Podcasts about DTC

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Best podcasts about DTC

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Latest podcast episodes about DTC

Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs
From Content Creator To Fashion Founder: How Allegra Shaw Built the Perfect White T-Shirt

Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 29:55


Allegra Shaw built Uncle Studios into a seven-figure fashion brand through ethical practices, organic growth, and community trust.  Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Ecomm Breakthrough
This One Strategy Frees Your Brand From Amazon's Grip

Ecomm Breakthrough

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 55:33


Brian Williams, and he leads Primal Power, a new energy bar company, the first grass fed, pasture raised beef liver energy bar that tastes amazing. He is known for using a unique tripwire sales funnel to build DTC brands and large qualified lists of buyers. Prior to Primal Power, Brian ran then exited G-Sight a firearms accessories company and has invested a lifetime career in eCommerce dating back to 1997 when he was the CMO for an early eCommerce company uBid.com.  Brian Williams, Brian is a member of the MDS (MillionDollarSellers.com) community of 7, 8 and 9 Figure eCommerce Founders. He is also an Investor Owner in Health, Wellness and Fitness CPG brands.Highlight Bullets> Here's a glimpse of what you would learn…. Importance of scaling e-commerce brands beyond Amazon.Strategies for generating demand off Amazon.Use of tripwire sales funnels in direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing.Challenges of competing on Amazon and the need for diversification.Grassroots marketing techniques to understand customer preferences.Subscription models for enhancing profitability and encouraging repeat purchases.Effective pricing strategies and upselling techniques.Utilizing social media advertising and conversion tracking for customer acquisition.Building a customer list for ongoing marketing efforts and retargeting.The significance of community support and collaboration among entrepreneurs.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Brian Williams, leader of Primal Power and an e-commerce veteran since 1997. Brian shares his expertise on scaling e-commerce brands beyond Amazon using tripwire sales funnels and strategic demand generation. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, leveraging grassroots marketing, and creating compelling offers to pre-qualify leads. The discussion also highlights the benefits of subscription models for recurring revenue and the use of social media advertising to drive traffic. Brian's insights provide a roadmap for 6-7 figure business owners aiming to scale to 8 figures and beyond.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Diversify Beyond Amazon – Relying solely on Amazon is risky due to increasing competition and rising fees. Build a direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategy by focusing on demand generation and external traffic sources.Leverage Tripwire Sales Funnels – Offer a low-cost or free product to capture leads, qualify potential customers, and upsell them to higher-value purchases, increasing overall revenue.Implement a Subscription Model – Choose products that encourage repeat purchases and introduce a subscription option to improve customer retention and boost profitability.Resources & Links SectionHere are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:Ecomm BreakthroughJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: Josh@eCommBreakthrough.comAmazonShopifyKlaviyoWooCommerceChatGPTCostcoWhole FoodsTarget“Don't Believe Everything You Think" by Thomas E. Brown on AmazonMeta (Facebook and Instagram)Special Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist's Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King's Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorSponsor for this episode...This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you've hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that's Ecomm with two M's) to learn more.Transcript AreaJosh 00:00:00  Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin Keene, Aaron Cordovez and Michael E Gerber, author of the E-myth. Today I am speaking with Brian Williams, and we're going to be talking about how to scale off of Amazon using tripwires and sales funnels that are going to create a massive moat around your Amazon brand. This episode is brought to you by Ecomm Breakthrough, where I specialize in investing in and scaling seven figure companies to eight figures and beyond. If you're an a...

My Amazon Guy
Walmart has MORE Ads than Amazon! WTF? Why Walmart is No Savior to Amazon Sellers

My Amazon Guy

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 10:51


Send us a textWalmart is increasing its ad share, showing more ads in search results compared to Amazon and Target. Ad placement data now suggests nearly one in four listings on major marketplaces is sponsored. Sellers are now questioning whether Walmart is worth the effort given the low return and higher complexity.Feeling stretched thin between platforms? Book a call and get clarity before your margins disappear: https://bit.ly/4jMZtxuTired of marketplace limits? Download the DTC Growth Stack and start building a brand you own: https://bit.ly/4p7Tyqj#AmazonSellers #WalmartAds #MarketplaceStrategy #EcommerceTips #digitalretail Watch these videos on YouTube:Improve Search Rank and Drive Growth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyeMk5p-oww&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_b9RMGmU9XeqkI9D7QDOAI8&index=2The Easy Way to Find Amazon Keywords That Rank: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kmBZPid_iA&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_b9RMGmU9XeqkI9D7QDOAI8&index=3-----------------------------------------------Get our comprehensive guide to help you optimize your pay-per-click campaigns on Amazon: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXBoost your visibility with our Amazon SEO toolkit. Start ranking higher today! https://bit.ly/3JyMDGoBe prepared before problems arise with our Amazon Crisis Kit, designed for proactive sellers: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0Grow Your Brand with DTC: Book a DTC strategy call with us today and start scaling your direct-to-consumer brand! https://bit.ly/4kOz6rrTimestamps:00:00 - Amazon sellers hoping Walmart can help00:19 - Ad percentage breakdown on Walmart, Amazon, and Target00:51 - How ads are displayed differently by each platform01:46 - Walmart and Amazon revenue growth compared03:25 - Why Walmart search results are unfair04:47 - Walmart increases ad spots to help smaller brands05:50 - Amazon's shift away from logistics to focus on ads06:44 - How Amazon ads out-earn AWS07:59 - Should sellers invest in Walmart or stay with Amazon?08:46 - Why side-hustling too many platforms is risky09:31 - Walmart takes more effort for less return10:06 - Honest take: Amazon vs Walmart results----------------------------------------------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

DTC Podcast
Ep 541: Mastering the First Second: How Chris Erthel Hooks Attention in Meta Ads

DTC Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 59:56


Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIf you're still sending Meta traffic to a single product page—you're leaving revenue on the table.In this episode of the DTC Podcast, Eric reconnects with global growth strategist Chris Erthel, whose playbook for Meta ads, landing page optimization, and strategic A/B testing has helped eCommerce brands scale from $30M to $100M+ and exit at nine-figure valuations.Chris shares real-world insights from helping 142+ DTC brands and breaks down exactly why collection pages consistently outperform product pages, how to use humor and pattern interruption in the first second of your ad, and why the right discount depth can actually save you money.We also get into:✅ The one change that boosted ROAS and AOV by 20%✅ Why 40% discounts outperform 30% (and reduce ad costs)✅ The 5 ad hook formats that stop scrolls without looking like ads✅ How to pre-seed comments for maximum social proof✅ A roadmap to expand your DTC brand into the Nordics and Poland✅ The real cost of SaaS bloat—and why tools like Omnisend and WeeVee are better bets✅ A 30-second breathwork tool to calm your nervous system before big decisionsWhether you're running media, building funnels, or growing a global brand, this episode is a tactical masterclass on eCommerce growth, international expansion, and creative excellence.Timestamps:00:00 Cold open and common ecom mistakes00:02 Chris's origin story and early wins00:07 Creative focus and the “send to collections” landing page test00:12 First-second hooks that work now00:18 Comment strategy that boosts ROAS00:23 Building a testing culture across the funnel00:25 Creator partnerships driving outsized revenue00:27 Scaling to exit and stronger offers for BFCM00:34 Smart international expansion playbook00:38 AI creative toolchain in one canvas00:41 Email ROI and tool cost comparisons00:46 Big goals, happiness, and breathwork00:53 20 connected breaths demo00:57 Final advice for foundersHashtags:#DTC #Ecommerce #MetaAds #FacebookAds #CreativeStrategy #ABTesting #UGC #BlackFriday #InternationalExpansion #EmailMarketing #Omnisend #Klaviyo #AIinMarketing #RetentionMarketing #LandingPages #CreatorEconomy #ROAS #Podcast 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

Retail Podcast
Five Things Friday EU: TikTok Shop, Amazon Second-Chance, Decathlon City, US Parcels, Zalando Beauty

Retail Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 14:37


Fast EU retail intel: marketplace moves, refurbished economics, urban formats, cross-border shocks, and beauty platform plays.Fnac Darty's TikTok Shop test, Amazon's Second Chance Deal Days across Europe, Decathlon's new “City” format inside Boulanger in Paris, the impact of new US rules on postal parcels from the EU, and Zalando's expansion into beauty with virtual try-on and creator boards.Topics• Fnac Darty joins TikTok Shop to reach younger buyers and test curated seasonal assortments.• Amazon runs “Second Chance Deal Days” across Europe: refurbished/open-box with warranties—resale momentum continues.• Decathlon opens a compact “City” store inside Boulanger in Paris—sports × tech, proximity, services.• New US customs handling for postal goods from the EU—expect disruption for DTC brands using postal networks.• Zalando doubles down on beauty: VTO, 360 product views, creator boards, major brand adds; expansion across Europe.Chapters00:00 Intro & hosts00:58 TikTok Shop (Fnac Darty)03:20 Amazon Second Chance (refurbs)05:46 Decathlon City × Boulanger (Paris)08:53 US postal/de-minimis changes11:05 Zalando Beauty (VTO, creators, expansion)13:46 WrapReferences (links provided by the hosts)https://corporate.zalando.com/en/fashion/how-zalando-redefining-online-beauty-across-europehttps://group.dhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2025/new-us-customs-regulations-temporary-restrictions-on-postal-goods-shipping-to-the-us-for-private-and-business-customers.htmlhttps://be.fashionnetwork.com/en-be/news/In-a-company-first-decathlon-opens-paris-city-store-in-branch-of-electronics-chain-boulanger,1758383.htmlhttps://www.aboutamazon.co.uk/news/sustainability/second-chance-deal-dayshttps://www.ecommercemag.fr/Thematique/retail-1220/strategie-retail-2163/Breves/tiktok-shop-fnac-darty-mise-innovation-confiance-produit-484547.htmCreditsHost: Alex Rezvan. Co-host: AlexandraProduced by The Retail Podcast / RetailNews.ai.Follow the show. Share your take on whether TikTok Shop converts to owned sites, or holds buyers in-app.DisclaimerInformational only. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

The CPG Guys
Scaling a Beverage Startup with HOPWTR's Jordan Bass

The CPG Guys

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2025 41:19


The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Jordan Bass, CEO & co-founder of HOP WTR - a new beverage startup that is scaling quickly. HOP WTR is the hop-infused, non-alcoholic sparkling beverage that's making serious waves in the functional beverage space. Jordan's background spans finance, brand-building, and strategic ops — and with HOP WTR, he's tapped into a white-hot consumer insight: people want to cut back, not miss out. Follow Jordan Bass on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordantbass/Follow HOPWTR on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hopwtr/Follow HOPWTR online at: https://hopwtr.com/Here's what we asked him : Jordan, what inspired the creation of HOP WTR? Was there a specific “aha” moment that sparked the idea? You left a career in finance and business to launch a beverage startup — what pushed you to take that leap?Let's talk about Hopwtr's actual product. How do you balance functionality (like adaptogens and nootropics) with taste and consumer satisfaction?How did you approach flavor development — and what have you learned from early consumer feedback? HOP WTR isn't just non-alcoholic — it's functional. How important is that dual-positioning for your brand?You started DTC but have moved into retail — how have you managed that shift in distribution strategy? What was your first major retail win — and what did it teach you about scaling a beverage brand?How do you think about retail execution in-store vs. online visibility and conversion?What's been the most effective way to build brand awareness in such a competitive category? You've leaned into wellness and lifestyle messaging — how do you ensure authenticity in your branding?How do you think about community? Who is the HOP WTR consumer, and how do you stay connected to them?Where do you see the future of the functional beverage space heading in the next 3–5 years? Are we witnessing a permanent cultural shift around drinking behavior and moderation?What's been your biggest mistake as a founder — and what did it teach you? What advice would you give to other CPG founders entering a crowded category?Finally, What's next for HOP WTR — new flavors, new formats, international expansion?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.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.

Future Commerce  - A Retail Strategy Podcast
The Sports Brand's Guide to Fandom

Future Commerce - A Retail Strategy Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 36:10


Klaviyo has become the de facto personal CRM for eCommerce. Ben Jackson, Managing Director for EMEA, joins us to unpack how brands move beyond campaign calendars into relationship-building at scale. We get into rocketship growth, why attribution is still broken, and how Castore's multi-instance CRM model points to a future where both/and thinking beats false trade-offs.If You're Just Following the Data, You're Following the PastKey takeaways:The marketer's identity crisis: Evolving from channel specialists to customer relationship managers orchestrating holistic experiences.Scale meets personalization: Castore manages 32 Klaviyo instances while maintaining intimate relationships through strategic automation.Attribution's cultural revolution: How brands are moving beyond "either/or" to "both/and" so they can measure immediate performance while building long-term value.Channel affinity intelligence: AI identifies not just preferred channels, but optimal timing to eliminate fatigue."There's not many brands that you would get tattooed on yourself. But if you're a sports fan, if you're a supporter of a national team or a football club... that means you really care about the experience you have with that brand." - Ben Jackson on Castore's passionate customer base"Rather than our reliance being quite heavy on sending out a load of email blasts to try and tick revenue targets... Let's tell those stories. Let's give the customer who we know is already incredibly passionate a reason to be loyal." - Max Holland (Castore) on content-driven relationship building"If you're just following the data, you're following the past. If you're following the competition, you're following what everybody else has done, and it's really difficult to differentiate if you're gonna do that." - Ben Jackson on creative marketing philosophy"Some of the impact you have as a marketer today, typically you take credit for the success in that moment. But some of it is about building that brand, building that customer experience... that doesn't just last for that point of one transaction. It kind of lasts over years." - Ben Jackson on long-term value thinkingIn-Show Mentions:Castore - Athletic wear brand managing 32 Klaviyo instances for partner teams and clubsRory Sutherland - Behavioral economist discussing explore/exploit marketing philosophyK London - Klaviyo's European conference with 1,500 attendees and waiting listAssociated 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!

DTC Podcast
Ep 540: Using Halloween as Q4 Prep: Pilothouse's Aves on Creative Seasonal Ads

DTC Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 20:23


Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIn this episode of All Killer No Filler, host Eric Dyck brings on Aves from Pilothouse and Ad‑Venturous to unpack how Halloween creatively primes brands for Q4 success.Key insights you'll get:How subtle seasonal signals—like leaves, emojis, earthy color palettes—increase ad engagement across categoriesWhy Halloween campaigns serve as strategic rehearsal for holiday launches and promo roadmappingWhen to dial back on heavy weekend sales in favor of lead‑in drops ahead of Q4The difference between taste and discernment when using AI in creative strategyTimestamps00:00 – Halloween shopping trends and early product drops02:10 – Boo baskets, nostalgia, and making products feel seasonal04:20 – Using colors, emojis, and small tweaks to boost click-through rates07:05 – Leveraging Halloween promos to prep for Q4 campaigns10:30 – Pricing strategies and early Black Friday deal positioning13:20 – Using AI in creative strategy and maintaining critical thinking skills15:40 – Taste vs. discernment: where humans win over AI in marketingHashtags#DTCMarketing #SpookySeason2025 #HalloweenMarketing #EcommerceStrategy #AdCreative #BlackFridayPrep #MarketingPodcast #DigitalMarketing #CreativeStrategy #AllKillerNoFiller 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

The DTC Insider
How Lion Pose Got Into Sephora Before Having a Product

The DTC Insider

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 55:46


In this episode of The DTC Insider podcast, Brian Roisentul sits down with Madhu Punjabi, co-founder and CEO of Lion Pose. Before building a skincare brand that landed in Sephora, Madhu held key roles at Google, Pinterest, and Meta—experiences that shaped how she builds today.Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:Madhu's early career at Google, Pinterest, and MetaLessons from launching products at big tech companiesWhy she left to become a founder before having an ideaBuilding and selling her first company in infant formulaCo-founding Lion Pose and targeting Sephora from day oneThe “questions framework” she learned at Meta and still usesThe realities of being a founder vs. corporate lifeDefining passion in business and why it mattersChallenges of today's DTC environment: rising costs, tougher acquisition, thinner marginsThe importance of retention, customer insights, and knowing your numbersFind more episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.--This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR Digital, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visit their website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or book a call ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs
Your #1 Marketing Opportunity Is Sitting Right in Your Warehouse

Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 31:13


Discover how packaging is your #1 marketing opportunity with 100% open rates. Learn from Arka's founder how to turn every shipment into growth.For more on Arka and show notes click here.  Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

My Amazon Guy
How These Sellers Got Real Results on Amazon Without Doing It All Themselves

My Amazon Guy

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 2:44


Send us a textAmazon sellers share how expert support helped them fix critical issues and grow their business. Testimonials include account reinstatement, faster resolutions, and improved listings across vendor and seller accounts. Watch how outsourcing gave these brands real results without the stress of managing it all.If you're an Amazon seller who wants real growth without the stress, book a call and let us handle the hard part: https://bit.ly/4jMZtxu#AmazonSupport #EcommerceGrowth #AmazonSellers #OutsourcingAmazon #SellerHelpWatch these videos on YouTube: From 0 to 100k a Month - Jeffrey I Valen Testimonial of My Amazon Guy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gNhMGzr6ZI&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_ZKCwqsFEaR0fm37L6yabg4&index=2$87 Spend $1000 Monthly Revenue with PPC Hack, Coaching Testimonial of My Amazon Guy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atTQQqV9TeE&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_ZKCwqsFEaR0fm37L6yabg4&index=1-----------------------------------------------Tired of marketplace limits? Let's talk real growth with DTC strategy: https://bit.ly/4kOz6rrStop wasting ad spend. Grab the PPC guide that actually drives results: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXRank higher and sell faster, get the SEO tools built for real growth: https://bit.ly/3JyMDGoBe ready before problems hit, download the kit every brand should have: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0Timestamps00:00 - Real Seller Experiences Working With an Agency00:17 - From Amazon Beginner to Confident Seller00:31 - Fast Support and Resolution on Amazon Issues00:46 - Avoiding Headaches With Outsourced Help01:02 - Value Given Before Signing Up01:11 - Overcoming Amazon Shutdowns With Help01:29 - Real Sales Growth After Getting Support01:34 - From Fighting Amazon to Getting Real Revenue01:50 - Making Money in the First Month02:01 - Why Founders Choose to Outsource on Amazon02:19 - 15% Growth in One Year With Support02:32 - Help for Both Vendor and Seller Accounts----------------------------------------------Follow us:LinkedIn: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClQRm0Instagram: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClSmD0Pinterest: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClVJt0Twitter: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClRNd0Subscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClTjw0Apple Podcast: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClPSR0Spotify: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClLQ20Support the show

The Entrepreneur Experiment
EE442 - From Side Hustle to €10M: The Mystery Shirt Story

The Entrepreneur Experiment

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025


In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Rory, the 22-year-old founder of Shirt in a Box, the mystery jersey startup on track to hit €10 million in revenue. What began as a lockdown side hustle selling vintage shirts has exploded into a full-blown e-commerce machine — with 200,000 shirts sold, 2,500 US subscribers, and viral moments like a surprise shoutout from Gary Neville on the UK's biggest football podcast, The Overlap. Rory breaks down how that single moment led to a 5x revenue day, why influencer marketing only works when it's authentic, and how he's pivoted from student entrepreneur to full-time CEO building a creative agency within his business to produce 400+ ad creatives a month. From boxing mishaps and marketing fails to future expansion plans in the US and new sports like basketball, this is an unfiltered look at what it really takes to build and scale a modern DTC brand. “That Gary Neville shoutout was probably worth £150,000 to us… and we didn't even ask him to do it.”

Making It in The Toy Industry
#284: What the End of De Minimis Means for Toy Creators

Making It in The Toy Industry

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 36:00 Transcription Available


For years, international toy sellers had a semi-secret shortcut to ship goods under $800 tariff free. That shortcut? Gone. And if you're not prepared, your business could feel it fast. As of August 29th, the De Minimis Exemption was officially eliminated for many international shipments to the U.S. The change, quietly confirmed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, caused immediate disruption. Over 25 countries (including the UK, Germany, and Japan) paused shipments to reassess compliance. Platforms like Temu and Wish began overhauling logistics, while DTC creators abroad faced surprise duties, delays, and frustrated customers.In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, I'm breaking down what the end of the De Minimis Exemption actually means for creators like you. This change isn't just about shipping fees and forms, it's about who wins, who loses, and how you can thrive in a newly leveled playing field.Using a mind map, I'll guide you through the four big areas impacted by this shift: the immediate chaos it's caused, what strategies and tools are suddenly more valuable, what old tricks are now holding brands back, and who's rising to the top as this new landscape takes shape.This episode is a wake-up call and a strategic roadmap, all in one.Listen for These Important Moments:[00:09:12] - Avoid tariffs and delays. Warehousing in the U.S. now gives you speed, savings, and a serious competitive edge.[00:11:53] - New customs rules are hitting Temu and Shein hard, giving legit brands room to shine and reclaim their sales.[00:21:00] - Stable SKUs and digital add-ons help offset costs and keep products flowing under new import rules.[00:25:50] - Solo sellers outside the U.S. now face bigger delays and thinner margins. Without a warehouse, you're stuck.[00:29:54] - U.S.-based creators, brands with warehousing, and fulfillment partners are leading the pack.Send The Toy Coach Fan Mail!Support the showPopular Masterclass! How To Make & Sell Your Toy IdeasYour Low-Stress, Start-To-Finish Playful Product Launch In 5 Steps >> https://learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

Limited Supply
S13 E9: Real DTC Stories to Learn From

Limited Supply

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 88:36


Nik's known as the DTC Guy…and for good reason.  He and Scott of the Highland Podcast break down some success stories, mishaps, and more of his career in the business. Nik's helped scale some of the most recognizable consumer brands—from Hint Water, Rare Beauty to Taco Bell and Brightland—and in this conversation he opens the playbook on what actually works in modern marketing. What IS the drunk grandma test? It's Nik's favorite tactic: a simple framework that forces brands to strip away jargon and make their value instantly understandable. Plus, hear about the balance between organic and paid growth, the role of creative testing, and the mistakes brands make when scaling too quickly. If you're looking to capture attention and build trust this is the episode for you.  AppLovin is the fastest growing ad platform for DTC brands. It enables brands to run ads in a variety of mobile games, reaching over 150M daily active users in the US and driving measurable performance at scale. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AppLovin Ecommerce Newsletter 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

My Amazon Guy
Your PPC Allocation on Amazon is WRONG - Here's Data on my 400 Brands

My Amazon Guy

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 5:52


Send us a textMost Amazon sellers still follow the outdated 60/30/10 ad spend model, but the real numbers prove otherwise. Sponsored products continue to outperform by a wide margin, while sponsored brands and display ads need a smaller share of your budget. This video breaks down PPC trends based on hundreds of millions in ad spend across thousands of advertisers.Stop burning ad budget, get a full audit and fix your PPC allocation with a strategy that actually works: https://bit.ly/4jMZtxu#AmazonAdvertising #PPCStrategy #EcommerceMarketing #AmazonDSP #adspend Watch these videos on YouTube:Use Brand Analytics to Increase Sales youtube.com/watch?v=HnUKZXZ9uEk&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_b9RMGmU9XeqkI9D7QDOAI8&index=4&utm_content=342074038&utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&hss_channel=ytc-UClUSEsDS2sdgNJfCcCM_5UwSimplify Amazon Listing Compliance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArGPygUCFpk&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_b9RMGmU9XeqkI9D7QDOAI8&index=12-----------------------------------------------Tired of guessing where your ad dollars go? Download our PPC guide and run campaigns that convert: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXYour listings won't rank themselves. Get the SEO toolkit built for sellers who want real traffic: https://bit.ly/3JyMDGoProblems hit hard when you're not ready. Grab the Amazon Crisis Kit now, before you actually need it: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0If you're serious about growth, stop playing small. Book a DTC call and take control of your brand's future: https://bit.ly/4kOz6rrTimestamps00:00 - The Wrong Ad Advice Everyone Is Copying00:20 - Real PPC Spend Data From 400 Brands00:58 - Confirming the Data With Another Agency01:44 - Are You Overspending on Sponsored Display?02:31 - Amazon DSP Is Changing Everything03:22 - Why DSP Traffic Is the Cheapest Traffic Right Now04:00 - Amazon's Strategy Behind Stopping Google Shopping04:45 - Amazon Is Now a Marketing Company05:22 - Final Thoughts: Fixing Your PPC Budget Allocation----------------------------------------------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

Ad Age Marketer's Brief
Using unconventional media strategies and learning from virality, with Manscaped CMO Marcelo Kertesz

Ad Age Marketer's Brief

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 22:57


Kertesz reflects on three years in the CMO role, including how media placements have become a form of creative messaging and how the DTC-born brand is embracing multichannel marketing. Plus, how the brand's “Send Face Pics Instead” went viral.

The Story of a Brand
Tan Organic - The Cleanest Tan You'll Ever Find

The Story of a Brand

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 70:24


I had such an inspiring conversation with Noelle O'Connor, the founder of Tan Organic and Skin Magic. From building one of the cleanest sunless tanning brands in the world to creating a multi-use balm that families can trust, Noelle's story is packed with passion, resilience, and purpose. She opened up about the early struggles of running high-end spas during the recession, the pivotal moment when Simon Sinek helped her discover her “why,” and the values that continue to guide her company today—kindness, gratitude, integrity, quality, and innovation. What I loved most was hearing how Noelle's personal journey is woven into her brands. From overcoming setbacks to insisting on the highest-quality, sustainable ingredients, her drive is contagious.   We also explored the real challenges of competing as an indie brand against global beauty giants, the growing awareness of what we put on our skin, and the exciting growth Tan Organic and Skin Magic are experiencing in the U.S. Here are just a few highlights from our conversation: * How gratitude and kindness shaped Noelle's entrepreneurial journey   * The role of Dragon's Den and a chance meeting with Simon Sinek in launching Tan Organic   * Why clean, organic ingredients cost more—but deliver so much more value   * The story behind Skin Magic's 30+ uses and its recent launch at Costco.com   * Lessons on resilience, asking for help, and staying true to your “why”   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to the episode and discover how Noelle is redefining beauty with purpose-driven brands that care for people, planet, and skin health. For more on Tan Organics, visit: https://tanorganic.com/ For more on Skin Magic, visit: https://www.skinmagic.ie/ 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: Color More Lines: https://www.colormorelines.com/get-started Color More Lines is a team of ex-Amazonians and e-commerce operators who help brands grow faster on Amazon and Walmart. With a performance-based pricing model and flexible contracts, they've generated triple-digit year-over-year growth for established sellers doing over $5 million per year. Use code "STORY OF A BRAND” and receive a complimentary market opportunity assessment of your e-commerce brand and marketplace positioning.    1 Commerce: https://1-commerce.com/story-of-a-brand Scaling a DTC brand becomes harder the bigger you grow, especially when you're limited to 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. 

My Amazon Guy
What's the SECRET to HIGH Converting Amazon Product Images?

My Amazon Guy

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 13:15


Send us a textGrowing sales on Amazon starts with better conversion, and conversion starts with smart design. Main image quality, layout, and clarity directly impact how well listings convert and rank in search. Optimizing product visuals for mobile, including lifestyle shots and clear use cases, turns clicks into purchases. Understanding the customer avatar ensures the listing speaks to the right audience and drives consistent sales.If your CTR is low and conversion's flat, it's time to talk about your product images, let's fix that now: https://bit.ly/4jMZtxuGet instant FREE access to 300 proven Amazon tips and start solving problems faster today: https://bit.ly/4ft3s1w#AmazonSales #AmazonListing #CTRtips #EcommerceStrategy #ProductImagesWatch these videos on YouTube:Amazon PPC Tier List Management Rankings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9s9vjtU5l4&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_a1PRDJWRoR4yIM8K5Ft569&utm_content=342357286&utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&hss_channel=ytc-UClUSEsDS2sdgNJfCcCM_5UwWhy Turning Off Ads Kills Sales and Rankings on Amazon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp5fCd0i7ts&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_a1PRDJWRoR4yIM8K5Ft569&index=2&utm_content=342357286&utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&hss_channel=ytc-UClUSEsDS2sdgNJfCcCM_5Uw-----------------------------------------------Tired of marketplace limits? Let's talk real growth with DTC strategy: https://bit.ly/4kOz6rrStop wasting ad spend. Grab the PPC guide that actually drives results: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXRank higher and sell faster, get the SEO tools built for real growth: https://bit.ly/3JyMDGoBe ready before problems hit, download the crisis kit every brand should have: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0Timestamps00:00 - Why CTR Is the Fastest Way to Grow on Amazon01:01 - How Main Image Affects Clicks and Sales02:41 - The Best Hack to Improve CTR03:58 - The Truth About High Conversion Rates05:29 - Underrated Ad Strategies Like DSP06:59 - Top Image Strategy That Helps Mobile Shoppers08:01 - Why Lifestyle Photos Matter in Product Listings09:30 - The Real Power of Customer Avatars11:12 - The Three-Step Framework to Understand Customers12:54 - Demand vs Co-Op Products: What Drives Design?----------------------------------------------Follow us:LinkedIn: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClQRm0Instagram: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClSmD0Pinterest: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClVJt0Twitter: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClRNd0Subscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClTjw0Apple Podcast: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClPSR0Spotify: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClLQ20Support the show

My Amazon Guy
What's REALLY Happening with Amazon's Google Ads Comeback

My Amazon Guy

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 6:00


Send us a textAmazon is back on Google Ads… sort of. But only outside the U.S. and that move says a lot. With less competition on U.S. Google Shopping, this may be the best shot DTC brands have all year. Lower CPCs and open ad space create a rare moment to test strategy and win market share.Let our team run your Google Ads while Amazon stays out of the way, this window won't stay open: https://bit.ly/3JJLHPCWatch these videos on YouTube:Use Brand Analytics to Increase Sales https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnUKZXZ9uEk&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_b9RMGmU9XeqkI9D7QDOAI8&index=4Simplify Amazon Listing Compliance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArGPygUCFpk&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_b9RMGmU9XeqkI9D7QDOAI8&index=11-----------------------------------------------Capitalize on lower CPCs now, download the PPC guide built for sellers ready to scale off-Amazon: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXWant visibility while Amazon is quiet? Get the SEO toolkit and own your traffic on and off Google: https://bit.ly/3JyMDGoDon't wait for chaos, grab the Amazon Crisis Kit before your traffic or rankings take a hit: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0Amazon pulled back. That's your shot. Book a DTC call and run Google Ads that actually convert: https://bit.ly/4kOz6rrTimestamps00:00 - Amazon Drops Out of Google Shopping Ads00:18 - They're Back... But Only Outside the U.S.00:52 - Why Amazon Is Stress Testing Google Shopping01:37 - Will Amazon Return Before Q4?02:00 - Strategic Shopping Events and Spend Timing02:36 - What This Means for U.S. DTC Brands03:08 - Less Competition = Lower Google Ad Costs03:41 - Why Now Is the Time to Launch Google Ads04:24 - Prepping for Q4 with Early Google Ads05:02 - Where to Learn Google Shopping for DTC Brands05:47 - Final Thoughts on Gaining Market Share Now----------------------------------------------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

Secrets To Scaling Online
Secret Product Launch Strategy TikTok Shop

Secrets To Scaling Online

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 8:11


Work with Jordan personally at www.ecommerceos.coWork with social commerce club at www.socialcommerceclub.comGet 27 strategies in 27 days at https://socialcommerceclub.com/pages/27-strategiesJoin Tiktok shop elites mastermind at https://www.skool.com/tiktokshopelite/aboutUnlock the true power of TikTok Shop for your brand!

CMO Confidential
Scott Lindquist | What Your CFO Wants To Tell You, But Won't

CMO Confidential

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 34:48


CMO Confidential — “What Your CFO Wants to Tell You (But Won't)” with CNA CFO Scott LindquistWhat does a great CFO really think about marketing? Mike Linton sits down with Scott Lindquist—CFO of CNA Financial and former long-time CFO of Farmers—to decode the finance side of brand building, performance spend, and the politics of the boardroom. They cover how CMOs should onboard a new CFO, why “marketing math” wins over skeptics, mistakes to avoid in board presentations, and how insurers used bold brand bets to become category killers.What you'll learn • The four archetypes of CFOs—and how to work with each • Why CFOs who are “joined at the hip” with the CEO think differently about growth • How to explain cost of capital and present value like a marketer (and win budget) • The insurance playbook: brand investment, DTC distribution, and lifetime value • Why every large marketing org needs a Marketing CFO (and how to set it up) • Boardroom pitfalls: jargon, 100-slide decks for 20 minutes, and “draining the slide” • Practical tips for building trust: bring the data, surface bad news early, and speak in outcomesGuestScott Lindquist — Chief Financial Officer, CNA Financial. Former CFO, Farmers Insurance. Started at PwC and has led finance through growth, turnarounds, and public-company scrutiny.HostMike Linton — Former CMO of Best Buy, eBay, and Farmers; former CRO of Ancestry. Host of CMO Confidential, the #1 CMO show on YouTube.Who should watchCMOs, CEOs, CFOs, board members, founders, and marketing leaders who need tighter finance alignment and clearer ROI storytelling.Brought to you by TypefaceLegacy marketing tools weren't built for AI. Typeface is the first multimodal, agentic AI marketing platform that turns one idea into thousands of on-brand assets—across ads, email, and video—while integrating with your MarTech stack and meeting enterprise-grade security needs. See how brands like ASICS and Microsoft accelerate content at scale: typeface.ai/cmo.—If you're enjoying the show, please like, comment, and subscribe. New episodes every Tuesday; companion newsletter with the top insights every Friday.#CMOConfidential #CFO #MarketingROI #BrandBuilding #B2BMarketingCMO Confidential, Mike Linton, Scott Lindquist, CNA Financial, Farmers Insurance, CFO, CMO, marketing CFO, finance and marketing alignment, cost of capital, present value, marketing math, LTV, lifetime value, CAC, board presentations, brand valuation, insurance marketing, DTC insurance, Geico, Progressive, performance marketing, media spend, marketing ROI, budgeting, enterprise marketing, MarTech, agentic AI, Typeface AI, ASICS, Microsoft, PwC, executive leadership, C-suite, category strategy, growth strategy, B2B marketing, B2C marketing, onboarding a CFO, sponsorships, vendor management, marketing governance, data-driven marketing, brand building, boardroom communication, enterprise security, AI marketing platformSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

TD Ameritrade Network
How the End of De Minimis is Significantly Impacting Global Trade

TD Ameritrade Network

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 6:58


Ted Rossman explains the “de minimis” exemption, which ended on Friday, and how it will impact trade. The exemption allowed international orders under $800 to bypass tariffs. He considers it a significant move for businesses and consumers, with many relying on it to keep costs down. It is “upending” the business models of high volume, low price foreign retailers, and many foreign postal services have temporarily stopped shipping to the U.S. in confusion. Ted previews what this could mean for the holiday shopping season, both for bigger retailers and DTC operators.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

Food Chained
Nate Rosen, Founder at Express Checkout

Food Chained

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 46:45


Nate is the Founder at Express Checkout, a newsletter covering all things CPG, one of the most respected voices in CPG, and a friend to all. WHAT WE GO OVER:Newtopia NowSharing booths at tradeshowsNate's favorite brandsSome hot take acquisition predictionsNate's thoughts on Pepsi's new gut health sodasCONNECT WITH US:Connect with Vasa on LinkedInConnect with Nate on LinkedInPerfy's websiteCPGSPN by Growthbuster, a CPG newsletter with a sports themeSubscribe to Express CheckoutSPONSOR:Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster. Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage brands and local businesses grow. Check out Growthbuster's newsletter, CPGSPN here. 

Cloud 9 Podcast
Charm.io: Turning DTC Brand Data into High-Value Leads

Cloud 9 Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 22:45


This episode of the Transform Sales Podcast, Sales Software Review Series, features Alex Nisenzon, CEO at Charm.io. Alex explains how Charm.io helps agencies, logistics providers, and sales teams discover and analyze over 4 million direct-to-consumer brands worldwide. Unlike broad sales intelligence platforms, Charm.io tracks social growth, engagement, ad activity, product assortment, and revenue signals so teams can spot high-potential brands at the right stage for outreach. Charm.io is simple to set up, integrates with CRMs, and generates dynamic lead lists that update automatically. Agencies using the platform have booked five times more discovery calls in their first month by focusing only on the brands that are growing, engaged, and ready to scale. Try Charm.io here: https://software.cloudtask.com/charm-io-1eab7c #leadmining #DTC #salesprospecting #salessoftware #ecommercegrowth #charmio

Marketing Operators
How Halfdays Turned Community into a Growth Engine - with CEO Ariana Ferwerda

Marketing Operators

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 86:55


In today's episode, we're joined by Ariana Ferwerda, co-founder and CEO of Halfdays, to unpack the strategy and philosophy behind building a true community-first DTC brand, and why that approach has worked so well for them.Ariana shares her journey of launching a brand that struck product-market fit in its first season and grew 10x from their first to second season. We dive into the how and why behind Halfdays' community-led approach - from the early customer insight that shaped their brand mission, to how they took a different path than the typical early-stage DTC playbook, and how that thinking informs their approach to growth.She shares what it actually looks like to operationalize community at scale, from their ambassador model to how they decide when to lean on community, and when to tap into performance or influencer marketing instead.We also get into how they measure the impact of community-led initiatives, what brands often get wrong when they jump into community without a clear reason, and when leading with community simply isn't the right fit - plus much more.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 Introduction 12:46 Ariana's Journey to Half Days22:57 Product Market Fit and Growth Strategies33:07 The Importance of Community in Brand Strategy45:18 Activating Community: Events and Engagement01:00:20 Measuring Community Impact and SuccessPowered 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/

Honest eCommerce
345 | Finding Hidden Opportunities in Customer Behavior | with Sam Shames

Honest eCommerce

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 23:06


Sam Shames is the Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Embr Labs, the company behind the Embr Wave: a wristband that heats and cools to help people manage comfort, sleep, stress, and hot flashes.What started as a project in an MIT prototyping competition turned into a 12-year journey building a hardware company from scratch. Along the way, Sam and his co-founders grew Embr Labs to 200,000+ units sold, $50M+ in lifetime revenue, and $66M in venture funding. A $100K Kickstarter goal became $630K in sales, powered by a loyal community they engaged long before launch.Sam's path blends technical innovation with customer-driven growth. From proving the science behind their product, to surviving on $2K a month while raising capital, to pivoting into a hardware subscription model, he's learned what it really takes to scale an ecommerce hardware brand.Whether you're building a DTC product, validating a new idea, or evolving your business model to better serve customers, Sam offers an unfiltered look at the grind, the pivots, and the lessons behind turning a student prototype into a category-defining company.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:42] Intro[01:03] Sharing early lessons in subscription[01:34] Connecting through founder communities[02:26] Brainstorming solutions to real pain points[03:21] Receiving thousands of customer emails[03:58] Deciding to sell when demand was clear[04:52] Realizing experience changes decisions[05:14] Understanding the customer segments[06:34] Raising angel and pre-seed funding[07:41] Building community through early feedback[08:53] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap, Grow[12:05] Preparing manufacturing before crowdfunding[14:10] Adapting playbooks as channels change[15:36] Spotting misalignment in value capture[18:00] Screening customers to limit fraud[19:08] Partnering with experts on subscriptions[19:51] Highlighting temperature as a daily pain point[21:32] Showing value instantly on first tryResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubePersonal temperature control embrlabs.com/Follow Sam Shames linkedin.com/in/samshamesSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestThe Premier Conference for Ecommerce Operators joingrow.comIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

IDEAS+LEADERS
261. Scaling eCommerce Smarter - Matthew Stafford

IDEAS+LEADERS

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 25:39


In the episode 261 of the IDEAS+LEADERS podcast, I sit down with Matthew Stafford, Managing Partner at Build Grow Scale and a veteran entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience building businesses across industries. From brick-and-mortar stores to SaaS and DTC brands, Matthew has seen it all - and helped hundreds of eCommerce companies cross the $1M and even $10M revenue milestones.We dive deep into:The biggest leadership lessons from 3 decades of entrepreneurshipThe most common conversion killers in eCommerce todayHow to increase sales without increasing ad spendUsing buyer psychology and data-driven insights to boost performanceWhy conversion doesn't stop at the sale - and how to turn buyers into loyal fansIf you're leading a startup or scaling a global brand, this conversation is packed with strategies you can apply right away to grow smarter, not just bigger.

DTC Podcast
Ep 539: How Proov Turned Hormone Testing into a Scalable DTC Platform

DTC Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 36:03


Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupDr. Amy Beckley shares how her personal fertility struggles and scientific background led her to create Proov—a direct‑to‑consumer hormone testing platform that helps women measure PdG (progesterone metabolite), LH, estrogen, and FSH at home. The test, paired with a mobile app, provides an Ovulation Score and personalized guidance, aiming to shift women's health from reactive to proactive.Key Insights:Hormone imbalance affects ~80% of women (PMS, PCOS, infertility, perimenopause). Proov enables these women to spot issues early.Pioneer in FDA‑cleared PdG testing and companion app delivering quantitative hormone data.Early adopters came from fertility awareness communities—not what Amy expected, but critical to traction.Healthcare is not proactive—Proov aims to fill that gap with data, empowerment, and streamlined care via digital prescription options.Business strategy: Lean launch, Amazon traction, VC funding, packaging, internal app team (rather than outsourcing), community listening.Why It Matters for DTC & Founders:A real example of transforming personal pain into scalable DTC medical tech.Demonstrates the push-and-pull between Amazon's convenience and owning the customer via an app/email funnel.Exemplifies iterative product development, regulatory rigor, and educational storytelling in complex health markets.Timestamps:00:00 — Breaking Healthcare & The Birth of Proov02:00 — Amy's Journey: Miscarriages, Science & Building the Product04:00 — Understanding Hormones, Fertility & Proactive Testing08:00 — Fertility Challenges, IVF Costs & Industry Gaps12:00 — Finding Early Adopters & Gaining Traction Through Communities16:00 — Birth Control, Hormonal Imbalances & Long-Term Impacts20:00 — Fundraising, Amazon Strategy & Owning the Customer26:00 — Marketing Challenges, Education & Growing Awareness30:00 — Building the Proov App & Scaling Technology32:00 — Future Growth Plans, Proactive Hormone Health & MissionHashtags:#DTCpodcast #Proov #FertilityAwareness #HormoneHealth #WomenInBusiness #HealthcareInnovation #DTCbrands #AmazonStrategy #StartupGrowth #WomensHealth 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

eCommerce Fuel
The 30-minute Wholesale Crash Course that Will Free You from Meta, Amazon and Google

eCommerce Fuel

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 30:23


What if the key to explosive growth wasn't a killer ad strategy, but getting out of DTC entirely? In this episode, I'm joined by Jared Mehr, Sales Director at Pura Vida Bracelets, who helped scale the brand's wholesale channel to over $35 million a year. Now, he's teaching other eCommerce brands how to win big in wholesale without sacrificing their margins or their sanity. Listen in as we talk about how Pura Vida went from zero wholesale revenue to landing major accounts like Nordstrom, what most brands get wrong about wholesale, and why it's not just for “big” companies. Jared also shares his playbook for making your brand irresistible to retail buyers, how to prep for trade shows, and the exact tools he recommends to manage wholesale ops. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4oCsDmu Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

Future Commerce  - A Retail Strategy Podcast
The Sociology of Anthropologie

Future Commerce - A Retail Strategy Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 37:33


In a retail landscape obsessed with speed and conversion, Anthropologie has mastered something far more elusive: cultural alchemy. How do you transform a fleeting TikTok trend into a cross-category empire spanning everything from ceramic lamps to cashmere sweaters? COO Candan Erenguc reveals the operational artistry behind turning cultural moments into commerce gold, and why connection always trumps conversion. The Genius Behind That Viral DressKey takeaways:Community over conversion - Building authentic customer relationships drives long-term success more than short-term sales optimizationCultural instinct beats data - When responding to viral moments and cultural trends, intuition often signals opportunities before data can catch upChoice trumps speed - Customers value optionality in how, when, and where they receive products more than just fast deliveryLocalized curation wins - Store-specific assortments based on neighborhood demographics and customer needs drive expansion successCross-category trend application - Scaling cultural moments across diverse product categories (from eccentric lamps to dog sweaters) maximizes trend participation[00:03:13] "[Our merchant teams] are ahead of the curve, predicting trends. And if I may be so bold, they're influencing trends." - Candan[00:05:53] "It's symbiotic. Our goal is to give customers what they want. But I think …sometimes they don't know yet what they want." - Candan[00:20:04] "Connection over conversion. You build the connection, everything else will come." - Candan[00:16:41] "I don't think that the most important thing is speed. I think the most important thing is choice." - Candan[00:19:43] "We're also at a time where people are much more savvy than we give them credit for." - PhillipIn-Show Mentions:Listen to Mindy Massey, Anthropologie Global Director of Stores, on the latest season of Step By Step.Associated 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!

My Amazon Guy
Missed Our Masterclass? Here's a Compilation of Top Amazon Optimization Tips

My Amazon Guy

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 110:42


Send us a textMissed the latest webinars and strategy sessions? This replay brings together live listing reviews, conversion audits, and click-through rate breakdowns in one masterclass. Sellers will see real examples of Amazon product image issues, title problems, and missed ranking opportunities. Learn what actually drives performance through real-time strategy tips and live ASIN feedback.If your ASIN isn't converting, request a free video audit and find out exactly why: https://bit.ly/43NH7GC#AmazonListing #AmazonOptimization #EcommerceStrategy #AmazonCTR Watch these videos on YouTube:You're Losing DTC Sales Over These Simple Mistakes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRUl0QIPuj8&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_YEKE1B5o1uhbBm1QQcPzmY&index=8Amazon Is Spying on Your DTC Site Right Now! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiw06RkO6no&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_YEKE1B5o1uhbBm1QQcPzmY&index=13-------------------------------------------------Running ads with no results? Download our PPC guide and stop throwing money at the wall: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXMissing traffic? Our SEO toolkit shows what your listings are missing, and how to fix it fast: https://bit.ly/457zjSlYour brand is too good to be hidden, book a DTC strategy call and reach customers directly: https://bit.ly/4kOz6rrCrises kill momentum. Grab the Amazon Crisis Kit before your next product issue hits: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0Timestamps00:00 - Why Your Listing Might Be Losing Sales01:15 - The First Thing to Check on Your Amazon Listing02:16 - Main Image Is the First Conversion Driver03:54 - Common Image Mistakes That Hurt Your Ranking05:46 - Title Format That Can Lower Click-Through Rates07:10 - Why Secondary Images Are Wasted Potential09:00 - Main Image Violations That Risk Suppression10:20 - Showing What the Product Actually Does12:00 - Text Size Problems on Product Images13:34 - The Impact of Conversion Rate Differences15:00 - Better Packaging Presentation in Main Images17:00 - Updating Image Stacks to Support Sales19:00 - Clickthrough Strategy Using Search Query Data21:00 - Product Packaging vs. Expectation for Main Image23:30 - Real Example of Underperforming Listing Fix26:00 - Category Errors and Their Sales Impact28:30 - Why Click-Through Rate Should Be Prioritized31:00 - SEO Tips from Reviewing Real Listings34:00 - Importance of Image Consistency in Variations36:30 - Split Parentage Strategy for Better Visibility40:00 - Watch Out for Broken Parentage Issues43:00 - Large Drop-offs in Purchase Journey45:00 - Listing Text vs. What Shoppers Actually Read48:00 - What's Allowed in Main Images (According to Amazon)51:00 - Understanding Strategy vs. Guesswork54:00 - Audit Checklist to Find Listing Gaps57:00 - How to Use Search Query Performance Data59:00 - Matching Strategy With Actual Business Goals1:02:00 - How to Increase Clicks Without Changing Price1:06:00 - Why Most Sellers Are Guessing at Strategy1:08:00 - Using Brand Tailored Promotions With Intent1:11:00 - Customer Journey Insights You're Probably Ignoring1:15:00 - How Lifetime Value Changes Strategy1:17:00 - How Audience Targeting Impacts ROI1:20:00 - Understanding Where Your Funnel Is Broken1:22:00 - When Is a Coupon Strategic and When It's Just Lazy1:25:00 - Account Management Tips for Scaling1:28:00 - Gold Panning Campaigns for Cheaper CPC1:31:00 - SEO Rotation and Keyword Timing1:34:00 - Rufus, Cosmo, and Amazon's AI Push1:38:00 - Listing Optimization Isn't Just for Beginners1:40:00 - Main Image CTR Still Dominates PerformanceSupport the show

The Andrew Faris Podcast
From $6.5M Debt To Cash Flow: A Turnaround Playbook (With Richie Mashiko From She's Birdie)

The Andrew Faris Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 49:33


MORE STAFFINGRecruit, onboard, and train incredible virtual professionals in the Philippines with my friends at More Staffing by visiting ⁠https://morestaffing.co/af⁠. INTELLIGEMSIntelligems brings A/B testing to business decisions beyond copy and design. Test your pricing, shipping charges, free shipping thresholds, offers, SaaS tools, and more by clicking here: https://bit.ly/42DcmFl. Get 20% off the first 3 months with code FARIS20.//Richie Mashiko is the CEO of She's Birdie and the Head of Beacon, a division of Iris Financial that does fractional financial consulting for DTC brands. Email Richie at richie@irisfinance.co.//A brutally transparent turnaround story. Richie Mashiko walks through how he took She's Birdie from a $3M loss and $6.5M in obligations to an operationally disciplined business paying down debt—without Meta ads. We break down the debt stack, negotiation order, cash-flow forecasting, and the exact operating changes that created free cash to service creditors.What you'll learn fast:- Debt triage that works: Prioritizing bank lines with personal guarantees, restructuring MCAs, sequencing suppliers and vendors, and why lawsuits are rarely the optimal path for counterparties.- Cash-flow clarity: How a weekly cash-flow model drives decisions and sets realistic paydown schedules.- Opex rightsizing: Cutting bloat from ~$500K/month to ~$75K, what to cut first, and how to preserve core capabilities.- Ad spend discipline: Turning off losing channels, operating with Amazon ads only, and rebuilding profitability before scale.- Unit economics that fund the plan: 90% landed margin before fulfillment, ~30% all-in cost of delivery, and why high margin + favorable terms enable rapid debt reduction.- Supplier terms that matter: 25% deposit, 75% net-120 after cargo-ready—how to negotiate (and keep) terms through a downturn.- Operator mindset: Replace vanity growth with durable free cash flow; define “winning” as consistent distributions, not fantasy exits.If you're feeling margin pressure, stuck in growth-at-all-costs habits, or unclear on your balance sheet, this episode gives you a concrete operating playbook you can adapt immediately.//CHAPTER TITLES:00:02:10 - The Rescue Mission Of She's Birdie 00:05:06 - Initial Growing Pains Post Covid (Product Development)00:11:49 - How We Almost Got Bought By Amazon00:16:55 - Breaking Down The Balance Sheet00:22:46 - Keeping The Bank From Freezing Assets00:24:05 - Operational Vs. Finance Challenges00:31:17 - Bad Ad Dollars00:35:20 - Manufacturing Terms00:40:19 - The Secret Sauce//SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL FOR 2X/WEEKLY UPLOADS!//ADMISSIONGet the best media buying training on the Internet + a free coaching call with Common Thread Collective's media buyers when you sign up for ADmission here: ⁠⁠https://www.youradmission.co/andrew-faris-podcast⁠//FOLLOW UP WITH ANDREW X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/andrewjfaris ⁠Email: podcast@ajfgrowth.comWork with Andrew: ⁠https://ajfgrowth.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

DTC Podcast
Ep 538: How to Deploy UGC, CGC, and EGC in Your Paid Strategy | AKNF Preview of Ad-Venturous

DTC Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 31:15


Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIn this DTC Podcast preview, we're featuring an episode from Ad-Venturous — our performance creative podcast hosted by Pilothouse strategist Avery Valerio.In Episode 11, Avery breaks down the big three content types you need to master: User-Generated Content (UGC), Creator-Generated Content (CGC), and Employee-Generated Content (EGC). You'll walk away with a clear sense of when to use each — and how to do it effectively.Inside the episode:The real differences between UGC, CGC, and EGC (and why it matters)Tips for briefing creators and making content worth watchingWhy EGC is emerging as a scalable trust-builder and underrated creative toolIf you're sourcing or producing performance creative at scale, this is required listening.Search "Ad-Venturous" in your podcast app and subscribe for weekly episodes on creative strategy that converts.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Creator Content Types02:00 - Why UGC Matters and How to Use It Effectively06:00 - Building Community Through Authentic Customer Content14:00 - Creator Generated Content (CGC) Strategy and Best Practices22:00 - Employee Generated Content (EGC) and How It Drives Trust & Reach28:00 - Final Insights on Mixing UGC, CGC, and EGC for Brand GrowthHashtags:#UGC #CGC #EGC #AdventurousPodcast #DTCMarketing #ContentStrategy #SocialMediaMarketing #CreatorContent #DigitalAdvertising #MarketingInsights 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

How I Built This with Guy Raz
Advice Line with Tim Ferriss

How I Built This with Guy Raz

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 46:06


Entrepreneur, author, and podcaster Tim Ferriss joins Guy on the Advice Line to answer questions from three early-stage founders. Plus, Tim shares the inspiration behind his latest venture, Coyote— a 10-minute card game that encourages time spent with friends and family.First, Lauryn from San Francisco asks about the best way to scale her biodegradable ear plugs in two very different directions. Then Emily from Kansas City weighs whether DTC or wholesale is where to focus her accessory brand after Taylor Swift wore one of her rings and sales exploded. And finally, Kimberley in Woolwich, Maine wonders how to incentivize her customers to pre-order her high-quality, sustainable, clothing. Thank you to the founders of Gob, EB & Co, and K. Becker Designs for being a part of our show.If you'd like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you'd like answered. Send a voice memo to hibt@id.wondery.com or call 1-800-433-1298.And be sure to listen to Tim Ferriss's founding story as told by Tim on the show in 2020. This episode was produced by Noor Gill with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by Andrea Bruce. Our audio engineer was Cena Loffredo.You can follow HIBT on Twitter & Instagram and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at guyraz.com and on Substack.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

My Amazon Guy
After 2,143 LinkedIn Posts, Top 10 Most Liked Topics Amazon Sellers Care About - Steven Pope

My Amazon Guy

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 11:29


Send us a textTop performing social content shows what matters most to Amazon sellers. From seller support issues to SEO updates, every post tells a real-world story. Topics include listing optimization, buy box hacks, PPC tips, intern hiring, and common burnout issues.Join convo https://www.linkedin.com/posts/steven-pope_this-marks-my-2143rd-linkedin-post-i-counted-activity-7361303118246023170-as9J?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAZWlSEBXrNiPxWkHNlrep9yF9xTZ7fI2YkLinks to to posts:1️⃣ Fixing Seller Support — 600 Likeshttps://lnkd.in/gbZYUX3aMy 5-step plan to radically overhaul Amazon's broken support system.2️⃣ Optimized Listing Blueprint — 562 Likeshttps://lnkd.in/gR9-PAuYSee exactly what a high-converting Amazon listing looks like.3️⃣ New Seller Top 3 Tips — 556 Likeshttps://lnkd.in/gwd6rCKzThe 3 essentials every new seller must master to succeed.4️⃣ The Lambo Lesson — 541 Likeshttps://lnkd.in/gTRYHQApHow buying a Lamborghini unexpectedly became a business magnet.5️⃣ Buy Box Cheat Sheet — 532 Likeshttps://lnkd.in/gW-tspawWhat really determines who wins the Amazon Buy Box.6️⃣ CTR Magic for SEO — 519 Likeshttps://lnkd.in/g_26RBqEWhy Click-Through Rate might be your #1 SEO growth lever on Amazon.7️⃣ Keyword Pyramid Method — 486 Likeshttps://lnkd.in/gZq3PDG6Simplified system for organizing keywords for SEO & PPC campaigns.8️⃣ Family Legacy Brands — 447 Likeshttps://lnkd.in/g83kxHA2My plan to give each of my kids a profitable Amazon brand at 18.9️⃣ Hiring 50 Amazon Interns — 440 Likeshttps://lnkd.in/gNK87QVBCreating opportunities for the next generation of Amazon pros.

The Data Minute
The Future of VC-Backed Fintech | Drew Glover, Founder and Managing Partner, Fiat Ventures and Fiat Growth

The Data Minute

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 52:19


On this episode of The Data Minute, Peter sits down with Drew Glover, founder and managing partner at Fiat Ventures and Fiat Growth, for a wide-ranging conversation on what's next in fintech and what founders actually want from their investors.They dive into how fintech is moving from DTC chaos into quietly powerful B2B infrastructure, why capital is no longer a moat, and how AI may turn traditionally “unsexy” industries into VC-ready moonshots. Drew shares how Fiat combines strategic capital and operational firepower, why most products change after seed funding, and what VCs should be underwriting instead.This one is founder-forward, fund-sharp, and full of insight into where fintech, and early-stage VC, is going next.Subscribe to Carta's weekly Data Minute newsletter: https://carta.com/subscribe/data-newsletter-sign-up/Explore interactive startup and VC data, with Carta's Data Desk: https://carta.com/data-desk/Chapters:01:35 – Why fintech's rollercoaster is (maybe) headed back up03:20 – From growth at all costs to sustainable strategy04:45 – The emotional weight of money06:30 – Fintech is everywhere08:15 – The founder–capital–consumer triangle is shifting09:10 – How Fiat “underwrites” with data from 300+ growth clients10:50 – What Fiat looks for in a founder12:00 – Obsession > expertise13:40 – Drew's fintech investing thesis in the AI era15:15 – Can AI unlock investability in “unsexy” sectors like HVAC and services?16:40 – Are we about to lose a whole tier of founders to lifestyle design?18:15 – Runway > headcount: why startup raises aren't shrinking19:00 – Capital is not the moat20:14 – Strategic capital wins deals: how Fiat preempts rounds21:10 – What “capital plus” means in early-stage VC today22:42 – Where does all that early-stage funding actually go?23:45 – Why founders need to become founders-as-influencers26:20 – Thought leadership advice for the technical or hesitant founder27:10 – People buy from you, not the brand28:45 – AI-native companies = raise big, move first, win fast29:50 – User loyalty, moats, and the AI ecosystem play31:05 – Fintech exits today? Chime isn't a blueprint—it's a relic32:30 – New fintech liquidity paths: acquisitions and stablecoins34:12 – Infra is cool again: why debt markets are getting VC attention36:18 – Public vs. private comps: who really feels the correction37:45 – Do early-stage fintech founders understand capital markets?38:26 – Laddering out: going beyond beachhead personas39:23 – Why Drew hates TAM slides (but still expects them)40:35 – Vision over product: why thesis alignment matters more41:12 – Fiat Ventures and Fiat Growth: how the relationship works42:42 – How Fund I turned client signals into conviction44:15 – Focus is the moat, even when it's tempting to chase hype45:17 – Advice to younger Drew: do we need more VCs?46:25 – Being a founder–GP is harder than it looks47:12 – Why LPs push focus48:10 – How Fiat thinks about fund size vs. fund stage49:15 – Why GPs shouldn't optimize for management fees50:07 – Reserve strategy, conviction, and when to bet once50:52 – Final take: VC is the best seat in businessThis presentation contains general information only and eShares, Inc. dba Carta, Inc. (“Carta”) is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services, and is for informational purposes only.  This presentation is not a substitute for such professional advice or services nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business or interests. © 2025 eShares, Inc., dba Carta, Inc.

Screw it, Just Do it
The Best Global Beauty Expansion Strategy with Rodial's Maria Hatzistefanis

Screw it, Just Do it

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 13:57


When the world shut down, Maria Hatzistefanis doubled down. In this episode, I sat down with the founder of Rodial and Nip+Fab, who shared exactly how she pivoted during the pandemic, scaled her beauty empire to 35 countries, and leveraged both old-school trade shows and new-school DTC strategies to build a global brand.Maria gets honest about the reality of expanding into international markets, the unexpected complexity of going truly global, and what it takes to stay relevant in an industry built on constant reinvention. Whether you're selling skincare or software, the lessons here are universal: stay close to your customer, stay curious, and be ready to evolve.Key Takeaways:Trade shows were instrumental in Rodial's early global strategy.Digital marketing and DTC became essential after losing wholesale revenue.Maria's shift to Instagram Stories helped her connect directly with customers.Success came from listening to market-specific needs (e.g. product formulations for Asia vs. the US).Hiring local teams is non-negotiable for successful international expansion.

The Juice with Jess
Episode 74 | Why B2B and DTC Both Need a CX Reality Check with Michael Bair of Bair Consulting

The Juice with Jess

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 55:59


This week, I sat down with my good friend Michael Bair, founder of Bair Consulting, to unpack what really separates good CX in B2B from the DTC playbook, and why both worlds have a lot to learn from each other.We cover B2B SaaS, enterprise customer success, DTC retention, and why too many brands still treat CX like an afterthought. Michael gets real about why B2B companies ignore brand at their own risk, what DTC can steal from SaaS (hint: product obsession), how subscription churn compares to six-figure SaaS contracts, the rise and overhype of AI in CX, and why empathy and product knowledge will always be the secret sauce of customer success.If you're leading a CX team, building SaaS, or trying to scale a consumer brand, this episode is packed with hard-won insights from two people who've lived on both sides of the table.Listen now for the truth about B2B vs DTC CX, retention that actually works, and what “fractional” really means when you're in the trenches with founders.

SaaS Fuel
Reinventing Snack Foods: How Innovation Balances Health & Taste | Josh Sizemore | 314

SaaS Fuel

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 40:57


In this episode of SaaS Fuel, host Jeff Mains sits down with serial entrepreneur and strategic executive Josh Sizemore, a powerhouse in building and scaling consumer brands in retail, CPG, wellness, and ecommerce. Drawing from decades of experience (including billion-dollar brands and innovative startups), Josh reveals the realities of taking niche health products to household names—without losing your brand's soul or becoming just another “me-too” in a crowded market.The conversation uncovers the art and science of brand storytelling, making the leap from DTC to retail, the power of deep versus wide expansion, the importance of authentic leadership, and how to avoid the pitfalls of solo decision-making and delegation. Josh gets candid about his journey launching a premium water brand, the value of grit in founder storytelling, navigating retail growth, keys to scaling SaaS marketplaces, and the ever-present challenge of knowing when to sell or double down.Whether you're a SaaS founder, a CPG upstart, or growing any high-integrity brand, this episode is loaded with actionable insights on leading powerfully, communicating clearly, and building market momentum that lasts.Key Takeaways00:00 AI, Innovation, and Mindset Shift06:35 Boost Product Sales with Sampling07:38 Slow and Steady Market Expansion11:24 Effective Virtual Communication Tools16:24 Water Donation and Distribution Initiative18:24 "Authentic Storytelling in Branding"23:00 "Original New York Salsa Success"27:00 Entrepreneurship Patience and Resilience30:05 High-End Retail Venture Story32:49 Founders' Delegation Challenges35:48 Instincts and Delegation39:31 Entrepreneurial Journeys in InnovationTweetable QuotesIf a distributor wants you but the retailers don't want you, then they're not going to bring you in. If a retailer wants you and then, but you don't have distribution to that retailer, well how are you going to get there? So it's gotta all kind of work in synchronous, you know, together and kind of synchronize itself up." - Josh Sizemore"you have to just stick to the play of slow and steady until you, you know, until you have the, the capital and the resources to hire 100 people or whatever to get to those stores." - Josh Sizemore"when you're not communicating directly to somebody, you have to be super, like, aware of, okay, does this text sound kind of even killed or is it over the top, or is it underwhelming when you send those communications through virtually?" - Josh Sizemore"just make sure that whoever it is is authentic. They're coming from a perspective of grit and grind." - Josh SizemoreScaling with Integrity: "Delegation isn't just about survival, it's about enabling real growth." - Jeff MainsAI and the Future of Work: "Documenting current processes is the first step to any meaningful innovation." - Jeff Mains"It's not strategy, not charisma, it's not even luck. It's relationships, specifically four of them." - Jeff Mains"It's really refreshing to be able to turn that over to somebody like that. They can just take it and run with it and make it so much better than even we thought it could be." - Jeff MainsSaaS Leadership LessonsDon't Rush Retail: Go Deep Before WideEarly retail wins are tempting, but focus on dominating a few stores at a time before expanding. Depth beats spread.Grit and Authenticity Beat Flashy MarketingShare real founder stories and struggles; people spot authenticity and reward it.Test Relentlessly and Leverage DataWhether it's email...

Limited Supply
S13 E8: What the Best Brands Are Doing (And You Should Do It, Too)

Limited Supply

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 65:58


Nik gets real about what it takes to build a brand that actually works in 2025.  The so-called “meta decline” isn't killing ads, but bad creative and weak messaging are.  The brands winning today? They know how to turn customers into clients, build community, and create content that people actually care about. Is a $2,500 budget enough? If you use it wisely, yes. Plus, learn how to crack organic growth before spending a dime on ads and spot product-market fit problems before they sink you.  And, Nik explains why whitelisting still crushes, how to test landing pages without wasting money, and what founder-led content should really look like. If you're looking to scale (or even stop burning cash), this is the episode for you.  AppLovin is the fastest growing ad platform for DTC brands. It enables brands to run ads in a variety of mobile games, reaching over 150M daily active users in the US and driving measurable performance at scale. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AppLovin Ecommerce Newsletter 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

My Amazon Guy
GEO vs SEO - Is it just a Giant Reskin of Keyword Stuffing?

My Amazon Guy

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 28:02


Send us a textSEO is no longer the only way to get visibility—generative engine optimization is shifting how sites get found. This video compares GEO and SEO, showing how AI-driven models are favoring structured FAQs, conversational content, and entity clarity. Learn how GEO ranks websites in 2025 using context, format, and real user questions.Get a real review of your site's GEO potential, book a call and see what AI engines see: https://bit.ly/4kOz6rrNeed more advanced tips? Download our Advanced Amazon Tips for growing brands: https://bit.ly/45snCUUWatch these videos next:You're Losing DTC Sales Over These Simple Mistakes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRUl0QIPuj8&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_YEKE1B5o1uhbBm1QQcPzmY&index=8Amazon Is Spying on Your DTC Site Right Now! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiw06RkO6no&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_YEKE1B5o1uhbBm1QQcPzmY&index=13-------------------------------------------------Stop wasting ad spend, use the PPC strategies in our guide to keep winning clicks that convert: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXGet the SEO toolkit that helps you target the right keywords in every phase of your Amazon growth: https://bit.ly/457zjSlTurn your Amazon store into a sales machine, book a DTC strategy session to get your roadmap: https://bit.ly/4kOz6rrTimestamps00:00 - SEO vs GEO: What's Changing in 202501:15 - Why GEO Optimization Matters for Websites03:00 - How AI Tools Like Perplexity Use GEO Data05:00 - FAQs and Q&A Formatting for Better Visibility07:00 - Reddit and Wikipedia: Overindexed GEO Sources09:00 - Top SEO Results Still Dominate GEO Rankings11:00 - Perplexity's Comet Browser in Real Use13:00 - Testing SEO Results in Perplexity GEO15:00 - What GEO Says About My Amazon Guy's Website17:00 - Strengths That Help Sites Rank in GEO19:00 - Website Gaps for Better GEO Results21:00 - Making FAQs Better for Generative Engines23:00 - Showing Expertise and Entity Clarity on Your Site25:00 - Is GEO Just Repackaged SEO? Maybe.27:00 - Final Thoughts on GEO, AI Ranking, and Website Strategy-------------------------------------------------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

Minds of Ecommerce
Building a Global Snack Brand Through Retail First With Hassan Alireza of The Daily Crave

Minds of Ecommerce

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 21:18


Hassan Alireza is the Founder and CEO of The Daily Crave, a California-based snack company that crafts better‑for‑you, non‑GMO, wholesome snacks sold worldwide. He launched the business in May 2012 with Veggie Chips and Sticks, which quickly gained traction in national retail chains. Under his leadership, the brand has expanded its lineup to include award-winning quinoa chips and, more recently, Crunchy Fries To-Go, which are made from high-quality non-GMO potatoes and are both gluten-free and kosher. Hassan's vision focuses on delivering snacks that are delicious, crunchy, flavorful, and made with clean ingredients that offer nutritional value. In this episode… Many brands assume that direct-to-consumer sales is the only way to scale in today's digital-first marketplace. But can leaning too heavily on DTC actually weaken your growth and profitability? Could retail partnerships and smart channel strategy be the real key to building a sustainable brand? According to Hassan Alireza, a retail and food distribution veteran, retail has always been the most reliable engine for long-term growth. He highlights that snacks are expensive to ship directly, often eroding margins and forcing smaller brands to burn cash. By leveraging established distributors and platforms like Amazon Vendor Central, he maintains efficiency and avoids costly logistics pitfalls. The result is steady expansion without sacrificing financial health. He emphasizes that scaling should be about playing to your strengths, using ecommerce as a marketing tool, and protecting profitability through balancing channel strategies. In this episode of Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Hassan Alireza, Founder and CEO of The Daily Crave, about why retail still wins over DTC. They discuss the challenges of shipping snacks directly to consumers, the importance of leveraging Amazon without losing control of pricing, and how innovative product launches help attract new customers. Hassan also shares insights on relaunching with Amazon Seller Central and other fresh marketing strategies.

Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs
How This 19-Year-Old College Student Outsmarted the Entire Grocery Industry

Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 40:55


Odd Bunch founder Divy Ojha scaled from 87 to 100,000+ customers without VC funding by focusing on problem validation, lean operations and retention techniques.For more on Odd Bunch and show notes click here. Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

XChateau - Navigating the Business of Wine
Giving California a Seat at the Global Table w/ Honore Comfort, Wine Institute

XChateau - Navigating the Business of Wine

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 56:20


With a large domestic market for wine, US producers often don't focus a lot on exports. Honore Comfort, VP of International Marketing for Wine Institute, lays out the benefits and challenges of exporting wines globally. She covers the top markets for US wine globally, the role Wine Institute plays in helping US exports, and the potential impacts of the current trade war. Detailed Show Notes: Wine Institute overviewMembers are CA wineries (>1,000)Public policy organization focused on legislation (e.g., DTC shipping)Member dues are a sliding scale (based on prior year revenue & volume), baseline is a few hundred dollarsCA is the 4th largest wine region in the world after France, Italy, and SpainLargest market in the USThe US market is 75% domestic (80% from CA), 25% importsExport is 4% (by value), 95% is CATraditionally lower-priced wines, now a barbell (both low and high, but not mid-priced wines)Other countries have high taxes, duties, and tariffs on imported wines (int'l pricing often 2-3x US retail, 10x for India)Cost to produce is high in CA (heavily regulated - environmental & labor force protections; land costs high)Goal to showcase the diversity of CA wine globally, but only a sliver is available Key int'l markets - Canada (#1 until Feb 2025; ~30% of US exports - premiers took all wine off shelves as part of trade war); Europe #2 (Germany is hard w/ strong domestic, low priced market; Scandinavia big); UK #3 (punches above its weight as oldest wine market, lots of wine writers, critics, traders; one of the broadest selections of CA wine); China, Japan, Korea, MexicoWine Institute has active programs in >30 countries for CA winesBenefits of exporting wine: importers sell wine for you (no 3-tier system like the US), build brand visibility, position wines next to other great wines of the worldChallenges of exporting wine - takes investment, needs face-to-face storytellingSmall Napa producer (

My Amazon Guy
Amazon Rufus Update Just Got Smarter: From Chatty to AGentic

My Amazon Guy

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 10:56


Send us a textAmazon's AI shopping assistant now tracks user preferences, past purchases, and product questions. This new tool reads reviews, compares products, and organizes results to guide shoppers. It may affect how listings rank, but sellers shouldn't change their Amazon SEO strategies just yet.Test if your Amazon listings are ready for AI-driven search, book a strategy call now: https://bit.ly/4jMZtxuGet instant FREE access to 300 proven Amazon tips and start solving problems faster today: https://bit.ly/4ft3s1w#AmazonAI #EcommerceTips #AmazonSellerAdvice #AmazonUpdates #amazonrufusWatch these videos on YouTube:Amazon PPC Tier List Management Rankings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9s9vjtU5l4&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_a1PRDJWRoR4yIM8K5Ft569&utm_content=342357286&utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&hss_channel=ytc-UClUSEsDS2sdgNJfCcCM_5UwWhy Turning Off Ads Kills Sales and Rankings on Amazon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp5fCd0i7ts&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_a1PRDJWRoR4yIM8K5Ft569&index=2&utm_content=342357286&utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&hss_channel=ytc-UClUSEsDS2sdgNJfCcCM_5Uw-----------------------------------------------Tired of marketplace limits? Let's talk real growth with DTC strategy: https://bit.ly/4kOz6rrStop wasting ad spend. Grab the PPC guide that actually drives results: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXRank higher and sell faster, get the SEO tools built for real growth: https://bit.ly/3JyMDGoBe ready before problems hit, download the kit every brand should have: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0Timestamps00:00 - Rufus Remembers Your Shopping History01:15 - Real Example: How Many Mice Have I Bought?02:00 - How Rufus Answers Product Questions03:15 - Asking Rufus for Product Recommendations04:30 - Comparison and Product Idea Tools05:30 - Order History Becomes Personalized Search06:30 - AI in Planning Events with Rufus07:30 - Rufus Misses Add-to-Cart on Desktop08:30 - Structured Output: Organized Shopping Help09:30 - Overhyped Features vs. Real Use10:30 - Should Amazon Sellers Worry About Rufus?----------------------------------------------Follow us:LinkedIn: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClQRm0Instagram: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClSmD0Pinterest: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClVJt0Twitter: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClRNd0Subscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClTjw0Apple Podcast: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClPSR0Spotify: https://hubs.ly/Q03ClLQ20Support the show

Digital Velocity
Episode 91: Using AI for Sustainability and Building Profits for Businesses with Sheryl Barbosa

Digital Velocity

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 41:33 Transcription Available


In Episode 91 of the Digital Velocity Podcast, Erik Martinez sits down with environmental scientist and sustainability expert Sheryl Barbosa to uncover how artificial intelligence (AI) is driving the next wave of sustainability for direct-to-consumer (DTC) businesses. Sheryl brings more than 20 years of experience across industries and business sizes, from Fortune 50 corporations to local nonprofits, and offers a unique perspective on how technology and environmental responsibility can work together to create measurable impact. For DTC brands, these opportunities are vast and tangible. Erik and Sheryl discuss how AI can: • Improve targeting in direct mail campaigns to minimize waste while maximizing response rates. • Optimize packaging design, materials, and supply chain sourcing to cut down on excess materials and emissions. • Enhance logistics by identifying smarter routing patterns that reduce fuel consumption and shipping costs. • Forecast inventory needs more accurately, helping prevent losses from overproduction or spoilage. • Identify cost-effective green alternatives that are now often cheaper than traditional materials, overturning the myth that sustainability is always more expensive. Sheryl and Erik bring the conversation to life with real-world examples—from cutting down on direct mail waste to streamlining delivery routes—that illustrate how AI can drive both efficiency and sustainability. Their discussion shows how even small operational improvements can ripple outward, creating a positive impact not only for businesses but also for communities and the environment. For leaders of direct-to-consumer brands, whether scaling a fast-growing ecommerce operation or running a locally rooted small business, the takeaway is clear: AI and sustainability are not competing goals but complementary strategies. When used intentionally, AI becomes a catalyst for reducing environmental impact, building brand trust, and unlocking new avenues of profitability—all while advancing a healthier, more sustainable future.

Honest eCommerce
344 | Building Community Buzz Before Pitching Investors | with John Clark

Honest eCommerce

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 25:36


John Clark is the founder of Modern Shelving and Tandm Surf, two brands born from a simple idea: if he could sell it, his wife, an engineer, could build it. What started as a family-run shelving business evolved into a global Ecommerce company, while a day on the water with his daughter inspired an inflatable tandem surfboard that would later appear on Shark Tank.John's journey blends practicality with creativity. From solving everyday pain points with shelving to creating a patented surfboard that makes riding waves accessible to anyone, he's built businesses that reflect both lifestyle and innovation. Along the way, he's navigated the challenges of pitching on national TV, scaling niche products in the DTC market, and balancing multiple ventures without losing his entrepreneurial spark.Whether you're running a growing ecommerce brand or looking to turn family values into scalable business, John offers an honest look at what it takes to transform passion into products people love and companies that last.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:37] Intro[01:21] Launching new products to fuel business growth[03:14] Adopting Google Adwords to drive early sales[04:00] Turning family traditions into a business idea[05:39] Making surfing accessible to everyone[07:07] Sharing prototypes at the beach for feedback[08:00] Pitching novelty ideas that capture attention[09:28] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap, Grow[12:40] Answering what really happens after the deal[14:29] Leveraging the Shark Tank bump for growth[17:56] Using events to build brand visibility[19:06] Finding the right partner for long-term success[19:40] Patenting inflatable boards for portability[20:45] Building community beyond physical products[23:01] Encouraging entrepreneurs to think globallyResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeVersatile designs + unique storage solutions for any space modernshelving.com/Shark Tark approved Tandem bodyboards and pool saddles tandmsurf.com/Follow John Clark linkedin.com/in/johngclarkSchedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestThe Premier Conference for Ecommerce Operators joingrow.comIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Le Batard & Friends Network
NPDS - Future of MLB looks like ESPN, NBC, and Netflix!? Could there be more!? Jerry Jones media tour against Parsons continues! (Episode 1342 Hour 1)

Le Batard & Friends Network

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 53:24


Today's word of the day is ‘reconcile' as in ESPN as in MLB as in broadcast as in baseball as in DTC. What am I talking about? ESPN and MLB are back together again. It looks like MLB games will come to the new service that ESPN launched. National games, out-of-market, and so on. Sunday Night Baseball? That could be headed to NBC! And the Home Run Derby… Netflix! (13:00) NBC wants to takeover the sports world. Give me NFL! Give me NBA! Give me MLB! The Peacock is showing off now! (23:30) Jerry Jones just can't help himself. Every day is something new. And he's pushing Micah Parsons to the point where we don't know if he'll ever play for the Cowboys again. (33:40) Review: Somebody Somewhere. (37:00) NPPOD. (41:00) Pat Fitzgerald settled with Northwestern over his major lawsuit against the university. And he's getting big bucks. And he was proven innocent. Woof. (49:00) The Brewers won on Thursday. Kyle Tucker played. Tucker went hitless. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nothing Personal with David Samson
Future of MLB looks like ESPN, NBC, and Netflix!? Could there be more!? Jerry Jones media tour against Parsons continues! (Episode 1342 Hour 1)

Nothing Personal with David Samson

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 53:24


Today's word of the day is ‘reconcile' as in ESPN as in MLB as in broadcast as in baseball as in DTC. What am I talking about? ESPN and MLB are back together again. It looks like MLB games will come to the new service that ESPN launched. National games, out-of-market, and so on. Sunday Night Baseball? That could be headed to NBC! And the Home Run Derby… Netflix! (13:00) NBC wants to takeover the sports world. Give me NFL! Give me NBA! Give me MLB! The Peacock is showing off now! (23:30) Jerry Jones just can't help himself. Every day is something new. And he's pushing Micah Parsons to the point where we don't know if he'll ever play for the Cowboys again. (33:40) Review: Somebody Somewhere. (37:00) NPPOD. (41:00) Pat Fitzgerald settled with Northwestern over his major lawsuit against the university. And he's getting big bucks. And he was proven innocent. Woof. (49:00) The Brewers won on Thursday. Kyle Tucker played. Tucker went hitless. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices