Podcasts about DTC

In Episode 89 of the Digital Velocity Podcast, Erik Martinez welcomes Evan Blumenthal, certified EOS Implementer and business revenue growth consultant, to unpack how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) empowers businesses to overcome stagnation, clarify leadership roles, and drive meaningful, measurable progress. Evan shares his personal journey from Walmart associate to family business executive to EOS consultant, explaining how this flexible yet structured framework helped revitalize a 147-year-old family-run company and can do the same for DTC and entrepreneurial brands struggling with misalignment, unclear vision, or process bottlenecks. This episode is imperative for founders, executives, and team leaders seeking: Clear definitions for accountability and leadership structure through tools like the Accountability Chart Practical guidance on how to identify, discuss, and solve persistent business problems at their root How to use 90-day goals and short-term prioritization to accelerate long-term success A culture-first approach to growth, powered by shared core values and disciplined execution Whether you're scaling a high-growth ecommerce brand, leading a lean marketing team, or stuck at a plateau in your business, Evan offers a compelling case for how EOS creates traction by helping organizations focus, simplify, and thrive—one quarter at a time. Listen to learn how EOS can transform your business from reactive chaos to strategic momentum.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you a CEO still caught in the weeds of day-to-day operations? If so, you're not building a truly scalable business. Today's episode is here to help you shift that mindset. Our featured guest is a CEO who has grown his agency by focusing on smart leadership—prioritizing culture, developing strong management structures, and intentionally making himself less essential to every meeting. Like many agency owners, he once believed he had to outwork everyone to prove his worth. But over time, he discovered that the agency performs better when he leads with vision instead of constant presence and that CEOs don't need to be grinding to be effective. In this conversation, he shares how he came to that realization, what it's meant for his agency's growth and client success, how he built a trusted A-team, and more. Kevin Miller is the co-founder and CEO of Gr0, a performance marketing agency that's exploded from startup to 200+ clients and over 80 full-time staff in just five years. Before launching GR0 in 2020, Kevin cut his teeth at Google, served as Director of Growth at OpenDoor, and was inspired to jump into the agency world by a friend who built and sold one of the first Facebook-focused DTC agencies. His background in SEO and paid media, combined with experience at both bootstrapped and venture-backed companies, gives him a rare, well-rounded perspective. Today his mission is clear: build a high-performance team that wins together. In this episode, we'll discuss: Two levers to driving growth. Why CEOs are more effective when they're not grinding. Understanding that delegation is not optional. Client acquisition that doesn't feel like sales. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources This episode is brought to you by Wix Studio: If you're leveling up your team and your client experience, your site builder should keep up too. That's why successful agencies use Wix Studio — built to adapt the way your agency does: AI-powered site mapping, responsive design, flexible workflows, and scalable CMS tools so you spend less on plugins and more on growth. Ready to design faster and smarter? Go to wix.com/studio to get started. Getting to See the Possibilities of the Agency Space Watching a friend grow and sell a Facebook-focused DTC agency helped Kevin clearly see the differences between growing a bootstrap business versus a venture-capital backed business. His friend ended up selling the business for over $100 million, which Kevin hadn't think it was possible to do in the agency space. It was an inspiring moment that led to the realization that he too could build and scale his own business, which he chose to do in the SEO niche. From Zero to 200 Clients: The Growth Playbook With just half a decade in the agency business, Kevin can see most people just can't handle it. “Every day is a different game of guacamole with all sorts of people problems.” After all, in this business our product so the best way to guarantee you're creating a safe environment where people want to stay is to over index on culture. This is how a young agency can go from scrappy startup to 8-figure beast in half a decade. It's all about building a culture that attracts and retains A-players. If your account manager leaves, that client feels like they have to start over. It can be the worst experience for a client and the best way to avoid is to create an environment where everyone feels like part of a team. Kevin runs GR0 like an NBA franchise where everyone's expected to perform at a high level, without being a burnout factory. He's also very strict about behavior. No matter how talented you are, you can never be rude to a client or other employees. It's a team-first culture with high accountability and even higher standards that has grown fast by keeping people, delivering great work, and staying crazy responsive. Two big levers driving their growth: Kevin attributes his agency's success with client to two main elements: Rapid response times: Emails, texts, Slack messages… they don't sit idle. Obsession with client results: Deliver, retain, and let referrals do the work. Additionally, he knows it's not all about attracting new business. Churn is a killer. Retention isn't sexy, but it's the secret to compounding revenue. Inside the Org Chart: A 5-Level Machine In terms of the deals the agency is closing with clients, Kevin is a big believer that there's little room to do great work on a monthly basis, which is why he prefers offering six-month contracts that will later get renewed for another six months. He's also put a lot of thought into the agency's organizational structure, which he breaks down into five levels: Executive Team VPs Associate VPs / Directors (each running a service line) Campaign Managers Contractors & Specialists As to him, his role as CEO is divided into three categories: Coach – Recruiting and leveling up 10x talent across the top team. Closer – Still active in sales, he sets expectations and closes high-value clients. Visionary – Driving innovation like launching new services (radio is next!) and adopting tools like ChatGPT for smarter, faster workflows. You'll Be Needed Less & Less as a CEO – and That's Okay Being a CEO won't necessarily come naturally to everyone, which is why Kevin has a coach that has taught him how to conduct himself and cast the vision for the agency. He's also embraced the fact that putting together a capable team will mean getting told they don't need you to pitch in on every meeting. “If someone doesn't need me in a meeting, I'm relieved. It means we've built something scalable.” A true leader should be helpful and keep the company moving forward, which is why Kevin sees his role more as someone who works for everyone at the company, as opposed to the old model where bosses were tyrants that barked orders all day. It's not easy to lead 200+ employees, and leaders nowadays recognize that the way to do so is not just having a very strong team but also being able to keep them by building a great culture. From Hustle Mentality to Smart Leadership Kevin and Jason both admit they had to unlearn the “first one in, last one out” badge of honor. Many leaders tend to think they have to outwork everyone. Kevin admits he still wrestles with showing up early to prove value—even though the company runs better when he focuses on vision, not presence. The truth is agency CEOs don't need to be grinding to be effective. They need to be accessible, and they need to build teams that run without them. “If I'm on a mountain or a golf course, and I get a call, I'll answer. But if the team doesn't need me? Even better,” Jason shares. This shift, from being the engine to being the guide rail, is one most agency owners struggle with. But letting go (and training others to step up) is the only way you get out of the weeds. Delegation Isn't Optional—It's Leadership 101 Early on, Kevin believed only he could do the work “right.” But that mindset capped his growth—and created unnecessary pressure. Effective delegation and believing in your team is what makes a great CEO. As he says now, “you have to pass the ball and trust they'll show up.” If you're asking, “How should we do this?” you're already in the weeds. The better question is, “Who on my team should own this?” If you need ideas, start with Jason's 1 3 1 method to train team decision-making is a killer takeaway: 1: What's the problem? 3: What are three ways to solve it? 1: What do you recommend? It's a simple leadership tool that trains independence—so you're not the bottleneck every time something needs approval. You Can't Build Big if You Can't Let Go If you want to make sure you have people on your team who'll step up after applying the 1 3 1 method, hire people who can manage themselves. Kevin and Jason both agree they're not built to manage micro-tasks—or people who need micromanaging. “If I'm going to manage someone, I'll expect them to do it like me, at my pace, with my level of commitment. And that's not fair,” Kevin admits. As owners, your growth is capped by how much you think you have to do. Build a team of leaders—not followers. Give direction, not checklists. And accept that mistakes are part of the process. In the mastermind, Jason and the members celebrate even the failures—because sharing missteps keeps others from repeating them. That's how real learning happens. Client Acquisition That Doesn't Feel Like Sales Now let's talk lead gen. How did Kevin's agency bring in over 200 clients? It wasn't ads. It wasn't cold emails. It was strategic referrals—and they engineered that pipeline from the ground up. In Kevin's view, cold acquisition just doesn't work well with the amount of competition in his space. Instead, he built a network of warm referrals of ~25 trusted partners. Each partner gets 10% of the monthly revenue from any referred client. But more importantly, they only recruit partners who already know Kevin and trust his team to deliver. “I'm not reaching out cold saying ‘hey, I'll pay you 10%.' I'm building real relationships with people who already trust me.” This warm referral engine is the opposite of passive referrals. It's intentional, proactive, and mutually beneficial. It scales because Kevin didn't wait—he built the network years before launching GR0. Most of the time referrals aren't scalable. However, when you do it this way—proactively recruiting the right partners—it becomes a one-to-many strategy. This is a model more agency owners should be thinking about. It's lower friction, higher trust, and most importantly: it cuts through the noise in a saturated market. Pricing, Positioning, and Playing the Long Game One thing Kevin admits he should be raising prices more often. GR0 started with $3,000/month clients and now charges $8K–$10K for the same package. But that evolution took five years. Still, their market positioning is clear: “We're expensive but fair. Not overpriced, not low-budget. Right in the sweet spot.” This ties back to the trust built with clients and referral partners alike. If the value is real and the results are consistent, the relationships last. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Send us a textHigh import fees and complex tax rules make shopping on Amazon expensive in the Philippines. Customs duties, VAT charges, and CIF value calculations often raise costs above the product price, especially for electronics and branded goods. These barriers limit consumer choice, slow innovation, and discourage global brands from expanding into the market.#PhilippinesEconomy #OnlineShoppingPH #ImportFees #EcommercePhilippinesNeed expert advice on handling import fees and cutting costs for online orders? Book a call with experts! https://bit.ly/4jMZtxuWatch these videos on YouTube:Use Brand Analytics to Increase Sales https://hubs.ly/Q03BH19K0Simplify Amazon Listing Compliance https://hubs.ly/Q03BH0H00-----------------------------------------------Download our PPC Guide and start running ads that actually pay off: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXGrab the Crisis Kit. Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0Growing your brand? Book a DTC call and get a real growth plan: https://bit.ly/4kOz6rrTimestamps00:00 - Why Amazon faces challenges in the Philippines00:38 - Import fees higher than product value01:12 - Breaking down VAT and customs duty02:27 - How electronics face higher tax rates03:30 - Price thresholds that trigger import taxes04:18 - The effect on middle-class and high-value purchases06:20 - Barriers to innovation and product access07:50 - Example: scarcity of specific brands locally08:58 - Logistics vs. policy challenges10:08 - Impact on perishable and imported goods11:41 - Long-term outlook for e-commerce in the Philippines----------------------------------------------Follow us:LinkedIn: https://hubs.ly/Q03BH1CC0Instagram: https://hubs.ly/Q03BH1nD0Pinterest: https://hubs.ly/Q03BH0Gb0Twitter: https://hubs.ly/Q03BG_tp0Subscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast: https://hubs.ly/Q03BH1460Apple Podcast: https://hubs.ly/Q03BH0050Spotify: https://hubs.ly/Q03BG_4m0Support the show

Brittany Stewart turned toothbrushes into a breakout DTC success story—co-founding one of America's fastest-growing eCommerce brands: Burst Oral Care. In this episode, she shares how Burst launched at dental conventions, scaled through hygienist word-of-mouth, and partnered with A-list influencers like Khloé & Kim Kardashian—all while keeping product quality and customer obsession at the center of their brand. What you'll learn: • Why they skipped traditional launch playbooks and scaled through hygienists • The two growth levers that made Burst explode • How Brittany navigated inventory stress, funding rounds & 75-day lead times • Her philosophy on hiring, culture, and leadership • Why they chose the more expensive delivery option—and how it paid off • How they gave back with campaigns that also drove profit If you're building a physical product brand and want to do it the smart, scrappy way—this is a masterclass in operational excellence and brand building. Foundr Community Offers Want 1-on-1 mentorship to launch or scale your brand faster? Apply for eCommerce coaching: → Starting your ecom biz? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → Already selling and want to scale? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want all-access to step-by-step training from 7, 8 & 9-figure founders? Start your Foundr+ $1 trial today → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Omnisend | Get 50% off your first 3 months of email and SMS marketing with Omnisend with the code FOUNDR50. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started. Connect With Nathan Chan Instagram → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect With Brittany Stewart Website → Click Here Instagram → Click Here Brittany's Instagram → Click Here Follow Foundr for More Business Growth Strategies YouTube → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here

Episode 534 of the Sports Media Podcast features Jon Lewis, the editor and founder of Sports Media Watch. In this podcast, we discuss Disney/ESPN acquiring the NFL Network and substantial rights to RedZone, along with other content assets, in exchange for the NFL getting a 10 percent ownership stake in ESPN; how we see the deal; the game inventory ESPN receives; what it means for ESPN's coverage of the NFL; the formal announcement of a launch date — Aug. 21 — for ESPN's new direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service; the rights agreement for ESPN DTC to become the exclusive U.S. domestic home of all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs), including WrestleMania; the NFL extending ESPN's rights to cover the NFL Draft through 2030 and expanding the Disney networks where the draft can air, and more. You can subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Live at Klaviyo London, Kunle Campbell joins Future Commerce to explore the tension between idealistic wellness brands and the realities of scaling in a capitalist system. Kunle and Phillip explore intentionality, identity formation, and how conscious consumers can navigate the cascade of marketing messages while staying true to themselves.Know Thyself, Choose BetterKey takeaways:Pure idealism faces scalability challenges: Growing wellness brands often must compromise their founding principles to reach broader audiences and achieve economies of scale, as demonstrated by Whole Foods' evolution from commune cooperative to mainstream retailer.Identity exchange drives commerce decisions: Every purchase represents an identity transaction where consumers either align with authentic values or fall prey to manufactured personas pushed by predatory marketing tactics.Self-knowledge enables intentional consumption: Understanding your personal predispositions (Kunle recommends DNA tests, blood work, meditation, or breathwork) allows for more conscious brand alignment and purchasing decisions.Consciousness awakening shifts market dynamics: Social media influencers educating consumers about ingredient transparency and wellness principles are forcing traditional retailers like Tesco to create accelerator programs for "Better For You" brands.Key Quotes:[00:01:56]: "Culture is communication, it's community. It's the zeitgeist... At the core, if you go deeper into culture, I think the value system is very, very fundamental." – Kunle Campbell [00:06:22]: "In order to change the world, like at scale, you're going to have to make some compromises... Pure idealism is not enough in a capitalist system." – Kunle Campbell [00:19:25]: "Marketing clutter says, 'this is an identity. Claim it. Take it,' and then you lose your inner person." – Kunle Campbell [00:26:35]: "Don't lose self... There are brands out there that would sort of merge with your own unique wants and needs based on what you need for yourself." – Kunle Campbell In-Show Mentions:John Mackey's "The Whole Story" book and Whole Foods' evolutionJoe Dispenza meditation methodology and body scanning techniquesTesco's Better For You brand accelerator programAssociated 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!

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupDTC professionals: discover why Amazon demands a unique strategy, not a copy‑paste from your DTC playbook.In this episode with Pilothouse Amazon Brain Trust, Rob & Clifford unpack:Why treating Amazon as “free traffic” undermines growthBest practices in listing creative, SEO, and media segmentationHow to avoid wasted cost chasing irrelevant keywordsImplications of Amazon's upcoming prep service cutoff in Jan 2026Why anonymous star ratings in seller feedback pose new risksListen to learn:Effective PPC structuring: exact, phrase, competitor campaignsReal‑world examples of spend optimization in running‑shoe brandsDefensive tactics before Amazon's policy changes go liveTimestamps00:00 Common Amazon misconceptions from DTC brands02:00 Why treating Amazon like DTC doesn't work04:00 How to approach Amazon like retail06:00 Amazon ad spend mistakes and missed ROAS10:00 Clifford's rant on seller feedback changes17:00 Amazon ends prep and labeling services20:00 Why brands now care more about buyer location24:00 Questions to ask your Amazon agency28:00 Automation vs manual control in Amazon adsHashtags#AmazonStrategy #DTCBrands #SellerFeedback #AmazonAds #EcommerceMarketing #AgencyTips #FBA #AmazonUpdates #PerformanceMarketing #DigitalCommerce 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 success isn't just about having a fantastic product—it's about understanding the business of selling. On this special encore episode of The Voice of Retail, I welcome Liza Amlani, renowned retail strategist and co-author of The Whole Sale: Profitable Wholesale Strategies for Brands. Liza shares insider insights from her 20+ years in buying, merchandising, and retail consulting, helping brands navigate the complexities of wholesale expansion.In a rapidly changing marketplace, many direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands struggle to break into wholesale partnerships, unsure how to negotiate terms, optimize product placement, or manage markdown strategies. Liza outlines the critical retail fundamentals that brands must master to thrive in major retail environments like Walmart, Target, and specialty stores.During this insightful conversation, Michael and Liza discuss:The most common mistakes brands make when entering wholesale and how to avoid them.Why strong retail partnerships are the key to long-term success.How to negotiate product placement, pricing strategies, and markdown terms with major retailers.The role of merchandising strategy in maintaining shelf space and increasing sales.The wholesale vs. direct-to-consumer debate—why it's not just about margins, but about growth and exposure.With firsthand experience as a buyer for iconic brands like Ralph Lauren, Holt Renfrew, and Club Monaco, Liza brings a wealth of knowledge on what it takes to get "retail ready." She explains how emerging brands can scale strategically, leverage retail insights, and position themselves for long-term profitability.If you're a brand looking to expand into wholesale—or a retailer aiming to strengthen vendor relationships—this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you succeed in today's competitive retail landscape.

In this episode of The DTC Insider podcast, Brian Roisentul sits down with Victoria Hana, Director of Ecommerce at G FUEL. We dive into how GFuel has built a powerful brand at the intersection of gaming, community, and commerce. From navigating influencer relationships to structuring their marketing calendar, Victoria shares the strategic and tactical moves that have helped G FUEL scale across DTC, retail, and beyond. If you're a marketer or brand owner looking to blend culture with commerce, this one's a must-listen.Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: Building a gaming-focused brand with mainstream appealNavigating influencer partnerships at scaleThe evolution of GFuel's marketing strategyCommunity building through content and cultureDiversifying revenue channels beyond DTCCollaborations with big names in gaming and entertainmentManaging retail expansion while keeping brand integrityPlanning GFuel's annual and 90-day marketing calendarAdjusting strategies for changing consumer behaviorKey lessons from scaling a multi-channel eCommerce brandFind 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.

We are diving back into the fascinating and often frustrating world of direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales. We're thrilled to reconnect with Ari Sussman and welcome Bruce Fougere, co-founder of MASH Networks, a data-driven software company that's truly shaking things up. Ari wastes no time stressing why DTC isn't just an option for distilleries anymore—it's essential. MASH Networks is arming brands with the crucial tools they need to cut through the noise and break those geographic barriers. Bruce then pulls back the curtain on how their tech leverages data and powerful storytelling to turn casual buyers into lifelong fans. We also talk about how all of this has to build on customer loyalty and why consumers are looking meaningful engagement in the brands they support. Show Notes: MASH Networks' impact on craft distilling. The importance of DTC in the evolving market. Effective use of customer data and analytics. Insights from Mammoth Distillery case study. Utilizing QR codes for consumer engagement. Building emotional connections and community. Strategies for tasting experiences and promotions. Exploring subscription models in craft spirits. Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When I think of founder stories that move me to my core, Octavia Morgan's journey is right at the top.  In this episode, I sit down with Octavia Morgan, CEO and Creative Director of Octavia Morgan, to discuss building a fine fragrance brand rooted in intention, courage, and community. From her early mornings in meditation to the emotional moment a customer cried after finally finding a scent she could wear, this is a conversation about listening to your calling, even when it's scary. Octavia left a stable nursing career to create a fragrance brand for people like her—those with scent sensitivities who still wanted complexity, boldness, and beauty in what they wear. She shares how she took her brand “to the streets,” grew through word of mouth, and developed a fragrance line that's now carried by Ulta Beauty nationwide. This isn't just about perfume—it's about purpose. Here are a few highlights from the interview: * The meditation that sparked Octavia's leap from nursing to entrepreneurship—and the fear she had to face head-on.   * How a tearful customer showed her the deep emotional impact her product could have.   * Why Octavia sells $100+ fine fragrances at upscale markets—and how it built a grassroots community of superfans.   * The real reason so many people suffer from scent sensitivity, and how her clean, filler-free formulations are changing that.   * Her powerful advice for anyone with a dream they're too scared to pursue: “Why not you?”   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to the episode and discover the story of a founder who's redefining what it means to follow your intuition and create beauty with integrity. You'll walk away inspired and probably wanting to smell every scent she's ever made. For more on Octavia Morgan, visit: https://octaviamorgan.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: 1 Commerce: https://1-commerce.com/story-of-a-brand Scaling a DTC brand gets harder the bigger you grow, especially when you're stuck selling on just one channel.  While you're focused on day-to-day ops, your competitors are unlocking marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and even retail shelf space—and capturing customers you're missing. That's where 1-Commerce comes in.  They help high-growth brands expand beyond their sites, handle end-to-end fulfillment, and scale through a revenue-share model that means they only win when you do.  As a Story of a Brand listener, you'll get one month of free storage and a strategy session with their CEO, Eric Kasper.    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.

On today's show, Brandon discusses the massive deals made by ESPN yesterday, which includes NFL Network and the home of WWE PLE's in the U.S. starting in 2026 as part of the company's Direct to Consumer (DTC) service. Brandon discusses what the DTC service means for both deals going forward.Brandon's World is in collaboration with Voltage Live, Founded in 2021, Voltage Live aims to bring a diverse set of content to people around the world.Check out Voltage Live: https://voltagelive.com/Check out Brandon on Championship Rings, a debate show on YouTube where Brandon and Josh Ungar debate the latest happenings in sports and professional wrestling, every Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET: https://www.youtube.com/@ChampionshipRings216Brandon's World Links:Follow the show on X: https://twitter.com/real_bworldFollow Brandon on X: https://twitter.com/brandonlewis_7Follow Brandon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lewisbrandon25/Follow Brandon on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@real_bworldFollow Brandon on Substack: https://substack.com/profile/85177727-brandon-lewisSubscribe to the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAJ-oar5uDLFKlL1rs6CwQ

Starting August 21, ESPN will officially enter the direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming space with a full-fledged service that doesn't require a cable subscription. Priced at $29.99/month, this new ESPN offering isn't just a beefed-up version of ESPN+. It's a digital replacement for the traditional cable bundle — and it may mark the beginning of the end for how we've watched sports for decades.With this move, ESPN is finally giving fans full access to live sports, original shows, and premium content directly through an app — no cable login, no middleman, no bundles. The service comes as ESPN's parent company, Disney, is working on a groundbreaking deal: giving the NFL an ownership stake in ESPN itself. That deal, pending regulatory approval, would make the NFL not just a content partner but a literal co-owner in the media company broadcasting its games.That's big.It signals a seismic shift in the power dynamics of sports media. As leagues like the NFL gain leverage through ownership and direct distribution, cable's hold on the sports world weakens.But that's not the only major player entering the fray. Fox is also launching Fox One, a new $20/month DTC streaming service that will offer access to all its sports, news, and entertainment content — including NFL games, World Series broadcasts, and more.Now, with ESPN and Fox One going direct, the big question is: are we finally heading toward à la carte sports streaming?Not quite — but we're closer than ever.These separate services might soon evolve into a sports streaming bundle, combining the likes of ESPN, Fox, and perhaps even other networks like TNT or NBC. The goal: give fans a streamlined, digital-first way to access all their favorite teams and leagues without jumping through multiple apps — or worse, sticking with overpriced cable packages.For consumers, the shift presents both promise and problems. On one hand, you're finally getting the flexibility and control streaming has long promised. On the other, stacking $29.99 for ESPN, $20 for Fox, and potentially $15-$20 for other services quickly adds up.Still, this is a turning point. Sports has long been the glue holding cable together. But now, the biggest names in sports media are pulling that glue apart — and replacing it with apps, bundles, and direct deals that favor digital-first fans.If you're a diehard sports viewer, this is your cue to start reevaluating your subscriptions. The way you watch football this fall may never be the same again.

On today's show, Chris filmed a video last night about his new Ping 9 Wood that featured his daughter (3:00) + we have tee times for the FESJC (19:00) + dildo's are getting thrown on the court at WNBA games and if we think it's funny (32:41) + Shedeur Sanders starting the Browns preseason opener and if it's sabotage (39:19) + ESPN/NFL deal that gives ESPN the rights to Red Zone and the NFL gets equity in ESPN plus the ESPN's deal with WWE that moves WrestleMania to ESPN's new DTC platform (45:39). PGA Tour Pro Braden Thornberry joins the show in-studio to talk about his season on the PGA Tour, his remaining 6 events, trying to crack the Top 150, what it's like playing TPC Southwind and more (1:01:04).Host: Chris VernonCo-Hosts: Jon Roser, Devin WalkerGuest: Braden ThornberryTechnical Director: Jaylon WallaceAssociate Producer: Jena Broyles 

In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I sit down with Katie Hunt, founder and CEO of Proof to Product and host of the Proof to Product Podcast. Katie has helped tens of thousands of product-based business owners land wholesale deals with retailers like Anthropologie, Target, and The Container Store—without relying on paid ads or flashy trade shows.Whether you're selling candles on Etsy or bath and body products from your kitchen, this episode is your go-to guide for getting started with wholesale.How to Know If You're Ready for WholesaleKatie breaks down what really makes a product “wholesale-ready”—from pricing and inventory to minimum order quantities and production methods. Spoiler: You don't need 15,000 units in stock to get started.Pricing for Profit (Not Panic)Katie shares why underpricing is a red flag to buyers and what the term “keystone pricing” really means. If you've ever been confused about wholesale vs. retail margins, this part is a must-listen.The Pitch Process That Gets Buyers to Say YES Pitching wholesale buyers is a lot like pitching the media. Katie walks us through:How to find the right buyers (hint: use LinkedIn, social, and direct mail)Why cold pitching still works—and what to sayWhat not to do (like showing up unannounced at a shop!)Why PR and Social Proof Still Matter in Wholesale While emotional storytelling matters more in DTC, wholesale buyers still look for credibility. Katie explains how PR features, retail testimonials, and even just having your ducks in a row can help build buyer trust.Real Talk: It Can Take Time—But It's Worth It Katie shares how one wholesale buyer took four years to finally place an order—and why persistence, visibility, and relationship-building paid off.Success Story Spotlight: Alex from Shake On The A Katie highlights the journey of a client who went from making greeting cards on her kitchen table to building a multi-million-dollar brand in 3,500+ stores.Final Takeaway Don't let fear or lack of knowledge stop you from going after wholesale. As Katie says, “If you don't go to the tryout, you're telling yourself no.”✅ Know your pricing✅ Build relationships✅ Use systems (Katie teaches them!)✅ Hit send—even if you're scaredIf you want to see your products on store shelves, this episode is your first step.

In this episode, Nate Kennedy, former VP of Global Brand Marketing at Horizon Hobby, joins host Kailin Noivo to dig deep into the future of loyalty programs and what most brands are still getting wrong. Nate shares lessons from two decades in ecommerce, from building Select Blinds into a DTC success story to leading Horizon Hobby's marketing evolution. He unpacks how discount-heavy programs create unintentional class divides, why emotional and experiential rewards resonate more with Gen Z and millennials, and how brands can design loyalty systems that actually make customers want to stick around.

How do you turn a $10K test budget into $1M in just 30 days? When Q4 sales hit a wall, Miranda (Performance Marketing Manager at 365 Holdings) didn't panic. Instead, she diversified beyond Meta, and tested new channels like Pinterest, Snapchat, and AppLovin.  Nik and Miranda unpack the exact strategies, creative approaches, and measurement tactics that fueled a massive holiday sales surge.  You'll hear why relying on one ad channel can tank your business, how to creatively adapt ads for different platforms, and the surprising differences between running ads on Meta versus in‑game mobile platforms. And, what's Miranda's take on AI in ad creative? She picks her top tools and shares how smaller companies can compete with larger ones without breaking the bank.  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.

Send us a textChoosing between FBA and FBM depends on product size, shipping cost, and how fast it sells. Oversized or custom items often cost more when stored long-term and may not qualify for Prime. Sellers must weigh shipping fees, labor, and storage when deciding which method helps them keep more profit.Talk to an expert about which fulfillment method will actually save you money: https://bit.ly/4jMZtxu#AmazonSelling #FBAvsFBM #EcommerceShipping #FulfillmentStrategy #AmazonFeesWatch 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-------------------------------------------------Want to turn Amazon buyers into loyal customers? Book your DTC strategy call today: https://bit.ly/4kOz6rrRunning ads blind? Grab the PPC guide that actually works: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXTimestamps00:00 - FBA vs FBM: Which One Should You Use?00:16 - Why FBA Is Getting More Complicated00:49 - What Amazon Covers with FBA01:12 - How FBM Gives You More Control01:37 - Example: Fast-Moving vs. Bulky Products02:41 - FBM for Large and Custom Items03:28 - Using ASIN and Amazon's Revenue Calculator04:21 - Long-Term Storage Cost Risks05:11 - Using 3PL for Heavy Products06:00 - Small Product Shipping Cost Breakdown06:41 - When Custom Products Need FBM07:10 - Final Comparison of FBA vs FBM-------------------------------------------------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

If you haven't updated your website in years, it's probably costing you more than you think.Neil Twa sits down with Clayton, Shopify expert and DTC strategist, to unpack how AI is transforming e-commerce, what's hype vs. what's real, and how to protect your brand in a marketplace flooded with fake reviews and copycat stores. In This Episode, We Cover:✅ How AI is changing website design, marketing, and product reviews✅ Why connection beats price in the DTC game✅ How one site redesign delivered $25K in extra sales in just a week✅ Pivoting fast when tariffs or market shifts hit your business

ESPN rolled out its DTC app today, and it created more questions than answers regarding the network's NFL coverage...AND WWE?!

Welcome back to Not Fintech Investment Advice, where Simon Taylor and I riff about fintech companies we're absolutely not giving investment advice on (though this one may test our willpower). We kick things off with Alix, which tackles one of the most bureaucratically brutal processes most people will ever face: settling a loved one's estate. It's admin + grief = chaos. Alix offers a $249 flat-fee concierge service that uses AI (plus humans) to cancel subscriptions, close accounts, and chase down deeds. It's DTC in a space no one wants to think about until they have to (think: Chime-level brand softness meets probate-level emotional complexity). Next up is Narrative, an AI-for-compliance startup that's not trying to do everything (just the very specific, painful thing of parsing and resolving consumer complaints). What stood out? It's not just trained on your written policies. It learns from how your best people make decisions. In a post-CFPB, state-by-state enforcement era, that nuance might be the difference between surviving a compliance audit … or hiring 300 more people to do what one model can. Then there's Ogment AI, which wants to be Shopify for agentic commerce. It builds MCP servers (think: APIs for LLMs) that let merchants make their products shoppable in ChatGPT, Claude, and co. But the big question isn't tech; it's trust. Can LLMs represent your brand voice in a way that doesn't reduce you to “cheap and ships fast”? TBD, but Ogment is skating where the puck might go. Finally, there's SOLO, which is kind of like a new school credit bureau. One that's trying to standardize, store, and reuse the messy contextual data that lives outside traditional credit files. Plus, it flips the economics: lenders get paid when others reuse their verified data. It's a trust layer disguised as underwriting tech, and its success may hinge more on old-school, squishy human partnerships than the tech. Plus, manifestations: We want the Timothée Chalamet of fintech; the operators who give a damn about striving to be the best at their craft. Often, the most profitable companies started that way and the monies followed as a byproduct of obsession with doing it right. Now that's worth spotlighting. Sign up for Alex's Fintech Takes newsletter for the latest insightful analysis on fintech trends, along with a heaping pile of pop culture references and copious footnotes. Every Monday and Thursday: https://workweek.com/brand/fintech-takes/ And for more exclusive insider content, don't forget to check out my YouTube page. Follow Simon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sytaylor/ Substack: https://sytaylor.substack.com   Follow Alex:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgfH47QEwbQmkQlz1V9rQA/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhjohnson Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AlexH_Johnson Companies featured: https://www.meetalix.com/ https://thenarrative.dev/ https://www.ogment.ai/ https://solo.one/

Three Ships grew from $4,000 to $1M revenue in four years. Learn how the founders used retail partnerships, rebranding, and funding tactics to grow a beauty brand in a saturated market.For more on Three Ships and show notes click here.  Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Garland and his business partners have been building the next generation of CPG brands with the company that he co-founded Atlas Brands. They have sold over $100 million in revenue with over 5 million units sold. It's truly an amazing journey from reselling products to building 8 figure Brands. Highlight Bullets> Here's a glimpse of what you would learn…. Transition from retail arbitrage to private label brands in e-commerce.Importance of delegation and hiring the right people for business growth.Learning from failures and embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth.Strategy of acquiring existing Facebook groups to access established audiences.Challenges faced in scaling e-commerce businesses, including inventory management.The role of TikTok and other marketing channels in driving sales.Prioritizing resources effectively for sustainable growth.Emphasis on focusing on high-return products and optimizing cash flow.Importance of building a cohesive brand identity in a competitive market.Strategies for expanding into direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales and retail channels.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley welcomes Garland Sullivan, co-founder of Atlas Brands, who shares his journey of scaling his e-commerce brand to over $100 million in revenue. Garland discusses transitioning from retail arbitrage to private label, emphasizing the importance of delegation, learning from failures, and strategic hiring. He reveals a unique strategy of acquiring existing Facebook groups to tap into established audiences. The conversation covers challenges in scaling, optimizing direct-to-consumer strategies, and prioritizing resources effectively. Garland's insights provide a roadmap for e-commerce entrepreneurs aiming to scale their businesses to eight figures and beyond.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Focus on ROI: Concentrate on your proven business models and ensure they are generating sufficient profit before diversifying.Emphasize the "Who" over the "How": Hiring the right talent is crucial for success. Delegating responsibilities allows entrepreneurs to focus on high-impact areas.Prioritize High-Leverage Activities: As a CEO or co-founder, it's essential to focus on activities that will drive future growth, such as exploring new product opportunities or sales channels.Resources mentioned in this episode:Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:Ecomm BreakthroughJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: Josh@eCommBreakthrough.comAmazonShopify  TikTok ShopMeta AdsAG1ChatGPTBuy Back Your Time by Dan MartellHow to Win Friends and Influence PeopleGood to Great by Jim CollinsAlex HormoziSimon SinekRussell BrunsonLogan from Physician's ChoiceSpecial 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 SponsorThis 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 Area00:00:00  Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guest include Kevin King, Aaron Cordova's, and Michael E Gerber, author of the E-myth. Today I'm speaking with Garland Sullivan. He's the cofounder of Atlas Brands, and he is going to be sharing the lessons that he has learned as they have scaled up their brand and have sold over a total of $100 million in ...

What if you could build a $25M+ business without raising a single dime?Jesse Pujji has done it - multiple times. From bootstrapping his first agency to launching Gateway X and scaling productized services in the DTC world, Jesse has a blueprint for founders who want to build big without giving away equity. In this episode, he shares how you can do the same. In this episode, Jim sits down with Jesse Pujji (Founder of Gateway X, Co-Founder of Ampush) to break down how he's built, scaled, and exited businesses without venture capital. Jesse reveals his “Bootstrap Advantage” framework, why he believes most founders overcomplicate their growth strategy, and the exact levers he focuses on to grow companies from zero to eight figures.This isn't a theory session - it's a behind-the-scenes look at the systems, mindset, and tactics Jesse uses to build bootstrapped giants.Key Topics Covered:The Bootstrap Advantage: Why it's the best path for most foundersHow Jesse validates new business ideas (quickly and cheaply)The difference between “Productized Services” and traditional agenciesGrowth levers bootstrapped founders must focus onThe psychology of staying lean while scaling bigJesse's personal workflow for launching multiple businesses at once If you're a Shopify founder, DTC marketer, or just someone tired of the VC hamster wheel, this episode is your blueprint.Resources:Jesse Pujji Twitter / XBootstrapped GiantsGatewayXJim Huffman websiteJim's TwitterGrowthHitThe Growth Marketer's PlaybookThe Shopify Growth School Additional episodes you might enjoy:Startup Ideas by Paul Graham (#45)Nathan Barry: How to Bootstrap a Company to $30M in a Crowded Market (#41)How I Met My Biz Partner and Less Learned Hitting $2M ARR (#44)Ryan Hamilton on his Netflix special, touring with Jerry Seinfeld, & how to write a joke (#10)How We're Validating Startup Ideas (#51)

This episode is sponsored by Hummingbirds, ⁠learn more⁠ by booking a call with their team!As co-founder and Chief Product Officer, Angela drives Little Spoon's insights-driven product innovation strategy. She started her career working in food-related television production, where she was involved in creative planning and execution. An avid chef and boutique fitness junkie, Angela is passionate about health, wellness, design and the future of food. Angela grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and received her BS in Marketing from St. Joseph's University. She lives in New York City.Little Spoon is on a mission to make parents' lives easier and kids healthier. Pioneering a new era of kids food, Little Spoon was built to meet the needs and standards of the modern parent by delivering uncompromising quality and time-saving convenience. From first bites to big kid years, Little Spoon's rigorous ingredient sourcing, product testing, and format innovation take the stress away from fueling your kids without sacrificing peace of mind.what we chat about:Success of the brand via DTC only for first 7 yearsRigorous testing standards — first & only US baby food brand to meet EU standards & why this mattersWhy parenting is thriving in DTC spaceThe brand's mission of making parent's lives easier while respecting their full identitiesWhat's next for Little Spoon (collabs, innovation, etc)IG littlespoon | littlespoon.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | hello@citrusdiaries.comCreate your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#madeonzencastr

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, I'm joined by Jordan Nathan, Founder and CEO of Caraway—the design-forward, non-toxic home goods brand that has redefined modern cookware. What started in 2019 with a waitlist of over 150,000 has quickly scaled into one of the fastest-growing home brands of the last decade. From bakeware to tea kettles, Caraway is leading the charge in cleaner, safer kitchen essentials—with serious style.In our conversation, Jordan shares how a personal experience with Teflon toxicity inspired the brand, how Caraway built massive consumer trust from day one, and what it takes to scale a mission-driven product in a competitive market. We also discuss the evolution from DTC to omnichannel, the role of social media in brand storytelling, and why he's thinking far beyond the kitchen when it comes to what's next.If you're curious about brand-building, the future of home goods, or how to turn pain into purpose—this episode is packed with insight. Now live on The Kara Goldin Show. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Jordan Nathan and Caraway:https://www.instagram.com/caraway_home/https://www.instagram.com/jordannathan/https://www.linkedin.com/company/carawayhome/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-nathan-6211114a/https://www.carawayhome.com/ Sponsored By:Apple Card - Visit apple.co/cardcalculator today and discover just how much Daily Cash you can earn.IDEO U - Go to IDEOU.com/KARAGOLDIN for 15% off!Range Rover Sport - The Range Rover Sport is your perfect ride. Visit RangeRover.com/us/Sport and check it out.Ka'Chava - Go to Kachava.com and use code KARAG for 15% off on your subscription for a limited time. Check out our website to view this episode's show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/723

Leah Garcia is the Founder & CEO of NULASTIN®, the first beauty brand to commercialize elastin-based haircare. With a background as a professional athlete and award-winning media personality, Leah brings a performance mindset to DTC brand building, combining storytelling, product innovation, and operational grit.Before launching NULASTIN, Leah built a successful career in broadcast journalism and sports media, covering professional bull riding for CBS and competing internationally in mountain biking. That same tenacity shows up in how she scaled NULASTIN to $17.5M in revenue before hiring her first employee, bootstrapping the brand through direct response marketing, Indiegogo campaigns, and scrappy user-generated content.Leah shares why she shifted from a crowded skincare category to focus on brows and lashes, how “less polished” creative outperformed high-production assets, and why authenticity still drives her best-performing ads. She also breaks down her product development process, the metrics she tracks most closely, and how she's approaching influencer and affiliate marketing now that the brand has scaled.Whether she's explaining why awkward websites sometimes convert better or why prestige branding can alienate loyal buyers, Leah offers a no-BS look at building a beauty brand that lasts without relying on glossy tactics or VC backing.In This Conversation We Discuss:[00:43] Intro[01:20] Launching niche beauty products with clear focus[02:00] Identifying a personal need in the market[03:20] Investing early in a science-backed idea[04:30] Taking control after early business loss[05:36] Accepting risk when investing your own money[06:53] Bootstrapping with decks, debt, and side hustles[09:22] Trusting instinct over validation frameworks[10:38] Learning from regulatory arrogance[12:55] Leveraging infomercial skills for DTC[14:46] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye, Heatmap & Zamp[18:43] Focusing early on user generated content[20:42] Understanding the tradeoffs of premium branding[22:30] Selling before customers hit the website[23:20] Learning from infomercial-driven growth[27:29] Blending legacy service with modern techResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeElastin-based hair and skincare nulastin.com/Follow Leah Garcia linkedin.com/in/leah-garcia-592988Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connectClear, real-time data built for ecommerce optimization heatmap.com/honestFully managed sales tax solution for Ecommerce brands zamp.com/honestIf 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!

In this episode of Listrak's Innovation Unleashed, host Jamie Elden sits down with Allie Naughton, Head of Client Strategy, to unpack key findings from the new half-year report. From the explosion of TikTok Shop and experiential loyalty programs to mobile's dominance and the shifting role of AI in personalization and predictive marketing - this is your inside look at the trends, data, and strategies shaping the rest of 2025. How Apple iOS18 and inbox changes are impacting engagement Why loyalty is shifting from points to VIP experiences The surge in SMS, MMS, and RCS - and why it matters now more than ever Retailer predictions on holiday performance, inventory volatility, and price sensitivity How AI is redefining product discovery, personalization, and replenishment What TikTok Shop's rise means for DTC and enterprise brands alike Whether you're a retailer, marketer, or tech leader, this episode will give you actionable takeaways and strategic foresight to close the year strong. Download the full report: https://www.listrak.com

Every DTC founder knows revenue isn't profit—but do you really know how much each sale actually contributes to your bottom line?In this episode, Josh breaks down Contribution Margin in simple, operator-level terms. You'll learn how to calculate it, why it's the most important number for cash flow clarity, and how to use it to drive smarter decisions around pricing, marketing, and growth.Here's what we cover:The exact formula for Contribution Margin (with a real-world pet + apparel brand example)How CM affects break-even, CAC, and scaling potentialThe most common mistakes DTC founders make with marginsHealthy benchmarks for apparel, supplements, pet products, and moreWhy a 30% CM is your real goal—not just ROAS or toplineIf you've ever felt like “sales are growing but profit isn't,” this episode will connect the dots and help you fix it fast.

What if you could create scroll-stopping video ads without a studio, expensive shoots, or even real people?

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupYuki Kinoshita returns to the DTC Podcast with an inside look at how Plufl turned viral buzz into sustainable growth. Since his first appearance, the brand has passed $4M in sales, added new SKUs like the Hugl cooling pillow, and faced a near-$8M retail setback due to sudden U.S. tariffs.In this episode, Yuki breaks down how Plufl:Navigated a 145% import tariff while keeping prices stableCut landed costs by $10+ per unit by reengineering their packagingTransitioned from novelty product to year-round problem-solverLeveraged creator content and press placements to power top-of-funnelUsed customer pain points to inform product developmentFor DTC founders navigating platform volatility, sourcing challenges, and product innovation, this episode delivers tactical insight.Timestamps:00:00 How Plufl went viral and dealt with knockoffs02:00 Shark Tank, tariffs, and losing $7M in retail deals08:00 Why Vietnam manufacturing isn't always cheaper12:00 Cutting COGS with packaging and operations18:00 The product that made Plufl profitable year-round24:00 Creating pet-parent solutions from customer feedback28:00 Seven figures from QVC and shopping networks32:00 PR, gift guides, and listicles as growth levers34:00 TikTok creator seeding and whitelisting strategy38:00 What's next for Plufl and the foundersHashtags:#d2cpodcast #plufl #dtcbrands #founderstory #ecommercegrowth #retailstrategy #tiktokmarketing #tariffimpact #prstrategy #productlaunch 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

https://constraintcalculator.scoreapp.com/Episode Summary:In this episode of How to Scale an Agency, we sit down with Corey, founder of Mansion and New Standard Co., who brings a rare dual perspective as both a brand owner and an agency operator. From launching an 8-figure jewelry brand to quickly scaling a retention-focused agency serving nine-figure DTC clients, Corey shares a raw, tactical, and philosophical look at what it really takes to build and scale an agency in today's market.We unpack his journey from mechanical engineer to retention strategist, why he only works with wealthy founders, how his team closes $15K–$25K retainers, and how he's thinking about the intersection of AI, strategy, and scale in 2025 and beyond.This is a masterclass in founder psychology, pricing strategy, data-driven retention, and the future of agency operations. If you're building a high-margin, high-impact agency—or want to—this one's for you.⏱️ Episode Chapters:0:00 – Intro & Local ConnectionCorey and the host connect over Newport, Dylan, and shared California roots.1:16 – Corey's Background: From Aerospace to EntrepreneurshipHow Corey went from an engineering degree to founding an 8-figure jewelry brand and agency.2:50 – Learning Business Through Trial by FireEarly lessons on margins, cash flow, and brand building before launching an agency.4:00 – The Shift to Retention-Focused Agency LifeWhy Corey believes service businesses win and how retention became their niche.6:10 – Pricing Strategy: From $300 to $15K RetainersHow they positioned themselves to work with top-tier brands and charge premium retainers.7:56 – The Power of Saying No: Only Serving Wealthy ClientsFiltering prospects based on mindset and revenue. When and why they turn clients away.9:00 – Michelin-Star Thinking Applied to AgenciesHow Corey blends automation, strategy, and senior talent to deliver at a high level.10:30 – Psychology of Retention & Customer BehaviorLifecycle marketing, cohort analysis, and segment-specific flows that drive results.12:55 – Direct Mail & Multichannel Win-Back CampaignsUsing offline methods for high-impact retention and reactivation.15:00 – Subscription Brands: Reducing Month 3 Churn Starts on Day 1Why priming behavior in the popup and welcome flow makes or breaks CLTV.17:00 – Vetting Clients During the Sales ProcessLessons from firing clients and getting fired—why expectations need to be set from day one.20:00 – Growing Pains at 7 Figures: Structure, Managers & HandoffsScaling challenges when servicing 9-figure clients without ops in place.22:30 – Founder Burnout & Monotony of SuccessThe emotional cost of growth and finding excitement during the “long middle” of scaling.25:30 – Amazon's Stress Testing Framework Applied to AgenciesHow to prep your business to survive (and thrive) while the founder is away.27:50 – What Happens When the Founder Steps Out?Breaking down tasks by function and delegating high-leverage founder roles.30:00 – Tracking Relationship ROI & Letting Go as a FounderWhen to keep relationship roles and when to delegate them—with measurement.34:00 – Time Blocking, Weekly GPS System & ConstraintsHow limited time made the host more productive using a 1-year/1-month/1-week/1-day system.36:40 – Quiet Business ≠ Safe Business: Why Founders Get NervousBuilding visibility when things feel “too quiet”—and what to track.39:00 – What's Next? Thinking 6–24 Months AheadStrategic thinking beyond...

"Send me a text"The supplement industry has undergone a massive shift from a lightly regulated gold rush to a tightly policed marketplace where quality is no longer a nice-to-have, but a survival strategy. Fueled by pressure from regulators and major platforms like Amazon, low-quality operators have been squeezed out, leaving room for brands with strong documentation, testing protocols, and trusted manufacturing partners to rise. This transformation is reshaping how brands compete, how customers buy, and what it takes to win revealing that long-term success now depends not on cutting corners, but on building trust, retention, and sustainable quality systems.If you're interested in working with me one-on-one to improve your supplement business. You can learn more at https://creativethirst.com After working with dozens of dietary supplement brands, I've uncovered the three critical funnels needed for success. Click here to discover the 3 funnels that can help your health supplement business succeed.If you're interested in working with me one-on-one to improve your supplement business. You can learn more at my website https://creativethirst.comGetting people to your sales page or funnel is crucial for growing a direct-to-consumer supplement company. But how do you get them there?The quickest way to do that is through paid advertising.Buying buyers with ad dollars to scale is how all the supplement businesses do it.Now you can discover the strategies and tactics that work in supplement advertising.For just $7.Click here to grab your copy of the Health Supplement Ad Swipe Guide.If you're interested in working with me one-on-one to improve your supplement business. You can learn more at my website https://creativethirst.comGetting people to your sales page or funnel is how you grow a direct-to-consumer supplement company. But how do you get them there?The quickest way to do that is through paid advertising.Buying buyers with ad dollars to scale is how all the supplement businesses do it.Now you can discover the strategies and tactics that work in supplement advertising.For just $7.Click here to grab your copy of the Health Supplement Ad Swipe Guide.

In this episode, Ty Haney, founder of Outdoor Voices, shares how she turned her public downfall into the blueprint for an even bigger comeback—building multiple new brands and redefining how community drives growth. She reveals: • How she built Outdoor Voices into a $100M cult brand by age 30 • Why the DTC playbook failed—and what she's doing differently now • The four-part community-building formula that makes customers 4x more valuable • Her biggest mistakes as a first-time CEO—and how she's fixing them with Joggy and TYB • Why owning your story and controlling your cap table is non-negotiable • The future of founder-led content, brand building, and consumer trust If you're building a product brand, fighting for comeback, or want a masterclass in turning failure into fuel—don't miss this one. Foundr Community Offers Want 1-on-1 mentorship to launch or scale your brand faster? Apply for eCommerce coaching: → Starting your ecom biz? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → Already selling and want to scale? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want all-access to step-by-step training from 7, 8 & 9-figure founders? Start your Foundr+ $1 trial today → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Omnisend | Get 50% off your first 3 months of email and SMS marketing with Omnisend with the code FOUNDR50. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started. Connect With Nathan Chan Instagram → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect With Ty Haney Ty's Instagram → Click Here Joggy's Instagram → Click Here TYB's Instagram → Click Here Joggy's Website → Click Here TYB's Website → Click Here Follow Foundr for More Business Growth Strategies YouTube → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here

It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: FDA approves the first fast-acting biosimilar insulin in the US, Tandem issues warning, DOJ stands up for remote monitoring in schools, GLP1 use protects against dementia, and more! Find out more about Moms' Night Out  Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about Gvoke Glucagon Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection): Glucagon Injection For Very Low Blood Sugar (gvokeglucagon.com) Omnipod - Simplify Life Learn about Dexcom   Check out VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Twitter Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com  Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.com Episode transcription with links:   Hello and welcome to Diabetes Connections In the News! I'm Stacey Simms and every other Friday I bring you a short episode with the top diabetes stories and headlines happening now. XX We've got the first and only biosimilar FDA approved and moving to market. Kirsty – insulin aspart, which is a biosimilar to Novolog will be available as a single-patient-use prefilled pen for subcutaneous use and a multiple-dose vial for subcutaneous and intravenous use. KIRSTY has been available in Europe and Canada since 2022. This same company makes Semglee, the first biosimilar for long acting? Sales of Insulin Aspart in the United States were approximately $1.9 billion in 2024, according to IQVIA. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/07/15/3115973/0/en/Biocon-Biologics-Expands-Diabetes-Portfolio-with-FDA-Approval-of-Kirsty-the-First-and-Only-Interchangeable-Rapid-Acting-Insulin-Aspart-in-the-United-States.html XX Tandem Diabetes Care (Nasdaq:TNDM) has issued an urgent medical device correction for some t:slim X2 automated insulin pumps. In a July 22 notice, the San Diego-based company warned of pumps that may exhibit a higher rate of speaker failure. During normal use, the insulin pump software monitors current flowing through the speaker during use. Measurements that fall within a pre-determined range indicate a functioning speaker. Meanwhile, measurements falling outside the range indicate a speaker failure.   When the measurements land outside the expected range, the system declares a malfunction, referred to as “Malfunction 16.” If the pump declares this malfunction, insulin delivery will stop and the pump will no longer be operational. Malfunction 16 terminates communication between the pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM), as well as the t:slim mobile app.   If not addressed, the issue can lead to hyperglycemia, which can result in hospitalization or medical intervention. The company reports 700 adverse events and 59 reported injuries to date, with no reports of death.   Tandem identified that certain speaker versions have a higher rate of Malfunction 16 events due to a wiring issue within the speaker. Users can continue using their pump but with added precautions because Malfunction 16 can occur at any time. They should use the t:slim mobile app with push notifications turned on so the app alerts them if the malfunction occurs, the company said.   Additionally, Tandem intends to release a software update aimed at enhancing the early detection of speaker failure. The update also introduces persistent vibration alarms to help reduce potential safety risk. Tandem plans to notify affected pump users when it makes the update available. https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/tandem-warns-insulin-pump-speaker-malfunction/ XX BIG WIN! The DOJ protects T1D rights again! The US Attorney's office for the Western District of Washington State reached a settlement with a public school district that once again confirms remotely monitoring students' CGMs is a reasonable accommodation that schools must provide to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If its true for one state its true for all states under federal law! If your local schools still refuse to remotely monitor CGMs of their students, provide them with this letter to compel them to FOLLOWT1Ds and FOLLOW Federal Laws. If they still refuse contact us! https://followt1ds.org/ XX new study finds people taking GLP-1 agonists had a significantly lower cumulative risk of developing dementia, when compared to metformin users. Past studies show that people who have type 2 diabetes — a chronic condition where the body does not use its insulin properly — are at a higher risk of developing dementia. The study found that when comparing the neuroprotective abilities of two diabetes medications — metformin and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists) — participants taking GLP-1 agonists had a significantly lower cumulative risk of developing dementia, when compared to metformin.   https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/glp-1s-may-offer-better-dementia-protection-than-metformin XX Front office changes coming to Dexcom.  CEO Kevin Sayer will step down  & give the reins to current Chief Operating Officer Jake Leach. Scheduled for January 1, 2026, Leach will also join Dexcom's board of directors where Sayer will remain  executive chairman. One of our frequent guests here.. Leach has worked at Dexcom for 21 years. He served as chief technology officer from 2018 to 2022 before he was named COO in late 2022. He was given the title of president in May. https://www.medtechdive.com/news/dexcom-ceo-change-kevin-sayer-jake-leach/756382/ XX A major international study has revealed that many children and young adults in Sub-Saharan Africa who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may actually have a different, non-immune-based form of the condition. Unlike the traditional autoimmune version of T1D, this form appears to develop without the immune system attacking the insulin-producing cells. This finding could significantly reshape how diabetes is diagnosed and treated across the region, potentially leading to more precise care and better health outcomes. The researchers found that many young people in Sub-Saharan Africa diagnosed with T1D often don't have the usual markers in their blood (called islet autoantibodies) typically seen in people with T1D in other parts of the world. Specifically, 65% of participants with T1D in this region did not have islet autoantibodies. When the researchers compared this data to studies in the U.S., they found a smaller but significant proportion (15%) of Black participants diagnosed with T1D had a similar form of diabetes found in Sub-Saharan Africa – characterized by negative autoantibodies and a low T1D genetic risk score.   However, white Americans with T1D showed the typical autoimmune pattern, even if they didn't have detectable autoantibodies, their genetics still pointed to autoimmune diabetes.   “The identification of this T1D diabetes subtype in Sub-Saharan African populations and among individuals of African ancestry in the U.S. suggests a potential ancestral or genetic link,” Dabelea notes. “These findings highlight the need to consider alternative etiologies in this group and a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms may provide important insights for future prevention and treatment strategies.”     https://scitechdaily.com/new-diabetes-subtype-discovered-in-africa-challenges-global-assumptions/   XX Formal recognition for the specialty of Diabetology.   Diabetology is the specialty focused on the full continuum of diabetes care — encompassing diagnosis, treatment, prevention, technology integration, education, and cardiometabolic management. While it intersects with endocrinology, primary care, and public health, diabetology is uniquely defined by its depth and focus on diabetes alone.       The American College of Diabetology (ACD) is the national professional organization representing clinicians who specialize in diabetes care. ACD advances clinical excellence and education to improve the lives of those affected by diabetes. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250725766248/en/American-College-of-Diabetology-Announces-Formal-Taxonomy-Classification-for-Diabetology   XX Tidepool announces cloud-to-cloud integration with Abbott's FreeStyle Libre portfolio. From the release: This integration allows people living with diabetes using the FreeStyle Libre portfolio to connect their data to their Tidepool account seamlessly. For healthcare providers, this means more comprehensive insights and streamlined workflows, with FreeStyle Libre systems data flowing continuously into the Tidepool Data Platform. https://www.tidepool.org/blog/abbott-freestyle-libre-integration-launched XX Stelo dexom ai food XX With high drug prices remaining an ongoing concern for U.S. politicians, Roche is considering following in the footsteps of some of its peers with a direct-to-consumer (DTC) model to cut out the middlemen.     About 50% of the money spent on drugs in the U.S. healthcare system goes straight to PBMs instead of the companies that create the medicines, Roche CEO Thomas Schinecker called out in a press conference on Thursday.   Bringing the drugs directly to the consumer could be a solution to positively impact pricing for patients “without destroying innovation,” Schinecker added on a separate Thursday call with investors, noting that the company has discussed the matter with the U.S. government and its Department of Health and Human Services. The pricing talks come after President Donald Trump inked a “Most Favored Nation” executive order in May, aiming to tie U.S. drug prices to lower prices in other developed nations. The plan was quickly called out by industry voices such as the PhRMA trade group, which labeled it a “bad deal” for U.S. patients. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/roche-weighing-direct-consumer-drug-sales-ease-us-drug-pricing-woes-cut-out-pbms-ceo-says XX SAB BIO secures substantial $175M financing to advance T1D therapy with impressive investor lineup and extended cash runway until 2028. Most critically, this financing fully funds the pivotal Phase 2b SAFEGUARD study evaluating SAB-142 for delaying progression of autoimmune Type 1 diabetes in newly diagnosed patients. By extending the cash runway into mid-2028, SAB has effectively eliminated near-term financing risk and provided clear visibility through this crucial clinical trial and potential commercialization preparation. Participation from strategic investor Sanofi, along with new investors RA Capital Management, Commodore Capital, Vivo Capital, Blackstone Multi-Asset Investing, Spruce Street Capital, Forge Life Science Partners and Woodline Partners LP, and existing investors Sessa Capital, the T1D Fund, and ATW Partners         https://www.stocktitan.net/news/SABS/sab-bio-announces-oversubscribed-175-million-private-fwsf2t91ek4z.html   XX In a landmark 14-year study, researchers have found that artificially sweetened drinks raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by more than a third, significantly higher than those loaded with sugar. It challenges the long-standing perception of diet drinks being a healthier alternative and suggests they may carry metabolic risks of their own. In the first longitudinal study of its kind, led by Monash University, researchers tracked 36,608 participants over an average period of 13.9 years to assess how both sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) impacted health outcomes. The self-reported health data, from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study, was drawn from participants aged 40 to 69 years at the time of recruitment.   What they found was that drinking just one can of artificially sweetened soda increased the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 38%, compared to people who didn't consume these drinks at all. For those consuming the same amount of sugary drinks, the risk was 23% higher. This suggests there's more than obesity at play. The researchers believe this result is due to an independent metabolic effect, possibly gut microbiome disruption or a change in glucose metabolism.   While the study didn't identify which artificial sweeteners were at play,   Evidence suggests that artificial sweeteners can alter the composition and function of gut bacteria, leading to glucose intolerance – a precursor to type 2 diabetes. And that some sweeteners may trigger insulin release, desensitize metabolic responses over time, or confuse the body's glucose regulation system – even without actual sugar in the picture.   Another hypothesis is that regular exposure to the kind of intense sweetness that artificial products deliver may condition the body to anticipate sugar calories that never come, affecting appetite regulation, insulin sensitivity and broader metabolic pathways. However, the authors suggest that how sweeteners affect the gut microbiota and glucose regulation are the most likely drivers of increased diabetes risk.   https://newatlas.com/diet-nutrition/one-drink-diabetes-risk/ XX After months of deliberation, information gathering and public testimony, a state board unanimously agreed Monday that two common medications for type-2 diabetes and other conditions appear to pose an affordability challenge to the state and Marylanders.   The state Prescription Drug Affordability Board approved two resolutions saying that prescription drugs Jardiance and Farxiga likely pose an “an affordability challenge for the state health care system” and the state should look for ways to bring down those costs.   Health care advocates call the long-awaited resolution an “important first step” in the process in bringing down prescription costs for those on the state's health plan.       That milestone has been years in the making. Created in 2019 by the General Assembly, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board was slow to launch due in part to a veto from former Gov. Larry Hogan (R) amid pandemic-induced economic uncertainty in 2020 that delayed the board's formation. The board also cited out-of-pocket costs for consumers and state and local spending on those drugs as indicators that there may be an affordability challenge.   The board will now look at options to address the potential affordability challenge, which could include setting an upper payment limit on those drugs. But it's not clear when the state will see cost savings.   That said, some members of the health care system and the pharmaceutical industry say that policies such as upper payment limits could weaken access to life-saving drugs. Others say that the board has not engaged enough viewpoints from the health care industry. https://marylandmatters.org/2025/07/29/state-board-determines-two-type-2-diabetes-drugs-may-be-unaffordable/   XX One year after it was revealed that Chrissy Teigen and John Legend's son, Miles, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, Teigen is revealing how she's making her son feel more included. Teigen first opened up about her 7-year-old son's diagnosis after she and her two oldest kids, Miles and 9-year-old daughter Luna were at the 2024 summer Olympics cheering on Simone Biles. Teigen posted a photo of Miles and Luna holding up a sign. Also visible in the picture was the insulin pump on Miles' arm. Now, Teigen is sharing some insight into how she's making Miles more comfortable with having type 1 diabetes, including giving LeBron James' Barbie doll type 1 diabetes as well. In a video shared on Instagram, Teigen is seen taking the T1D Barbie, removing her insulin pump and gluing the pump onto LeBron James' Barbie. “Turning T1D Barbie into T1D Lebron James for my son,” Teigen captioned the video, revealing James is Miles' hero. 41 million followers https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/chrissy-teigen-gives-lebron-james-154608782.html  

Will systems-driven commerce be the death of our (Brian's) peace? This week, Phillip and Brian explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping expertise, the chokehold inflexible systems have on modern life, and the meaning of the digital afterlife. Plus: learn how brands like American Eagle are balancing controversy and virality to shock themselves into relevancy while feeling minimal aftershocks.One Year Closer to the Digital AfterlifeKey takeaways:The ChatGPT Expert Problem: AI is enabling a new class of "nouveau experts" who cite disparate cultural theorists like Freddie DeBoer and Peter Turchin to sound authoritative, creating sophisticated-sounding but potentially hollow analysisPeak Inflexibility: Modern life is increasingly controlled by inflexible systems that eliminate human judgment and serendipity, from cell phone stores that can't override basic functions to restaurants requiring months-advance reservationsOne-Round Game Marketing: Brands like American Eagle are adopting political-style "one-round game" tactics, where temporary controversy and outrage generate attention without long-term brand damage, as demonstrated by Sydney Sweeney's "good genes" campaignThe Post-Internet Brain: We're outsourcing memory, emotions, and even nostalgia to algorithms, with AI potentially eliminating the need to ask questions by providing contextual information before we realize we want it[00:25:55] Brian: "I believe that there is a set of business leaders out there that see ChatGPT as a way to make decisions about their business... they're sending it to an entity that effectively is confirmation bias."[00:24:27] Phillip: "What we found in our primary research is that TikTok doesn't show up for direct like spear fishing—that's Amazon. It doesn't show up for inspiration like window shopping—that's Instagram. And it doesn't show up for entertainment or learning—that's YouTube."[00:54:49] Brian: "Someday we're not going to call it the internet anymore, actually. Because it's actually an extension of our brains. It's a way for us to store information."[01:13:54] Phillip: "A blonde woman talking about her good genes. You're telling me that not one person thought about this? This is perfectly engineered for outrage."In-Show Mentions:Jack Conte on X: TikTok vs. YouTube as search enginesAlex Greifeld on X: “One round game marketing”Associated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce Plus 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 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!

On this week's Glossy Podcast, international fashion reporter Zofia Zwieglinska joined editor-in-chief Jill Manoff to discuss three major stories shaping fashion this week.  First, we discuss American Eagle Outfitters's “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans” campaign and the criticism around its wordplay on “genes,” drawing accusations of eugenics undertones while simultaneously driving the company's stock up by as much as 10%. At the same time, Vogue debuted an AI-generated Guess ad, created entirely by an external agency. And in the world of direct-to-consumer brands, Quince raised $200 million, doubling its valuation to $4.5 billion, prompting debate over whether a “dupe-first” model can evolve into long-term brand equity. Later in the episode (26:00), Manoff spoke with senior reporter Sara Spruch Feiner about Ty Haney's surprise return to Outdoor Voices, the DTC athleisure brand she founded in 2013.

Send us a textWhat happens when a no-deal Shark Tank brand becomes TikTok Shop's fastest-growing success story? That's exactly what NeuroGum did—and in this video, I'll show you how they pulled it off.Hi, I'm Jordan West, founder of Social Commerce Club—the agency behind some of the top-performing TikTok Shop strategies out there. Today, I'm unpacking how NeuroGum scaled to over $10M/month in revenue and reached a $100M+ valuation, all by turning TikTok Shop into the centerpiece of their growth engine.What You'll Learn (Timestamps):[00:15] The NeuroGum origin story: indie gum, Shark Tank, and the viral spark[01:05] Why TikTok Shop became their #1 growth channel[01:50] How narrowing SKUs led to higher conversion rates[02:30] Building a handpicked creator network (+ onboarding tactics)[04:30] Cracking the hook in the first 0.8 seconds[05:20] Publishing 2–3 videos daily through trained creators[05:45] Urgency strategies to increase sell-through and attention[06:50] Scraping comments & conversion data to optimize[07:30] Why TikTok outperforms Amazon & Facebook for top-of-funnel[08:10] Repurposing TikTok UGC across other channels[08:50] Creators on a Times Square billboard—offline meets viral[09:11] Their results and how you can model the same playbookKey TakeawaysNarrow Focus Wins: Fewer SKUs = faster decisions and better sell-through on TikTok Shop.Deep Creator Partnerships: Top creators are trained, not just sourced. Treat them like team members.Hooks Are Everything: First 0.8 seconds determine if someone scrolls or buys.Urgency Drives Sales: Scarcity and time-sensitive offers fuel TikTok's impulse-buy nature.Halo Effect Is Real: TikTok Shop performance boosts other channels like retail and DTC.Creator Incentives Matter: Think bigger than commissions—billboards and visibility = brand loyalty.Repurpose Smart: UGC from TikTok Shop can be gold for Meta ads, YouTube pre-rolls, and PDPs.Go All-In or Miss Out: TikTok Shop rewards brands that commit with volume and creativity.Systematize Everything: From onboarding creators to testing hooks—build a repeatable engine.The Playbook Works: This exact model is what we run at Social Commerce Club with our top clients.Want to turn your brand into a TikTok Shop powerhouse?

What does it take to launch a successful product in a space where 97% fail before reaching the market? In this episode, we're joined by Michael McCrary and Robert Hulet, co-founders of Prox PRD, the world's first dedicated phone reminder device, to share their journey from concept to building a patented, category-defining product.Their story serves as a roadmap for entrepreneurs to validate ideas, simplify complex solutions, and scale a product from garage-level assembly to national media attention without relying on venture funding or bloated overhead.Whether you're launching a new venture or refining a current product, this episode is packed with real-world strategies that can give your business an edge.In today's episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we'll cover:How to get product feedback fast before spending bigHow to turn customer support into a growth strategyHow to use long-form video to boost trust and sales, and simplify your message for better conversionsHow to scale production without sacrificing qualityHow to build a loyal user base with real utilityAnd so much more!Whether you're refining your product-market fit or scaling into DTC channels, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about product development, messaging, and growth.Visit www.proxdevices.com to learn more about Prox PRD and discover why it is loved by so many.To be a guest on our next podcast, contact us today!Do you have a brand that you'd like to launch or grow? Do you want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenues? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation with us today! 

On this episode of the ReGen Brands Podcast, we're joined by Jason Haas – Partner and General Manager at Tablas Creek Vineyard. Tablas Creek is located in Paso Robles, California, is one of the pioneering wineries in the U.S. for regenerative organic farming, and was the first vineyard to become Regenerative Organic Certified®.   Jason shares the incredible origin story of Tablas Creek, born from a partnership between his father and the Perrin family of France. We explore how they brought Rhône varietals to California and why they started a grapevine nursery to supply their own vineyard and the broader wine community here in the US.   We dive into the challenges and opportunities of regenerative viticulture – from managing tillage, to animal integration, to water retention. Jason also unpacks the complexity of managing 270 acres while bottling 29 different wines. Plus, he shares insights on the economics of DTC versus wholesale channels, and how they're balancing high regenerative and organic standards with industry-wide transition support.   If you're curious about how regenerative farming shows up in your favorite glass of vino – and what it takes to make that possible – this episode is for you.   Episode Highlights:  

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupThis episode dives deep into how Pilothouse treats content (video/still/UGC/EGC) as the primary growth lever entering Q4. They share frameworks for sourcing, testing, and iterating content to keep a creative pipeline fresh, attention‑grabbing, and funnel‑optimized.Why it matters to marketers/entrepreneurs:Video drives cold traffic; static drives conversions in retargetingDiverse creator mix fuels testing for persona resonanceQuick intro tweaking ( ess than 5 sec) can reignite stale top creativesSystems prevent creative decay and rising CPAs as ad costs increaseKey moments & insights:Content + system more than polished single visualsDividing creative types: CGC, UGC, EGCStock your creative trove by May–June for Q4 readinessTesting hooks at 3‑5 seconds yields outsized returnsWhen a top ad slows, pause it to surface the next best performerTimestamps:00:00 Setting Up Q4 Creative Systems02:00 Why Video Is Essential for Q4 Growth04:00 The Three Types of Video: CGC, UGC, EGC08:00 The Power of Employee-Generated Content12:00 Using Video vs. Static Creatives on Meta16:00 Creative Refresh Cycles and Testing Systems20:00 Beating the Winning Ad: Iteration Strategies22:00 Final Thoughts and Next StepsHashtags:#q4strategy #facebookads #ugc #creativeoptimization #d2cpodcast #egc #digitalmarketing #videomarketing #metaads #growthmarketing 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

I had the pleasure of sitting down with James Reynolds, Co-CEO and Co-founder of Coco5, and what a conversation it was.  From the South Side of Chicago to Wall Street to the beverage aisle, James's journey is packed with powerful lessons on grit, reinvention, and staying true to your purpose. He opened up about a pivotal moment in college that transformed his life — when he walked away from basketball to pursue academics — and how that same clarity of purpose led him to fall in love with a product called Coco5. What started as a health-conscious investment turned into a mission-driven beverage brand that's redefining coconut water. James and his team, including NBA stars like Devin Booker and D'Angelo Russell, took a product they genuinely loved and scaled it into a clean hydration brand backed by real athletes — and more importantly, beloved by moms and kids. Here are some key takeaways from this episode: * James shares the moment he "stopped playing small" and took charge of his future — a life-altering decision that still fuels his discipline today.   * How a chance encounter with Coco5 led him from investment banking to CPG founder, driven by a passion for health and hydration.   * The surprising truth about their core customer: it's not just athletes — it's health-conscious moms buying for their kids.   * Why saying “no” to 2,000+ Walmart stores helped them win — and how going narrow and deep created long-term success.   * The secret behind their flavor-first strategy: “Kids don't care if it's good for them — it has to taste amazing.”   Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this episode — it's a powerful story of reinvention, discipline, and building a brand with lasting impact. If you've ever wondered what it takes to succeed in CPG without experience, this is a must-listen.   For more on Coco5, visit: https://coco5.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: 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. 

Holly Beadle, CEO of HERA Clothing, joins Will Laurenson to share how she's building a fashion brand that prioritises profitability over hype. From narrowing product ranges and improving cash flow to expanding into new markets and using tools like Klaviyo, Yotpo, and Rebuy, Holly breaks down the strategies behind HERA's sustainable growth. They discuss the challenges of paid media, why CRM is outperforming ads, and how to stay focused in a saturated industry. Whether you're scaling a DTC brand or optimising for profitability, Holly's insights are refreshingly practical and grounded in real experience.

This week, I sat down with Lisa Nielsen, Senior Digital Marketing Manager at Victoria Beckham, to talk about what brand building looks like behind the scenes at a luxury fashion house and why customer experience is more than a post-purchase email.We get into the real impact of handwritten notes (yes, real ink and paper), how to bring humanity into high-pressure digital roles, and why text marketing isn't just for scrappy DTC brands anymore.Lisa also shares her take on lifecycle strategy in luxury, why empathy matters in leadership, and how VB is experimenting with resale, sustainability, and segmented CX all without losing brand integrity.If you've ever wondered how to scale without losing soul, or how to make your retention strategy feel more personal than automated, this one's for you.

Eli Weiss is the VP of Retention Advocacy at Yotpo. He previously worked at Jones Road Beauty, Olipop, Simulate, and more. He is the founder of the All Things CX and Retention newsletter on Substack. WHAT WE GO OVER:Eli's beginning, from home life to luggageFavorite marketing campaignsMobygate: The Triple Whale DramaDavid launches CodFounder vs. Founder NegativityCONNECT WITH US:Connect with Vasa on LinkedinConnect with Eli on LinkedInPerfy's websiteCPGSPN by Growthbuster, a CPG newsletter with a sports themeSPONSOR:Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster. Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage brands grow. Check out Growthbuster's newsletter, CPGSPN here. 

Your landing page is missing something.  Nik reviews landing pages from real DTC brands—ranging from custom cabinets and meat boxes to laundry pods and men's underwear.  With conversion rate optimization as the north star, he dives into what's working, what's missing, and why most homepages fail at first glance. You'll hear feedback on: Where to place social proof (and why it almost never goes where you think) What to say when you want people to actually click “Add to Cart” The biggest design mistake DTC brands make on mobile How guys shop (hint: it's not rational) Whether your brand sells food, fashion, or compostable trash bags, this episode delivers conversion insights you'll want to steal immediately. Plus, you'll hear Nik's favorite hacks for optimizing opt-in rates, pricing perception, and product positioning. 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

Send us a textIn this episode of Secrets to Scaling Your eCommerce Brand, Jordan West sits down with Scott Desgrosseilliers, founder and CEO of Wicked Reports, to break down one of the most confusing—and mission-critical—topics in DTC: attribution.Scott pulls back the curtain on what really works when it comes to understanding your customer data, how to track success in a post-iOS 14.5 world, and why your campaigns might be failing even if ROAS looks good. What you'll learn:Why most marketers are using AI wrong—and what to do instead

Knix founder Joanna Griffiths revolutionized women's underwear marketing with real bodies, authentic stories, and customer-first innovation.For more on Knix and show notes click here.  Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff speaks with Sam Tichnor, founder of FFUPs, a uniquely branded puff snack company that was focused on flavor innovation over health claims. Sam candidly shares the full arc of his entrepreneurial journey—from conceptualizing and launching the brand during the pandemic, to navigating DTC and retail channels, and the complex challenges that ultimately led to winding down the business.The conversation covers critical lessons on brand positioning, operational execution, inventory management, and the importance of marketing strategy—especially for solo founders. Sam reflects on the strategic decisions that shaped the brand, where things went wrong, and the insights he now applies in his advisory work at Pale Blue Dot, supporting emerging CPG brands with finance and operations expertise.This episode offers valuable takeaways for founders, operators, and anyone involved in building and scaling consumer products.Don't miss this episode. Listen now!Listen in as they share about:Branding and Product DevelopmentMarketing and AwarenessOperations and ManufacturingRetail and Distribution StrategyFinancial Management and CapitalReflections on Failure and GrowthEpisode Links:Website: https://ffups.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samueltichnor/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics If you're ready for the new standard for business banking,Head to www.rho.co/startupcpgto learn more.

They didn't just launch a wine brand - they created a whole new category. In this episode, Kendra Kawala shares how Maker Wines went from cold outreach to category leader.Jim talks with Kendra Kawala, co-founder of Maker Wines, about how she turned B2B sales grit into DTC scale. From walking into wine shops cold to managing complex supply chains with 15 wineries, Kendra reveals the realities of launching a new product category — and why going B2B-first gave them an edge most DTC brands miss.TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY'S EPISODEWhy Maker Wines isn't your typical DTC brandThe early grind of B2B-style salesManaging logistics across 15 partner wineriesWhat business school got right  and wrongChoosing the right co-founder for scaleOrder economics and conviction at launchApplying B2B thinking to consumer marketingIf you're launching something new — or want to scale smart — this is the episode you'll come back to twice.Resources:https://www.makerwine.com/Jim Huffman websiteJim's TwitterGrowthHitThe Growth Marketer's PlaybookThe Shopify Growth School Additional episodes you might enjoy:Startup Ideas by Paul Graham (#45)Nathan Barry: How to Bootstrap a Company to $30M in a Crowded Market (#41)How I Met My Biz Partner and Less Learned Hitting $2M ARR (#44)Ryan Hamilton on his Netflix special, touring with Jerry Seinfeld, & how to write a joke (#10)How We're Validating Startup Ideas (#51)