Podcasts about DTC

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.

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, 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.

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/

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

Join speakers from IQVIA Digital and IQVIA Applied AI Science as they discuss DTC marketing and governance as we head into 2026. Step into the future of health media at the MM+M Media Summit on October 30th, 2025 live in NYC! Join top voices in pharma marketing for a full day of forward-thinking discussions on AI, streaming, retail media, and more. Explore the latest in omnichannel strategy, personalization, media trust, and data privacy—all under one roof. Don't wait—use promo code PODCAST for $100 off your individual ticket. Click here to register!    AI Deciphered is back—live in New York City this November 13th.Join leaders from brands, agencies, and platforms for a future-focused conversation on how AI is transforming media, marketing, and the retail experience. Ready to future-proof your strategy? Secure your spot now at aidecipheredsummit.com. Use code POD at check out for $100 your ticket!    Check us out at: mmm-online.com   Follow us:  YouTube: @MMM-online TikTok: @MMMnews Instagram: @MMMnewsonline Twitter/X: @MMMnews LinkedIn: MM+M   To read more of the most timely, balanced and original reporting in medical marketing, subscribe here. Music: “Deep Reflection” by DP and Triple Scoop Music. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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) 

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupWelcome to the DTC Podcast. Today, we're joined by Seth Waite, Founder and Buyer Psychologist at Schaefer, where he helps CPG and food and beverage brands unlock growth by digging into the real reasons people buy.In this episode, we cover:Why knowing your customer via demographics isn't enough - the shift to behaviors, motivations, and jobs-to-be-done.How to build a "Why People Buy Pyramid" for your brand and map messaging across basic needs, emotional values, personal growth, and community.How to recognize true product-market fit in a DTC/CPG context (hint: when the only thing stopping you from selling more is budget).Why targeting the small obsessed segment matters (the "kingpin strategy") and how that unlocks long-term scale and profitable growth.Practical tips for talking to customers today - simple interviews, replacement questions, and how to turn qualitative insights into segmentation and messaging.Best moments you'll want to scan for:• "Demographics are interesting ... but they're not always insightful."• "What you should be telling is the customer's story - these are the occasions you'll have with our product."• "If the only reason why you're not selling more is money ... you've got product-market-fit."• The breakdown of the Why People Buy Pyramid and how it applies to food and beverage brands.• How brands like Oreo and Liquid Death illustrate layering of needs, emotional values, and community.Whether you're launching a new DTC food brand, scaling a snack or beverage line, or trying to sharpen your segmentation and messaging, you'll walk away with concrete frameworks and a clearer path to growth.00:00 - Introduction: Why People Buy01:20 - From Sam's Club to Walmart: Studying Real Buyer Behavior05:12 - Motivations vs. Demographics12:15 - Oreo: How to Own a Category18:03 - Brand Psychology, Packaging, and Subconscious Triggers26:06 - What Product-Market Fit Actually Looks Like32:28 - Tell Their Story, Not Yours39:13 - How to Actually Get Insight (Without a $150K Research Budget)#ConsumerPsychology #WhyPeopleBuy #CPGMarketing #BrandStrategy #ProductMarketFit #CustomerInsights #BehavioralScience #MarketingPsychology #FoodAndBeverage #DTCMarketing #MotivationBasedMarketing #EmotionalBranding #DataDrivenMarketing #OreoCaseStudy #LiquidDeathMarketing #FishwifeBrand #CustomerResearch #FounderStrategy #MarketingPodcast #DTCPodcastSubscribe 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

Ringo Chan, Co-Founder and CEO of Ecosa, has spent nearly a decade transforming how people buy mattresses: and now, how they sleep. What began as a bold move into the DTC bedding space has evolved into a global sleep brand with operations spanning Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and beyond.Today, we're discussing:How to build an edge competitors can't replicate - even in a copycat marketWhat Ecosa learned from a 15-month product flop (and why Ringo calls it a win)The AI tools cutting Ecosa's product development time in halfThe real secret to staying lean while still blowing customers awayWhy genuine word-of-mouth will always beat referral codesConnect with RingoExplore EcosaSMS us to request a guest!Support the showWant to level up your ecommerce game? Come hang out in the Add To Cart Community. We're talking deep dives, smart events, and real-world inspo for operators who are in it for the long haul. Connect with Nathan BushContact Add To CartJoin the Community

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

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIn this episode of the DTC Podcast, host Eric Dyck sits down with Dougie, Head of the Google team at Pilothouse, to unpack how DTC brands can and should use YouTube advertising more strategically — especially when trying to build awareness and capture new demand before peak periods such as BFCM.Key moments & actionable insightsWhy YouTube upper‑funnel campaigns often fail: mis‑targeted audiences, automated overrides, and device‑versus‑user mismatch.How to set up placement, topic and keyword exclusions to avoid low‑quality traffic (e.g., gaming, ASMR, children's content).The importance of checking the actual served demographics in your audience reporting and comparing to your true converter demographics.How optimising for new customer conversions (instead of all conversions) can yield significant gains (e.g., +50% new customers, +15% share of new customers via Google).Why narrow geo‑targeting for awareness campaigns can improve measurability of incremental lift.Why brand‑lift studies may not be the most reliable metric and what alternatives to use (brand search lift, remarketing behaviour, time‑on‑site post‑click).Distinguishing between YouTube for pure awareness vs YouTube driving demand capture, and how budgets and measurement should differ accordingly.Whether you're a performance marketer at a growing DTC brand, or scaling marketing budgets and looking to break through awareness ceilings, this episode gives you tactical controls, audit steps and measurement frameworks to make your YouTube spend work harder.Timestamps00:00 – Why most advertisers are targeting the wrong audiences02:10 – How misaligned content (like kids' or gaming videos) wastes budget05:00 – The sneaky Demand Gen setting sabotaging your audience08:00 – How to force Google to find new customers only11:40 – Using Audience Insights to audit your actual converters14:00 – The evolution of YouTube as a top-of-funnel growth channel17:00 – Why Brand Lift studies can't be trusted and what to measure instead18:40 – Narrower geo-targeting for better awareness results20:00 – Step-by-step audit to fix your top-of-funnel YouTube campaignsHashtags#YouTubeAds #GoogleAds #YouTubeMarketing #PerformanceMarketing #DTC #Pilothouse #MarketingPodcast #AdStrategy #DemandGen #DigitalAdvertising Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://www.pilothouse.co/?utm_source=AKNF556Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

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.

Discover the best Black Friday Cyber Monday strategies from 13 successful founders. Get actionable tips on sales, inventory, marketing, and more for 2025. Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley conducts a live strategy audit with eCommerce brand owner Charlie Mckenzie. They discuss advanced Amazon sales strategies, including keyword optimization, targeted PPC and product targeting ads, and leveraging Google Ads to custom Amazon Store pages for higher conversions. Josh emphasizes the importance of product innovation, catalog expansion, and understanding customer intent. Charlie receives actionable advice on improving ad efficiency, refining product listings, and sourcing new product ideas from platforms like Etsy. The episode offers practical tips for boosting Amazon performance and sustainable brand growth.Chapters:Introduction and Brand Overview (00:00:00)Josh introduces Charlie and outlines the brand's focus on a single main product with size variations.Keyword Research and Organic Ranking (00:01:05)Discussion on keyword research, current rankings, and strategies to move up to top organic positions.Amazon PPC and Product Targeting Ads (00:02:07)Advice on using PPC, especially exact match campaigns and product targeting ads against same-color competitors.Leveraging Google Ads and Storefront Landing Pages (00:03:11)Strategy for using Google Ads to drive traffic to custom Amazon store landing pages to improve conversions.Reducing Competitor Distraction and Conversion Optimization (00:04:41)Importance of removing competitor distractions on landing pages to increase conversion rates from external traffic.Charlie's Takeaways and Action Items (00:05:40)Charlie shares his main takeaways, including storefront creation and renewed focus on product targeting campaigns.Testing and Optimizing Product Targeting (00:06:51)Guidance on setting rules for product targeting ads and turning off underperforming campaigns.Product Innovation and Brand Expansion (00:07:34)Discussion on the importance of ongoing product launches and not relying solely on “home run” products.Marketplace Research and Arbitrage Opportunities (00:09:49)Charlie discusses using marketplace research and arbitrage to identify new product opportunities.Finding Trends Outside Amazon (00:10:48)Advice to look for trending products on other platforms (Etsy, DTC sites) and bring them to Amazon.Keyword Research and Listing Optimization (00:12:06)Charlie emphasizes his focus on keyword analytics and listing optimization for organic ranking.Focusing on Customer Needs in Sales Copy (00:12:53)Advice to highlight the root problem the product solves, not just compare features with competitors.Actionable Strategies Recap (00:13:46)Summary of key strategies: product innovation, customer-focused sales copy, and price testing for profit.Closing Remarks (00:15:47)Final thanks and well wishes as the episode concludes.Links and Mentions:Tools and Websites  Amazon PPC (Pay-Per-Click Advertising) Google Ads Amazon Store Builder Data Dive Podcast Episodes  Tyler Gregg of Ampd on LinkedIn  Transcripts:Josh 00:00:00  Welcome to the Econ Breakthrough Podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in ecommerce. Today I'm speaking with Charlie Mckenzie, and we have recorded a live strategy audit session for you today. Charlie, welcome to the podcast. Thank you very much for having me on, Josh. I'm excited to be here. Awesome. At this point with Charlie Charlie's brand, he's got one skew. Well, he's got multiple skews because he's got some size variations in there, but he's got one product that is generating the sales for this brand. One of the first things that we looked at, for your brand, Charlie, was keyword research. And you're doing a great job of implementing the right search terms in your product title. In fact, you're crushing, you know, the competition in terms of the exact match keywords that you've got implemented in your title, and therefore you're actually ranked on the first page for many of those keywords. However, you're not in the top five positions right on most of those keywords.Josh 00:01:05  And so we then went through and discussed. All right. So what are some strategies that we can employ to. You've already got traction. You're obviously indexed for some of these big keywords. How do you move them up into that 1 to 5. You know organic ranking position? One of the things that we talked about was PPC. And Charlie, you know, you've started dipping your toes in the PPC waters. Initially we talked actually a couple of months ago, and you were not running ads on Amazon. And, you know, I told you like, hey, you should definitely start running some ads on Amazon because it is going to impact your organic ranking. You've been dabbling a little bit in that. My recommendation to you from our session was that, you know, create some exact match, keyword campaigns for those keywords that you're trying to rank for number one. But then number two, one of the things that we've found a lot of success with in our business is product targeting ads on Amazon.Josh 00:02:07  And so rather than just throwing it up against because with your particular product, there's there's other competitors that have different design variations, right. And so rather than just saying, hey, mine's beige, I'm going to go advertise on this pink one or this blue one. You the customer that's looking for a pink, product. They have a specific thought in mind. Right. Same thing. If somebody's looking for blue, like there's a reason why they clicked on the blue listing. So when it comes to setting up your product targeting ad campaigns, one of the things I would definitely recommend is only targeting those competitors that have the exact same color that you have, and you're going to get better performance that way. And what Amazon loves to see is if you can steal sales from those competitor listings, you will shoot ahead of them, on the organic ranking side, and that will allow you to increase your ranking a little bit faster there. In addition to that, we talked about some external marketing that you could be using and that is Google Ads.Josh 00:03:11  I know you've tested this in the past, had about a 200% ACOs there, which isn't great, obviously, but we talked about an additional tactic that you could use that could increase that performance because Amazon is definitely rewarding external traffic, right? in my prior one of the prior podcast episodes, we had Tyler Gregg of Amped on the episode, and he shared some fantastic strategies of how to create Google ads and the best way to maximize, you know, the return on investment on those. One of the big takeaways from that episode is that rather than just driving traffic to your current Amazon detail page, it's going to be better to create a store landing page for yourself. But in that store landing page, you recreate almost the exact way that your detail page looks on Amazon, and there's a specific section on the store builder page that allows you to basically recreate that detail page. That's exactly what you're going to want to do. And the beauty of driving that traffic to your store landing page that is literally identical to your detail page, is that you're able to remove all of your competitors because one of the tips, or I guess, one of the statistics that Tyler shared ...

The CPG Guys are joined in this special Halloween episode by Tim LeBel, Chief Halloween Officer and President of US Sales at Mars Wrigley,Follow Tim on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-lebel/ Follow Mars Wrigley on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mars/Follow Mars Wrigley online at: https://www.mars.com/Here's what we asked Tim: Tim, what does ‘Chief halloween officer' mean to you?How does Mars Wrigley think about the role of Halloween in the annual plan? When does Halloween planning start?What shifts have you seen in consumer behavior around Halloween in the past few years? What trends are you seeing this year?How does Mars Wrigley segment its Halloween portfolio (e.g. “everyday” SKUs vs seasonal/limited edition)?  What is the innovation cadence for seasonal items?How do you balance scale vs novelty in Halloween SKUs? How much shelf “real estate” do you devote to your core candies vs seasonal or promotional items?How do you think about the “kid vs adult” consumer dynamic in Halloween candy buying?How do you see e-commerce / DTC / omnichannel evolving for Halloween candy? (E.g. subscription boxes, online-exclusive SKUs, direct-to-consumer offerings, grocery pickup, cross-channel promos.)How do you align with your retail customers (supermarkets, mass, drug, dollar stores, convenience) on Halloween strategies & what is your strategy for securing premium shelf and display space (endcaps, gondolas, checkout lanes) during Halloween?Can you walk us through the innovation pipeline for Halloween SKUs - From ideation to shelf, how long does it take, and how do you “test” new ideas?What role does marketing/ads/PR & retail media play in your Halloween programs?How about social media campaigns/influencers, partnerships, co-markets, influencer tie-ins, event activations.)Looking ahead: what do you see as the biggest opportunities and risks for Halloween candy over the next 5 years?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

This week, I sat down with Rachel Coburn, a fractional marketing leader who's worked with some of the biggest names in health and wellness, including AG1 and Happy V, to talk about what it really takes to build brands that last beyond the hype.We cover growth, brand strategy, and what happens when the pursuit of “acquisition at all costs” starts eroding trust. Rachel brings the kind of honesty and experience that every marketer needs to hear, because she's been on both sides of the equation. From running performance channels to building full marketing ecosystems, her perspective hits hard: retention starts at acquisition, and brand equity starts with truth.Rachel opens up about why the DTC space has lost some of its transparency and how brands can get it back. We talk about the balance between performance and authenticity, why marketing ops deserve way more credit than they get, and how to keep growth and retention teams working together instead of in silos. She also shares her advice for early-stage founders, from who to hire first to why you should bring a CX expert into the conversation before launch, not after.We also dig into creativity and process, two things Rachel refuses to separate. She calls herself a “process freak,” but it's her eye for brand storytelling and love of cinematic content that makes her stand out. Whether she's talking about AI in marketing or the art of a well-crafted ad, Rachel's take is clear: real connection always beats shortcuts.If you're building a brand, leading a marketing team, or rethinking what growth should look like in 2025, this episode is packed with lessons you'll actually want to use.

On episode #178 of #TheShot of #DigitalHealth Therapy, Jim Joyce and I had a blast chatting with Jonathan Pearce, the thoughtful and forward-looking CEO of Masterlete - and previously the co-founder and CEO of Zipnosis, the company that pioneered asynchronous telemedicine long before it was mainstream. From balancing athlete-grade performance with mental resilience to building a company that refuses to compromise between data and empathy, Jon brings his trademark blend of humility and precision. He also opened up about his own mental health journey, reminding us that resilience isn't just a leadership skill - it's a human one. It's an episode that reminds us - even in a world of algorithms and wearables, the human spirit still defines the win.

AI isn't coming, it's already here. And if it's not driving 25% of your brand's revenue, you're already behind. Nik sits down with Liam Millward, founder and CEO of Instant, the platform powering the next generation of AI-driven email and retention marketing. Liam started Instant at 17, went head-to-head with Shopify, and pivoted into a billion-dollar problem: brands wasting time on email marketing that barely moves the needle. Now, Instant's AI writes, designs, and personalizes every email—no two shoppers ever get the same message twice. Liam breaks down how Instant became one of the fastest-growing AI tools in eCommerce, the difference between generative and agentic AI, and why most brands are still treating AI like a toy instead of a team member. If you're a founder, marketer, or operator trying to figure out where AI actually fits in your business, this is your roadmap. 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 Oct 31 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

Katherine Dee, internet culture writer and mastermind behind her popular AM-style call-in show, joins us to explore the archaeology of online life. From dissecting the Friend AI pendant's failed attempt at god replacement to chronicling e-girl evolution in her Meta Label publication, Katherine offers an unvarnished look at how we're moving beyond relentless content production. The conversation navigates haunted objects, the fragmentation of social platforms, and why the future might be more mystical than algorithmic. As AI reshapes proof itself, Katherine argues we're witnessing a cultural shift toward physical witnessing and enchanted meaning-making.Katherine's God Isn't A WhinerKey takeaways:AI companions fail when they gaslight users and demand emotional labor constantlyInternet culture documentation requires trust without judgment to reveal authentic subculturesSocial platforms fragment as users crave stories over gossip and embodied over digitalThe erosion of digital proof drives a turn toward mysticism and magicContent exhaustion pushes creators toward dynamic formats and offline experiencesIn-Show Mentions:Katherine's response to the Friend AI pendantE-girl 001 publicationKatherine's call-in show exploring paranormal and internet cultureReggie James on spiritual technologyAssociated 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.

Justin Brady builds podcasts & DTC content for iconic brands. He has interviewed the founder of Starbucks and Hint, CEOs of Mattel and GoDaddy, Presidential candidates, Senators, US Ambassadors, #1 New York Times best-selling authors, and cable news personalities. He has written for The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and Harvard Business Review, Brady started The Creativity Cultivator podcast nearly a decade ago with early guests like Matthew E. May, David Burkus, Jessica Kriegel, and Dan Pink. The show would go onto be in the Apple Podcast new and noteworthy charts and the top 1% of podcasts per iHeart Media. Today, Brady has interviewed hundreds of A-List leaders, best-selling authors, CEOs, White House cabinet members, Hollywood celebrities, and billboard performing artists. Brady has hosted numerous livestreams as an anchor/interviewer including a Soar.com stream featuring guest like Rep. Justin Amash, and The Global Peter Drucker stream live from Vienna's Hofburg Palace where he interviewed guests like author Edgar Schein, Pierre Le Manh, CEO of PMI, and Bloomberg Editor, Sarah Green Carmichael. Brady talks to groups on communication and how to use trust channels to rapidly scale relationships. He also leads workshops on content and podcasting strategy. Previous talks have been for Boston Techstars, Nashville Entrepreneur Center, the Minnesota AMA, and Knowledge Summit in Colorado Springs. Brady hosted a talk show on iHeartRadio, interviewing guests like Pauly Shore, Mike Rowe, and six USA Presidential Candidates during the Iowa Caucuses. He wrote on creativity, tech, design thinking, and workplace culture for The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Quartz, The Creativity Post, and The Harvard Business Review. Brady owns Cultivate, a referral-only PR company. His clients have achieved hundreds of millions of impressions in Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, TIME, Axios, CNN, and through top influencers and YouTubers like Mr. Beast. To get in touch with Justin: https://justinkbrady.com/ To connect with Tyler: https://www.tylerkamerman.com/

Let's talk about how NOT to burn yourself to a crisp this Q4.If you're listening to this in real time, the retail holiday season has officially kicked off. Whether you're a product brand or an independent retailer, it's game time. Here's the thing: Q4 doesn't just reward great strategy, it exposes the cracks. It amplifies what's working and what's definitely not.In this episode, we talk about how to protect your peace and your profit through the most chaotic (and lucrative!) time of year.I'm giving you the full rundown on in-season strategy: how to be nimble with your promos, what metrics to track now (not later), and how to simplify to amplify your results without totally draining your energy.Whether you're riding high on early sales or feeling like you're drowning in to-dos, this episode is going to help you finish the year strong—without sacrificing your sanity in the process.Here's what we're diving into:Why Q4 magnifies what's working (and what's not)The biggest mindset shift I want you to make this seasonHow to audit your promos and marketing to align with what's actually sellingWhat metrics you need to track post-Cyber Monday (and why!)Tactical tips to protect your energy AND boost your revenueWhat wholesale buyers are doing right now—and how you can support themWhy doing less but better is the vibe for the rest of the yearWhether you're selling DTC, wholesale, or both, you'll walk away with actionable steps you can implement TODAY to make this your most profitable and peaceful Q4 yet.Enjoy the chat!LOOKING TO GROW YOUR WHOLESALE BUSINESS ON FAIRE? 1) Learn what buyers are looking for on Faire. Listen to the FREE private podcast series Unlocking Faire - Get instant access HERE2) Get my exact growth strategy inside the FREE workshop, The Faire Success Blueprint Watch now HERE3) Ready to take action and scale on Faire? Check out The Faire BootcampNEED STRATEGIC SUPPORT IN YOUR BUSINESS? 1) Build out a sustainable strategy with the Goal Setting Workshop HERE2) Explore private mentorship with Kristin HERE (limited spots available)LET'S CONNECT!Want to leave a Question to air on the podcast (OR leave a little podcast love note)? CALL IN TO THE ‘BUYER HOTLINE' HEREWebsite: kristinfishercoaching.comInstagram @kristinfishercoachingContact: hello@kristinfishercoaching.com

Send us a textThis video ranks the top 10 most commented clips from past tutorials for Amazon sellers. From keyword mistakes to account verification issues, these tips triggered the most feedback. Learn what got sellers engaged and which topics sparked the strongest reactions.Tired of second-guessing your Amazon setup? Book a strategy call and fix what's costing you sales: https://bit.ly/4jMZtxu Crush your end-of-year goals with the Q4 playbook top sellers use to prep for peak season: https://bit.ly/46Wqkm3Prep your ecommerce brand for holiday sales with the 2025 Ecommerce Playbook sellers trust: https://bit.ly/4hbygovWant to watch each videos? Here's the list:Top 10: Amazon Listing Optimization [Master Class] Why the Top Sellers Need to Optimize More: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4okSNx5yLsTop 9: SOLVED: How to Fix Secondary Images / Photos NOT Displaying on Amazon FBA (Load UPC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuhFVVwXvYoTop 8: How to Create an Amazon Store Brand Storefront: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BBiOaMehpcTop 7: How to Clear Pesticides Gating Amazon Seller Central (Answer Key): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRbsQvqV3t0Top 6: Seller Identity Verification SIV process for registering Amazon Seller account to sell in USA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHUQ33FZdCcTop 5: How to Set Deposit Method in Seller Central (Bank Account Setup): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIwNlnLH6NQTop 4: Amazon Seller Identity Verification - Now with Live Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOQALWbVh_ETop 3: SOLVED: Connecting Brand Registry to Seller Central Account: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxPh0id95RgTop 2: I Dry Fasted for 3 Days - How it Helps Me Become a Better Leader: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSEtlM6RXB0Top 1: Amazon PPC [Master Class] - ACOS Hacks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gudIjpDMLto-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Stay ahead of platform shifts, download the PPC guide sellers are using to adapt fast: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXDon't wait for customer drop-offs, download the Crisis Kit and protect your listings now: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0Stop chasing retail gimmicks, get serious about DTC and grow a brand you control: https://bit.ly/4kOz6rrTimestamps00:00 - Why Showing Faces on Listings Drives Sales  00:16 - Product ID Type Field Cannot Be Changed  00:27 - Plug and Play Storefront Setup  00:53 - HubSpot-Style Template Use on Amazon  01:01 - How to Pass the Pesticides Gating Test  01:20 - Common Mistakes When Uploading Documents  01:30 - Fixing Deposit Method in Seller Central  01:51 - What Happens During Amazon's Live Video Call  02:17 - Brand Registry Not Connecting to Seller Central  02:43 - Turning the Body Off and On Again: Account Recovery  03:03 - What to Do With Performing Keywords in Auto Campaigns-------------------------------------------------Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28605816/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpopemag/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/myamazonguys/Twitter: https://twitter.com/myamazonguySubscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast: https://podcast.myamazonguy.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-amazon-guy/id1501974229Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A5ASHGGfr6s4wWNQIqyVwSupport the show

It's This Week in Bourbon for October 24th 2025. Sazerac is investing more than $38 million to expand its bottling and production, 2025 Craft Spirits Data Project results are in, and it's not surprising, and Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Special Release Tanyard Hill Rye.Show Notes: Jefferson's Bourbon launches "Tradition in the Breaking" campaign with actor Taylor Kitsch to highlight its unconventional approach Sazerac is investing over $38 million to expand its bottling and production capacity in New Albany, Indiana, to meet demand for spirits like Fireball Wholesalers criticize California's new spirits DtC shipping bill, which allows out-of-state craft distillers to ship to the state under a temporary 1-year permit New data from the ACSA shows a second consecutive year of decline for the craft spirits market, with drops in sales volume, value, and employment New Riff and Chattanooga Whiskey debut The Confluence Project, a collaboration featuring two unique Straight Wheat Whiskeys from a single shared mashbill High n' Wicked releases Warlander Blended Straight Whiskey, a 99-proof blend of Kentucky Straight Rye and Bourbon re-barreled for deeper integration Jack Daniel's unveils Single Barrel Special Release Tanyard Hill Rye, a Barrel Proof Tennessee Rye ranging up to 148.8 proof Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices