Podcasts about DTC

Set Active founder, Lindsey Carter has nailed a well-timed, high in demand, product drop. Now the team sells out millions worth of products in the matter of hours. In just seven years, she's built a celebrity-loved athletic wear brand that generates $1 million in under an hour and is on track to hit $30 million in annual revenue this year. Lindsey has yet to take on a dollar from investors and has no plans of slowing down any time soon. Lindsey shares the strategies behind building a brand that Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and thousands of loyal customers can't get enough of. She candidly opens up about building a community with 8,200+ super fans on Instagram, and leveraging AI tools that save her and her team hours every day. We'll dive into the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, from placing risky second orders to keep momentum going, to learning hard lessons about hiring. In this episode you'll learn: The exact strategy behind Set Active's $1M resort drop (and why location matters)How to build real community that drives sales (spoiler: you can't fake it)AI tools that turned 5-hour tasks into 5-minute winsWhy momentum is everything and how to maintain it across dropsSocial media secrets and why you should treat each platform like a different family memberSmart hiring practices and what makes employees buy into founder visionThe power of asking for help when you need it mostHow transparency and vulnerability create customer loyaltyWhat's next for Set Active…Four Seasons collabs, gorpcore, and 90s-inspired collectionsChapters:(Tips: use vague and general language that identifies what the next few minutes will talk about) 00:00 Introducing Lindsey Carter & Set Active2:20 The Lightning Strike Moment: How Lindsey Discovered Her Entrepreneurial Passion5:07 The Investor Advice Every Entrepreneur Needs to Hear 7:00 How to Build Momentum Early In Business (+ How to Keep it Going) 10:21 Core Challenges 7 Years into Set Active & How to Overcome Them14:45 Hitting Rock Bottom In Life/Business–How to Bounce Back from A Down Year 19:47 The $1M Resort Drop Strategy23:26 New Trends Coming Up: Gorpcore, a Four Seasons collab & more25:10 Why You Can't Fake Community & Winning Social Media Strategies 27:09 AI Tools That Set Active Swears By35:29 The Secret to Consistent Wins: How Set Keeps Momentum Going  Guest: Lindsey CarterTitle: Founder & CEO Company: SET ACTIVE Industry: Fashion Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Today, I'm joined by Shahab Elmi, co-founder & CEO of Cymbiotika. With 100M+ packets sold in its first six years, Cymbiotika is bringing transparency to the supplement industry with liposomal formulations and rigorous third-party testing. In this episode, we discuss building a supplement brand focused on efficacy over marketing. We also cover: Liposomal delivery as a differentiator Why churn reveals true product efficacy Avoiding the wellness DTC race to the bottom    Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcast   Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe   Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider    Cymbiotika's Website: www.cymbiotika.com  Cymbiotika's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cymbiotika/  - The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart fitness ecosystem for fitness and health facilities. Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/   Chapters:  (00:00) Introduction  (01:15) Shahab's background and Cymbiotika's origin story  (02:00) The problem with the supplement industry  (02:45) Why transparency and testing matter  (04:15) Churn rate as the ultimate success metric  (05:45) Organic celebrity endorsements vs paid sponsorships  (09:00) Liposomal delivery technology explained  (12:30) Manufacturing in-house vs outsourcing  (16:00) The DTC race to the bottom  (18:30) Building trust through radical transparency  (20:30) Competing on efficacy, not marketing spend  (23:00) Taking on industry fraud and fake claims  (24:30) Announcing multiple third-party clinical trials  (26:50) Patent enforcement and liposome validation  (27:35) Product roadmap (29:25) Conclusion  

This week, we detail all the numbers you should know from Disney and Paramount's earnings and the comments made by executives during the earnings calls. We discuss the latest subscriber numbers, DTC operating income, ARPU, content spending budgets, Paramount ending free trials and the upcoming Paramount+ price increase. We also debate what Disney's CEO might mean when he said that gen-AI short-form UGC will be available on Disney+ in the future. We also highlight that, starting in 2026, Apple's MLS Season Pass will be discontinued, and that all MLS games will be streamed on the Apple TV service at no additional cost, potentially bringing more exposure to MLS content. We break down Amazon's announcement that Prime Video now reaches 315 million monthly viewers globally, and why we don't know what it means, without any details on the methodology. To wrap up, we cover news related to Netflix, Roku, NBC, and Kaltura's plans to acquire eSelf.ai.Podcast produced by Security Halt Media

If your ads are working but sales still lag, your problem isn't your product — it's your offer. In this episode of Built by Business with Andy Isom, we break down how offer design drives conversion and profit across Amazon and DTC.   Learn how to build an irresistible value stack, craft bundles that sell themselves, and apply platform-specific strategies that work on both marketplaces.   We'll explore the difference between Amazon's conversion-focused offers and DTC's story-driven offers — and how smart founders use both to win in 2025.   If you're serious about improving your listings, AOV, and overall profitability, this episode is your blueprint for mastering offer psychology.   All of my resources at: www.andyisom.com  

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signuphttps://levelwear.comHyman Ngo, SVP of Product & Marketing at Levelwear, joins us to talk through the brand's evolution from a behind-the-scenes apparel manufacturer to a powerhouse in wholesale and licensing — and now, their pivot into DTC.For brand leaders scaling from golf, wholesale, or licensing into consumer channels.What we cover:The real reason they acquired a customer's brand — and how that changed their whole trajectoryWhy golf was the launchpad: how credibility in elite U.S. clubs unlocked growth back homeHow they scaled to 85 of the top 100 U.S. golf courses (and what that did for their reputation)The role of licensing (MLB, NHL, PGA) in adding growth and brand legitimacyHow they finally built their brand narrative (“Team Over Everything” / “Who's With You”) and why it's now central to their DTC pushWho this is for: Brand operators in wholesale, licensing, or B2B looking to build emotional connection and consumer pullWhat to steal:Build credibility in a “clean” market (no legacy baggage) and use it to reposition back homeTreat brand story as an internal alignment tool — not just external marketingUse licensing as a bridge, but don't lose sight of your brand equityUnlock the BFCM Command Center: https://triplewhale.com/dtcTimestamps00:00 Transitioning from manufacturing to a brand02:15 Buying Levelwear and early operational challenges04:40 Breaking into retail and managing order volume07:20 Slow early growth and breakthrough in the US golf market10:05 How Levelwear entered top golf courses12:40 Evolution of golf culture and apparel trends14:00 Sponsoring pro golfers and athlete partnerships16:00 Expanding into licensed sports apparel18:05 Fanatics partnership and industry comparisons20:00 Crafting Levelwear's brand message and manifesto22:30 Launching the "Who's With You" campaign24:15 Using streaming ads for brand awareness26:10 How the brand story aligns across sports27:40 Message consistency in B2B and retail channels29:00 Levelwear's path toward nine-figure revenue30:30 DTC ambitions and where the brand goes next32:00 Expanding into international golf markets33:00 The future of independent retail in golf34:00 Closing thoughts and next steps for LevelwearHashtags#dtcpodcast #levelwear #golfapparel #sportsbusiness #directtoconsumer #ecommercegrowth #brandbuilding #athleisure #golfindustry #sportsmarketing 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

Meet Scott Desgrosseilliers, CEO of Wicked Reports, a platform helping growth teams finally trust their attribution. In this episode, Scott explains why ad platforms over-credit conversions and how first-party data reveals the real customer journey across seven to 100 touchpoints. He shares the "Five Forces" measurement strategy and the one-word campaign verdicts—scale, chill, or kill—that drive budget clarity. You'll learn why DTC brands (from $3M to $60M+) win by dialing in top-of-funnel insights, capturing emails and SMS early, and tying repurchases back to the original awareness ads. Scott also covers demo-to-purchase paths, website roles, and leadership lessons for keeping teams focused on outcomes.   

In this episode, the hosts dissect a $17.5M electrolyte powder Amazon FBA brand with 86% margins and 20K subscribers—debating whether it's a goldmine or a marketing death spiral in disguise.Business Listing – https://quietlight.com/listings/16065383/Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.

In this episode of The Story of a Brand Show, I sit down with the incredible twin sisters and co-founders of LouLou Lollipop, Angel Kho and Eleanor Lee.  From the very beginning, their story pulled me in—the handmade Etsy shop days, walking store to store in Vancouver with nothing but belief and a few samples, and the moment a total stranger at a Las Vegas trade show validated everything they had been working toward.  What struck me most was how deeply personal their journey is. Every product, every print, every decision is rooted in lived experience as moms trying to solve real problems for other parents. What unfolded in our conversation was an honest look at resilience, creativity, community, and the emotional reality of building a brand from scratch. Whether it was the joy of their "donut teether" taking off, the surprise of being contacted by a Nordstrom buyer, or their thoughtful approach to safety and sustainability, their passion is unmistakable. And hearing how their early supporters—from strangers to shop owners—helped shape the business reminds us that small acts of kindness can change everything. Here are some of the key moments from the episode: * The emotional impact of early validation—from a competitor at their first trade show and from the first boutique willing to take a chance on them. * How a simple, personal frustration as new moms sparked the idea for their first product: a safe, functional, beautiful teething necklace. * The role of pop-up markets, Etsy, and early Instagram collaborations—especially a pivotal moment when Thrifty Littles amplified their brand. * The unforgettable milestone of getting contacted by a Nordstrom buyer…and the disbelief that turned into their first major retail partnership. * Their thoughtful product evolution—from silicone teethers to award-winning sleep bags and meticulously designed muslin swaddles with playful, artful prints. Join me, Ramon Vela, as we listen to the full episode to hear the heartfelt, real, and inspiring journey behind LouLou Lollipop—and discover why their story resonates so strongly with parents around the world. For more on LouLou Lollipop, visit: https://louloulollipop.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: 1 Commerce: https://1-commerce.com/story-of-a-brand Scaling a DTC brand gets harder the bigger you grow, especially when you're stuck selling on just one channel.  While you're focused on day-to-day ops, your competitors are unlocking marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and even retail shelf space—and capturing customers you're missing. That's where 1-Commerce comes in.  They help high-growth brands expand beyond their sites, handle end-to-end fulfillment, and scale through a revenue-share model that means they only win when you do.  As a Story of a Brand listener, you'll get one month of free storage and a strategy session with their CEO, Eric Kasper. 

Special Feature:    Andrew Crawford, Vice President at Keysource talks with TWIRx host Todd Eury about the direct to patient market (Direct to Consumer, DTC) expected to hit $21 billion this year. Pharmacy is evolving fast. When DTC brands move in, pharmacies have a choice...compete or collaborate. Some manufacturers are selling directly to patients at discounted cash prices and cutting out traditional intermediaries. The model is projected to grow 9% a year through 2030, with pharma support services expected to nearly double from $3.2B to $5.7B by 2030.  Driven by cost pressure and new legislation, manufacturers are moving quickly. It is creating more transparency but patients still need guidance, trust, and human care. Pharmacy is being redefined as the bridge that keeps care personal, safe, and local. It is not being replaced, but what will it look like in 10 years? TWIRx News:    Pharmacy student shot, killed by friend who became paranoid after they smoked pot together, documents say - from WMTV/Gray News  https://www.wowt.com/2025/11/11/pharmacy-student-shot-killed-by-friend-who-became-paranoid-after-they-smoked-pot-together-documents-say/  Why Guardian Pharmacy Services Stock Was on a Tear Tuesday - by Motley Fool / Yahoo Finance  https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-guardian-pharmacy-services-stock-202435130.html Metformin May Diminish the Cardiometabolic Benefits of Exercise https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/metformin-may-diminish-the-cardiometabolic-benefits-of-exercise Today's TWIRx is sponsored by YARAL Pharma & SureCost  

Lupine Skelly, Retail Research Leader at Deloitte, joins Phillip and Alicia to dissect the stark reality behind this year's holiday shopping forecast. Consumer spending is projected to drop by 10%, and economic pessimism has reached its highest level since the Great Recession. As a result, retailers are facing a season where communicating value is key. This conversation explores the enduring vitality of Black Friday, the quiet revolution of private label brands, and how cultural rituals, AI integration, and brand loyalty are being fundamentally rewired. The Data Doesn't LieKey Takeaways:Shoppers expect to spend $1,595 this season as economic concerns peak57% expect the economy to weaken, the most pessimistic outlook recorded since 1997Black Friday remains vital despite two decades of obituaries24% of budgets are spent by October due to the Prime Day effectPrivate label gains ground as brand loyalty fundamentally shiftsKey Quotes:[00:02:10.14] Lupine Skelly: "57% of people are saying they expect the economy to weaken in the year ahead, and that's the highest we've seen since we started tracking that question in 1997. To put that in context, 2008 was probably the next highest at 54%—that was around the Great Recession. So [there's] a lot of uncertainty out there."[00:04:42.72] Lupine Skelly: "I feel like people have been trying to kill off Black Friday for 20 years. Is Black Friday dead? It's not dead."[00:13:17.91] Lupine Skelly: "In our study, 42% of consumers are saying they're going to use gen AI to find the perfect gift. And even more are saying they're going to use it to find the best deals."[00:25:49.24] Lupine Skelly: "Retail is always battling for share of wallet, but I think we're at a very different time period. Gaming, gambling—there's some big juggernauts taking what might have been the money you used to go to the mall years ago."Associated Links:Dig deeper into Deloitte data and insights hereCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - ⁠https://dtcnews.link/signup⁠Welcome to the episode: we've got Jordan Gordon back on the mic — the guy leading email, retention and CRO at Pilot House, with 25 years in ecommerce under his belt.Role‑Based Hook (for DTC growth/marketing audience):For DTC founders & growth marketers scaling from $5M–100M in revenue, this is your CRO check‑list for Q4.Here's what we dig into:Why your headline conversion rate is a shaky metric — and why “direct conversion” gives you better signal.The one page type (your top product page) you can fix in time for Black Friday to move the needle.How to push “bundling and recommendations” tools to unlock +8–30% lift in AOV with zero extra ad spend.The eight choke‑points across homepage → category → PDP → cart/checkout you must optimize right now.Real copy & button tips: How a tiny phrase (“Feel organic again”) can flip the homepage from meh to go‑time.Who this is for: DTC brand leads, ecommerce CRO/optimization folks, retention & growth marketers who already run advertising and now need to tighten the funnel.What to steal:Run quick benchmark: Are you hitting 5‑7% Add‑to‑Cart, ~2% conversion, ~1.25% direct conversion in Shopify?Pick your top 3‑5 PDPs and make them ultra‑fast (under 3s load) using a tool/tech stack like Niche.Install a bundling/recommendation engine (like Rebuy) across the site and measure +8% lift in AOV by pushing “people like you bought this + add it” flows.Timestamps00:00 Highest Leverage CRO Insights for Q402:10 Benchmarking Add-to-Cart and Conversion Rates04:45 Why Direct Conversion Is a Better Signal07:00 Speeding Up PDPs with Niche for Instant Wins10:05 Boosting AOV with Rebuy Bundling13:00 The 8 Critical Website Choke Points15:45 Optimizing Copy Around Key Conversion Areas18:20 Homepage Strategy for High-Volume Traffic21:40 What Big Brands Get Right on Their Homepages24:30 Final Q4 CRO Checklist and Fast WinsHashtags#dtcpodcast #q4ecommerce #cro #conversionrateoptimization #ecommercetips #shopifygrowth #blackfridayprep #aov #d2cbrands #onlinescaling Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://www.pilothouse.co/?utm_source=AKNF559Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

In this episode, the hosts dissect a $17.5M electrolyte powder Amazon FBA brand with 86% margins and 20K subscribers—debating whether it's a goldmine or a marketing death spiral in disguise.Business Listing – https://quietlight.com/listings/16065383/Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.

This is the follow-up you asked for! We're back with Bourbon Community Roundtable number 112 to continue tackling the "spicy" and controversial topic of the three-tier distribution system. Last time, we were bombarded with questions in the chat, so this episode is dedicated to answering your submissions. Our panel dives into how consumers can actually help their favorite smaller brands get distribution, offering real-world advice on retailer outreach and using social media for buzz. We then dissect what massive political or economic shift would be required to see meaningful reform. Finally, we debate the powerful question: if the whole system disappeared tomorrow, who would win—the hustling craft distilleries or the heritage brands with deep pockets?. This one is packed with high-stakes debate! Show Notes: A follow-up discussion on the three-tier distribution system, specifically addressing consumer-submitted questions Actionable ways consumers can help their favorite spirits brands get distribution, including direct retailer outreach and using social media to generate buzz An explanation of LibDib as an alternative, smaller avenue to market, particularly useful for single barrel programs and single-customer orders Analysis of the necessary political or economic shifts required for meaningful three-tier system reform The argument that major change is unlikely unless a strong economic interest or consumer-driven demand (similar to Uber or the push for cannabis legalization) forces it Discussion of the potential for a parallel direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping system for spirits, mirroring the progress made in the wine industry following the Granholme v. Heald case A deep-dive debate on which segment of the industry—"hustling" craft distilleries or heritage brands with deep pockets—would adapt faster if the three-tier system were to disappear The argument that the biggest organizations control the power dynamic and maintain the status quo to protect their existing turf Encouragement for consumers to advocate for change by reaching out to their congressmen and congresswomen Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Michael, Founder & CEO of Rotten, the better-for-you candy brand that's rewriting the rules of CPG with bold flavor, unapologetic branding, and an omnichannel strategy built for today's consumer.Michael shares the unexpected origin story behind Rotten—from his childhood obsession with sour gummies to realizing the “healthy” candy world felt too clinical and joyless. Instead of leaning into the typical wellness aesthetic, he embraced rebellion, nostalgia, and fun, creating a brand that looks indulgent but performs better.We cover everything from branding that disrupts the aisle, to acquisition tactics in an impulse-driven category, to how Rotten approaches retention when customers bounce between Sprouts, Amazon, TikTok Shop, airports, and DTC. Michael also breaks down the surprising not-so-seasonal nature of candy, the power of founder-led content, and why an omnichannel retention strategy is the only realistic approach for modern CPG brands.If you're interested in brand building, retail expansion, customer behavior, or breaking conventions in a crowded market, this episode delivers a masterclass in standing out—by being unapologetically different.

Send us a textKickstarter Wins, Manufacturing Nightmares and a Sink Brush That Broke the Internet: The YesECO Story with Jamie PhillipsToday I'm chatting with Jamie Phillips, founder of Yeseco, creator of the magnetic dish brush that completely changed the way thousands of people deal with their sink situation. His journey? Wild. Beautiful. Painful. Product-founder AF.Jamie takes us through everything, including: • the moment on a remote beach in Indonesia that changed his entire career • why his first eco-friendly range worked but also didn't work • the messy truth of manufacturing a brand-new invention • how he used Kickstarter to validate demand AND fund a very expensive mold process • what 12,000+ customers taught him about product design • why retail and DTC must work together (and how he balances both) • his big mistakes, biggest lessons, and why perseverance beats everything • what launching Version 2 looks like (spoiler: it's live now)Jamie is honest, generous, and gives you a real look at what actual product development looks like behind the scenes. If you're a maker, product founder, wholesaler or inventor, you'll want to take notes.LINKS:

In this episode, I chat with Brandon Harahoe, VP of Montana Knife Company, an 8-figure brand that's proudly Made in the USA and built entirely on Shopify. If you've ever wondered whether it's still possible to scale a massive ecommerce business without Amazon, Brandon's story proves it can be done and done profitably. We dive into how his team built a loyal community around American craftsmanship, the marketing tactics that fueled their explosive growth, and what it really takes to win as a DTC brand today. What You’ll Learn The secret sauce behind Montana Knife Co’s Shopify success How they […] The post 615: How Montana Knife Company Hit 8 Figures On Shopify Without Amazon appeared first on MyWifeQuitHerJob.com.

In 2025, the fastest brands are the ones that win — not the biggest. In this episode of Built by Business with Andy Isom, we explore how brand velocity has become the new moat for Amazon and DTC brands alike.   Learn how to move faster without breaking your systems:   • Why Amazon rewards algorithmic speed (listing updates, PPC, inventory rhythm). • Why DTC rewards creative speed (ads, offers, and landing pages). • How to build your own "Velocity Stack" to outlearn and outsell your competitors.   Featuring a micro-guest from a brand operating on both Amazon and Shopify sharing how they built systems for speed.   Whether you're optimizing listings or scaling ad campaigns, this episode will help you grow faster — and smarter — in 2025.   Get a free brand audit here: www.weavos.io    

What if the secret to building a billion-dollar CPG brand isn't ads or influencers…but distribution? Nik sits down with Gulshan Kumar, CEO and Co-founder of Swishables, to break down how he turned a boring category like mouthwash into a confidence business. Gulshan shares how to find white space in crowded markets, build a brand moat before copycats show up, and scale through channels nobody else is looking at.  They get into: > How to think distribution-first instead of DTC-only > Why real scalability comes from where you sell, not what you sell > Turning a basic product into an emotional outcome people crave> How to win in retail without burning money > The metric founders should obsess over instead of ROAS This episode is a blueprint for founders who actually want to build a CPG business that scales, lasts, and makes consumers feel something. What's Instant? They're the secret weapon to triple your email revenue with AI-powered flows. Instead of blasting the same cart reminders to everyone, Instant ensure every shopper gets a unique email experience: Copy, products, and offers that adapt to your shopper's behavior in real time. Emails sent at the exact moment that shopper is most likely to buy. 11+ abandonment flows live in minutes. Book a demo by Nov. 28 to get 50% off your first 60 days. Make this BFCM your biggest one yet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instant.one/limited⁠ Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips.   Check out the Nik's DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ   And if you're looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik's most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts.   Follow Nik: Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma

In just four years, the premium alcohol-free wine French Bloom has become a global luxury brand — sold in 60+ countries, producing 500K bottles in 2024, and on track to double sales in 2025. It also became the first non-alcoholic brand backed by LVMH, signaling a new era for luxury drinks without alcohol.Co-founder Maggie Frerejean-Taittinger, formerly of the Michelin Guide, shares how she turned a personal need into a brand — and made moderation aspirational.

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupWelcome to the DTC Podcast. Today we're joined by Donatas Smailys, Co‑Founder & CEO of Billo, a creator‑marketing platform that helps DTC brands turn authentic creator videos into high‑performing ads. Explore Billo We dive into how brands can build a repeatable creator/content engine that integrates with ad funnels, why follower‑counts are becoming less relevant, how to brief creators with performance in mind, and why AI should support—not replace—human creators.Key TakeawaysWhy creator marketing must be treated as a systematic channel, not ad‑hoc influencer blastsHow to identify and match creators based on performance metrics (hook rate, CTR, ROAS) rather than follower sizeThe role of AI and data in briefing creators, generating content variants, and feeding back into ad performanceHow brands at the $3‑M‑$10‑M revenue stage can structure the first 90 days of creator‑led campaignsWhy authenticity still matters: synthetic avatar creators may work short‑term but risk long‑term trust and accountabilityThe emerging concept of “Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO)” and how creator/social assets feed into future search ecosystemsWhether you're a DTC brand marketer responsible for scaling ads, or a founder looking to build long‑term acquisition engines, this episode gives you a clear blueprint for building creator marketing into your growth stack.Timestamps00:00 AI brief generator and purchase data02:05 Why Billo started content at scale04:15 Creator marketing as a system06:20 Andromeda and creative diversity08:25 Segmenting by the why10:30 Let creators experiment and avoid fatigue12:35 AI influencers vs authenticity14:40 Meta partnership ads and Spark ads16:45 Answer Engine Optimization AEO18:50 Future of authenticity and human only20:55 First three months on Billo plan23:00 Performance backed creator selection25:05 Pricing and ad volume cadence27:10 Data loops AI variations and reuse29:30 Scaling creator content into paidHashtags#DTCPodcast #CreatorMarketing #InfluencerMarketing #UGC #EcommerceMarketing #PaidSocial #MetaAds #PartnershipAds #SparkAds #Andromeda #PerformanceCreative #AnswerEngineOptimization #AEO #Whitelisting #TikTokMarketing #AdCreative #CustomerAcquisition #DirectToConsumer #BilloApp #MarketingPodcast 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

There is alot of speculation, prognositcatiom, miss-information, ridiculous conclusions, and outright bad data about the wine trade right now. Everyone with an opinion is chiming in. And some of these folks have done nothing more than work in a wine shop or behind the scenes at an agency. How does that quote go? "It is much easier to give advice from the veil of cover, than to use it at the point of attack" That is percisely how I feel about much of what is being said. Enter Barbara Gorder. She gives advice but has used it at the point of attack. You see, she didn't come from the wine trade to convolute and miss-comprehend the data, she came from main stream marketing; high end stuff; Leo Burnett. Barbara Gorder never cared much for the wine itself—at least, not at first. Her fascination started in a Roman-built wine cave, an art history professor and a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. But what truly pulls Barbara Gorder into wine's gravity isn't just what's in the glass; it's the changing, challenging business behind it. This episode pours listeners an insider's view not just of shifting generational tastes or the specter of "neo-prohibitionists," but the seismic explosion of wineries competing for our (increasingly distracted) attention. You'll discover how direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine marketing—once an afterthought—has grown into a multibillion-dollar necessity, and how Barbara Gorder helped drive this revolution by importing lessons from fields as disparate as luxury beauty and global snack foods. With wit and blunt honesty, she uncorks tales of exclusion—women in marketing meetings, outsiders "not related by blood or marriage"—and explains how diversity and collaboration are quietly rewriting the rules of success. Listen in as Paul Kalemkiarian grills her on why most wineries have only now started talking to their customers (and still don't know their acquisition costs), why the wine industry's language gap drives away curious drinkers, and how the future lies not in doom-and-gloom narratives, but in creative marketing and open doors. This is a rare tasting of industry confessionals, hard marketing truths, and what it really takes to stand out when your competitors have multiplied from 7,500 to over 11,000 in under five years. By the end, you'll have a seat at the table with the most eccentric thinkers in wine, understand why "my wine sells itself" is a myth, and get a glimpse at the future of how—and to whom—wine is going to be sold.     #wineindustry #DTCwine #BarbaraGorder #PaulKalemkiarian #winemarketing #winebusiness #winerycompetition #winesymposium #FreetheGrapes #directtoconsumer #wineclubs #winediversity #wineexperience #wineeducation #winesalesstrategies #winetech #digitalmarketing #womeninwine #wineconsumertrends #winepodcast  

Peak Design has raised over $60 million on Kickstarter across multiple campaigns, making them one of the most successful crowdfunding brands in history. Their most recent campaign alone generated $13.5 million. Founder Peter Dering shares the exact strategies, lessons, and controversial decisions behind building a $100M+ business entirely without venture capital.In this episode, Peter reveals:The Kickstarter Strategy: Peak Design uses crowdfunding as a fundamental building block of their brand, not just a sales channel.The "Omnichannel Sandwich" Approach: For their $13.5M campaign, Peak Design launched in retail stores at full price before fulfilling all Kickstarter orders, despite the backlash, they'd do it again.Building Without Investors: Kickstarter's upfront payment model solved cashflow challenges and allowed Peak Design to stay completely investor-free while reaching $100M in revenue.The Origin Story: A four-month motorcycle trip through Southeast Asia sparked the idea for a camera clip. That idea would evolve into an entire ecosystem of gear for photographers and adventurers.Company Culture & Transparency: The stated purpose of Peak Design is for employees to live happy and meaningful lives, and Peter shares all financial figures with his team.The Climate Change Project: Peter co-founded the Change Climate Project, creating the most robust climate certification now used by over 300 companies including REI, with Peak Design spending $350,000 annually on carbon mitigation.Chapters:00:00 Introducing Peter Dering, Founder of Peak Design 3:13 How Peter Pivoted from Construction Engineering to Being His Own Boss 4:00 Where to Find Life & Business Inspiration 5:27 Peter's First Invention: How to Bring a Product to Life 6:55 Breaking Down One of the Most Successful Kickstarter Campaigns Ever 8:28 The Steps for Scaling Sales From $700,000-$100M 10:22 The Best (Timeless) Kickstarter Tips  13:40 How Peak Design Hit Their Best Crowdfunding Campaign To Date: $13M17:00 Peter's POV On VC Dollars  19:10 Company Culture: The Key to Team Building & Being a Successful, Meaningful Leader 24:20 The Impact of Climate Change & The Creation of The Change Climate Project 28:10 Peak Design's Lifetime Warranty & How They Maintain High Customer Lifetime Value 30:00 Immersive Community Tactics That Create Value  Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

This week on Marketing Operators, Connor MacDonald kicks things off with a pressing question: “What does a modern CX team and workflow look like today?” From there, we dive into a growing debate across modern commerce - does CX actually drive growth, or is it still just a support functionJoined by Amit RG, co-founder and CEO of our show sponsor Richpanel, the team unpacks how leading brands are getting dramatically leaner with AI, why Tier-1 support is becoming fully automated, and whether CX should really sit under marketing or operations. Amit breaks down Richpanel's inspiration from Uber's self-service model, and what it looks like when support becomes proactive, scalable, and insight-rich instead of reactive and manual.This leads to a breakdown of the revenue-generating CX touchpoints you're not thinking about, sparked by McCoy's prediction that “a year from now we'll all be talking about generating LTV,” not just acquisition. The group digs into ideas like optimizing high-intent tracking pages with tools like Wonderment, founders jumping into ad comments, and turning warranty claims into upsell moments - with real-world examples from Ridge, Jones Road, Equinox, and even Cartier's luxury clienteling approach.The episode wraps with a look at how AI is reshaping DTC ops end-to-end - collapsing workflows, enriching agent decisions, and driving smarter, more efficient growth across the entire customer journey.If you have a question for the MOperators Hotline, click the link to be in with a chance of it being discussed on the show: https://forms.gle/1W7nKoNK5Zakm1Xv6Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction00:06:21 - What Does a Modern CX Team Look Like?00:19:10 - The CX to Marketing Feedback Loop00:32:07 - Revenue-Generating CX Touchpoints00:45:13 - Is Shade Matching a CX Revenue Driver?00:57:06 - Using Founder Social Comments as a CX TouchpointPowered by:Motion.⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/pricing?utm_source=marketing-operators-podcast&utm_medium=paidsponsor&utm_campaign=march-2024-ad-reads⁠⁠⁠https://motionapp.com/creative-trendsPrescient AI.⁠⁠⁠https://www.prescientai.com/operatorsRichpanel.⁠⁠⁠https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=MO&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescAftersell.https://www.aftersell.com/operatorsHaus.http://Haus.io/operatorsSubscribe to the 9 Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@Operators9Subscribe to the Finance Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here:https://9operators.com/

Tim Donald is the Creative Director at Sneak, the cult energy brand known for its disruptive campaigns, chaotic storytelling, and fiercely loyal fanbase.In this episode we discuss:Why you shouldn't chase seniorityBuilding from DTC to retailThe power of design for SneakSatanic cults for marketing activationsBuilding a brand around gaming cultureFinding the sweet spot between nerd culture and popular cultureThe creative pressure to stay true to the brand heritageThe impact of price promotion on brandBuilding communities for marketing while not “selling out”Full show notes, including contact details and a transcript can be found here on the show page.

TikTok Shop strategy. Live shopping chaos. Creator-led growth. In this episode, Sarah Lee (Head of Social & Influencer Marketing) and Kiri Leach (DTC & E-Commerce Ops) from The INKEY List reveal how they turned TikTok Shop from a curious experiment into a revenue powerhouse—now driving 21% of their shop revenue through live streams alone. From accidentally selling 1,000 sunscreens for £1 each to navigating a store cap disaster during a Winter Wonderland live, Sarah and Kiri share the real, messy, brilliant truth about building a live shopping strategy that actually works. They break down how they structure lives with minute-by-minute scripting, pivot in real-time based on audience data, and use bundles strategically to drive both acquisition and LTV. But it's not just about the lives. They explain how affiliates have become a core acquisition channel, how they balance profitability with brand awareness across TikTok Shop and DTC, and why their skincare quiz remains one of their most valuable tools for converting new customers into loyal buyers. If you're thinking about TikTok Shop, already running it, or wondering how to make creator-led commerce work for your brand, this episode is a hands-on manual packed with tactical advice, real numbers, and honest lessons learned. Listen to the full episode now, and don't forget to hit subscribe. Topics Covered 00:00 — Introduction: TikTok Shop strategy and live shopping success 00:49 — Meet Sarah Lee & Kiri Leach from The INKEY List 02:01 — How The INKEY List differentiated in a crowded skincare market 03:23 — The power of their skincare quiz for driving LTV 06:12 — First TikTok Shop live: the £1 SPF disaster and lessons learned 08:18 — Winter Wonderland chaos: 50-order cap and real-time problem solving 11:50 — How they structure lives now: scripting, bundles, and pivoting on audience data 15:03 — Balancing social, e-commerce, and TikTok Shop across teams 19:28 — Bundle strategy: profitability, stock forecasting, and limited-time deals 23:52 — The affiliate engine: how creators drive 21% of shop revenue 27:07 — Events, outreach, and building relationships with TikTok affiliates 32:02 — What to sell on lives to stay profitable and drive retention 34:40 — Bridging TikTok Shop customers to DTC and loyalty programs 36:14 — Top advice for scaling TikTok Shop: consistency and operational setup 38:08 — Book recommendations: Bad Blood and A Lady's Tour Around Mont Rosa 39:56 — Where to find Sarah, Kiri, and The INKEY List

Send us a textWhat does it really take to build, scale, and sustain a winning eCommerce brand in 2025? In this episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, host Jennifer Loehding sits down with Sabir Semerkant, the eCommerce OG — one of the early pioneers who helped build online shopping for major global brands — and now mentors founders through his Rapid2X Operating System.With experience scaling over 90+ successful brands, Sabir breaks down the exact principles, mindset, and metrics that separate eCommerce winners from the rest. From data-driven decisions and pricing discipline to the power of AI and the 1.7-second attention rule, this conversation is a masterclass in scaling smartly without burning out your team or budget.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ How the Rapid2X system helps brands double growth using focused six-week sprints✅ Why data kills opinions and drives smarter marketing decisions✅ The importance of understanding true costs and margins before scaling✅ How to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude as real growth multipliers✅ Why site speed equals empathy, and how it impacts your conversion rate✅ The founder mindset shifts required to build a profitable, resilient eCommerce business✅ How asking “Why” before “What or How” can instantly reveal hidden growth opportunitiesWhy You Should Watch:Whether you're a DTC founder, startup entrepreneur, or marketing leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights on eCommerce growth strategy, operational excellence, and founder discipline straight from a true industry veteran.If you've ever wondered how elite brands maintain consistent growth year after year, this is your blueprint. Sabir reveals the framework behind sustainable eCommerce success. You'll walk away knowing how to scale faster, make smarter data decisions, and build a business that thrives in today's competitive digital economy.Connect with Sabir Semerkant:

Fitt Insider: Read the notes at at podcastnotes.org. Don't forget to subscribe for free to our newsletter, the top 10 ideas of the week, every Monday --------- Today, I'm joined by Jared Pobre, founder & CEO of Caldera + Lab.   Launched in 2019, Caldera + Lab is revamping men's medicine cabinets with proprietary premium skincare formulas specifically engineered for guys.   In this episode, we discuss building a biotech-driven men's personal care brand.   We also cover:   Targeting the longevity-minded male consumer Prioritizing proprietary R&D over repurposed formulas Developing distribution strategies and hospitality partnerships   Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcastSubscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribeFollow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider Caldera + Lab's Website: www.calderalab.com  Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/CalderaLab/page/2A608586-7E58-411C-8057-FFD688968227   -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart workout solutions for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/    Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:08) Jared's background and Caldera + Lab overview (01:33) The evolution of men's skincare since 2016 (03:02) Formulation differences: women's vs. men's skincare (04:32) Custom formulations vs. menu-based co-manufacturing (06:24) Pioneering proprietary ingredients for men (08:00) Building the brand with bootstrapped resources (10:30) Clinical studies and efficacy testing (13:00) Customer acquisition and finding product-market fit (15:30) DTC and Amazon as core distribution channels (17:45) Storytelling and messaging strategy (21:53) Balancing scientific credibility with consumer messaging (23:12) Targeting the longevity-minded male consumer (25:11) Retail expansion strategy and Series A funding (26:15) Country clubs, luxury hotels, and hospitality partnerships (27:26) Product roadmap (28:49) Conclusion  

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupNate Lagos just wrapped his first week as CMO of Adapt Naturals after a breakout run that saw him quadruple Original Grain's revenue. In this episode, Nate joins Eric Dyck for whiskey and wisdom on persona-driven marketing, CRO as a growth engine, and why you don't need 100 ads a week to win on Meta.For DTC founders and marketers optimizing for LTV and profitable scale in 2025.How to uncover true customer motivations and build actionable personasCRO testing frameworks that compound results across ads, email, and retentionThe “Better Than Black Friday” offer that boosted LTV by 30%Creative volume vs. creative quality — where the real lever isBuilding bundles and pricing for high-AOV buyersWho this is for: DTC founders, growth marketers, and CMOs looking to turn creative and CRO into profit levers.What to steal:Persona-based landing pages mapped to Meta ad anglesBetter Than BFCM: discount + gift card offer structureThe “one thing remarkably well” mindset for scalingTimestamps00:00 Better-than-Black-Friday offer boosts LTV02:10 Nate's path into DTC and giftable wood products04:30 Scaling Original Grain with Meta and partnerships06:50 Persona marketing before Andromeda09:10 Landing pages and CRO for each persona11:40 Split testing with Intelligems on Shopify13:50 Creative volume vs quality debate16:10 CMO at Adapt Naturals and LTV mindset18:40 Pre-BFCM $50 voucher play21:00 Raising prices and premium bundles to lift AOV23:20 New channels, influencers, and offer testing25:40 Remote leadership and alignment28:00 Why marketers spot patterns and conspiracies30:20 Copywriting rituals and research workflow32:30 Do one thing remarkably wellHashtags#DTCPodcast #DTC #Ecommerce #BFCM #PreBlackFriday #LTV #MetaAds #CreativeStrategy #Andromeda #CRO #SplitTesting #Shopify #AOV #Bundles #OfferTesting #InfluencerMarketing #AdaptNaturals #OriginalGrain #Intelligems #MarketingPodcast 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

"Bus Stop No. 7" is a chilling urban legend set in the outskirts of Delhi, where an old DTC bus appears every night at 12:07 a.m. Rahul, a late-night office worker, decides to test the myth — only to realize he's boarded a ghost bus filled with dead passengers. The story unfolds with eerie stillness, building dread through each stop, and ends with a terrifying twist when Rahul becomes the newest rider of the “death route.” This tale blurs the line between city routine and supernatural horror, leaving a haunting thought — some journeys are never meant to end.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Free SEO Audit Here:Follow us on Instagram: @remarkabledigitalHow do modern haircare brands go from salon-exclusive to household name?This episode unpacks the seismic shift from B2B to DTC in the beauty space, and what that means for digital marketers, retailers, and brand leaders heading into peak sales season.You'll learn why omnichannel is no longer optional, how smarter attribution is driving better ROI, and what really moves the needle on Black Friday & Cyber Monday in a hyper-competitive market.We also dive into the psychology of today's beauty shopper: why awareness, education, and SEO-driven content are now mission-critical, not just "nice to have."Whether you're selling shampoo or scaling a skincare startup this one's packed with insights you'll actually use.The shift to DTC is redefining how haircare brands go to marketOmnichannel is the backbone of modern beauty retailSEO isn't dead, it's the power play for awareness and buyer trustAttribution is messy, but ignoring it is worseIn-person events still work for beauty brands (and loyalty)Black Friday & Cyber Monday remain the ultimate stress tests for your funnelChoosing the right agency partners makes or breaks long-term success

Are you sure you're handling sales tax correctly in your e-commerce business? You may be unknowingly making costly mistakes that could come back to haunt you. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Jared Smithson, General Manager and E-Commerce Tax Compliance Expert at RJM Tax Exemption, who discusses the most common sales tax issues facing e-commerce businesses today. Jared shares his journey from helping his business partner navigate the complexities of U.S. sales tax to growing a company that now works with thousands of e-commerce sellers. From understanding nexus to dealing with product taxability quirks, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to avoid tax headaches and save money in their business.   Key Takeaways: → The importance of understanding nexus in U.S. sales tax and how to determine where you need to register. → Common mistakes e-commerce sellers make when dealing with sales tax exemptions and how to avoid them. → The ins and outs of product taxability and how different products are taxed in different states. → The hidden dangers of relying solely on AI tools for tax compliance and why human expertise is necessary. → Why failing to address sales tax early can lead to costly liabilities down the road.   Jared Smithson is the Co-Founder of a multimillion-dollar consultancy specializing in e-commerce tax compliance. As a leading authority for 7-figure e-commerce sellers, Jared has helped over 5,000 businesses achieve bulletproof US tax compliance without operational headaches. His expertise spans multi-state sales tax mastery, seamless US market entry for international brands, and building audit-proof, scalable compliance systems. Jared's work has earned his firm the #1 spot on Trustpilot for tax preparation and company registry in the US, making him a trusted partner for Amazon, Shopify, Walmart, and DTC brands preparing for acquisition   Connect With Jared Smithson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjmtaxexemption/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rjmexpand/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rjmtax/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oleksii (Alex) Lunkov joins Alicia Esposito to unpack how meaningful constraints fuel creativity in an age of algorithmic abundance. From Saint Sophia's 9 million glass cubes to the digitization of Berry Bros. & Rudd's 300-year heritage, this conversation navigates the tension between AI efficiency and human authenticity. Discover why 95% of AI pilots fail, how brands become cultural ambassadors, and what fractional leadership means for tomorrow's commerce teams.When Centuries of Heritage Meet the eCom Product PageKey takeaways:Meaningful constraints drive better creative outcomes. Removing all friction from digital experiences leaves us wondering why we don't feel anything.AI dramatically increases individual productivity, but human oversight remains essential for tone preservation, fact-checking, and maintaining brand authenticity.Successful brands act as cultural ambassadors, translating something unique through their channels while balancing best practices with distinctive identity.The fractional work revolution emerges at the intersection of AI-enhanced productivity, volatile job markets, and businesses seeking expertise without long-term commitment.Most AI implementations fail because teams don't understand the technology's actual capabilities and limitations before deploying it.[00:06:14] "We removed all the friction, and we wonder why we don't feel anything." - Oleksii, quoting Phillip Jackson[00:11:40] "In order to build a personal brand, you need a person to be behind that brand." - Oleksii[00:28:48] "AI adoption is this huge spike on the top and then very long tail afterwards." - OleksiiAssociated Links:Read Oleskii on InsidersCheck out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Food Chained, Vasa interviews Nicky Seaman, founder of Freestyle Snacks, discussing her journey in the food industry, the creation of her innovative snack products, and the challenges and successes she faced during the pandemic. Nicky shares insights on retail strategies, the importance of packaging, and her latest product launch of pickle chips. The conversation also explores personal growth, the importance of following through on commitments, and the future of food trends. NOTE: The audio is a bit spotty, but Nikki drops some amazing information. WHAT WE GO OVER:The idea behind Freestyle Snacks Scrappy, winning retail strategiesHow Nicky's experience at Whisps helped her launch her own brandWhat drove the recent launch of pickle chips?The importance of packaging in attracting new consumersHow to leverage exclusivity with retailersNicky's superpowerGrowing trend of pickles in the food industry.Growth during the holidaysCONNECT WITH US:Connect with Vasa on LinkedInConnect with Nikki on LinkedInPerfy's websiteCPGSPN by Growthbuster, a CPG newsletter with a sports themeCheck out Freestyle SnacksSPONSOR:Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster. Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage brands grow. Check out Growthbuster's newsletter, CPGSPN here. 

In this episode of Food Chained, Vasa interviews Fred Hart, founder of Hart Brands, discussing his journey from growing up in Hawaii to becoming a prominent figure in branding and design within the consumer goods industry. Fred shares insights from his agency experience, the importance of trade shows, and the evolving landscape of design trends. The conversation also touches on the significance of nostalgia in branding and the challenges faced by legacy brands. Fred offers valuable insights on agency selection and the crucial role of packaging in consumer engagement.TAKEAWAYS:Fred Hart emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes in a supportive environment.The design journey often starts from personal passions, such as sports and sneakers.Agency experience can accelerate learning and growth in the branding field.Independent consulting allows for flexibility and creativity in project work.Trade shows are vital for understanding industry trends and consumer behavior.Design trends are shifting towards more original and restrained aesthetics.Nostalgia plays a significant role in branding, but it must be balanced with modernity.Brands need to differentiate themselves in a crowded market to stand out.The importance of cohesive branding across all consumer touchpoints is critical.Legacy brands have opportunities for reinvention through strategic design.CONNECT WITH US:Connect with Vasa on LinkedInConnect with Fred on LinkedInPerfy's websiteCPGSPN by Growthbuster, a CPG newsletter with a sports themeCheck out Hart BrandsSPONSOR:Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster. Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage brands grow. Check out Growthbuster's newsletter, CPGSPN here. 

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - ⁠https://dtcnews.link/signup⁠In this episode, we sit down with Aves, Creative Lead & Partnerships at Pilothouse Digital, to unpack how DTC brands must rethink their creative strategy in the age of Meta's Andromeda algorithm.For performance marketers and DTC founders scaling from $5–20M+.Tactical Takeaways:Why the “one winner ad” model no longer works in Meta's current landscapeHow to identify customer motivations (not just demographics) and map them to creativeA practical framework for testing hooks: swap visuals first, not just voiceovers or copyHow to build a full creative range — from low-effort UGC to high-budget studio work — for each personaWhat creative audits should look like heading into Q4 and how to avoid “noise” in your ad accountWho this is for: DTC brand founders, heads of creative, performance marketersWhat to steal:Steal the “motivation-based segmentation” mindset in your ad strategySteal the 3–5 second visual hook test framework (visual first, audio later)Steal the creative range checklist (iPhone shot → studio shot) to audit your account this weekTimestamps00:00 Understanding Motivations and Creative Diversity02:00 How Meta's Andromeda Update Changed Creative Strategy05:00 Building a Full Creative Range from UGC to Studio Content07:00 Why Niching Down Helps You Scale Up09:00 Moving Beyond “Winner” Ads and Budget Distribution11:00 How to Research Audiences Using Reddit and Reviews13:00 Avery's Hook Testing Framework and Meta Insights17:00 Common Creative Mistakes and Noise in Ad Accounts19:00 How to Audit Creative Diversity for Q4 Success21:00 Creative Audits, Partnerships, and Avery's Process23:00 Lessons from Hosting the Ad-Venturous PodcastHashtags#DTCpodcast #AdVenturous #CreativeStrategy #MetaAds #AndromedaEra #PerformanceMarketing #AdCreative #Pilothouse #EcommerceGrowth #DigitalMarketing #CreativeTesting #AdOptimization #MarketingStrategy #UGC #AgencyLife Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://www.pilothouse.co/?utm_source=AKNF558Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

When you think about transformation in beauty, few stories are as fascinating as the one unfolding at Rodan + Fields.  In this episode, Rose Hamilton, CEO of Compass Rose Ventures, sits down with Anncy Rowe, Chief Commercial Officer, who is leading the company through one of the most ambitious reinventions in the industry — evolving from a billion-dollar direct-selling brand into a modern omni-channel powerhouse.  Anncy's background includes some of the most iconic names in beauty — Maybelline, Garnier, and IT Cosmetics — and she's now using that experience to bridge legacy and innovation at Rodan + Fields. What struck me most about Anncy's leadership is her ability to balance conviction and curiosity. She's fiercely protective of the brand's DNA — its female-founded roots, dermatology-driven credibility, and loyal consultant community — while introducing fresh storytelling, modern retail partnerships, and a bold "Love What You See" campaign that redefines clinical luxury for today's consumer. Here are a few highlights from our conversation: * Purpose Meets Reinvention: How Rodan + Fields is blending its heritage of women-led dermatology with a new omni-channel model that meets consumers wherever they shop — from consultants to DTC to Ulta. * Clinical Luxury, Redefined: The brand's unique formulation philosophy — "no more, no less" — and why restraint, not volume, is the most powerful form of innovation. * Storytelling with Conviction: Anncy's approach to brand transformation is rooted in founder DNA, purpose, and authenticity rather than chasing trends. * Female-Founded Advantage: How being the #1 female dermatologist-founded skincare brand is both a point of pride and a call to elevate more women in science and leadership. * Culture as the Growth Engine: Inside the company's transformation — from hiring and leadership mindset shifts to building agility, clarity, and confidence across teams. Join us in listening to this episode to hear how Anncy Rowe and the Rodan + Fields team are proving that legacy and reinvention can coexist beautifully — and that true transformation starts with purpose, people, and belief. For more on Rodan & Fields, visit: https://www.rodanandfields.com/en-us/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this!

Reuben Carranza knows a good brand when he sees it.  Bansk Beauty, where he serves as executive chairman, made headlines in September after acquiring the buzzy, clinical skin-care brand Byoma. It's part of the late-stage private investment firm's growing beauty roster, which includes Amika, Eva NYC and Ethique.  “No. 1, they're on a tear, right? They're growing rapidly. But I think what we loved about them was the story,” he told Glossy on stage at this week's annual Glossy Beauty and Wellness Summit about its Byoma acquisition. “It's the story: they've de-complicated complicated skin-care routines.”  Carranza kicked off the Summit with a special live podcast recording, where he shared insights into the firm's investment philosophy and growth plans for its brands. He also shared career advice from his stacked CV, which includes more than two decades at P&G and leadership roles at R+Co Hair, Kate Somerville skin care, and more.  This special session is ahead, but first, hosts Lexy Lebsack and Emily Jensen share highlights from the Summit and dig into the news of the week.  First up, the hosts break down the latest from Tylenol- and Neutrogena-owner Kenvue. Kimberly-Clark Corp. will acquire Kenvue Inc. in a deal valued at $48.7 billion. Kimberly-Clark's portfolio includes consumer brands like Huggies, Kleenex and Cottonelle. Next up, a look at Skims's buzzy new hire. Diarrha N'Diaye was named evp, beauty and fragrance of Kim Kardashian's upcoming Skims Beauty. N'Diaye has worked in marketing and branding for the likes of Glossier and L'Oréal, and was most recently the founder of Ami Colé, which shuttered in July. She will lead product development, innovation and brand strategy for Skims's upcoming beauty launch.  Finally, an analysis of a hefty investment in Blueprint, the supplement company from American entrepreneur and biohacker Bryan Johnson. The company has taken on $60 million in funding from investors like Kim Kardashian, Ari Emanuel, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, and many more big names. Johnson is best known for documenting his quest to age in reverse on YouTube and through the Netflix film “Don't Die.” Blueprint currently offers a variety of products DTC, including drink mixes, supplements and skin care. 

Shehla Rooney returns with a raspy voice and crystal clear wisdom. She shares how GoKnee, the portable knee-rehab device she co-invented, led to an unexpected second engine: a free monthly knee-health newsletter now read in all 50 states and 55 countries. We dig into turning “easy” work into ethical revenue (including why she turned down a sponsor), cash-flowing a product company without losing your soul, and redefining success from dollars to impact. Shehla gets real about filtering mentors, trusting your gut, balancing B2B dreams with DTC realities, and choosing family over relentless hustle. Plus: why “experience shares” beat generic advice, how founders can stop moving the goalposts on themselves, and what's next for GoKnee as the brand - and Shehla's voice—continue to grow. www.poweredbyhercommunity.com  

What if the secret to scaling your brand wasn't your ads, but the speed of your design process? In this solo episode, Nik pulls back the curtain on one of the biggest competitive moats in DTC: building high-converting landing pages fast. He unpacks how the most successful brands (from Hint Water to today's fastest-growing supplement and apparel companies) win not by spending more, but by testing faster, designing smarter, and iterating relentlessly. Nik walks through the five essential questions every page must answer: “What is it?”, “Why does it exist?”, “How will it benefit me?”, “How fast do I get it?”, “Why should I trust this brand?” He also shares the lessons he learned building Sharma Brands, why most designers fail at conversion design, and how speed in testing, feedback loops, and UX clarity can turn a good brand into a category leader. If you're a marketer, founder, or designer trying to figure out how to make your website sell instead of just looking pretty, this is your guide. What's Instant? They're the secret weapon to triple your email revenue with AI-powered flows. Instead of blasting the same cart reminders to everyone, Instant ensure every shopper gets a unique email experience: Copy, products, and offers that adapt to your shopper's behavior in real time. Emails sent at the exact moment that shopper is most likely to buy. 11+ abandonment flows live in minutes. Book a demo by Nov. 15 to get 50% off your first 60 days. Make this BFCM your biggest one yet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instant.one/limited⁠ Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips.   Check out the Nik's DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ   And if you're looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik's most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts.   Follow Nik: Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIn this episode of the DTC Podcast, we talk with Ben Perkins, founder of &Collar — a men's performance dress shirt brand that's scaling smart by rigorously testing what works. Ben breaks down how they use Intelligems to uncover pricing and shipping threshold wins, and how they're segmenting customers to align messaging and creative for maximum return.What you'll learn in this episode:How a 4-way price test on a single SKU using Intelligems led to an extra $1.99/unit without conversion lossThe impact of testing free shipping thresholds ($75, $125, etc.) on AOV vs. conversionHow to define and target “recurring & required” customer personas for profitable acquisitionWhy your core SKU may deserve more focus (50% of &Collar's sales are still from their white dress shirt)How to evaluate agency and team performance with contribution margin logicIf you've ever relied on intuition or competitors when setting prices or shipping offers, this episode will challenge you to test with precision — and scale what works.Timestamps00:00 – Price testing with Intelligems on &Collar's best-selling dress shirts03:00 – Founding story and early years of &Collar's growth journey06:00 – Post-pandemic market shifts and targeting “recurring & required” buyers09:00 – SKU expansion challenges and focusing on the white shirt advantage12:00 – Persona-based creative strategy and micro-segmentation for growth15:00 – Discovering the $49.99 price sweet spot through A/B testing18:00 – Testing free-shipping thresholds and increasing conversion rates21:00 – Focusing on new customer acquisition and top-of-funnel strategy24:00 – Always be testing: CRO roadmap and platform optimization27:00 – Tracking profitability per visitor, product, and employee30:00 – Long-term vision for &Collar and the road to a potential exitHashtags:#DTCpodcast #Intelligems #AndCollar #PricingStrategy #ABTesting #EcommerceGrowth #DTCbrands #ConversionRateOptimization #ShopifyBrands #EmailMarketing #CustomerAcquisition #BusinessStrategy #Profitability #Ecommerce 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

Rachel Hochhauser and Jena Wolfe didn't quit their jobs to build Piecework Puzzles—and that's exactly why it worked. The cofounders share how they turned a stormy weekend experiment into a multi-million dollar lifestyle brand, all while maintaining full-time careers. As VP of Marketing for Goop Kitchen, and renowned Author and creative agency owner, the duo are mastering the art of balancing everything, in real time. From starting with just four puzzle designs shot in Rachel's grandmother's garage, to spawning an entire aesthetic movement in the industry, Rachel and Jena have made their mark. They aren't afraid to do things differently, constantly learning and iterating from production nightmares and successful campaign launches. Discover their unconventional approach to entrepreneurship, product development, and world building in this candid interview. They both reveal why bootstrapping gave them the creative freedom they craved, how they navigate being business partners and best friends, and the unexpected pivot that led to their viral cocktail napkin line.In This Episode You'll Learn: Why NOT taking investor money gave them complete creative controlThe “advice tour” strategy that helped them solve business problemsHow they went from puzzles to viral tomato napkins (and why that shouldn't have worked)What happened when their manufacturer dropped them during the pandemicWhy working with your best friend can actually be brilliantTheir approach to brand partnerships with everyone from Goop to Better Homes & Gardens Chapters:00:00 Introducing Piecework Puzzles and The Stormy Weekend That Started It All 3:30 How to Find Your Gap In the Market & Stand Out6:00 Design Philosophy 101: How to Create Products That People Connect With8:40 The Importance of Creative Freedom & How to Obtain It!10:45 How to Run a Successful Business with Your BFF13:50 Starting Cultural Moments: The Origins of The Tomato Craze16:20 The Product Expansion That Shouldn't Have Worked (But Did)20:15 Advice for Overcoming Manufacturing Nightmares23:00 The “Advice Tour” Strategy That Has Saved Piecework Puzzles26:49 Brand Partnerships: From Goop to Broccoli Magazine29:15 Addressing Dupe Culture… 32:45 Leadership Tips For Building a Lean & Productive Team Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Today, I'm joined by Jared Pobre, founder & CEO of Caldera + Lab.   Launched in 2019, Caldera + Lab is revamping men's medicine cabinets with proprietary premium skincare formulas specifically engineered for guys.   In this episode, we discuss building a biotech-driven men's personal care brand.   We also cover:   Targeting the longevity-minded male consumer Prioritizing proprietary R&D over repurposed formulas Developing distribution strategies and hospitality partnerships   Subscribe to the podcast → insider.fitt.co/podcastSubscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribeFollow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider Caldera + Lab's Website: www.calderalab.com  Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/CalderaLab/page/2A608586-7E58-411C-8057-FFD688968227   -   The Fitt Insider Podcast is brought to you by EGYM. Visit EGYM.com to learn more about its smart workout solutions for fitness and health facilities.   Fitt Talent: https://talent.fitt.co/  Consulting: https://consulting.fitt.co/  Investments: https://capital.fitt.co/    Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:08) Jared's background and Caldera + Lab overview (01:33) The evolution of men's skincare since 2016 (03:02) Formulation differences: women's vs. men's skincare (04:32) Custom formulations vs. menu-based co-manufacturing (06:24) Pioneering proprietary ingredients for men (08:00) Building the brand with bootstrapped resources (10:30) Clinical studies and efficacy testing (13:00) Customer acquisition and finding product-market fit (15:30) DTC and Amazon as core distribution channels (17:45) Storytelling and messaging strategy (21:53) Balancing scientific credibility with consumer messaging (23:12) Targeting the longevity-minded male consumer (25:11) Retail expansion strategy and Series A funding (26:15) Country clubs, luxury hotels, and hospitality partnerships (27:26) Product roadmap (28:49) Conclusion  

Billboards are back–and smarter than ever. Forget pop-ups and crowded social feeds. Forward-thinking marketers are reimagining out-of-home advertising as a precision growth channel and yielding real results. Today's guest is Greg Wise, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer at OneScreen.ai, where he's helping modern brands move beyond the screen and back into the streets.  After starting his career at HubSpot and working in commercial real estate, Greg spotted an overlooked opportunity: integrating data-driven marketing into the world of physical advertising. Now, he's helping B2B and DTC companies rethink how and where they show up–online and off. How Founders Can Use Physical Ads to Build a Stronger Brand If you're relying on performance digital marketing alone, you're leaving brand equity on the table. Greg explains why founders at high-growth companies are turning to old-school channels—such as billboards and in-store signage—to cut through the digital noise and stay top of mind.  Why Out-of-Home Advertising is Easier Than You Think Greg shares how platforms like OneScreen are making it easier than ever to plan, buy, and measure out-of-home campaigns with real data–think billboards, bus stops, airport signage, and even wrapped cars.  You'll learn how B2B teams are using out-of-home advertising to reach niche audiences by location and profession, and track web lift just like digital marketing. Some of their campaigns are driving over 130% increases in website activity—and you'll hear exactly how. This episode is packed with practical ideas on how to blend real-world and online campaigns, as well as why investing in your brand today makes conversions easier, cheaper, and faster tomorrow. Enjoy this episode with Greg Wise… Soundbytes 39:47 - 40:07 "Doing out of home can increase web lift conversions by 134%...For B2B companies. …For DTC companies was well over 200%." 44:10 - 44:39 "The performance marketer might generally think about it as someone who's focused on the bottom of a funnel, the people that are ready to buy, the people that are ready to convert. But that's potentially 5%. It's the 95-5 rule. 95% of your target audience and your target customer base are not in the market to buy right now, and for years, we've ignored those people. The way you go after those people is through brand work." 33:49 - 34:02 "We need that physical location, to show up in the real world, in the places where our customers are, so they can see and touch and feel, try on, experience, and then we don't care if they buy it in the store or if they buy it online." Quotes "How are you communicating brand in a way that can be memorable and stand out?" "The problem is that people don't really know how to do it right if they've never done it before." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://www.onescreen.ai/  Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwise/  Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website?  Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

Most brands focus on what works in November. Smart brands plan for what happens in January. In Part 2 of our Black Friday Growth Series, Jim Huffman shares the strategic lens every DTC operator should adopt before running another BFCM campaign.Following up on the tactical BFCM episode, Jim goes deeper — exploring the downstream effects of your Q4 strategy and how to win long-term. He covers what separates high-ROI brands from revenue-chasers, how to evaluate customer acquisition quality during peak season, and how to balance margin, brand, and lifetime value when everyone else is just trying to “make noise.” This isn't about bigger discounts. It's about smarter growth.TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY'S EPISODEThe biggest mistake brands make during BFCMHow to set Q4 goals that don't backfire in Q1Why who you acquire in Q4 matters more than how manyOffers that build loyalty vs offers that attract deal-chasersHow to use BFCM for email growth and long-term leverageThe mindset shift that separates pro operators from seasonal brandsResources:Growth Marketing OS (Operating System) GrowthHitJim Huffman websiteJim's LinkedinJim's TwitterThe Shopify Growth School Additional episodes you might enjoy:Startup Ideas by Paul Graham (#45)Nathan Barry: How to Bootstrap a Company to $30M in a Crowded Market (#41)How I Met My Biz Partner and Less Learned Hitting $2M ARR (#44)Ryan Hamilton on his Netflix special, touring with Jerry Seinfeld, & how to write a joke (#10)How We're Validating Startup Ideas (#51) 

It's This Week in Bourbon for October 31st 2025. Japan's Kirin Holdings has put Four Roses up for sale, Big Thirst and Pour Now have partnered to launch an AI-driven e-commerce platform for the alcohol industry, and Hardin's Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is releasing the Warehouse Series. Show Notes: Castle & Key Distillery named Sherrie Moore, a veteran with five decades of experience who started at Jack Daniel's, as its new Whisky Plant Manager Heritage Distilling is closing five retail tasting rooms to focus on high-margin contract production and DtC, aiming to reduce expenses by over $5 million Japan's Kirin Holdings put its Four Roses bourbon brand up for sale, with a $1 billion valuation expected, to focus on healthcare Green River Distilling Co. is offering free, personalized labels for their bourbon bottles as a holiday gift to customers Big Thirst and Pour Now launched an AI-driven e-commerce platform uniting online sales channels for the alcohol industry Frank August released CASE STUDY: 06 | LEGACY RESERVE, a multi-award-winning, blended 8-to-10-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Hardin's Creek released the Warehouse Series, a three-part, 11-year-old collection highlighting the impact of different aging microclimates Rare Character Whiskey launched the inaugural annual release of Old Cassidy 2025, a cask-strength blend with an 18-year-old Kentucky bourbon base Alan Jackson's Silverbelly Whiskey is expanding with the limited-edition "Last Call" straight bourbon, commemorating his 67th birthday and final concert Bluegrass Distillers released the limited 9-year single barrel Elkwood Reserve bourbon (inspired by Thorpedo Anna), with 50% of profits benefiting the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund James B. Beam Distilling Co. introduced Knob Creek 21 Year Old at $249.99, the oldest expression in the brand's history Ross & Squibb Distillery brought back the limited-edition Remus Gatsby Reserve, a 15-year, 102.8-proof bourbon with Art Deco packaging Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the release of his work, The War of the Worlds Did Not Take Place, Nick Susi joins the pod to unravel the real War of the Worlds myth: not alien panic, but a battle between newspapers and radio that manufactured mass hysteria. Phillip, Brian, and Nick explore how narrative form shapes collective memory, why brands weaponize conflict for attention, and what happens when everything becomes participatory fan fiction.Behind the Curtain of Inherited MythKey takeaways:Structured narratives outlast formless truth in collective memory.Brands now weaponize conflict and controversy for attention economics.Everything is becoming participatory, co-created, and infinite fan fiction."The War of the Worlds is not actually a war between humans and aliens. It's really this war between mediums." — Nick Susi"We've entered the phase of the attention economy where the game is attention at any and all costs." — Nick Susi"People don't want to share the thing. They want to share their experience of the thing." — W. David Marx (referenced)"Awareness does not decrease manipulation necessarily." –– Brian"We've become much more aware of the act of storytelling as a culture, like we see the artifice of storytelling and we appreciate the act of it itself." –– PhillipIn-Show Mentions:The War of the Worlds performance piece and publication by Nick SusiOrder The War of the Worlds Did Not Take Place on MetalabelBlank Space by W. David MarxInsiders #196: Time After Time by Brian LangeAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oisin O'Connor is the CEO and co-founder of Recharge, the leading subscription management platform powering 75% of all Shopify subscriptions. Under his leadership, Recharge has become a critical infrastructure partner for over 30,000 brands, reaching 100 million subscribers and $100 million ARR.In this episode of DTC Pod, Oisin pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to win with subscriptions in today's DTC landscape. He shares insider strategies for subscriber growth, optimizing retention, and leveraging Recharge's newest AI-powered tools to minimize churn. Oisin also shares specific benchmarks every brand should measure, real-world examples of subscription funnels that convert, and actionable experiments operators can run to unlock long-term profitability and scale.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Evolution of subscriptions in physical product e-commerce2. How to spot and create product-market fit 3. Differentiators that set Recharge apart from early competitors4. The compounding power of subscriptions for long-term growth5. Unit economics, LTV vs CAC, and why retention is king6. What best-in-class subscription brands do differently7. Optimizing conversion funnels for subscriber growth8. Subscription benchmarks: churn rates, retention, and second order metrics9. Reducing churn with data, cancellation flows, loyalty, and rewards10. Automations and integrating Recharge with supply chain and 3PL operations11. Leveraging AI Concierge for customer retention and support12. Evolving customer experience and the need for seamless subscription management13. How Recharge guides merchants with data, support, and innovation14. Experiments and mistakes founders make launching subscription brandsTimestamps00:00 Oisin's background, founding story, and early agency experiments04:06 The rise of Shopify and the breakthrough with Recharge05:19 The subscription model: initial skepticism and quirky early adopters06:47 Technical challenges in enabling subscriptions on Shopify09:00 First major subscription brand success story10:15 Compounding growth through subscriptions11:36 Legacy brands and decades-long customer retention13:06 Building DTC businesses with sustainable unit economics14:37 Lessons from TV advertising history and the narrowing of scalable models16:29 Key traits of successful subscription businesses17:09 Product, recurring need, and conversion strategy18:27 Understanding subscriber value and optimizing acquisition19:26 Retention: keeping customers post-acquisition  19:52 High-performing brands and funnel design20:05 Subscription by default, offers, upsells, and cross-sells21:39 Conversion tactics from PDP to post-checkout22:38 Benchmarks for healthy churn and retention23:06 How top brands reduce churn and track performance24:58 Recharge tools: analytics, cancellation flows, Klaviyo integration26:41 Rewards and automations to boost retention27:33 Automate flows for backend fulfillment and logistics28:20 Launching AI SMS concierge for subscriber experience29:40 Reducing customer service friction and delighting shoppers32:15 Customer experience as a core differentiator34:04 The competitive subscription landscape: Recharge's position35:41 Product innovation, support, and actionable guidance37:16 Data-driven product innovation and merchant success38:04 The future of subscription, retention, and platform innovation40:38 Biggest mistakes founders make with subscriptions41:58 Experiments founders should run with Recharge42:58 Where to connect with Oisin for advice and mentorshipShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokOisin O'Connor - Co-Founder and CEO of RechargeBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

It is complitcated. Life. Wine. And to help clear up the wine complication (not sure there is a way to uncomplicate life), is Charlotte Selles. With a distinctive path to her new company Tassei, she brings to the table a wealth of experience cloaked in knowedge, philosophy and experience. She is like a wine savant. She was in LA for a speaking gig and breaved an unusual SoCal downpour to come to studio to share her spirit. Charlotte Selles is the kind of guest who'll have you reconsidering not just what's in your wine glass, but why you care in the first place. You think you know luxury in wine? Not so fast. Drawing on her roots in Paris, direct experience with Beaujolais, and a career arc that went from family negotiations to the boardrooms of Robert Mondavi and Jackson Family Wines, Charlotte uproots every tired assumption about what makes a winery—or a wine—worth chasing. Listen closely and you'll discover why luxury isn't about price tags or pedigrees, but about resilience, grit, and the tension that comes from pouring your soul into the vineyard, braving storms—literal and figurative—and nurturing a legacy. But this episode doesn't stop with terroir. Charlotte takes you to the frontlines of modern wine business, from the misguided myth of floodgates marketing to the high-stakes realities of retention, data analytics, and AI in today's DTC world. She'll have you rethinking the purpose of your tasting room, craving the deep relationships behind the best bottles, and maybe even second-guessing whether a discount culture can ever breed true loyalty. By the end, you'll have a new definition of success—not in cases sold, but in customers kept, relationships built, and a business as alive and evolving as the wine itself. Walk away with a fresh understanding of the true business of wine, grounded in purpose, powered by connection, and ready for an uncertain but thrilling future. Jackson Family Wines Website: https://www.jacksonfamilywines.com Constellation Brands Website: https://www.cbrands.com Robert Mondavi Winery Website: https://www.robertmondaviwinery.com Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Website: https://www.woodbridgewines.com Trader Joe's Website: https://www.traderjoes.com Gallo (E. & J. Gallo Winery) Website: https://www.gallo.com Enolytics Website: https://www.enolytics.com Commerce7 Website: https://www.commerce7.com Wine Direct Website: https://www.winedirect.com The Wine Group Website: https://www.thewinegroup.com Verité Winery Website: https://www.veritewines.com KNL (K&L Wine Merchants) Website: https://www.klwines.com Wally's Wine & Spirits Website: https://www.wallywine.com #WineTalksPodcast, #CharlotteSelles, #PaulKalemkiarian, #LuxuryWine, #WineBusiness, #DTCWine, #WineInnovation, #CustomerRetention, #WineMarketing, #AIandWine, #NapaValley, #Beaujolais, #BrandStrategy, #SonomaState, #CriticalThinking, #WineRelationships, #WineConsulting, #Entrepreneurship, #WineIndustryInsights, #CommunityBuilding Charlotte Selles is a dynamic leader in the wine industry, known for blending deep expertise with an adventurous spirit. Born in Paris, Charlotte grew up immersed in wine thanks to her father's work in the négociant industry and an ambitious, if slightly misguided, attempt to become a gentleman farmer in Beaujolais. Through this early exposure, she witnessed first-hand the highs and lows of wine production, gaining a nuanced understanding of luxury and the grit required to succeed. Charlotte made the leap to the U.S. in her early twenties, bringing with her a suitcase of Beaujolais and a healthy dose of courage. Over the years, she carved out a reputation as an innovative strategist, serving as the general manager of the renowned Robert Mondavi Winery and Constellation Brands. She also held the position of Vice President of International Portfolio Strategy for Jackson Family Wines, steering global growth for one of the industry's heavyweights. Her journey ultimately led her to found Tissay, where she now works as CEO, advising premium vineyards and artisan wineries on brand management and growth. Tissay specializes in helping wineries recover from overexpansion, transition to new business models, and build meaningful relationships with their core customers. Charlotte's approach is anything but one-size-fits-all; she champions retention marketing, customer data analysis, and strategic focus, drawing on her broad experience in both the European and American wine landscapes. In addition to her consulting work, Charlotte teaches at the Sonoma State Wine Business Institute and speaks on topics ranging from leadership and innovation to global market evolution. She's well-known for her wit, candor, and commitment to elevating both wine and the people behind it. Her path, from Paris to California's wine country, is proof that embracing adventure—and a bit of chaos—can lead to extraordinary results.

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