book or free alternative method of entry registration is required to participate, but the e-book will be available for just 99 cents while the hunt is running. Visit Hive: The Race to Save Time website for more details. Preorder the book today!   Become a Patron Today! Supporitng us on Patreon helps to fund our work, pay our team, and it grants you access to an incredible library of bonus content including:  The REPOD Bonus Show The Spoilers Club The Travelogue Series Thank you to all of our ongoing supporters

Subscriber-only episodeFeeling stagnant without that familiar queasy sensation of trying something new? You're not alone. Most ambitious entrepreneurs experience that tension between craving fresh challenges and wanting a stable business model. The good news? You don't have to constantly reinvent your entire business to experience growth. This episode explores the powerful concept of strategic addition – how placing smaller "cogs" in your business machinery can tighten the entire system without requiring a complete overhaul.We dive into practical examples, like implementing a five-day challenge that naturally guides participants toward existing products rather than creating something entirely new. This approach satisfies that entrepreneurial itch for creativity while strengthening your core offerings and simplifying the customer journey. Think of it as installing a perfectly-sized connector that closes gaps in your business machinery, making the path from prospect to customer more direct and frictionless.The goal isn't working harder to crank a clunky business model – it's strategically enhancing what already works. This mindset shift from "always creating new" to "strategically improving what exists" can transform both your business results and your entrepreneurial satisfaction. If you're ready to identify which areas of your business need tightening and could use outside perspective, consider joining one of our intimate mastermind groups where 5-6 women entrepreneurs dive deep into each other's businesses. Visit JennyMontrose.com/mastermindinfo to apply and discover if this collaborative growth environment is right for you.

You might not be able to send inventory to FBA next month. Tariff surcharges could appear on Amazon listings, and TikTok Shop expands again. All this buzzing news and more! ► Instagram: instagram.com/serioussellerspodcast ► Free Amazon Seller Chrome Extension: https://h10.me/extension ► Sign Up For Helium 10: https://h10.me/signup  (Use SSP10 To Save 10% For Life) ► Learn How To Sell on Amazon: https://h10.me/ft ► Watch The Podcasts On YouTube: youtube.com/@Helium10/videos We're back with another episode of the Weekly Buzz with Helium 10's VP of Education and Strategy, Bradley Sutton. Every week, we cover the latest breaking news in the Amazon, Walmart, and E-commerce space, talk about Helium 10's newest features, and provide a training tip for the week for serious sellers of any level. Amazon Slashes Your FBA Capacity! https://sellercentral.amazon.com/inventory-storage/storage-request/limit-increase Create deals for Amazon Pet Day https://sell.amazon.com/blog/announcements/pet-day Amazon denies plans to list tariff prices after President Trump calls Jeff Bezos to object https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/29/amazon-tariff-costs-trump-white-house/83340801007/ Grow With US: How Walmart's New Program Aims To Help Small Businesses Go Big https://corporate.walmart.com/news/2025/04/29/grow-with-us-how-walmarts-new-program-aims-to-help-small-businesses-go-big France urges fees on cheap e-commerce parcels in EU https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/france-urges-fees-cheap-e-121540875.html Walmart to Offer 3-Hour Delivery to 95% of Americans https://www.pymnts.com/walmart/2025/walmart-to-offer-3-hour-delivery-to-95percent-of-americans/ Exclusive: Some Amazon sellers are pulling out of Prime Day amid Trump tariffs https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/some-amazon-sellers-are-pulling-out-prime-day-amid-trump-tariffs-2025-04-28/ Walmart, Target resume business with some Chinese factories after tariff-related halt, suppliers say https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/29/business/walmart-target-chinese-orders-tariffs-hnk-intl/index.html TikTok to enter Japan's e-commerce industry, Nikkei reports https://www.reuters.com/world/china/tiktok-enter-japan-e-commerce-nikkei-reports-2025-04-26/ Did you know Helium 10 has a forum? While our Facebook group gets more traffic, we want to grow the forum community too! It's a great place to ask questions and join discussions about e-commerce, Amazon strategies, and more. Remember, it's not for Helium 10 customer support—that's available 24/7 through our website. To participate, sign in to your Helium 10 account and head to forum.helium10.com. Helium 10 has rolled out several powerful new features this week, starting with the brand-new Tariff Analyzer tool in Profits. This feature gives sellers a detailed breakdown of how tariffs impact their net profits on a product-by-product basis. By inputting the country of origin and cost of goods sold (COGS), users can instantly see pre- and post-tariff profit margins, estimate the price adjustments needed to maintain margins, and even compare how switching manufacturing to another country, like Vietnam or Uzbekistan, might improve profitability. It's a game-changing tool for sellers looking to stay agile amid rising import costs. Another major upgrade is the expansion of Managed Refund Services, now available to both Platinum and Diamond users. Previously reserved for Diamond subscribers, this service helps Amazon sellers recover funds owed by Amazon due to lost, damaged, or mishandled inventory. Helium 10's team handles the tedious claims process, scanning accounts, filing cases, and staying compliant with Amazon's policies. Sellers only pay a small percentage of successfully recovered funds, making it a zero-risk way to reclaim potentially thousands in lost revenue. On top of that, Helium 10 has added support for Cerebro and Magnet in the Amazon Saudi Arabia marketplace, with built-in translation tools to help sellers understand foreign-language keywords and rank data, opening up new international expansion opportunities easily. Tune in for a wealth of knowledge and strategies to keep your Amazon business thriving.

In fact, over the course of the interview, Eric often came back to the importance of finding your inspiration. His two most well-received games were both conceived when an inspiration "lit a fire inside (of him)." He also very candidly tells us about losing that inspiration while in the process of playtesting The Dome, and how he needed to step away to regain a fresh perspective. This worked, because David tells us that there was a marked difference in players' reception to the game in the very early days of the game's launch compared to after Eric returned from his break, reinspired. Creating anything requires not only a huge investment of time and money, but it also requires a strong belief in your concept. I certainly found inspiration from hearing Eric tell us about his escape room journey, and I hope you will as well.     Episode Sponsors Thank you to our sponsors: Weldwood Marketing, Buzzshot, COGS by Clockwork Dog, and Patreon supporters like you.    Weldwood Marketing Maximize your online presence with Weldwood Marketing. It's a one-stop shop for digital marketing—specializing in web design, SEO, online ads, and best business practices. They can even manage all your integrations so you can track the customer journey from clicking on an ad to booking your game. Let Weldwood help unlock more money for your business. Special offer exclusively for REPOD listeners: Weldwood rarely offers discounts, but they did for us. REPOD listeners get 15% off Marketing Services for the first 3 months, PLUS $750 off escape room websites. Schedule your Discovery Call and mention REPOD in the notes! Visit weldwoodmarketing.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   Buzzshot Buzzshot is Escape Room Software, Powering Business Growth, Player Marketing, and improving the Customer Experience. They offer an assortment of pre and post game features including robust waiver management, branded team photos, and streamlined review management for Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Morty. Buzzshot now has integration with the other REPOD sponsors: Morty and COGS. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners get an extended 21-day free trial plus 20% off your first 3 months, with no set-up fees or hidden charges. Visit buzzshot.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   COGS COGS by Clockwork Dog is an easy to use software/ hardware platform for running interactive events, including escape rooms, and other immersive experiences. They have plug & play hardware that seamlessly integrates with their software so you can create a show with lighting and sound cues without having to write a single line of code. Map all kinds of inputs to outputs by building up simple logic steps which determine what you want to happen and when. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners can get the COGS Starter Set for only $130 + free shipping to the USA. This bundle is usually valued at $257. You can learn more and purchase your Starter Set at cogs.show. Use code REPOD at checkout.   Become a Patron Today! Supporitng us on Patreon helps to fund our work, pay our team, and it grants you access to an incredible library of bonus content including:  The REPOD Bonus Show The Spoilers Club The Travelogue Series Thank you to all of our ongoing supporters

The research continues.The Strange Table Fellows Network:https://theSTFnetwork.comhttps://discord.gg/7KPfMCzhttps://twitter.com/STFNetworkOriginal Theme Music by Adam KellyMusic Sourced at:https://tabletopaudio.com/https://www.epidemicsound.com/https://www.storyblocks.com/

" Am I really playing with Neil Patrick Harris?" In keeping with the theme of Box Two, Neil Patrick Harris is back for his second appearance on our podcast. And not only that, he also brought a friend. Jonathan Bayme, CEO of theory11, is a longtime collaborator and Neil's bestie. They first met at a magic show Jonathan created for the Nomad Hotel in New York. Neil and Jonathan quickly bonded over a shared passion for elevating the art of magic, a deep appreciation for fine craftsmanship, and creating experiences full of wonder and joy. Jonathan created his company, theory11, with the goal of crafting magic tricks and playing cards that not only worked flawlessly, but were also beautiful to look at. Jonathan worked with Neil to produce Box Two, which was created with a very similar aesthetic and vibe. They very candidly explained the thought process behind design decisions such as relying on an online chat interface, and how they achieved certain magical effects. Box Two is gorgeous, with hefty props that felt good and looked good. I especially enjoyed hearing about the playtesting and mechanical process behind producing such a complicated boxed game. Jonathan also shares his secret to networking. Whether it's about tracking down JJ Abrams, or writing weekly emails at twelve years old to David Copperfield's longtime executive producer, I really enjoyed his stories of perseverance when it comes to making connections. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to check out our first interview with NPH in Season 2, Episode 1.     Episode Sponsors Thank you to our sponsors: Weldwood Marketing, Buzzshot, COGS by Clockwork Dog, Hive: The Race to Save Time Puzzle Hunt, and Patreon supporters like you.    Weldwood Marketing Maximize your online presence with Weldwood Marketing. It's a one-stop shop for digital marketing—specializing in web design, SEO, online ads, and best business practices. They can even manage all your integrations so you can track the customer journey from clicking on an ad to booking your game. Let Weldwood help unlock more money for your business. Special offer exclusively for REPOD listeners: Weldwood rarely offers discounts, but they did for us. REPOD listeners get 15% off Marketing Services for the first 3 months, PLUS $750 off escape room websites. Schedule your Discovery Call and mention REPOD in the notes! Visit weldwoodmarketing.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   Buzzshot Buzzshot is Escape Room Software, Powering Business Growth, Player Marketing, and improving the Customer Experience. They offer an assortment of pre and post game features including robust waiver management, branded team photos, and streamlined review management for Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Morty. Buzzshot now has integration with the other REPOD sponsors: Morty and COGS. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners get an extended 21-day free trial plus 20% off your first 3 months, with no set-up fees or hidden charges. Visit buzzshot.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   COGS COGS by Clockwork Dog is an easy to use software/ hardware platform for running interactive events, including escape rooms, and other immersive experiences. They have plug & play hardware that seamlessly integrates with their software so you can create a show with lighting and sound cues without having to write a single line of code. Map all kinds of inputs to outputs by building up simple logic steps which determine what you want to happen and when. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners can get the COGS Starter Set for only $130 + free shipping to the USA. This bundle is usually valued at $257. You can learn more and purchase your Starter Set at cogs.show. Use code REPOD at checkout.   Hive: The Race to Save Time Puzzle Hunt Based on the new Madders of Time series by bestselling author DL Orton. Registration opens May 1, 2025 Hive: The Race to Save Time runs from May 16-26, 2025 Over $1,000 in Prizes, winners determined by sweepstakes. Purchase of the book or free alternative method of entry registration is required to participate, but the e-book will be available for just 99 cents while the hunt is running. Visit Hive: The Race to Save Time website for more details. Preorder the book today!   Become a Patron Today! Supporitng us on Patreon helps to fund our work, pay our team, and it grants you access to an incredible library of bonus content including:  The REPOD Bonus Show The Spoilers Club The Travelogue Series Thank you to all of our ongoing supporters

MORE STAFFINGRecruit, onboard, and train incredible virtual professionals in the Philippines with my friends at More Staffing by visiting ⁠https://morestaffing.co/af⁠. MOVE SUPPLY CHAINPay less for COGS, get shorter lead times, and improve payment terms in your supply chain with help from Move Supply Chain at https://⁠movesupplychain.com⁠.//Lara Guevara is the CEO of Move Supply Chain, a Philippines-based supply chain agency, and More Staffing, a hiring firm to help you find, recruit, onboard, and train incredible Filipino talent for your business. Visit Move Supply Chain at https://movesupplychain.com and More Staffing at https://morestaffing.co/af. //CHAPTER TITLES:2:18 - Helpful Ideas To Work Through Tariffs For Ecommerce7:59: Exploring Other Countries Besides China For Sourcing12:00: Trade Offs Using Vietnam23:09 - Stockpiling Inventory To Save Costs36:02 - Could Tariffs Be Good For Ecommerce Brands?59:02 - How Businesses Can Adapt To Higher Tariffs//SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL FOR 2X WEEKLY UPLOADS!FOLLOW UP WITH ANDREW X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/andrewjfaris Email: podcast@ajfgrowth.comWork with Andrew: https://ajfgrowth.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

 " An outlandish approach to meta puzzles" "Congratulations and Condolences" is the default phrase when a team of puzzlers has just won the vaunted MIT Mystery Hunt. This is because according to tradition, the winning team must write next year's Mystery Hunt. This daunting task was recently undertaken by Death and Mayhem, the team that wrote the 2025 MIT Mystery Hunt titled "The Case of the Shadow Diamond." At the helm of this illustrious team is James Douberley, affectionately dubbed the Benevolent Dictator. James led his team of over 160 people to create David's favorite MIT Mystery Hunt to date, blending puzzles with immersive theater in a way that Mystery Hunts had never done before. Some features of this year's hunt included an escape room, The Radio, and The Gala, which functioned as both the team headquarters, but also a place for players to experience a fun interaction. This year's Mystery Hunt had 5,000 people enrolled, with around 171 puzzles. James joins us on REPOD to unwrap the mystery behind how his team designed and built this year's Mystery Hunt. I especially loved hearing about the unique escape room they built, which involved one player actually going to the escape room, while the rest of their team back at HQ clued the active player on what to do, but with a very limited word bank. Cue hilarity. If you're interested in puzzle hunts and large scale immersive events, don't miss this episode, and make sure to check out David's favorite (relatively accessible) puzzle linked below. Winner's Coin from the 2025 MIT Mystery Hunt Episode Sponsors Thank you to our sponsors: Weldwood Marketing, Buzzshot, COGS by Clockwork Dog, and Patreon supporters like you.    Weldwood Marketing Maximize your online presence with Weldwood Marketing. It's a one-stop shop for digital marketing—specializing in web design, SEO, online ads, and best business practices. They can even manage all your integrations so you can track the customer journey from clicking on an ad to booking your game. Let Weldwood help unlock more money for your business. Special offer exclusively for REPOD listeners: Weldwood rarely offers discounts, but they did for us. REPOD listeners get 15% off Marketing Services for the first 3 months, PLUS $750 off escape room websites. Schedule your Discovery Call and mention REPOD in the notes! Visit weldwoodmarketing.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   Buzzshot Buzzshot is Escape Room Software, Powering Business Growth, Player Marketing, and improving the Customer Experience. They offer an assortment of pre and post game features including robust waiver management, branded team photos, and streamlined review management for Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Morty. Buzzshot now has integration with the other REPOD sponsors: Morty and COGS. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners get an extended 21-day free trial plus 20% off your first 3 months, with no set-up fees or hidden charges. Visit buzzshot.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   COGS COGS by Clockwork Dog is an easy to use software/ hardware platform for running interactive events, including escape rooms, and other immersive experiences. They have plug & play hardware that seamlessly integrates with their software so you can create a show with lighting and sound cues without having to write a single line of code. Map all kinds of inputs to outputs by building up simple logic steps which determine what you want to happen and when. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners can get the COGS Starter Set for only $130 + free shipping to the USA. This bundle is usually valued at $257. You can learn more and purchase your Starter Set at cogs.show. Use code REPOD at checkout.   Become a Patron Today! Supporitng us on Patreon helps to fund our work, pay our team, and it grants you access to an incredible library of bonus content including:  The REPOD Bonus Show The Spoilers Club The Travelogue Series Thank you to all of our ongoing supporters

In this episode of Higher Exchanges, Jesse Redmond and Morgan Paxhia dig into three pressing topics shaping the cannabis industry.

MOVE SUPPLY CHAINPay less for COGS, get shorter lead times, and improve payment terms in your supply chain with help from Move Supply Chain at https://⁠movesupplychain.com⁠.INTELLIGEMSIntelligems is the ultimate profit-optimization tool for DTC brands. Use it for all of your CRO efforts by visiting https://intelligems.io.//Referenced Links for other videos:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CQFzGTJpQMhduEnge301d?si=p1_rGgVXSfCc1W1KBh8VWghttps://open.spotify.com/episode/40jKOgLXxRmxCYeWtHpbYZ?si=OSh1rjKgR_eAxxU1GBFi3w//CHAPTER MARKERS:1:37: Who Is Ben Perkins and &Collar4:15: How Slow Growth Became Profitable10:00: Climbing Out Of Debt29:07: Digital Ad Spend35:10: Supply Chain & Manufacturing46:37: The Future of &Collar//SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL FOR 2X WEEKLY UPLOADS!FOLLOW UP WITH ANDREW X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/andrewjfaris Email: podcast@ajfgrowth.comWork with Andrew: https://ajfgrowth.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week on COGS we throw it back to 30 years ago in April 1995. Bruce & Nolan breakdown two of DMB's finest shows with the rare all-acoustic show at The Academy in New York on 4/5/95, days after the band's first trip to Europe. DMB then kicked off their spring tour in Durham, NC on 4/7/95 in fabled Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke. The two shows are known for the song debuts of #40 and #41, known as 41 Police at the time. Be sure to check out these DMBLive releases and our recap! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you hear the episode where Sarah told her client they needed 70% product margins? Were you curious why it was so much higher than the usually recommended 51%?  In this episode, Sarah pulls back the curtain on how she determines the right product margins for different food businesses, and guides you to finding yours.  She reveals where your P&L is hiding crucial information and walks through her "orange slice" method for visualizing what's really happening with the revenue you earn. You'll learn the importance of separating “core COGS” from “other COGS”, why so many people talk about  “contribution margin”, what it is and the role it plays in determining your product margins.  Through a real case study, Sarah demonstrates how breaking down these numbers guides you to your perfect product margins.  This episode is your roadmap to financial clarity. Get ready to see your numbers in a whole new way! Join The Good Food CFO Community:  Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo  Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan  Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo  Become a Member: BABOYOT  

The craft beer industry is constantly changing and competition is fierce everywhere you turn. Breweries are opening and closing everyday, so how does one stand out from the crowd? Today, we discuss a number of everyday activities that can be done to help maximize growth in a strategic fashion. We can't just rely on making good beer anymore. We'll explore topics such as "knowing your why" and then explore the business side. These items include ordering efficiently and understanding landed costs, ingredient utilization/efficiency, maximizing batch yield/equipment utilization, packaging splits/sales, and understanding profitability through your COGS.Alex Labonge was born & raised in North Carolina. He is an alumni of Grimsley High School and UNC-Wilmington, and currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a former swimmer and grilling enthusiast and recently became a father. His first craft beer was Natty Green's Freedom IPA, and North Carolina beer holds a special place in his heart. Alex has spent 8 years with Next Glass, and currently is a Solutions Consultant supporting the Brewery Solutions team. While coming from outside of industry initially, Alex brings valuable experience after thousands of conversations with brewery owners around the world.Harrison Hickok was born & raised in New England and currently lives in Wilmington, NC. He spent 8 years working for breweries between Connecticut and Philadelphia and held many roles, including Assistant Brewer, Shift Lead, Assistant Barrel Master, Brand Ambassador, and Cellarmen. Harrison has held a number of roles with Next Glass, and is currently an Account Executive with the Brewery Solutions team. His first craft beer ever was the Dogfish Head Aprihop.Stay up to date with CBP: http://update.craftbeerprofessionals.orgJoin us in-person for CBP ConnectsHalf workshop, half networkingCharlotte, NC | June 9-11, 2025Register now: https://cbpconnects.com

MOVE SUPPLY CHAINPay less for COGS, get shorter lead times, and improve payment terms in your supply chain with help from Move Supply Chain at https://⁠movesupplychain.com⁠.INTELLIGEMSIntelligems is the ultimate profit-optimization tool for DTC brands. Use it for all of your CRO efforts by visiting https://intelligems.io.//SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL FOR 2X WEEKLY UPLOADS!FOLLOW UP WITH ANDREW X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/andrewjfaris Email: podcast@ajfgrowth.comWork with Andrew: https://ajfgrowth.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Brass Button Adventuring: The Cogs and Gears of Steampunk Roleplaying! Our hosts: Zach Hoyt and Josiah Higginson Join a panel of experienced game masters in discussing what makes a truly great Steampunk roleplaying game system, and how to select a system for your next great adventure. Please check out the Arizona Browncoats at  https://www.azbrowncoats.us/ https://www.facebook.com/ArizonaBrowncoats/ and contact them at Info@azbrowncoats.us Please check out Two Idiots and a Dog at https://www.tiaadmedia.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TIaaDMedia https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/two-idiots-and-a-dog/id1601757791   Thank you Wild Wild West Con Guests, Staff, Volunteers and Panelists for an amazing Con and weekend full of new and old friends and Con family! We love you guys! For more on WWWC please check out: https://www.wildwestcon.com/ The Wild Wild West Con Community Facebook page is here:   / 273200786672134   The WWWC Facebook page:   / wildwildwestcon     / 473015638010102   Please support our shows at www.patreon.com/cppn and even join us in some games! Also keep an eye at the new things on our now affiliated Twitch channel:   / creativeplayandpodcast   Also follow us on Facebook at   / creativeplayandpodcastnetwork   Would you be interested if we hosted D&D and Edge of Empire games on Roll20 for you to join? Email us at Creativeplaypodcastnet@Gmail.com  

As someone who worked in the US Senate, the Pentagon, and the White House during the George W. Bush administration, Matt Latimer saw it all.In this 2009 interview Latimer talks about his Washington memoir Speech-less.Get your copy of Speech-less by Matt LatimerAs an Amazon Associate, Now I've Heard Everything earns from qualifying purchases.You may also enjoy my interviews with Peggy Noonan and Sam Donaldson For more vintage interviews with celebrities, leaders, and influencers, subscribe to Now I've Heard Everything on Spotify, Apple Podcasts. and now on YouTube#WashingtonD.C #WhiteHouse #GeorgeWBush #Speechwriter

This Podcast Is Episode 618, And It's About A Deep Dive Into Gross Profit Margin For Construction Contractors Understanding and managing your gross profit margin is crucial to ensuring the sustainability and profitability of your business as a construction contractor. This key financial metric not only reflects your company's financial health but also helps guide your pricing strategies, project management decisions, and overall strategic planning. Profit is the money left in your business after all your expenses have been paid. An income statement (also referred to as a profit and loss report) reveals what profit your construction company made last month or last quarter. Your profits are detailed in two figures, namely: Gross profit is what's left from sales after deducting the costs of goods sold or services provided. Net profit is left from gross profit after operating expenses (your business overheads) are deducted. Note that net profit isn't the final 'bottom line' profit until all taxes have been paid. Gaining more significant profits depends on accomplishing all the little things better rather than making one huge change. What is Gross Profit Margin? Gross profit margin is calculated by subtracting the cost of goods sold (COGS) from total revenue and dividing that figure by total revenue. The formula looks like this: Gross Profit Margin (%) = (Net Sales – Cost of Goods Sold) ÷ Net Sales x 100 Breaking it down: Net Sales: This is your total revenue after subtracting returns, discounts, and allowances. Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): For construction contractors, COGS typically includes direct costs associated with a project, such as materials, labor, and subcontractor fees. This margin provides insight into how efficiently a contractor manages these costs relative to their revenue. For example, your small construction business earns $50,000 monthly in net sales, and your COGS totals $20,000. To calculate:  Gross Profit Margin = ($50,000 – $20,000) ÷ $50,000 x 100 = 60% This means 60% of your revenue contributes to covering overheads, like rent and salaries, and eventually becomes profit. Why is Gross Profit Margin Important? 1. Financial Health Indicator: A robust gross profit margin indicates that contractors can cover operating expenses and generate profit. Contractors with thin margins may struggle to survive during economic downturns or project disputes. 2. Pricing Strategy: Understanding your gross profit margin promotes better pricing strategies. If the margins are too low, it may be time to reevaluate how you bid on projects or manage costs. 3. Operational Efficiency: Analyzing gross profit margins can help identify inefficiencies in project management. If specific projects consistently yield low margins, it may indicate underlying issues that need addressing, such as waste or mismanagement of resources. 4. Benchmarking: Comparing your gross profit margins to industry standards can offer insights into your competitive position. While margins vary based on project type and geographical location, knowing where you stand can help identify areas for improvement. What is a Good Gross Profit Margin? In the construction industry, gross profit margins generally range from 10% to 20%. However, this can vary based on the type of projects (residential vs. commercial), market conditions, and geographic area. High-demand markets allow for higher margins, whereas competitive bidding environments push margins lower. Reevaluate Your Gross Profit Percentage - Another area most construction company owners let fall between the cracks is gross profit on the material. Gross profit is the difference ­between revenue and the cost of the material before overhead. Here Are Some Thoughts On Gross Profits: Lower prices do not always equate to increased sales. Sales resulting from lower prices will require you to sell more to maintain the same level of profitability. Generally speaking, raising your gross profit on materials by 1% would require a 4% increase in overall sales to realize the same gain. Increasing sales is always desirable, but, in reality, you have more control over your estimating and pricing than you do over sales or potential sales. People who buy from you solely due to pricing are customers, not clients; they belong to whoever has the lowest prices in the marketplace. How to Improve Your Gross Profit Margin 1. Accurate Estimation: Invest time in accurately estimating project costs. Underestimating costs can lead to lower margins and financial strain. 2. Increase your prices: If your products or services are underpriced, gradually increase prices. Outline the value you provide so clients understand what they're paying for. 3. Reduce your COGS Source raw materials strategically: Negotiate with suppliers for discounts or bulk deals. Lower manufacturing costs: Consider automating manual processes to reduce labor costs in the long term. 4. Regular Financial Reviews: Conduct regular reviews of your financials to identify trends and areas for improvement. Analyzing project performance can highlight where margins can be improved. 5. Effective Resource Management: Ensure labor and materials are allocated efficiently. Reducing waste and improving productivity can have a direct positive impact on margins. 6. Negotiate Better Rates: Cultivate strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors. Negotiating better rates can directly affect your COGS and improve your margins. 7. Invest in Technology: Utilize project management software to streamline operations, improve communication, and enhance budgeting. These tools can help manage costs more effectively and keep projects on track. Gross Profit Margin isn't just an abstract financial concept – it's a powerful tool. It provides insights into your business's efficiency and profitability and helps guide critical pricing, cost management, and scalability decisions.  Don't underestimate the impact of regularly tracking your Gross Profit Margin – it can help you adapt to challenges, make smarter decisions, and ultimately achieve long-term success. Conclusion Gross profit margin is a vital metric for construction contractors, influencing everything from financial health to pricing and project management. By understanding and actively managing this figure, contractors like you can enhance operational efficiency, boost profitability, and ensure long-term success. Keep assessing your projects, refining your estimates, and adapting to market changes to maintain a healthy gross profit margin and drive your construction business forward. About The Author: Sharie DeHart, QPA, is the co-founder of Business Consulting And Accounting in Lynnwood, Washington. She is the leading expert in managing outsourced construction bookkeeping and accounting services companies and cash management accounting for small construction companies across the USA. She encourages Contractors and Construction Company Owners to stay current on their tax obligations and offers insights on managing the remaining cash flow to operate and grow their construction company sales and profits so they can put more money in the bank. Call 1-800-361-1770 or sharie@fasteasyaccounting.com    

281 - Pricing your photography services shouldn't feel like a guessing game! But if you've ever wondered why your bank account doesn't reflect your hard work, it might be time to look at your cost of goods sold (COGS). In this episode, we're breaking down what COGS really means for your photography business and how to price your products profitably—without the overwhelm.What to Listen For:The real definition of cost of goods sold (COGS) and why it's not what you think.Why photographers often underestimate their true costs.How to calculate your COGS per session to ensure profitability.The industry standard percentage for COGS and why you should stay below it.The difference between general expenses and cost of goods sold.How home-based and retail studio pricing models compare.Why albums should be priced 10x their cost.The biggest mistake photographers make when pricing prints.How selling single prints and digital files can hurt your profit margins.The one thing you should do right now to check your pricing health.Understanding your cost of goods sold is the key to running a profitable photography business—whether you're part-time, full-time, or growing to the next level. Now, it's time to put this into action!

In this special episode of The Good Food CFO podcast, we're sharing highlights from our live Q&A session with BABOYOT members.  These quarterly events are an awesome opportunity to connect with Founders and answer their most pressing financial questions.  Some of the topics we tackled: Food Service vs. Wholesale Pricing: Discover why conventional wisdom about which channel is most profitable doesn't always hold true. One founder shares how running her numbers completely changed her channel strategy. The COGS “Gray Area”: Is your kitchen rental really part of your Cost of Goods Sold? Sarah provides clarity on this common question and explains her COGS philosophy for better visibility into your true business health. Hidden Costs of Co-packers & 3PLs? The best partners will be upfront and clear about all of the costs of doing business. Sarah shares specific questions to ask potential partners to avoid surprise fees signing with co-packers and 3PLs.  Whether you're just starting out or looking to optimize your existing food business, this episode offers real-world solutions from Sarah and the collective wisdom of our BABOYOT community. This episode is brought to you by Settle.  Settle helps you make smarter decisions, and keep your business on track to grow sustainably. Head over to settle.com/goodfood to learn how brands like Carnivore Snax use Settle to manage their cash flow and growth.   Join The Good Food CFO Community:  Follow us on Instagram: @thegoodfoodcfo  Connect on LinkedIn: @sarahdelevan  Watch on YouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo  Become a Member: BABOYOT

MOVE SUPPLY CHAINPay less for COGS, get shorter lead times, and improve payment terms in your supply chain with help from Move Supply Chain at https://⁠movesupplychain.com⁠.BILYGet enhanced Meta Ads event tracking on your store with 100% server side tracking at the lowest rate in all of ecom with Bily by visiting https://bily.ai.Get the best media buying training on the Internet + a free coaching call with Common Thread Collective's media buyers when you sign up for ADmission here: https://bit.ly/3x99lip// Sean Christman is the VP of Operations at Cuts Clothing, a DTC apparel business doing over $50M in annual revenue. Follow Sean on X at https://x.com/seanchrstman. Book consulting time with him on MentorPass at https://mentorpass.co/me/seanchristman.FOLLOW UP WITH ANDREW X: @andrewjfarisEmail: podcast@ajfgrowth.comWork with Andrew: https://ajfgrowth.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Enjoying the Ecommerce Coffee Break Podcast? Here are a few ways to grow your business: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/level-up/ ---In this episode, we explore an unconventional approach to goal setting that helps entrepreneurs stay focused and achieve what matters most. Our featured guest is Nate Littlewood, Founder and Fractional CFO at Future Ready. With nearly a decade on Wall Street and experience founding a seven-figure e-commerce brand, Nate shares practical insights on financial sustainability for mission-driven e-commerce and CPG founders.  He discusses why traditional goal setting fails, the power of the OKR framework, and how to identify the critical 20% of activities that truly move the needle in your business. Topics discussed in this episode: Why goal setting fails: Entrepreneurs chase too many “shiny objects” instead of the 10-20% that matters. How OKRs help: They balance strategy and execution. Revenue vs. profit gap: Founders focus on top-line growth but miss key profit metrics. Why profit strategy matters: Prioritize improvements aligned with your strengths. Founder time value: Weigh your “salary opportunity cost.”. Fractional CFO value: Maximize ROI through smarter resource allocation. Early-stage struggle: They need financial guidance but can't afford CFOs. E-commerce founder types: Creatives, marketers, and self-aware learners. Financial blind spots: Founders often miss key metrics like COGS ratios. Work “on” the business: Regular check-ins prevent misalignment. Links & Resources Website: https://www.getfutureready.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanlittlewood/ Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes athttps://tinyurl.com/zj8fhusy MORE RESOURCESDownload the Ecommerce Conversion Handbook for store optimization tips at https://tinyurl.com/CRO-ebook Best Apps to Grow Your eCommerce Store: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/best-shopify-marketing-tools-recommendations/ Become a smarter online seller in just 7 minutes Our free newsletter is your shortcut to ecommerce success. Every Tuesday and Thursday in your inbox. 100% free. Unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com Rate, Review & Follow Enjoying this episode? Help others like you by rating and reviewing my show on Apple Podcasts. Rate here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecommerce-coffee-break-digital-marketing-podcast-for/id1567749422 Follow the podcast to catch all the bonus episodes I am adding. Do not miss out. Hit that follow button now!

Let's revisit most interesting, entertaining, and impactful moments from REPOD Season 8. Can't wait for the next season REPOD? Don't worry, Season 9 of the podcast will be back in the very near future. To pass the time until then, have a listen to some memorable clips our editor Steve Ewing selected from each episode of Season 8. And there's a bonus clip from the brand new show PG's Playhouse! It's perfect for new listeners of this podcast or fans who want to relive their favorite moments. This season we welcomed many talented escape room owners & designers: Fro creates memorable stories at Boxaroo, Jeroen built an incredible romp through real trains with Demise of the Gricers, and Curtis & Derek at Escape Ventures build amazing escape rooms at incredible speeds. Don't miss Francine & Victor talking about what it feels like to finish an epic project.  We also invited returning guest Elan Lee to discuss his new Netflix show based on Exploding Kittens and his Survivor party game. Game & puzzle creators Sandy Weisz, Oskar Van Deventer, and Brooke Breit came on to talk about the finer points of balancing challenge and fun.  Performers David Kwong and Yannick Trapman-O'Brien reflected on the ups and downs of their careers and the personal philosophies that have come out of that. And in Episode 11, escape room super-enthusiast Sera Dodd brought us one of the most emotionally powerful episodes yet. We end the look-back with a Connections-like game from our new podcast, PG's Playhouse.  If you want even more podcast episodes, consider joining our Patreon. For only $5 a month, you'll get access to our Bonus Aftershow, which is a more casual conversation with each guest. Episode Sponsors Thank you to our sponsors Morty, Buzzshot, & COGS by Clockwork Dog:  Morty Morty is a free app for discovering, planning, tracking, and reviewing your escape rooms and other immersive social outings.    Morty News:   Morty now features haunt attractions Morty for Android is here   Special Badge for REPOD listeners: You can learn more at morty.app/REPOD to sign up and get a special badge for our listeners (works for existing users also).   Buzzshot   Buzzshot is Escape Room Software, Powering Business Growth, Player Marketing, and improving the Customer Experience. They offer an assortment of pre and post game features including robust waiver management, branded team photos, and streamlined review management for Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Morty. Buzzshot now has integration with the other REPOD sponsors: Morty and COGS.   Special Offer for REPOD Listeners:   REPOD listeners get an extended 21-day free trial plus 20% off your first 3 months, with no set-up fees or hidden charges. Visit buzzshot.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   COGS   COGS by Clockwork Dog is an easy to use software/ hardware platform for running interactive events, including escape rooms, and other immersive experiences. They have plug & play hardware that seamlessly integrates with their software so you can create a show with lighting and sound cues without having to write a single line of code. Map all kinds of inputs to outputs by building up simple logic steps which determine what you want to happen and when.   Special Offer for REPOD Listeners:   REPOD listeners can get the COGS Starter Set for only $130 + free shipping to the USA. This bundle is usually valued at $257. You can learn more and purchase your Starter Set at cogs.show. Use code REPOD at checkout. Production Credits Hosted by David Spira, Peih-Gee Law, & Steve Ewing Produced by Theresa Piazza Supported by Lisa Spira, Richard Burns, and Tommy Honton Edited by Steve Ewing of Stand Inside Media  Music by Ryan Elder Logo by Janine Pracht

- Nissan Handed Junk Rating - Tesla to Invest in Nissan?  - Rivian Cuts COGs $31,000/Vehicle - Tesla Warranty Costs Higher Than GM - BMW Neue Klasse To Use Cylindrical Batteries - Stella To Launch L3 Driving - EV Advocates Tell EU to Keep Strict CO2 Regs - Stella Stops Jeep Compass Plant in Canada - Renault's Horse Worth €7.4 Billion - Autoline Poll on FCEVs

- Nissan Handed Junk Rating - Tesla to Invest in Nissan?  - Rivian Cuts COGs $31,000/Vehicle - Tesla Warranty Costs Higher Than GM - BMW Neue Klasse To Use Cylindrical Batteries - Stella To Launch L3 Driving - EV Advocates Tell EU to Keep Strict CO2 Regs - Stella Stops Jeep Compass Plant in Canada - Renault's Horse Worth €7.4 Billion - Autoline Poll on FCEVs

If you've been a long-time reader or a contracting company owner, you've probably heard about "Cost of Goods Sold" (COGS). But what does it really mean, and why is it crucial for your construction business's success? Understanding COGS isn't just about accounting—it's about making smart decisions for profitability, pricing, and more.    1. What is the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)?    COGS represents the direct costs of creating the products/services your business sells/provides. These include materials, labor hours, and even manufacturing overheads. Any expense that contributes directly to a product's creation is included in COGS.   COGS provides critical insights into your business's efficiency and profitability. It's a fundamental metric showing how much you spend to produce inventory relative to your sales.     Contractors often ask us if they can buy our Chart of Accounts with Cost of Goods Sold and import them into their QuickBooks Desktop or QuickBooks Online file. The answer is yes! We also offer the complete QB Setup Template. 2. What are the components of COGS?  COGS isn't one-size-fits-all. It includes different types of costs depending on your business.  Here are the main components typically included in COGS: Materials: Raw ingredients or parts used to provide your service Payroll: The wages you pay to employees directly involved in production Manufacturing Overheads: Indirect costs required to produce services, such as equipment depreciation or utility costs.  Note  General overheads, such as office or marketing costs, are not included in COGS—only expenses tied directly to production count.  3. How do I calculate COGS?  Fortunately, calculating COGS follows a straightforward formula: COGS = Beginning inventory + Purchases during the period – Ending inventory  Breaking it down: Beginning inventory: The inventory value on hand at the start of the accounting period.  Purchases: All costs for new inventory bought or manufactured during the period.  Ending inventory: The value of unsold inventory at the period's end.  Example Calculation  Imagine you run a small boutique that sells handmade gifts. If: Your beginning inventory is $5,000,  You spent $8,000 on materials and production, and  Your ending inventory is $2,000,  Then your COGS would be:  $5,000 + $8,000 – $2,000 = $11,000  This $11,000 represents the cost of creating the products you sold during the period.  But wait - that is for a retail business. Simple. What about construction? Direct Costs are tied to the jobs (field labor, materials, and other cost items). Office materials (pencils, paper, toner, etc.) are overhead. Yes, an accountant could say these many pencils are used in the field and that notepad is used in the truck.  The answer is the dividing line of the direct costs to the job: the Costs of Goods Sold (COGS). That is why we've created our Chart of Accounts, which you can use inside QuickBooks, depending on your type of construction business. Most COGS accounting methods you will find are for inventory valuation, which is confusing to most contractors. Confusion always arises about the material. A construction contractor may purchase material and resell it to their customer at cost, thinking it is a reimbursable expense. (You lose money when doing this.)   Remember, all invoices to the Customer (Retail, General Contractor, Spec Builder, Developer) are income. Washington State has a clear explanation. If the words are on the invoice, then the invoice is either taxable or non-taxable based on other factors. Every line item on a customer invoice is income.   Purchases for the material are the Cost of Goods Sold or expenses if you are short-cutting your accounting. I have seen financial statements backed out because they will reflect reimbursable income as a negative number, thereby showing it as a deduction. (The net effect is double-dipping on the expense side.) The cause is that the accounting software is not being correctly set up. We fix bad QuickBooks setups for Construction Contractors. New Construction Home Building is another area of confusion. In the mind of many construction contractors, a Spec home is any new house being built for resale. That is true; it is a New Construction House. The question is on the construction accounting side. For the Owner and Developer (who might be the General Contractor running the job), it is a Spec Home.  For the General Contractor who is building a New Construction Home for a Developer, it is NOT a Spec Home. Why might it seem the same as both are New Construction Houses? The question to be answered is, "Who owns the house?" - It is a Spec House in the accounting system for THE OWNER.     If the General Contractor does not own the house, then from the accounting side for that specific General Contractor, the house is a Custom Home with an owner who is not the General Contractor.   Suppose the General Contractor or developer owns the new house being built. In that case, it is a Spec House in the Accounting System. All costs roll up into WIP (Work-In-Process) and convert to COGS when the house is sold, not before. Recognize expenses when the home sells. Otherwise, expenses one year and sales the next equals taxes.    In Washington State, all construction contractors working for a spec builder must collect sales tax on all services (labor and material) when billed by the general and trade construction contractors. In Washington State, all Construction Contractors working on Custom Homes, Residential or Commercial Projects, large or Small Remodels, or Handyman Projects can accept a reseller permit from the General Contractor. The general contractor bills and collects sales tax from the Owner.   In Washington State, Contractors must collect sales tax on all retail projects, including Labor, Materials, and others. Sales tax must be collected on every line item. Customer Discounts can be given for any reason. And that is just for one state. Pro Tip  Consult with your accountant to identify the best method for your business—tax implications vary by approach.  4. Why does understanding COGS matter?  Knowing your COGS is a game-changer for managing and growing your business. Here are some ways it benefits you: Profitability analysis - COGS is crucial for calculating gross profit. Subtracting COGS from revenue reveals how much your products contribute to your bottom line.  Pricing strategy - Understanding how much a specific project costs allows you to set prices that cover expenses while leaving room for profit.  Financial reporting - COGS is necessary for accurate income statements and tax reporting. It also demonstrates operational efficiency, which is key for attracting investors or securing loans.  Tax benefits - COGS are deductible, reducing your taxable income. The more precise your calculations, the better-positioned you'll be during tax season.  5. How can your accountant help  Managing COGS can be complex, but you don't have to go through it alone. Your accountant is your best ally when navigating this process.  They can: Help you set up your Contractor Chart of Accounts Ensure all eligible expenses are accounted for (and not missed!).  Revise your tax strategy while staying compliant with regulations.  One of the most dangerous and difficult steps in setting up the Chart of Accounts is during QuickBooks setup, especially for contract service-based businesses. Get this one thing right, and your QuickBooks for contractors can generate useful financial and job costing reports. If you get it wrong, you will never get useful reports, no matter who handles your contractor's bookkeeping services needs. The reports you do get could lead you to make decisions based on insufficient information that could destroy your entire construction company. A thought  Understanding your Cost of Goods Sold isn't just an accounting exercise—it's the foundation for business success. Calculating and tracking COGS effectively will empower you to make better pricing, profitability, and growth decisions.  Why struggle with numbers when you can partner with someone who lives and breathes construction accounting? Freeing up your time lets you focus on growing your business. You are never too small for us to help, and we can help you begin with your first day in business.    I am looking forward to being of assistance.   About The Author: Sharie DeHart, QPA, is the co-founder of Business Consulting And Accounting in Lynnwood, Washington. She is the leading expert in managing outsourced construction bookkeeping and accounting services companies and cash management accounting for small construction companies across the USA. She encourages Contractors and Construction Company Owners to stay current on their tax obligations and offers insights on managing the remaining cash flow to operate and grow their construction company sales and profits so they can put more money in the bank. Call 1-800-361-1770 or sharie@fasteasyaccounting.com  

We are just all cogs in the wheel. Where did all the taxpayer money go? The FBI cannot and should not be saved. The FBI leaked the ICE raid info to illegals. Josh Hammer joins the show to talk about these activist judges. We're trying to avoid a civil war. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If grocery store retail is part of your success strategy, then you don't want to miss today's podcast episode. My guest is Lisa Thorson, founder of Run The Numbers, who has 14 years of experience in the natural food industry including brokering brands into big retailers like Sprouts and Safeway.We're diving deep into the numbers—COGS, contribution margin, trade spend, and all the key factors you need to understand to succeed in grocery retail. Plus, we talk about the when and why to bring on fractional support like in sales, operations or other executive roles. It's a powerful option that didn't really exist until recently that can help you get to the next level.  Passion is important, but smart financial decisions are what will keep you profitable and able to thrive no matter what is happening around you.  If you are interested in learning more about the fractional services Lisa offers at RTN, including Operations, Sales and Deduction Support, click here and book a call with her. She is offering listeners 25% off your first month of services. Market season is around the corner (for our winter friends) and it's time to get into the markets you want and make WAY more money every minute you are there. Get the Up Level Workshop for just $97 and increase your sales - guaranteed. Get the bundle offer and save big already ($171), plus use code SELLPOD50 for an additional $50 off the full course. Purchase either offer here. Are you a Badass in Business? We're starting a 30 day Discipline Challenge in the free Private Facebook Group + prizes on February 17th! Sign up here. MAKE A BIG LEAP IN 2025! Commit to the support and accountability you need to create a beautiful business! Get Food Business Success to launch and scale to $100K guaranteed Scale your existing business to $300K in 2025 with the financial and operational foundations and become the CEO of your biz in Master Your Business - apply today! We start Jan 28th! Pick up your copy of "Key Ingredients" on Amazon here. Check out my YouTube channel at www.foodbiz.tube for how to videos to start and grow a packaged food business.

Send us a textSetting the right ACOS and TACOS goals can make or break your Amazon ad strategy. Learn how to adjust these key metrics for growth and profitability.Stop wasting ad spend! Learn how to run profitable PPC ads with our PPC guide: https://bit.ly/3DLhywd#AmazonAds #AmazonSelling #amazontips Watch these next:More Sales in Early 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JCqAzSn9Tg&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_a1PRDJWRoR4yIM8K5Ft569&index=6Get the Most from Q1 Shoppers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBdW1f7htrw&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_a1PRDJWRoR4yIM8K5Ft569&index=8-----------------------------------------------Struggling with your Amazon listing? Let's fix it!  http://bit.ly/3B1LvHtGet expert advice on growing your Amazon business. Book a call now! http://bit.ly/3B3HMJATimestamps:00:00 - Why ACOS and TACOS Matter00:09 - What is ACOS and Why it Matters00:32 - How to Calculate ACOS for Amazon Ads01:16 - Setting ACOS Goals for Growth vs. Profitability02:00 - The Role of COGS in Ad Strategy02:12 - What is TACOS? ACOS vs. TACOS Explained02:30 - How to Adjust ACOS and TACOS Over Time02:48 - Need Help? Work With My Amazon Guy----------------------------------------------Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28605816/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpopemag/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/myamazonguys/Twitter: https://twitter.com/myamazonguySubscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast: https://podcast.myamazonguy.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-amazon-guy/id1501974229Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A5ASHGGfr6s4wWNQIqyVwSupport the show

We officially closed the book on the first month of 2025 and it's the perfect time to introduce a fresh new format we're calling the Retail Roundup. For this inaugural edition, we've brought in two of our go-to experts to break down what's really happening in the industry. Joining us today are Ross Walker, Director of Retail Media at Acadia, and Armin Alipahic, Operations Team Lead — and a walking, talking encyclopedia of Amazon knowledge since the days Bezos sold his first book.   KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, Ross, and Armin discuss: Amazon Retail Ad Services: Announced the launch at CES. Enabling brands to create ads using Amazon's ad stack. Compared to Critio and Citrus ads but with Amazon's unique reach. Amazon Reimbursement Policy Change: New reimbursement based on cost of goods sold (COGS) instead of retail price. Required sellers to report their COGS. Discussions on potential privacy concerns and impact on margins. B2B-Specific Bids for Amazon Ads: Allows brands to bid specifically for business buyers. Seen as a significant feature for B2B-focused products. Five-Year Look Back for Amazon Marketing Cloud: Provides extended access to purchase signals for analysis beyond the typical 12-month period. Seen as a major development for mid-tier and enterprise brands. Amazon's Title Character Count Requirement: Automatic AI revision of non-compliant product titles. Aim to eliminate word souping and improve title quality. Image Compliance Platform Overhaul: Streamlined approach to identifying and correcting image issues using AI. Greater automation to reduce manpower and costs for Amazon.

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING WITH PROFITABILITY IN YOUR BUSINESS Profit is the most important metric in your business. Revenue is great, but if your profit margins are tiny, you're basically running an expensive hobby. You might be making $2M, but if you're only keeping $50K… is it really worth it? In this episode, we're breaking down the biggest profitability mistakes business owners make, like not knowing their cost of goods sold (COGS), underpricing, or ignoring inefficiencies in labor costs. If money comes in and goes out and you have no idea where it's going, this is your wake-up call. We'll cover: The difference between profit and revenue (and why it matters more than you think). Common profitability mistakes that keep businesses stuck. Why a small profit margin with little room for growth is a major red flag. A real client story on how optimizing inefficiencies doubled their profit in a year. If you're only looking at your numbers once a year at tax time, you're already behind. Profitability isn't just about cutting costs, it's about smart strategy, pricing, and making decisions based on facts, not feelings. If you want your business to be sustainable long-term, this episode will help you take a bird's-eye view, get curious about inefficiencies, and start making real money moves. Topics We Discuss: Profitability, Business Finances, Cost Optimization, Pricing Strategy, Scaling Profit Margins   FREE RESOURCES: STAND OUT SOCIAL MASTERCLASS // learn how to disrupt an industry SOLD OUT SALES CALENDAR // to help get organized & sell more BUILD YOURSELF A MARKETING BRAIN // to learn the ins & outs EXPLORE PROGRAMS, COURSES, & SERVICES // CLICK HERE FOLLOW MADI ON INSTAGRAM // @thisismadisonpaige WATCH ON YOUTUBE // click here

It is easy to lump all your costs together. But they have different impacts on your profits and knowing the difference can help you make more money.    ______   DIVE IN DEEPER & LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NUMBERS

Howie and Harlan are joined by Lisa Rosenbaum, a cardiologist and the national correspondent for the New England Journal of Medicine, to discuss her writing illuminating critical topics in medicine. Harlan reports on the companies claiming to prevent illness through a non-invasive full-body scan; Howie explains the healthcare impact of the Trump administration's freeze of federal aid.  Links: Body Scanning “Neko Health raises $260M to expand body scan service, fund R&D” Neko Health “Kim Kardashian Promotes $2,500 Body Scan—Here's What To Know And Why Some Experts Warn Against It”“ “Daniel Ek's body scanning startup hits £1.4 billion valuation with 100,000 people lining up to pay £299 for a health check” “The rise and fall of Theranos: A timeline” Lisa Rosenbaum Lisa Rosenbaum: “Gray Matters: Analysis and Ambiguity” Lisa Rosenbaum: Not Otherwise Specified podcast Lisa Rosenbaum: “Beyond Moral Injury—Can We Reclaim Agency, Belief, and Joy in Medicine?” Lisa Rosenbaum: “Being Well while Doing Well—Distinguishing Necessary from Unnecessary Discomfort in Training” “The Case Against the Trauma Plot” “The Rise of Therapy-Speak” Lisa Rosenbaum: “On Calling—From Privileged Professionals to Cogs of Capitalism?” “The Moral Crisis of America's Doctors” The Ezra Klein Show: “Democrats are Losing the War for Attention. Badly.” IMDB: The Doctor The New Administration “Kennedy, Polarizing Pick for Health Secretary, Makes His Senate Debut” “WATCH: Sen. Elizabeth Warren questions RFK Jr. in confirmation hearing” “Trump aid freeze stirs chaos before it is blocked in court” “Trump administration rescinds order attempting to freeze federal aid spending” “Uncertainty Causes Chaos as Trump Threatens Funding Pause for Schools” “Read the Memo Pausing Federal Grants and Loans” Learn more about the MBA for Executives program at Yale SOM. Email Howie and Harlan comments or questions.

We're sharing one of our many Patreon exclusive Bonus Shows. We put a lot of love and have a ton of fun continuing the conversation after each episodes. We also record many extra episodes in-between seasons. All of this is available exclusively to our Patrons at patreon.com/roomescapeartist. Curtis Ratliff and Derek Townsley join us for more discussion about The Escape Ventures. They share an absolutely outrageous escape room story that we couldn't put on the main feed. We talk more about game stores and the importance of inclusivity. David gives an argument against longer games, and we also get into the regional differences between Orlando and Los Angeles in terms of escape room culture and design. I also end up learning all about Bucky's.     Episode Sponsors Thank you to our sponsors Morty, Buzzshot, & COGS by Clockwork Dog:  Morty Morty is a free app for discovering, planning, tracking, and reviewing your escape rooms and other immersive social outings.  Morty News: Morty now features haunt attractions Morty for Android is here Special Badge for REPOD listeners: You can learn more at morty.app/REPOD to sign up and get a special badge for our listeners (works for existing users also).   Buzzshot Buzzshot is Escape Room Software, Powering Business Growth, Player Marketing, and improving the Customer Experience. They offer an assortment of pre and post game features including robust waiver management, branded team photos, and streamlined review management for Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Morty. Buzzshot now has integration with the other REPOD sponsors: Morty and COGS. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners get an extended 21-day free trial plus 20% off your first 3 months, with no set-up fees or hidden charges. Visit buzzshot.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   COGS COGS by Clockwork Dog is an easy to use software/ hardware platform for running interactive events, including escape rooms, and other immersive experiences. They have plug & play hardware that seamlessly integrates with their software so you can create a show with lighting and sound cues without having to write a single line of code. Map all kinds of inputs to outputs by building up simple logic steps which determine what you want to happen and when. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners can get the COGS Starter Set for only $130 + free shipping to the USA. This bundle is usually valued at $257. You can learn more and purchase your Starter Set at cogs.show. Use code REPOD at checkout.   Production Credits Hosted by David Spira & Peih-Gee Law Produced by Theresa Piazza Supported by Lisa Spira Edited by Peih-Gee Law and David Spira Music by Ryan Elder Logo by Janine Pracht

MOVE SUPPLY CHAIN Pay less for COGS, get shorter lead times, and improve payment terms in your supply chain with help from Move Supply Chain at https://⁠movesupplychain.com⁠. ADMISSION Get the best media buying training on the Internet + a free coaching call with Common Thread Collective's media buyers when you sign up for ADmission here: https://bit.ly/3x99lip // SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL! FOLLOW UP WITH ANDREW X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/andrewjfaris Email: podcast@ajfgrowth.com Work with Andrew: https://ajfgrowth.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the podcast, Bradley explores a concept borrowed from professional sports: a salary cap. While baseball teams like the New York Mets can spend vast sums, such as their $765 million contract with Juan Soto, many sports leagues like the NFL and NBA operate within strict salary caps. Bradley explains how businesses, much like these leagues, need to implement financial limits for labor expenses to maintain profitability and drive growth.Inspired by Greg Crabtree's book Simple Numbers, Bradley emphasizes the importance of defining a salary cap for your business, suggesting a benchmark of 50-58% of revenue for labor costs. He also provides a variation of the formula for businesses with cost of goods sold (COGS), emphasizing the need for accurate financial forecasting and planning.Using real-life examples from his experience with clients, Bradley highlights the value of allocating funds wisely across team roles, assessing ROI on labor, and striking a balance between profitability and investment in people. He shares a story of a business owner who intentionally increased their salary cap to foster growth by reallocating profits to hire additional team members.Bradley challenges listeners to calculate their own salary cap, track historical labor spend, and make data-driven decisions about team investments. By managing labor costs intentionally, you can ensure that your business remains both sustainable and positioned for future growth.This episode is a practical guide for business owners looking to gain clarity on their labor spend and unlock new growth opportunities by leveraging the concept of a salary cap.Thanks to our sponsors...BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks. Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass, The Blueprint to S.C.A.L.E., and learn more about this system when you visit www.blueprintos.com!Autopilot Recruiting is a continuous recruiting service where you'll be assigned a recruiter that has been trained to recruit on your behalf every business day. Go to www.autopilotrecruiting.com to get started.Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.TodayApp is a corporate approved app that allows you to build custom activities and track all your commissions and bonus structures, and integrates perfectly with your CRM. It can even manage your employees' time, track production, have a leaderboard with metrics, and more. Contact Today App and for a custom demo and let them know you heard about them on The Above The Business Podcast. https://todayapppro.com/Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we're just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we've got you covered.Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see

In this episode, Mike and Orlando dive deep into the importance of keeping costs low in reselling and how your cost of goods (COGs) can make or break your business. They discuss practical strategies for sourcing low-cost inventory, avoiding the psychological traps of overpaying, and calculating total costs to maximize profits. The hosts also share incredible Hustles of the Week, including a $1,000 sale of a WWII Coca-Cola lithograph, a bulk electronics flip netting over $6,000, and a $140 sale of a vintage ergonomic mouse. Tune in to learn how savvy sourcing and smart pricing strategies can lead to reselling success. Whether you're a seasoned reseller or just starting, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you grow your business. Don't miss it! Join the Discord and Partner with us via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/purehustlepodcast Sign Up with MY RESLLER GENIE with 15% off your first month for the best bookkeeping geared for resellers by using the link below and USE OUR CODE “PUREHUSTLE” all in caps: https://www.myresellergenie.com/?ref=purehustle Get a free $15 on Whatnot by using the link below: https://whatnot.com/invite/purehustlepodcast Get that Skullshaver using the link below and our code "Hustle": https://skullshaver.com/discount/Hustle?rfsn=6980222.2cfe107&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6980222.2cfe107 Purchase bubble wrap from the best deal available ANYWHERE: https://www.americanbubbleboy.com?sca_ref=650095.KTEipe5MI4&sca_source=YouTube

In this episode, we're bringing you into the new year with a first-of-its-kind format covering current events, new consumer research, and industry news. Kyle and I spend time talking about Trump winning the presidency and what that means for regenerative brands and the regenerative movement. How will tariffs affect cost of goods? Will mass deportations affect labor and cost of goods? Is MAHA for real and what impact will it have? Will the new administration fulfill their promises on inflation and the economy resulting in higher velocities of premium regen products and more investment into their businesses? We chat about the cultural implications from the election and how we think that will affect where regen goes over the next 4 years. How will all this anti-establishment energy affect change? What does the rejection of woke ideology mean for brands marketing the sustainability benefits of regenerative products? We cover Regenified's recently released consumer report that highlights high interest in regenerative agriculture and growth opportunities for brands and retailers. What can we learn from the findings of this 850-person study? Regenified's key findings highlighted rising consumer awareness and interest, the criticality of certifications, consumers prioritizing health and nutrient density, and consumer willingness to pay a premium for regenerative products. We unpack it all and share our perspectives.  We share some big news from brands like Painterland Sisters, Long Table, Recoup, Little Sesame, and Diestel Family Ranch covering new products and retailer partnerships, big industry pitch slam wins, and new nutrient density analysis.  Lastly, Kyle and I share some of the regenerative products we're gifting to friends and family this holiday season. We're pumped to bring you this new format and excited to do more episodes like it in 2025, so let us know what you think and want to hear us chat about next!   Episode Highlights:

“A vision into the future of what I want escape rooms to be.” After 1,200 escape rooms, it certainly takes something remarkable to capture the #1 spot on David Spira's list of favorite games. As he tells us in this episode, his favorite game shifts from  moment to moment, but in this particular moment, that game is The Alchemist, created by Francine Boon & Victor van Doorn of Sherlocked Escape Rooms in Amsterdam. David had this to say about The Alchemist: “It's a wonder factory. It is filled with impossible moments and machines, and it made me weep with joy during the finale each time I watched it. I think I saw the finale three times when I came to visit. I just love this game and it feels like a vision into the future of what I want escape rooms to be.” It's not the first time that Sherlocked has created a game that has shaped the future of the escape room industry. Victor started playing escape rooms in 2012 when the industry was still in its infancy, and a few years later, he started Sherlocked, along with a few other partners. Sherlocked's games The Architect and The Vault are noteworthy for the level of immersion they created at the time. They used actors and “cold starts" to truly create the feeling that players were in a movie.  We can see the influence of Sherlocked throughout much of the escape room scene in The Netherlands today. Many of the games there make use of actors, with immersive onboarding. Additionally, many are set in historical buildings, just liked Sherlocked is. Victor and Francine are creative alchemists in their own right, combining their skillsets to create wondrous, magical games. This is the season finale for Season 8 of Reality Escape Pod. Season 9 will launch in April. Meanwhile, we are excited to release some off-season content. Plus, keep an ear out for PG's Playhouse, a new show launching this winter. If you want more content, we have over 100 episodes of the Bonus Aftershow available to Patreon Supporters, as well as our Spoilers Club, which offers in-depth coverage of iconic escape rooms. Thank you so much for supporting our show!   Full Show Notes   Episode Sponsors Thank you to our sponsors Morty, Buzzshot, & COGS by Clockwork Dog:  Morty Morty is a free app for discovering, planning, tracking, and reviewing your escape rooms and other immersive social outings.  Morty News: Morty now features haunt attractions Morty for Android is here Special Badge for REPOD listeners: You can learn more at morty.app/REPOD to sign up and get a special badge for our listeners (works for existing users also).   Buzzshot Buzzshot is Escape Room Software, Powering Business Growth, Player Marketing, and improving the Customer Experience. They offer an assortment of pre and post game features including robust waiver management, branded team photos, and streamlined review management for Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Morty. Buzzshot now has integration with the other REPOD sponsors: Morty and COGS. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners get an extended 21-day free trial plus 20% off your first 3 months, with no set-up fees or hidden charges. Visit buzzshot.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   COGS COGS by Clockwork Dog is an easy to use software/ hardware platform for running interactive events, including escape rooms, and other immersive experiences. They have plug & play hardware that seamlessly integrates with their software so you can create a show with lighting and sound cues without having to write a single line of code. Map all kinds of inputs to outputs by building up simple logic steps which determine what you want to happen and when. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners can get the COGS Starter Set for only $130 + free shipping to the USA. This bundle is usually valued at $257. You can learn more and purchase your Starter Set at cogs.show. Use code REPOD at checkout.   Production Credits Hosted by David Spira & Peih-Gee Law Produced by Theresa Piazza Supported by Lisa Spira Edited by Steve Ewing Music by Ryan Elder Logo by Janine Pracht

You have heard of COGS or Cost of Goods Sold, but do you know what they are and why they are important to your small business?  Let's take a look at 10 things you should know about cost of goods sold.  ______   DIVE IN DEEPER & LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NUMBERS

“Finding escape rooms has been finding my community and my joy.” When people find out I've played 400 escape rooms, they react with awe and wonder, to which my usual response is “That's nothing—my podcast co-host David Spira has played over 1,200 escape rooms!” However, as it turns out, even David is not the final boss when it comes to the most escape rooms played.  Enter Sera Dodd, who alongside her partner Sharan Gill, is one of the most experienced escape room players in the Western world. Clocking in at a whopping 3,000 games, not only has Sera seen it all, but she's also helped shape the escape room industry over the years. From consulting on games, to sitting on the board of advisors for TERPECA, to co-founding the Escape Room Industry Conference (ERIC), Sera has used her experience and knowledge to help push the industry forward. I especially appreciated Sera's candor. She speaks openly about being autistic, and how escape rooms are a great way for neurodivergent people to find community and embrace play and adventure in a safe and controlled environment. (We discuss this in more detail in the Bonus Aftershow.)  She also shares with us how her diagnosis of terminal cancer has changed her perspective on life: “I think when one's faced with their own mortality, you spend a lot of time thinking, 'what is the point of life?' And the best I've come up with is to have good times, to be good, to do good, and to have good times with good people. And that's what escape rooms do for me.” In the podcast, Sera talks about finding her tribe in our community of escape room enthusiasts globally, of finding generous friendship and joyous camaraderie. It's a poignant reminder of how precious life is, and how important it is to appreciate the people in your life. I'm very grateful to Sera for joining us on Reality Escape Pod to share her story.     Episode Sponsors Thank you to our sponsors Morty, Buzzshot, & COGS by Clockwork Dog:  Morty Morty is a free app for discovering, planning, tracking, and reviewing your escape rooms and other immersive social outings.  Morty News: Morty now features haunt attractions Morty for Android is here Special Badge for REPOD listeners: You can learn more at morty.app/REPOD to sign up and get a special badge for our listeners (works for existing users also).   Buzzshot Buzzshot is Escape Room Software, Powering Business Growth, Player Marketing, and improving the Customer Experience. They offer an assortment of pre and post game features including robust waiver management, branded team photos, and streamlined review management for Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Morty. Buzzshot now has integration with the other REPOD sponsors: Morty and COGS. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners get an extended 21-day free trial plus 20% off your first 3 months, with no set-up fees or hidden charges. Visit buzzshot.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   COGS COGS by Clockwork Dog is an easy to use software/ hardware platform for running interactive events, including escape rooms, and other immersive experiences. They have plug & play hardware that seamlessly integrates with their software so you can create a show with lighting and sound cues without having to write a single line of code. Map all kinds of inputs to outputs by building up simple logic steps which determine what you want to happen and when. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners can get the COGS Starter Set for only $130 + free shipping to the USA. This bundle is usually valued at $257. You can learn more and purchase your Starter Set at cogs.show. Use code REPOD at checkout.   Production Credits Hosted by David Spira & Peih-Gee Law Produced by Theresa Piazza Supported by Lisa Spira Edited by Steve Ewing Music by Ryan Elder Logo by Janine Pracht

“Inelegant is a lot of random noise.” For a long time, I thought that puzzle hunts weren't for me. They seemed completely inaccessible, like something that only geniuses from MIT could solve, with the price of admission being a massive brain and a penchant for quantum computing. Then, over the pandemic, I discovered The Pilcrow Bar. This was a free, online puzzle hunt commissioned by Michelin 3-star restaurant Alinea and designed as a collaboration between Sandy Weisz of The Mystery League, and Room Escape Artist Contributor Matthew Stein. I worked through the entire puzzle hunt, and at the end, I not only felt smarter, but I also gained a completely new appreciation for how elegant puzzles could be. Sandy Weisz joins us on the podcast to talk about designing for elegance. As he explains, elegance in puzzles is when the puzzle “scaffolding” is woven into everything, from the theme, to the puzzle mechanic, to the illustrations, to the flavor text. He also tells us about some of the crazy puzzles he's designed as part of his team-building business: architectural puzzles embedded into the walls and doors of F5 Networking's 22-story office building in Seattle, a puzzle hunt on a private jet, and a giant ARG commissioned by Cards Against Humanity. Sandy also made a game for this podcast (and I made one for him in the Patreon Bonus Show.) Sandy approaches puzzle design in a thoughtful, methodical way. His team building game Search For A Superhero will be featured at REA's Escape Immerse Explore Time & Space 2025 Tour. This is a great opportunity to check out his work as well as play regional standout escape rooms at CU Adventures in Time & Space and 60 to Escape.      Episode Sponsors Thank you to our sponsors Morty, Buzzshot, & COGS by Clockwork Dog:  Morty Morty is a free app for discovering, planning, tracking, and reviewing your escape rooms and other immersive social outings.  Morty News: Morty now features haunt attractions Morty for Android is here Special Badge for REPOD listeners: You can learn more at morty.app/REPOD to sign up and get a special badge for our listeners (works for existing users also).   Buzzshot Buzzshot is Escape Room Software, Powering Business Growth, Player Marketing, and improving the Customer Experience. They offer an assortment of pre and post game features including robust waiver management, branded team photos, and streamlined review management for Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Morty. Buzzshot now has integration with the other REPOD sponsors: Morty and COGS. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners get an extended 21-day free trial plus 20% off your first 3 months, with no set-up fees or hidden charges. Visit buzzshot.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   COGS COGS by Clockwork Dog is an easy to use software/ hardware platform for running interactive events, including escape rooms, and other immersive experiences. They have plug & play hardware that seamlessly integrates with their software so you can create a show with lighting and sound cues without having to write a single line of code. Map all kinds of inputs to outputs by building up simple logic steps which determine what you want to happen and when. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners can get the COGS Starter Set for only $130 + free shipping to the USA. This bundle is usually valued at $257. You can learn more and purchase your Starter Set at cogs.show. Use code REPOD at checkout.   Production Credits Hosted by David Spira & Peih-Gee Law Produced by Theresa Piazza Supported by Lisa Spira Edited by Steve Ewing Music by Ryan Elder Logo by Janine Pracht  

Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz's namesake bar Schwartz & Sandy's closing after just 2 years (Page Six) (20:08), Kristen Doute Is Pregnant! (PEOPLE) (23:58)'Holding Space' for 'Defying Gravity': Viral 'Wicked' Journalist on Getting Recognized in Public, Selling Merch and What on Earth She Meant (Variety) (27:28)Hugh Grant doesn't remember making out with Luann de Lesseps in the Hamptons (Page Six) (34:16)Kylie Kelce is launching her own 'brutally honest' podcast (NY Post) (39:03)Glen Powell Says Lookalike Contest Winner Gets 'Their Parents or Any Family Member of Their Choice' a Cameo in His Next Film (Variety) (48:41)Dear Toasters Advice Segment (54:00)The Toast with Jackie (@JackieOshry) and Claudia Oshry (@girlwithnojob) Lean InThe Camper and The Counselor by Jackie OshryMerchThe Toast PatreonGirl With No Job by Claudia OshrySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.