Podcast appearances and mentions of jake karls

Aaron Nosbisch is the founder and CEO of BRĒZ, a cannabis social tonic beverage designed as an alcohol alternative that offers a euphoric, feel-good effect without the downsides of alcohol. He built his expertise in e-commerce from an early age, launching multiple internet brands and scaling previous ventures like MONQ (portable aromatherapy diffuser, 0 to $15 million in three years as CMO), and running Lucyd Media, the world's largest cannabis social advertising agency, which run 80% of meta ads for the cannabis space.In this episode, Aaron and Blaine explore how BRĒZ identified untapped demand, iterated their product to solve a genuine founder problem, and brought it to market with precision: leveraging lean startup methodology, subscription-first landing pages, micro-batch production, effective founder-led UGC creative, and meticulous customer service. They discuss cash flow realities, funding first runs, the role of retention in beverage DTC, and how direct-to-consumer momentum powers retail expansion and shelf velocity. Aaron also shares transparent insights on ad spend, internal ops, and the principles that fuel brand growth.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Pillars of a Successful DTC Brand2. Challenges of Scaling Beverages DTC3. Early Stage Funding and Resources Management4. Supply Chain Processes in Product Launches5. Team Building, Finding the Right Partners6. Pre-Launch and Launch Strategies7. Testing and Iterating Ad Campaigns8. Founder-Led Content in Advertising 9. Guerrilla Strategies for Audience and List Building10. Media Buying, Optimizing CAC, and Scaling Spend11. Building AOV, Subscription, and Retention12. Customer Feedback and Iteration Cycles13. Importance of Timing and Market ReadinessTimestamps00:00 Introducing Aaron and BRĒZ05:06 The “alcohol alternative” white space and product vision13:21 Launching a DTC beverage: initial capital and inventory20:32 Validating demand, managing resource constraints25:44 First ads and sales: founder content, guerilla tactics34:07 Early CACs, ad budgets, and optimizing for LTV38:22 E-commerce vs retail: channel mix and growth phases46:50 Key takeaways & where to follow Aaron and BRĒZShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokAaron Nosbisch - Founder and CEO of BRĒZBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Why do so many founders fall short just as things start working — and what separates those who break from those who break through?In this raw and revealing episode of Gent's Talk (E#149), host Samir Mourani sits down with entrepreneur and brand strategist Jake Karls for a deep dive into the unseen challenges of business building, brand identity, and the moment every founder hits a breaking point. This isn't about overnight success — it's about what happens after you've built something... and why that's where most people fall apart.Jake opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, the difference between building a business and scaling a brand, and the pressure founders face to keep moving when the path ahead gets foggy. If you've ever questioned whether you're doing enough — or if you're built for this — this episode will hit home.Why momentum can be more stressful than startingThe #1 mistake founders make after finding early successHow to lead with brand, not just businessWhat resilience really looks like as a founderThe identity crisis no one talks aboutWhether you're at the beginning of your journey or standing at your own tipping point — this conversation offers powerful insight into what it takes to endure, evolve, and lead with purpose.Subscribe for more in-depth interviews with founders, creatives, and change-makers.

Marin Ištvanić is a partner at Inspire Brands, a boutique agency focused on paid social ads, primarily on Facebook and Instagram. He has personally spent over $150 million on Facebook ads for clients and internal brands, successfully scaling Inspire's own brand to $30 million in revenue by their third year.In this episode of DTC Pod, Marin shares his insights on growing brands profitably through paid social. He discusses the importance of achieving product-market fit, crafting compelling offers, and understanding unit economics. Marin also details his agency's creative testing process and how to efficiently scale winning ad angles from static images to videos to landing pages.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Achieving Product-Market Fit2. Scaling Brands through Facebook Ads3. Product Differentiation4. How to Craft a Compelling Offer5. Subscription Products and Pricing Strategies6. Landing Pages for Facebook Ads7. Advertorials and Third-Party Content for Ads8. Whitelisting and Leveraging External Trust in Ads9. Ad Format Mix and Budget Allocation10. Advantage+ Campaigns and AI11. Scaling Ad Creative Production12. Testing Ad Variations and HooksTimestamps00:00 Marin's background and joining Inspire Brands 04:48 Importance of product-market fit and differentiation 06:50 Creating demand vs picking an established market10:34 What makes an effective offer and how to craft one12:41 Subscription models and free trial strategies16:59 $1K/day spend as indicator of product-market fit 18:36 Choosing the right landing page for your product 25:07 Whitelisting strategies and organic-looking content27:48 Typical budget allocation across ad formats30:29 Facebook's Advantage+ campaigns and AI features 33:23 Strategies for scaling ad creative24:44 Final tips: know your numbers and when to spendShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokMarin Ištvanić - Partner at Inspire BrandsBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Justin Sherlock is the co-founder and CEO of Caspian, an AI-native duty drawback platform designed to help brands navigate complex global trade and tariff environments. Prior to Caspian, Justin gained deep experience in finance and logistics at Flexport, where he led Flexport Capital, and previously had several years experience in private equity.In this episode, Justin breaks down the rapidly changing landscape of tariffs, duties, and global supply chains—especially relevant amid recent policy moves and volatile trade relations. He explains what customs brokers, tariffs, and duty drawbacks are, why these concepts matter for brands importing and exporting goods, and how most businesses are missing out on significant duty refund opportunities. Justin also offers real-world insights for DTC operators facing escalating tariffs, discusses strategies for mitigating increased costs, and shares how AI is making advanced trade advisory accessible beyond just Fortune 500 companies.Join us as a Guest on DTC POD: SUBMIT GUEST FORM HEREApply to join our DTC Pod Slack.On this episode we coverRising tariffs and global trade dynamicsSupply chain challenges for DTC brandsRole and importance of customs brokersDuty drawback: process and benefitsImpact of US-China tariff escalationTechnology and AI in trade complianceStrategies for brands to navigate tariffsTimestamps03:59 From Flexport to Caspian09:31 Customs Compliance11:11 Understanding Tariff and Duty Classification15:54 Trump's Tariff Strategy: A Provocative Move18:26 Debate Over Section 321 Provision22:46 "Supply Chain Opportunities and Challenges"25:03 Reshoring Critical Industries Strategy28:04 10% Tariff Impact on US Businesses32:53 Optimizing Supply Chain and Vendor Management36:22 Trade Predictions: Japan, Taiwan, India, Vietnam37:52 Geopolitical Isolationism and China's Rise41:41 "Navigating Duty Drawback Challenges"45:07 International Pricing and Tax Strategies48:07 Future of Supply Chain OptimizationPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokJustin Sherlock - Founder of CaspianBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of Castmagic

In Season 5, Episode 33 of The Food Professor Podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois deliver a dynamic episode split between urgent food policy news and an in-depth interview with Jake Karls, Co-Founder and Chief Rainmaker of the powerhouse better-for-you brand Mid-Day Squares.Kicking off with the news segment, Sylvain and Michael break down Canada's approaching election and the glaring lack of meaningful agricultural policy across party platforms. While the NDP pushes for price freezes and a windfall tax on grocers, the Liberals and Conservatives offer little in the way of innovation or supply chain resilience. The hosts also tackle the impact of Ottawa's retaliatory tariffs, which drive food inflation and force Canadian grocers to de-Americanize sourcing. This effort comes with significant costs to consumers. They also discuss the potential discontinuation of the glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup and the increasing scrutiny of petroleum-based food dyes like Red #40, calling science and public perception into question.The second half features an electrifying interview with Jake Karls, who updates listeners on Mid-Day Squares' journey since his last appearance. From humble condo kitchens beginning to producing over 130,000 chocolate bars daily, Jake shares how building an in-house manufacturing facility—rather than relying on co-packers—enabled product consistency, brand authenticity, and rapid scaling. He dives into the challenges of being a media-first company, the evolution of its storytelling strategy, and its pivot into new product categories beyond chocolate.Jake opens up about battling cocoa price surges, securing supply chains, and staying BRC-certified. He also previews Mid-Day Squares' upcoming expansion to triple output capacity, pushing the brand toward $225 million in potential revenue. The conversation closes on a powerful note about the importance of storytelling in entrepreneurship and building brand trust at scale.Whether you're a CPG entrepreneur, policy wonk, or retail trend-watcher, this episode offers an unfiltered look at macro-level food system dynamics and the bold entrepreneurial journey reshaping the snack aisle across North America. The Food Professor #podcast is presented by Caddle. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Professor in food distribution and policy in the Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University. Before joining Dalhousie, he was affiliated with the University of Guelph's Arrell Food Institute, which he co-founded. Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. Google Scholar ranks him as one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability.He has authored five books on global food systems, his most recent one published in 2017 by Wiley-Blackwell entitled “Food Safety, Risk Intelligence and Benchmarking”. He has also published over 500 peer-reviewed journal articles in several academic publications. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, including The Lancet, The Economist, the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, BBC, NBC, ABC, Fox News, Foreign Affairs, the Globe & Mail, the National Post and the Toronto Star.Dr. Charlebois sits on a few company boards, and supports many organizations as a special advisor, including some publicly traded companies. Charlebois is also a member of the Scientific Council of the Business Scientific Institute, based in Luxemburg. Dr. Charlebois is a member of the Global Food Traceability Centre's Advisory Board based in Washington DC, and a member of the National Scientific Committee of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in Ottawa. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Jake Karls, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, joins Will Laurenson to reveal how bold storytelling and emotional connection turned a homemade snack into a multi-million-dollar chocolate brand. Jake shares why they documented their journey from the start, how their in-house manufacturing gives them an edge, and why building a loyal community is their biggest moat. They also discuss the challenges of scaling, rising cocoa costs, and what it takes to produce content that truly resonates. If you're in CPG, ecommerce or brand building, Jake's honest insights into sustainable growth and emotional marketing will leave a lasting impression.

Peter Czepiga is the founder of Flighted, an agency that helps DTC brands profitably scale their advertising on platforms like Meta, TikTok, and Google. He also runs his own brand, Ando. Flighted has worked with some of the most popular DTC brands spending between $50-300k per month on ads.In this episode of DTC Pod, Peter shares his strategies for launching and scaling profitable ad campaigns on Meta for DTC brands. He covers how much to spend to prove out product-market fit, what types of creative work best, his approach to audience targeting, and how AI is impacting ad creative production. Peter also explains how DTC ad tactics can be applied to other business models like SaaS.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Proving Product-Market Fit2. Setting up Ad Accounts for New Brands3. Budget and Assets Needed to Test Ad Creative4. Creative Strategies for Successful Ads5. AI in Ad Creative Generation6. Applying DTC Ad Tactics to Other Business Models7. Flighted's Agency Model and Client EngagementsTimestamps00:00 Peter's background in ecommerce and growth 04:08 What is takes to prove product-market fit with ads 09:57 Scaling ad budget after initial traction 13:32 What is Meta Advantage+ campaigns and when to use it16:10 How to manage ad frequency and exclusions19:31 Creative mix: formats, messaging, placements24:36 Messaging frameworks that resonate in ads27:43 Tips for sourcing and creating ad creative 32:31 AI-generated ad creative: potential and limitations 38:28 Applying D2C ad tactics to SaaS and other businesses 43:23 How Flighted works with clients 45:32 Wrap up; how to connect with PeterShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokPeter Czepiga - Founder of FlightedBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Being unapologetically yourself means embracing every part of who you are, without fear of judgment or rejection. It's about standing tall in your truth, knowing that your quirks, flaws, and unique qualities are what make you extraordinary. When you stop seeking validation from others and start owning your story, you unlock the freedom to live authentically, create fearlessly, and connect deeply with those around you. True success begins when you show up as the most honest version of yourself, unapologetically and with confidence.Today, let's welcome Jake Karls, the co-founder and "Rainmaker" of Mid-Day Squares, a revolutionary chocolate brand focused on authentic connections and clean, functional ingredients. Known for his bold personality and unconventional approach to business, Jake has built a loyal community by sharing the raw, unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship. Passionate about storytelling, community building, and making people feel something, Jake brings energy and heart into everything he does, both in business and life. Throughout the episode, Jake tells his story in a way that's both inspiring and eye-opening. He begins by recounting his early ventures, including throwing college parties and a fitness business that went bankrupt, before finding his footing with Mid-Day Squares. Jake, now known as the "Rainmaker" for his ability to build genuine connections, opens up about the emotional toll of building a brand, from struggling with burnout to battling anxiety and self-doubt. Despite his success, Jake shares the importance of therapy and the challenges of balancing mental health with the demands of running a rapidly scaling company.As the conversation unfolds, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the early days of Mid-Day Squares, from hand-making bars in a tiny condo to building a full-scale chocolate factory. Jake highlights the importance of storytelling in creating a loyal fan base, showing how sharing the highs and lows of entrepreneurship has been key to the brand's growth. He also touches on his personal struggles with health, reflecting on how years of putting the business first left him feeling exhausted and disconnected from his own body. Now, he's on a journey to prioritize self-care and rediscover the joy in both life and business.What We Discussed:00:00 Intro00:24 “My job is to make friends!”02:18 The Mid-Day Squares03:50 Life Before Building the Business15:57 Who Were the Initial Customers?24:29 “I now have limitations.” 26:20 Therapy Can Help You29:27 The Goal is to Break the Costco Record35:30 “I stopped caring about my body.”40:13 Finding Your Purpose in Life Again44:52 Energy and Vibes in the First Meeting46:52 Don't Neglect Your Own Health Issues50:28 Transparent Storytelling54:46 The Fear of Death57:50 What Would You Do with Uninterrupted Time?01:04:01 What's Next for Mid-Day Squares?01:07:33 How to Effectively Deal with Anxiety01:09:36 What Will Your Future Self Do? 01:12:11 New Flavors to Look Forward to

Building a business is never easy—but overcoming its toughest moments is what defines true success. In this episode, Jake Karls, Co-founder and Chief Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, joins Susan Hobson, Liane, and Shelley to explore the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the mindset shifts that fueled growth, and the game-changing lessons learned along the way. This Episode Covers:How a small kitchen startup grew into a multimillion-dollar brandOvercoming the toughest challenges in business growthThe role of mindset, resilience, and therapy in leadershipKey lessons in scaling, managing partnerships, and staying aligned This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about what it truly takes to survive and thrive in business. If you're an entrepreneur, startup founder, or business leader, you won't want to miss it!Ready to unlock the true potential of your leadership? Schedule a free, one-on-one consultation today. https://www.elitehighperformance.com/consultation/ Meet Our Speaker – Jake KarlsJake Karls is a bold, unapologetically authentic leader who thrives on disrupting the status quo. As the Co-founder and Chief Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, he turned a kitchen-table idea into a North American powerhouse, revolutionizing the chocolate industry along the way. Recognitions & Achievements:- Finalist for EY's Entrepreneur of the Year- Led the Forbes 30 Under 30 (Food & Beverage) category- Regular contributor to major media outlets across North America Jake's Social Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-karls-653106ba/ Find Susan Hobson, Founder & CEO of Elite High Performance, Top Leadership Coach & Author, at the following links:https://www.elitehighperformance.com/leadership-consulting/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jumpstartliving/ https://www.instagram.com/susanlhobson/ https://www.tiktok.com/@susanlhobson Find Liane Wansbrough: High Performance Leadership Coach at Elite High Performance Inc.https://www.linkedin.com/in/lianewansbrough/https://www.instagram.com/lianewansbrough?igsh=MTM5cmJhZ3BzZm95cw== For Shelley West: Chief Revenue Officer & C-Suite Sales Consultant & High Performance Leadership Coach at Elite High Performance Inc.https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-west-1b075b15/

Send us a textThe Rainmaker is back! In this powerhouse episode, Jake Karls, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, joins Kirk and Andy for an unfiltered conversation about entrepreneurship, identity, burnout, and the journey back to balance.Jake's infectious energy and passion have fueled Mid-Day Squares' rise from a startup to a $47 million business. But with success came immense pressure, a relentless pursuit of “winning”, and ultimately, a wake-up call that forced him to reassess everything. He shares his personal struggle with burnout, the mental and physical toll of constant hustle, and how he rebuilt himself—one small step at a time.

Irene Chen and Matthew Grenby are the co-founders of Parker Thatch, a luxury handbag and accessories brand they bootstrapped to 8-figures over the course of 20 years. Matt's expertise spans tech, design, and marketing, while Irene brings deep fashion industry knowledge from working with powerhouse brands like Donna Karan and Calvin Klein.In this episode of DTC Pod, Matt and Irene share how they navigated the shift from an e-stationery startup to eventually finding product-market fit with their signature luxury bags. They discuss key lessons learned in bootstrapping—the importance of market timing, how to manage inventory risks, and why flexibility and systems are critical when growing a brand.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Founding and Evolution of Parker Thatch2. Initial Business Concepts and Pivots3. Strategies for Managing and Allocating Inventory4. Importance of Flexibility in Business Operations5. Bootstrapping and Capital Allocation6. Building Systems for Scalability7. Marketing and Demand Generation Strategies8. Community and Customer EngagementTimestamps00:00 Matt and Irene's backgrounds before Parker Thatch 06:55 Starting an e-stationery business in 200007:43 Pivoting to selling physical stationery and home goods 9:00 Lessons on market timing and pivoting when starting a business11:51 Changing company name from iomoi to Parker Thatch13:52 Creating Parker Thatch's debut handbag18:19 Bootstrapping, capital allocation, inventory decisions22:08 Why early business success depends on flexibility and testing25:53 Introducing leather bags and streamlining production29:10 Why small businesses fail without systems32:29 Shifting to systems thinking to enable business growth35:07 Marketing strategies to drive customer demand37:01 Building community and brand identity around "functional luxury"42:34 Relationship dynamics as husband and wife co-founders45:55 Key focuses for 2025 and beyond with PTTV 47:48 Where to find and connect with Parker ThatchShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Irene Chen and Matthew Grenby -  Co-Founders of Parker ThatchBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Caleb Alvarez is the founder of Shadow Light Studios, an agency specializing in high-converting paid and organic content. He has worked with major consumer brands like Monster Energy, Snapchat, and Samsung, as well as influencers like Tony Hawk, Logan Paul, Ice Cube, and many more.In this episode of DTC Pod, Caleb breaks down how founders can create better content, build and scale a content engine, and strike the right balance between organic and paid content. He unpacks everything from finding your USP and mapping out content pillars to establishing a sprint-based production process. Caleb also shares how he helped scale Nectar Hard Seltzer from $2M to $5M in revenue using only organic content.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Founder-Led Content Strategies2. Building a Content Engine: Key Roles and Process3. Systems for Creating and Managing Content4. Agile Workflow for Content Creation5. Social Media Content Types and Pillars6. Optimizing Content for Conversions7. Balancing Paid and Organic Marketing8. Balancing Virality and Conversion GoalsTimestamps00:00 Caleb's background and getting into content creation 05:22 How Shadow Light Studios works with brands 07:35 The power of founder-led content and storytelling 12:44 Who should create founder-led content 15:02 Key pillars for effective founder-led brand content18:55 Balancing content creation as a founder with limited time22:16 How to structure content teams and roles28:40 Paid ads vs. organic content—how they work together31:39 Building a content strategy and implementing a system36:18 Managing content sprints and pipeline43:01 Content that performs vs. content that converts49:01 Lead capture and conversion optimization techniques53:09 Wrap up and where to follow Caleb AlvarezShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Caleb Alvarez - Founder of Shadow Light StudiosBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Tune in to Time for A Reset"The future of all marketing is going to be who is the best storyteller and who is the most authentic." - Jake Karls, Co-founder and Chief Rain Maker at Mid-Day Squares.The latest episode of Time for a Reset Marketing Podcast: Insights from Global Brand Marketers, brought to you by CvE Marketing Consultancy,Paul Frampton Is live!Paul sits down with Jake Karls, Co-founder and Chief Rainmaker at Mid-Day Squares, a functional chocolate company. They explore the power of authenticity in marketing and emphasize the role of storytelling and building emotional connections while building a brand. Jake shares the unique journey of Mid-Day Squares, a functional chocolate brand that thrives on vulnerability and genuine engagement with its community. They discuss navigating entrepreneurship and creating meaningful customer connections in a crowded, attention-driven market.Here are some key talking points from the episode:The Shift to Storytelling in Marketing  The Birth of Mid-Day Squares  Building Community Through Vulnerability  The Struggles of Traditional Brands  The Power of Emotional Content  Embracing the Entrepreneurship Journey Jake Karls is the co-founder and Chief Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, a brand known for its innovative approach to healthy chocolate snacks and unique brand storytelling. With a background in entrepreneurship, Jake has significantly impacted the food industry by emphasizing authenticity and emotional storytelling in marketing. Under his leadership, Mid-Day Squares has grown from a direct-to-consumer model to being stocked in nearly 9,500 retailers across North America. Recognized in Forbes' 30 Under 30 and as a finalist for the Ernst and Young - Entrepreneur of the Year, Jake's focus on building community and genuine connections has set a new standard in marketing, encouraging brands to prioritize emotional engagement over traditional advertising methods. Support the show

In this very important episode, we have entrepreneurs share their stories of burnout and what they are doing to overcome and reduce or prevent burnout. We are bringing on the following entrepreneurs: Jake Karls of Mid-Day Squares, Drew Henry of Revival Tea, and Luke Abbott of VDriven to discuss and share some of their tips and strategies. This episode is sponsored by PFE (Power Full Energy) Distribution.

Ben Matthews is a general partner at Night Ventures, an early-stage consumer VC fund, focused on culture, community, and creators. They have partnered with some of the most famous people on the internet including Mr. Beast, Kai Cenat, and Hasan Piker.In this episode of DTC Pod, Ben and Blaine discuss:Lessons from incubating and investing in early-stage consumer companiesThe key elements of successful talent-driven brands, including audience fit and long-term commitmentChoosing the right business opportunities based on market potential and operational feasibilityStructuring effective partnerships between creators, operators, and investorsThe future of TikTok and emerging monetization avenues for content creatorsInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Business Launch and Growth2. Talent-Driven Brands3. Challenges in Creator Partnerships4. Creator-Audience Relationship5. Employment Trends and AI Impact6. Content Commerce Trends7. TikTok's Future and Market Impact8. Elements of Business Success9. Incentive Structure in Partnerships10. Importance of Having an Audience11. Monetization Opportunities for CreatorsTimestamps00:00 Ben Matthew's background and Night Ventures06:05 Building business with talent: the case of Mr. Beast10:54 What works in creator-brand partnerships15:25 Picking the right talent to represent a brand19:42 Picking the right business and products23:01 Incubating early-stage consumer companies30:07 Investing in early-stage consumer companies33:03 Future trends in the creator-commerce space35:19 Future trends in the content creator landscapeShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Ben Matthews - General Partner at Night VenturesBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

“Transparency and authenticity are the new currency. If you don't figure that out, you won't be able to get the purchases because consumers today want to understand what the brand is about … They want to see the humans behind the brand.” -Jake Karls   Transparency and authenticity are the new currency in today's business landscape. Consumers crave genuine connections with the brands they support, valuing honesty and vulnerability over polished perfection. In a world saturated with noise, the brands that dare to be unapologetically themselves will rise above the rest. Jake Karls is the co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, a modern-day chocolate company redefining the way we indulge. As a passionate advocate for transparency and innovation, Jake has built a brand that prioritizes both functional nutrition and emotional connection. Revisit this insightful conversation as Jake shares Midday Squares' journey of growth, legal challenges, and the power of staying true to your values in a rapidly evolving industry.     Connect with Jake:  Jake Karls is an actuary turned modern-day Willy Wonka. He co-founded Mid-Day Squares in 2018 along with his sister and brother-in-law. They manufacture the world's first Functional Chocolate Bars: “Everything a chocolate bar isn't, everything a protein bar wishes it was.” The social skills he acquired from running run a clothing brand (Chase & Hunter) became a strength for Mid-Day Squares, his role being the Chief Rover Officer and Resident Social-Personality. He makes a noise, builds relationships, and spreads love.    Website Podcast Facebook  X Instagram LinkedIn   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram  X LinkedIn YouTube Episode Highlights: 01:26 What's New with Jake?  04:50 Giving the Ownership to the Consumers 08:17 Transparency is the New Currency 10:50 Trust is the Key  

Isabel Mendez is the founder and design director at Antara Studio, an award-winning full-service design partner for purpose-driven brands. With a focus on brand, content, and design, Isabel and her team help companies create cohesive and emotionally resonant identities across all touchpoints.In this episode of DTC POD, Blaine and Isabel discuss:The three necessary phases for creating a brand identityWhat makes a good brand story and how brands can effectively communicate itHow brands can adapt to trends while remaining true to who they areInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. DTC Brand Design Trends2. Stages of Brand Identity Building3. Characteristics of a Good Brand Story4. Consistency in Branding5. Branding as a Holistic ProcessTimestamps00:00 Starting the design studio Antara03:39 From freelancing to building a team05:10 The basics of building a great brand07:45 Branding as graphic communication10:21 Owning assets vs having a brand12:26 Phases of brand identity construction16:21 What makes a good brand story21:09 Brand case study: Star Fades International25:15 Establishing a design story for brands26:55 Brand application and consistency29:48 Design trends and timelessness33:33 What's next for AntaraShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Isabel Mendez - Founder and Design Director of Antara StudioBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Taja Dockendorf is the Founder, Owner, and Creative Director at Pulp + Wire, a female-founded, award-winning, full-service, CPG branding and marketing agency. Pulp + Wire specializes in helping natural and organic foods, cannabis, hemp, and lifestyle brands discover their identities and create websites, packaging, and social media strategies that resonate with their audiences.  Taja has built P+W into one of the most in-demand, referred design houses in the Northeast, and her creative approach to a client-centric and holistic business model has consistently earned the company multiple graphic design and advertising awards. She is a regular contributor to Forbes, focusing on team culture in the creative space, and has been featured in The Dieline, Graphic Design USA, and Food Manufacturing Magazine, among other publications. Before Pulp + Wire, Taja co-founded multiple other brands and companies. In this episode… With so much innovation and noise in the CPG market, brands must adapt and differentiate themselves from the competition, all while remaining consistent with their values and keeping the consumer at the forefront. What can you learn from five CPG brand founders who have balanced these responsibilities amid a rapidly evolving market? When scaling your brand, you must ensure your products remain true to your company's core. Junea Rocha recommends making small changes to your manufacturing over time, while Hector Saldivar warns against growing too quickly and instead suggests building relationships with key retailers and investing in channels that complement your products. Advertising in stores is no longer enough to capture consumers' attention, so Alison Cayne has merged digital shopping with in-store experiences by offering consumers online recipes for her products. Whether operating in the restaurant or DTC space, consumer engagement and connection are crucial. Jake Karls has developed a brand persona that exudes positivity, and Nabeer Alamgir has dedicated his brand to fostering connections with restaurateurs.  In the Brand Alchemist Podcast's exclusive compilation episode, Taja Dockendorf reviews her top five episodes. With insights from Junea Rocha, Hector Saldivar, Alison Cayne, Jake Karls, and Nabeer Alamgir, Taja reflects on generating brand engagement and connection, how to scale sustainably, and how to position your products in front of consumers.

John Sampogna is the co-founder and CEO of Wondersauce, a modern advertising agency that specializes in brand storytelling, paid media, e-commerce, and digital experiences.In this episode of DTC Pod, John discusses brand storytelling strategies across all sorts of media channels. He shares insights on crafting impactful campaigns and tips for finding and leveraging undervalued marketing gems like connected TV, static out-of-home, and podcasts. We explore the importance of understanding target audiences, the 3-3-3 rule for keeping your messaging on point, and finding that sweet spot between top-of-funnel brand-building and lower-funnel performance tactics.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Brand Storytelling Strategies2. Buying and Crafting Campaigns3. Linear vs Connected TV4. Audience Understanding5. 333 Rule for Messaging6. Advertising Tactics and Budgeting7. Undervalued Marketing Channels8. Brand Story vs Product StoryTimestamps00:00 John Sampogna's background; Wondersauce vision03:54 Serving Fortune 1000 businesses and DTC startups06:05 Starting and scaling an advertising agency10:11 What is brand storytelling and how can brands get it right13:23 Media budgets and audiences in funnel strategy18:44 Connected TV, static out-of-home, and podcasts25:42 Strategizing for connected TV vs linear TV28:58 Steps for creating an effective brand or product story34:28 How Wondersauce onboard and work with clientsShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  John Sampogna - CEO and Co-Founder of WondersauceBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Haley Weidenbaum is the CEO and co-founder of Everhem, a DTC company specializing in custom window treatments, including shades and drapery. In this episode of DTC Pod, Haley discusses the strategies that have helped Everhem grow and differentiate itself in the market. She discusses the challenges of online shopping for custom products and how Everhem addresses them through thorough guides and customer support.Haley also shares insights on Everhem's dual business mode—how they serve both interior designers and regular consumers, and how they adapt their offerings to meet the unique needs of each customer segment.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Window Treatment Market Landscape2. Everhem's Niche and Positioning3. Interior Design Trends and Forecasting4. Challenges in Custom Window Treatments5. Business Operations and Customer Service6. Designer and Consumer Experience7. Initial Business Journey and Growth8. COVID-19 Impact and Market ResponseTimestamps00:00 Haley Weidenbaum's background in interior design4:00 From doing interior design to starting Everhem07:51 COVID and the home industry boom08:40 Importance of providing exceptional customer service13:45 Everhem as the one-stop shop for window treatment19:01 Catering to regular consumers and trade partners24:15 Prioritizing key markets, managing expectations strategically27:34 Window treatment industry and where Everhem fits34:19 Using trends to forecast supply chain & manufacturing37:42 Logistics, packaging, unboxing experience40:02 Next step for Everhem: building authentic relationshipsShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Haley Weidenbaum - Co-Founder and CEO of EverhemBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Ismail Salhi is the co-founder and CEO of Wildgrain, a fast-growing DTC subscription service that delivers artisanal breads, pastries, and pasta directly to customers' doorsteps. In this episode of DTC Pod, Ismail shares his journey of rapidly scaling Wildgrain to over 80,000 subscribers since launching during the pandemic in 2020. He shares the key strategies that have driven Wildgrain's success: focusing on product quality, customer experience, and efficient operations.Ismail discusses their decision to outsource baking to local bakeries—a move that  positioned them as a larger buyer than Whole Foods and Trader Joe's in some markets.He also emphasizes the importance of investing in logistics tech to optimize product delivery and streamline processes. This focus on tech integration across all business areas has been crucial to their ability to scale effectively.We also explore Wildgrain's customer acquisition strategies, which involve education marketing, meta, and influencers.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Business Model and Sustainability2. Entrepreneurial Advice3. Logistics and Distribution4. Customer Support Tools and Efficiency5. Customer Acquisition and Retention6. Product Development and Market Introduction7. Tech and Operations Partnership8. Seasonal Growth and Marketing9. Consumer Behavior Dynamics10. Marketing and Product Differentiation11. Consumer Engagement and Customization12. Scalability and Operational Management13. Market Insights and Future PlansTimestamps00:00 Ismail Salhi's background; Wildgrain's founding story04:24 From starting a home bakery to outsourcing production07:23 Wildgrain's product and customer experience08:56 Working with partner bakeries and distribution centers10:08 Building tech for reliable, temperature-sensitive deliveries13:58 Automated system streamlines tasks across all departments15:47 Initial customer acquisition, education marketing, influencers20:06 Product mix and how it affects inventory 23:07 Creating different custom boxes to cater to different diets24:28 Optimizing product operations, automating, outsourcing27:06 Shipping carriers, tech for allocating orders28:42 Seasonal growth and effects on marketing spend31:50 Ismail Salhi on running the business with his wife33:41 Time and lifestyle management as a parent entrepreneur36:14 Ismail Salhi's advice for DTC foundersShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Ismail Salhi - Co-Founder and CEO of WildgrainBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Christian Rivera is the founder of The Ecommerce Accountants, a firm that specializes in tax, accounting, and business structuring for e-commerce companies. Their clients include social media marketing agencies, dropshippers, digital marketers, Amazon automation, Amazon FBA, and internet coaches/gurus.In this episode of the DTC POD, Christian explores key accounting issues that e-commerce businesses must address to succeed, such as sales tax compliance, revenue recognition, and inventory accounting. He also unpacks tax strategies that can help entrepreneurs set up smarter finances and maximize their profitability.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. E-commerce Accounting Challenges2. Sales Tax Management3. Revenue Recognition4. Inventory Accounting5. Financial Strategies and Advice6. Inventory Management and Financing7. Business Entity Structures8. Growth Patterns of Successful Brands9. Tax Planning and OptimizationTimestamps00:00 Christian Rivera's background and company04:47 Accounting and tax for commerce brand08:05 How sales tax works and where it applies13:46 How every successful entrepreneur starts16:44 VAs, agencies, and managing paid traffic19:45 Inventory management for DTC brands22:55 Strategies for inventory financing25:16 Tax planning and optimization27:57 S corp and LLC: difference and benefits33:37 Tax strategies for foreign-owned businesses 36:52 Puerto Rico's Act 60 tax incentive program39:39 Tax strategies for American entrepreneurs45:24 Christian Rivera's advice for DTC foundersShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Christian Rivera - Founder of The Ecommerce AccountantsBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Zach Ranen is the co-founder of David, a protein bar brand which disrupted the market with 50% more calories from protein than any other bar and a groundbreaking dollar-to-protein ratio. In this episode of the DTC POD, Zach shares David's pre-launch and launch strategies, leading to 1M+ dollars in sales in the first week. This includes engaging with influencers like Peter Attia and Andrew Huberman and giving away 20,000 product samples. Zach also gives insights into their R&D process, how they built the David brand, their product-led approach to growth, and future plans.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Pre-Launch and Launch Tactics2. Product-Led Approach to Growth3. Product Sampling Marketing4. Influencer Partnerships5. Viral Marketing Strategies6. Brand Development 7. Naming and Visual IdentityTimestamps00:00 The idea behind David protein bars05:59 From working in private equity to founding Raize and eventually David16:55 Balancing taste with nutrition in developing David protein bars24:22 David as a product-led company27:52 Brand building for David: name, packaging, launch35:04 Key lessons on manufacturing, distribution, product launch, and virality43:53 David's $10M seed funding, key investors, and influencers48:10 Next steps for growth, channel allocation, strategyShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Zach Ranen - Co-Founder and President at DavidBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Ariana Farahani is the founder and CEO of Plant Press, a fast-growing functional beverage brand offering a healthier alternative to traditional energy drinks. In this episode of DTC Pod, Ariana shares her journey of developing Plant Press from a homemade recipe to a nationally distributed product. She discusses the importance of gathering consumer feedback and iterating on the product based on data, which led to pivotal changes like focusing solely on clean caffeine and adjusting flavors.Ariana also goes into the strategic decisions behind Plant Press's distribution strategy, from securing early retail partnerships with local bodegas and fitness centers to navigating the complexities of working with broadline distributors, including the key growth channels that proved successful early on.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Product Development and Iteration2. Marketing and Distribution Strategies3. Funding and Capital Allocation4. DSD vs Broadline Distributors5. Market Trends and Consumer Preferences6. Company Growth and Retail ExpansionTimestamps00:00 From studying medical cannabis to founding a caffeine brand04:11 Early days of Plant Press, producing the minimum viable product06:21 Key iterations in the manufacturing process of Plant Press09:05 Using quantitative and qualitative customer feedback10:48 Getting Plant Press to stores: key accounts and strategy13:31 Self-funding, seed fundraising, and capital budgeting for Plant Press19:23 Direct store delivery (DSD) vs broadline distribution21:50 The need fo in-store product sampling and demos for CPG brands24:52 Energy drink trends: emphasis on clean energy, hydration27:42 Changing consumer preferences and how big players can catch up30:32 Plant Press' expansion to new distribution channels32:04 What's next for Plant PressShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Ariana Farahani - Founder & CEO of Plant PressBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Shri Kanase is the founder of Yoru Marketing, a boutique agency that specializes in Google Ads for e-commerce brands. Prior to this, he successfully scaled his e-commerce brands to over $3.5 million in four years. With extensive first hand experience, Shri has guided 23,000+ store owners via his YouTube channel and established one of the fastest-growing blogs in the e-commerce and PPC space.In this episode of DTC Pod, Shri shares his insights on developing effective Google Ads strategies for e-commerce brands. He covers key topics such as initial campaign setup, Google Ads learning phase, keyword targeting, budgeting, ad placement focus, and ongoing optimization. Shri also discusses his "TPS approach" for testing, ensuring profitability, and scaling successful campaigns.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Ad Platform Differences2. Google Ads Keyword Strategy3. Algorithmic Learning Period in Google Ads4. Budgeting for Google Ads5. Google Ads Bidding Strategy6. Testing and Scaling Google Ads Campaigns7. Google Ads Placement Strategy8. Google Ads for YouTube9. Google Ads Campaign OptimizationTimestamps00:00 Shri Kanase's boutique marketing agency03:51 Fundamentals of Google Ads07:35 Launching a Google Ads campaign for the first time10:43 How to do keyword research for Google Ads13:55 Google Ads budget and bidding strategy 19:01 How and when to reward or punish Google algorithm21:10 Best practices for Google Ads placement22:45 Creating effective Google Ads creatives24:49 Tips for running Google Ads campaign on Youtube26:51 Feed-only approach to Performance Max campaigns29:52 TPS approach: testing, profitability, scaling34:46 How to win with Google Ads in 2024Show notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Shri Kanase - Founder & CEO at Yoru MarketingBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Sam Lee is the Vice President of Amazon DSP at Trivium, a full-service Amazon agency. With a background spanning Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Amazon PPC, Sam has developed deep expertise in Amazon DSP and has successfully managed advertising for over 200 brands.In this episode of DTC Pod, Sam provides a comprehensive overview of Amazon DSP, its functionality, and its potential for driving brand growth. He shares practical insights on topics such as when brands should consider investing in DSP, what budget and review thresholds are recommended, and how to develop effective DSP strategies tailored to specific brand goals. Sam also emphasizes the importance of product differentiation, page optimization, and integrating Amazon DSP into a cohesive multi-channel marketing approach to drive overall sales growth.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Amazon DSP Overview2. Budgeting for Amazon DSP3. Amazon DSP Strategy4. Tips for Amazon Success5. Amazon Product Differentiation6. Amazon Trends and OutlookTimestamps00:00 Sam Lee's background in Amazon DSP03:38 What is Amazon DSP05:24 Where Amazon DSP ads show up06:24 Getting started with Amazon DSP advertising08:17 Product-based Amazon DSP strategies09:21 How Amazon DSP ads boost conversion rates11:24 Leveraging Amazon's first-party data through DSP15:28 Creatives for Amazon DSP ads17:04 Amazon DSP as part of the overall marketing strategy20:19 Creating an Amazon strategy for a brand22:11 Characteristics of brands that do well on Amazon24:22 Amazon product trends in 202426:13 Amazon's future, importance of holistic marketingShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Sam Lee - Vice-President of Amazon DSP at TriviumBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Aurelian Lis is the CEO of Dermalogica, a global skincare brand rooted in skin treatment expertise. With a background in atomic physics, laser optics, and extensive experience in the cosmetics industry, Aurelian has led Dermalogica to significant growth and innovation since taking the helm post-acquisition by Unilever.In this episode of DTC Pod, Aurelian discusses the strategies that have driven Dermalogica's success, including delegating authority to the right people, empowering employees to innovate, and effectively integrating AI and machine learning across various functions. He stresses the importance of maintaining genuine personal connections with customers and staying true to the brand's core values while proactively adapting to new trends, tech, and consumer preferences.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Growth Strategies2. Innovation and AI Integration3. Employee Empowerment4. Global Team Structure5. AI-Powered PersonalizationTimestamps00:00 Aurelian Lis's journey from physics to finance to skincare06:04 Joining Dermalogica as the CEO08:08 Dermatologica's channels and decentralized structure12:13 Delegating authority and pushing for innovation18:09 Generative AI and face mapping23:53 Dermalogica Tribe, technology, and the importance of human touch30:36 Key learnings from 9 years with Dermalogica33:33 Advice for DTC operators and foundersShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Aurelian Lis - Global CEO of DermalogicaBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Jake Karls is co-founder & rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, Forbes 30 under 30, EY entrepreneur of the year finalist 2024, and the only guy I've seen post videos of him dancing with customers & partners on LinkedIn. Jake is the epitome of how building a personal brand, leading with authenticity and vulnerability is a powerful way brands and brand founders can connect with consumers. We dived into effective storytelling for brands, why traditional marketing no longer works and explored Jake's journey from being lost and without direction, to joining Mid-Day squares, selling over 40 Million Bars of Chocolate and the highs and lows throughout that journey.Covered in the Episode:The power & importance of your mindset & self awareness.WTH is a rainmaker? And why do we need more of them in businesses?De-stigmatizing therapy.What led to Jake needing to make a change in his life.Effective storytelling for brands.Selling more chocolate bars than the population of Canada: what drove Mid-Day Squares success.The truth about entrepreneurship: how to navigate the ups and downs.Why traditional marketing tactics don't work.

Ever wondered how to break free from the monotony of routine marketing? Join us as we celebrate a monumental milestone—our 100th episode! Thank you to all of those who have been here every step of the way, and to those who are now just joining us for the first time. In this episode, we are taking a nostalgic trip back to November 2021, reflecting on our growth and the invaluable lessons we've learned along the way. Listen as we highlight marketing powerhouses like Sarah Ebert of Press Floral and Thomas Higgum of Lola Blankets, who remind us that customer satisfaction and product excellence should always be at the forefront. This episode offers a treasure trove of timeless strategies to ensure your brand's success, accentuating the importance of evolving with feedback and breaking marketing norms.We then shift gears to uncover the magic of organic storytelling in brand building. Ever wanted to stand out in a saturated market? Learn from the likes of Jake Karls of Mid-day Squares, whose authentic narratives go beyond mere products to create genuine connections with customers. We reflect on influencers like JT Barnett that weighs in on why staying true to your narrative trumps chasing fleeting trends. Plus, we discuss how the election season could affect media costs and what that means for your advertising strategies. Get ready for a masterclass on creating engaging hooks that capture organic attention.Finally, we dive into the nuances of niche marketing and effective content strategies. Discover how Kizik shoes found success by targeting specific groups before broadening their audience. We emphasize the principle of "sales follow search," helping brands understand organic reach and measure incrementally over time. As the digital landscape evolves, we explore the rising trends in platforms like TikTok and how they can be leveraged for better engagement. With practical advice on transitioning from organic growth to paid ads and navigating increased media costs, this episode is packed with actionable insights to keep your marketing strategy robust and forward-thinking.Please connect with Trevor on social media. You can find him anywhere @thetrevorcrump

Benjamin Witte is the founder and CEO of Recess, a beverage brand focused on creating products that promote relaxation and mental wellness. Inspired by the rise of functional ingredients like CBD, nootropics, and adaptogenic herbs, Benjamin saw an opportunity to pioneer a category of beverages that could help people unwind in a healthy way.In this episode of DTC POD, Benjamin shares his journey of launching Recess and the key strategies that have contributed to its success, including a focus on efficient brand impressions and an omnichannel approach to distribution.We discuss the significance of riding secular tailwinds, the advantages of having a broader mission when launching a brand, and the potential benefits and risks of a platform strategy. The conversation also touches the future of the functional beverage space and the role that Recess aims to play in shaping it.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Product Launch and Market Timing2. Brand Awareness and Media Strategy3. Regulatory Challenges in the CPG Space4. Supply Chain Evolution5. Retail Expansion and Distribution Strategy6. Building and Growing the Recess Team7. Trends in the Beverage IndustryTimestamps00:00 From working at startups to founding Recess04:36 Trends at the early days of Recess08:04 How UGC factored in the launch of Recess10:02 Validating the idea behind Recess11:44 Key learnings from the early days of Recess14:20 Importance of brand impressions to beverage companies16:51 Generating earned media through IG content18:03 Trajectory of growth for the Recess team21:17 Expanding Recess from just DTC to DTC and retail22:52 Shifting to a more scalable supply chain model24:15 Recess as a platform brand; expanding the product line28:37 Insights on the non-alcoholic beverage trend31:45 Mood powders as part of the Recess expansion strategy33:48 What's next for RecessShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Benjamin Witte - Founder and CEO of RecessBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Rob Schutz is the co-founder of the unicorn Ro, a healthcare company that initially offered ED medications and later expanded into other products and services for sexual health, weight loss, fertility, hair, and skin. Prior to Ro, Rob was instrumental in the exponential growth of BARK/BarkBox, a now prominent subscription service for dog products. Currently, at Snagged.com, he is focused on helping businesses acquire premium domain names and digital assets.In this episode of the DTC POD, Rob shares valuable insights into the growth strategies that have contributed to the success of both BARK/BarkBox and Ro. He discusses the importance of focusing on core, consistent marketing channels such as paid search, paid social, and email, while also allocating a separate budget for testing and exploring new, experimental strategies and channels.Rob offers practical advice for founders and marketers, stressing the need to plan for scale, set and clearly communicate priorities, foster strong relationships between growth and marketing leaders, and structure teams effectively as the company experiences rapid growth. He also shares his expertise in domain brokerage, discussing strategies for acquiring and negotiating domain names to help build strong brand identities.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. DTC Marketing Strategies2. Optimizing Marketing Budget3. Testing Marketing Channels4. Digital Marketing Challenges5. Building and Structuring Teams6. Importance of Domain NamesTimestamps00:00 Rob Schutz's DTC experience: BARK/BarkBox, Ro, Snagged.com07:37 Process of acquiring domain names11:10 Why Rob Schutz founded Snagged.com14:28 From User Acquisition Manager to VP of Growth at BARK/BarkBox16:27 Lessons from BARK/BarkBox's growth journey20:56 Strategies for choosing and testing growth channels26:09 Transitioning from BARK/BarkBox to Ro29:00 Challenge with digital performance platforms in the early days of Ro31:33 Rolling out Ro's ED medication state-by-state, launching other products35:47 Planning for scale around high quality of care35:51 Iterations around how to structure the team as Ro scaled41:47 Rob Schutz's advice to founders46:35 Sports sponsorship as a performance channel48:10 Snagged.com's domain servicesShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Rob Schutz - Co-Founder of Ro and Founder of Snagged.comBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Mina Elias is a multiple 7-figure seller in the supplement industry, investor, Amazon PPC expert, and founder of Trivium Group, a full-service Amazon agency. With his extensive experience in helping brands thrive on Amazon, Mina brings valuable insights to the conversation around expanding to emerging platforms like TikTok Shop and navigating the evolving e-commerce landscape.In this episode of DTC Pod, Mina explores the potential of TikTok Shop as a powerful platform for reaching younger audiences and driving sales. He offers practical advice on setting up a TikTok Shop account, engaging affiliates to create authentic and compelling content, and leveraging competitor insights through tools like FastMoss to optimize ad strategies. Mina also explores the synergistic relationship between TikTok Shop and Amazon, highlighting the positive impact on Amazon sales and organic ranking when brands effectively leverage external traffic from TikTok. He discusses the importance of setting realistic budgets for testing ad content on TikTok, emphasizing the need for brands to focus on quality content creation and authentic representation. Throughout the conversation, Mina stresses the significance of adapting to the unique storytelling aspects of the TikTok platform to maximize success and cautions against overengineering content, as authenticity is key to resonating with the TikTok audience.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Amazon vs. TikTok Shop2. TikTok Shop Basics3. TikTok Shop Logistics4. TikTok Affiliate Marketing5. TikTok Competitive Analysis6. Cross-Platform Effects7. TikTok-Amazon IntegrationTimestamps00:00 Mina Elias' background in Amazon03:34 TikTok and future shopping trends06:12 How TikTok solved the content problem for brands09:15 How TikTok merged affiliate and attribution10:12 How to start selling on TikTok Shop: account and page setup, logistics14:29 Affiliate marketing on TikTok: manual and automated outreach17:42 Strategies for running ads with affiliate content19:18 Budgeting for TikTok ads, data analysis with FastMoss23:51 Finding the right TikTok creators for your brand25:33 The impact of TikTok Shop on Amazon sales and organic rankingShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Mina Elias - Founder of Trivium Group and Chief Executive Officer at MMA Nutrition LLCBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Michelle Cordeiro Grant is an accomplished entrepreneur with a passion for creating innovative, community-based businesses. In 2016, she founded the intimates brand LIVELY and sold it three years later for $105 million. Following this successful exit, she pivoted to her next venture: GORGIE, a wellness energy drink.In this episode of DTC Pod, Michelle shares valuable insights on building a successful DTC brand from the ground up. She discusses the importance of building a community around the brand, leveraging social media, and using data and customer feedback to drive product innovation.Michelle also touches on the strategic decisions behind GORGIE's retail expansion, partnering with influential creators, and creating a magazine to inspire and connect with customers. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes authenticity, quality, and customer-centricity as crucial elements in establishing a strong brand identity.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Brand and Community Building2. Data-Driven Product Development3. Nurturing Retail Partnerships4. Strategic Market Positioning5. Defining and Capturing Your ICP6. Organic Influencer Partnerships7. The Intersection of Fashion and CPGTimestamps00:00 Michelle Cordeiro Grant's background; the idea behind GORGIE03:46 How customer feedback factored in product and brand development for GORGIE07:40 Community as a buzzword vs as part of brand identity10:01 Community building as an integral part of brand building11:28 How to keep an online community engaged; consumer vs community funnel16:50 GORGIE's partnerships: Erewhon, Whole Foods, Sprouts, H-E-B, etc.20:05 Overlaps between two industries: fashion and CPG22:14 The story and vision behind GORGIE's magazine23:57 Defining GORGIE's ICP and building a brand around them26:54 GORGIE's growth channels, how they nurture top-of-funnel and retain customers29:42 Year two of GORGIE: online and retail initiatives31:19 Brand-creator partnerships and the importance of organic alignmentShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Michelle Cordeiro Grant - Founder and CEO of GORGIEBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Noah Tucker is the founder of Social Snowball, an automated affiliate and referral marketing platform for e-commerce that drives significant revenue for over 2,000 brands, including Solawave, Obvi, and Javy Coffee.In this episode of the DTC POD, Noah shares powerful strategies for brands to supercharge their affiliate programs and drive significant revenue growth. He covers how to find and choose the right influencers, why it's important to keep the activation process as smooth as possible, what brands can do to keep affiliates engaged, and how to measure the success of an affiliate program.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. The Evolution of Affiliate Marketing2. Affiliate Marketing Challenges Faced by Brands3. Affiliate Discovery, Activation, and Engagement4. Affiliate Program Commissions5. Attribution in Affiliate Marketing6. Affiliate Marketing Trends and Future OutlookTimestamps00:00 Evolution of the meaning of “affiliate” in e-commerce05:07 Challenges brands face when running an affiliate marketing program07:32 Strategies for affiliate activation: engagement flow and tier structures11:52 Things that get influencers interested in working with a brand15:09 Optimal affiliate marketing commission rates15:49 How to choose the right influencer for affiliate partnership19:18 Strategies for finding and recruiting affiliate partners23:11 How to measure the success of an affiliate program25:03 Affiliate marketing trends and future outlook29:05 Attribution in affiliate marketing; a tool that prevents coupon code leaks33:11 Key initiatives of Social SnowballShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Noah Tucker - Founder of Social SnowballBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Ellen Marie Bennett is the founder and chief brand officer of Hedley & Bennett, a culinary lifestyle brand that started as a B2B company, offering high-quality aprons to professional chefs, and later expanded both its product line (to include other kitchen items) and customer base (now largely DTC).In this episode of DTC Pod, Ellen shares her journey of starting the company while working as a line cook. She emphasizes the importance of a slow and steady approach to building a business, focusing on financial responsibility and gathering feedback from core customers to improve products. Ellen discusses her strategic approach to marketing, building an engaged community, and expanding the brand through collaborations with chefs, influencers, and creators. The conversation also touches on Hedley & Bennett's expansion into DTC, their plans to go omnichannel, and how they're investing sustainably for long-term success.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Grassroots Marketing2. Strategic Financial Management3. Customer Feedback in Product Development4. Building a Brand Community5. Product Seeding and Influencer Marketing6. Expanding from B2B to DTC7. Business Growth and SustainabilityTimestamps00:00 How Hedley & Bennett came about05:05 Why Ellen Marie Bennett started an apron brand07:28 Financial lessons from the first years of Hedley & Bennett15:03 Building a brand community16:03 How Hedley & Bennett expanded from B2B to DTC21:05 The importance of strong customer partnerships24:13 Product seeding and influencer marketing29:04 How customer feedback factors in the product iteration cycle33:09 Prioritizing long-term brand vision and investmentsShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Ellen Marie Bennett - CEO and Founder of Hedley & BennettBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Josh Piepmeier helps challenger brands outperform their fiercest competitors by targeting the highest-volume, most profitable keywords in their industry. With his company Meriwether, he crafts strategic SEO campaigns that drive immediate profits and build long-term, sustainable growth. Josh's SEO approach has successfully gone head-to-head with giants like Amazon, Tiffany's, and Macy's for competitive purchase-intent keywords. His expertise has transformed businesses struggling to gain traction into thriving enterprises with significant customer acquisition from organic search results. In this episode of DTC Pod, Josh provides real-world examples of how businesses have benefited from investing in SEO and offers advice for DTC brands looking to build an effective SEO strategy. We cover topics such as establishing topical authority, the relationship between ads and organic search traffic, and the impact of AI on SEO.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Importance of Investing in SEO2. SEO Strategies for E-commerce Brands3. When to Invest in SEO4. Role of Branded Search in SEO5. Relationship Between Ads and SEO6. Topical Authority vs Domain Authority7. The Impact of AI on SEO8. E-commerce vs Non-E-commerce SEOTimestamps00:00 Josh Piepmeier's background04:25 When brands should start investing in SEO07:04 How to optimize for branded searches10:36 Off-page SEO for new domains13:54 E-commerce SEO vs standard SEO16:58 Google AI updates and how it's affecting SEO 20:16 On using AI for website content22:46 How paid ads factor into SEO26:03 How to create an effective SEO strategy30:00 Importance of topical authority for small brands33:20 Outcomes for brands that have focused on SEOShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Josh Piepmeier - Founder of MeriwetherBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Mina Elias is a multiple 7-figure Amazon FBA seller and renowned PPC expert. He is also the founder of Trivium Group, a company that helps brands navigate and dominate the Amazon marketplace.In this episode of DTC Pod, Mina details a holistic approach to enhancing the presence and profitability of any brand on Amazon, focusing on three pillars: traffic, click-through rate, and conversion rate. He covers the factors affecting each of these metrics and how to drive growth at every stage of the Amazon sales funnel.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Strategies for New Amazon Brands2. How to Grow Traffic, CTR, and CVR on Amazon3. Factors that Affect Sales and Conversion on Amazon4. How to Optimize for Paid and Organic Search on Amazon5. Tips for Optimizing Amazon Product Listings6. Ways to Increase AOV and LTV on AmazonTimestamps00:00 Mina Elias' background, how he started an Amazon agency04:04 Three core pillars to scaling your brand on Amazon05:39 Maximizing product visibility through strategic paid advertising11:13 How to budget for Amazon spending13:31 Tips for structuring Amazon PPC campaigns, setting up Amazon DSP16:52 Growing your organic traffic on Amazon19:33 Breaking in as a new brand; the importance of product differentiation21:17 Seven factors that affect click-through rate (CTR) on Amazon25:04 How price affects Amazon reviews and star ratings27:33 Split testing discounts, coupons, and tracking profits31:22 Best practices for optimizing Amazon product titles32:21 Why choose Amazon FBA over FBM33:34 How to earn the Amazon Best-Seller Badge35:03 Factors that affect conversion rate on Amazon36:45 Considering the buyer's perspective when creating an Amazon strategy38:09 Optimizing videos on Amazon product listings39:39 How to write effective Amazon bullet points40:05 Amazon virtual bundles and how they affect conversion rate42:51 Brand story; standard Amazon A+ Content vs Premium A+ Content45:19 Leveraging user-generated content (UGC) to boost Amazon sales46:25 Amazon Posts and Amazon Storefront47:47 Importance of reviews with images on Amazon and how to get them50:01 Ways to increase average order value (AOV) on Amazon51:13 Ways to increase lifetime value (LTV) on Amazon53:03 Testing and optimizing Amazon product listingsShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Mina Elias - Founder of Trivium Group and Chief Executive Officer at MMA Nutrition LLCBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Will Baumann is the co-founder and CEO of Fourthwall, a company that empowers creators to sell products online without needing to be e-commerce experts.At Fourthwall, they handle sales tax, supply chain, customer support, and more so creators can focus on making content and growing their community.In this episode of DTC Pod, Will shares his insights on the complexities of building a business out of one's personal brand and how Fourthwall has been aiding this process for over 50,000 creators.Will also touches on the power of creators today, the trends they're seeing at Fourthwall in terms of product popularity and paid ad usage, and Fourthwall's differentiation strategy, growth channels, and future plans.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. E-commerce for Content Creators2. Fourthwall's Target Audience and Market Positioning3. How to Get Started with Fourthwall4. Merchandising Strategies for Creators5. Growth Channels: Word-of-Mouth, Cold Outbound, SEO6. Community-Driven Sales vs Paid Ads7. The Power of Content CreatorsTimestamps00:00 How Fourthwall helps creators build their businesses06:39 What creators need to know about sales tax 09:50 Identifying a customer persona for Fourthwall11:53 Steps to get set up with Fourthwall14:09 Fourthwall then vs now, from manual to automated processes18:12 Distribution trends on Fourthwall, community vs paid ads19:05 The most popular products creators sell and how to scale20:10 Starting a business vs creating a new revenue stream22:04 Fourthwall's future plans and growth projections24:10 Positioning against Shopify and Pietra25:44 How Fourthwall reaches its ICPs: word of mouth, cold outbound, SEOShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Will Baumann - Co-Founder and CEO at FourthwallBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Colin Flood is the Vice President of Marketing at Unreal Snacks, a better-for-you chocolate brand with widespread distribution across numerous retailers in the United States and an established direct-to-consumer platform. At Unreal, Colin plays a pivotal role in scaling  e-commerce and D2C operations, as well as in expanding their presence into major retailers like Costco, Target, and Walmart. In this episode of DTC Pod, Colin Flood discusses the ups and downs of their marketing initiatives at Unreal, how they are bridging the gap between retail and digital customer experiences, and what their strategies are for data-driven marketing and budgeting across multiple channels. We also explore how Unreal is leveraging community involvement and consumer networks to drive brand awareness.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. DTC and Retail Marketing Strategies2. Omni-Channel Presence3. Retail and Digital Marketing Mix4. Market Dynamics and Education5. Amazon Strategy6. Community Engagement7. Consumer Network Growth8. Customer Reactivation Strategies9. Contextual Targeting10. Marketing Team StructureTimestamps00:00 Colin Flood's background; experience in e-commerce, marketing, and branding03:20 Unreal Snacks — mission & vision, retail & DTC strategy, then vs now10:39 In-store and online marketing strategies15:02 Creative ways to get in front of customers18:39 Amazon strategy, shifting to FBA22:49 Marketing team structure and responsibilities24:27 Relationship between marketing, community, and social28:16 Marketing goals, data, and budget allocation31:04 Contextual targeting, new product launch, reactivation strategies33:26 Challenges in low funnel marketing35:03 Bridging customer experiences between retail and digital36:47 New chocolate products, new retail partnershipShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Colin Flood - VP of Marketing at Unreal SnacksBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

David Hoffman and Samir Rayani co-founded Next Big Shop, where they leverage their expertise to analyze and interpret publicly available but hard-to-access e-commerce data for insights into retail success and product trends. As partners, they collaborate on developing data products that inform and guide direct-to-consumer strategies for various brands and industries.In this episode of DTC Pod, David and Samir explore e-commerce trends, the significance of retail presence for certain product categories, and the intricacies of building and using data products to analyze market and sales data. They also cover the challenges faced when building data products, the role of data in measuring the success of brand strategies, and the need for precise data communication.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. E-commerce Sales Data Analysis2. DTC Brand Strategies3. Seasonality and Market Trends4. Data-Driven Decision-Making5. Subscription Business Models6. Data Product ChallengesTimestamps02:15 David and Samir's background and experience in building data products08:31 What data says about commerce trends in 202415:03 One of the hottest accessories brand: Blenders18:55 Alo in apparel, how data can help optimize inventory turnover20:57 Comparing brand strategies and impact on sales24:52 Comparing beauty brands: Jones Road, Thrive, Peach and Lily, P. Louise30:32 Using data to confirm or invalidate assumptions31:39 Trending DTC topics and best-selling products in 202436:03 The relationship between demand and supply share38:59 Beverage brands, DTC and retail strategy43:34 Subscription business model, how subscription factors in data on Next Big Shop44:50 Retail distribution, using data to define success metrics48:45 Challenges of building data productsShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  David Hoffman and Samir Rayani - Co-Founders of Next Big ShopBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

If you haven't heard of Mid-Day Squares yet, you will as this family-run start up out of Montreal is sweeping across Canada and the USA.  In 2018, Jake Karls co-founded Mid-Day Squares with his sister, Lezlie Karls, and her husband, Nick Saltarelli. The trio wanted to create a modern chocolate bar, replacing the unhealthy sugar snacks that litter the food aisles with a low-sugar, high-protein plant-based alternative. In this episode Jon and Jake discuss the recipe for success. Enjoy!

John Morgan is the founder of Pelagic, a unique agency of top tier operators that helps brands tackle supply chain, logistics & operations. Prior to starting Pelagic, he served as VP of Ops at Seed Health where he built the infrastructure behind one of the fastest growing modern health brands. Before getting into DTC he worked on the Falcon 9 rocket team at SpaceX. His expertise spans across optimizing supply chains for efficiency, sustainability, and growth, especially for early-stage companies.In this episode of DTC Pod, John talks about the iterative nature of supply chain management and the need for startups to continuously adapt and refine their processes. He highlights the use of technology to streamline operations, the significance of understanding the complexities of global supply chains, especially under the strain of events like the COVID-19 pandemic, and shares a framework for setting up supply chains with a strong foundation in operational details and supplier partnerships.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Iterative Supply Chain Management2. Third-Party Logistics Partnerships3. Fractional Operations and Technology4. Profitability and Cost Optimization6. Impact of COVID-19 on Supply Chain7. Future Tech in Operations8. Building and Scaling Supply ChainsTimestamps02:09 John Morgan's background and experience working on SpaceX 06:39 Leading the operations at Seed Health09:37 The effect of COVID on global manufacturing, supply chain, and operations11:46 Pelagic as a supply chain service provider13:15 How to get supply chain right from the get-go; mistakes to avoid18:56 Adapting supply chains to growth and change23:41 Hiring for supply chain, considerations for early-stage founders26:35 Optimizing for profits vs quality, financial optimization of supply chains30:26 What founders need to know before importing33:55 Common mistakes to avoid in supply chain managementShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  John Morgan - Founder of PelagicBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Leah Marcus and Yasaman Bakhtiar are the co-founders of Good Girl Snacks, a company that has made a name for itself in the snack industry with a focus on creating modern, female-oriented branding, particularly with their product "Hot Girl Pickles." Leah and Yasaman launched their brand by leveraging social media, especially TikTok, identifying a gap in the pickle market for their niche audience. Despite their lack of experience in the food and beverage industry, they were able to carve out a unique space and build a dedicated community around their brand through their knowledge of social media marketing and content creation.In this episode of DTC Pod, Leah and Yasaman pull back the curtain on their content and marketing strategy. We gain insights into organic brand-building, how it contributes to maintaining authenticity and connection with an ad-averse Gen Z audience, and how they use it to get real-time engagement and feedback to refine and enhance their product line. We also learn the unique challenges and learning curves Leah and Yasaman faced in the CPG industry as they built Good Girl Snacks from the ground up.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Content Creation and Marketing Strategies2. Overcoming Production and Operation Challenges3. Engaging Gen Z through Authenticity4. Branding and Niche Market Targeting5. Learning From Industry with Consultancy Support6. Building Community via Organic Social Content7. Flexibility and Patience in Business GrowthTimestamps02:00 Viral TikTok trends and how Good Girl Snacks started04:21 From doing corporate work to launching a brand07:21 Initial fears of starting a business09:34 The white space in the pickle market10:59 Picking a niche, catering to Gen Z consumers13:28 Content strategy, leveraging brand stories and SEO17:07 Good Girl Snacks' content creation workflow then vs now22:45 Balancing planned and spontaneous content 24:39 Content distribution; reels, stories, and grid strategy27:59 Product development, hiring R&D consultants, the importance of community31:34 Gathering customer feedback for iterative product development34:21 Challenges and advantages of bootstrapping36:21 Adapting marketing strategy to Gen Z consumer attitudes and behavior38:53 Retaining authenticity while scaling, continuing to create low-lift content41:22 Hiring consultants vs full-time employees44:28 How to get the most out of startup advisors47:33 Advice to future founders: be adaptable and patientShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Leah Marcus and Yasaman Bakhtiar - Co-Founders of Good Girl SnacksBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Christopher Hunter is a seasoned entrepreneur best known for creating Four Loko, a caffeinated alcoholic beverage that caused a stir across college campuses and beyond. Currently, he serves as the CEO of Koia, a leading plant-based protein drink company that has achieved over $100 million in annual retail sales nationwide. In this episode of DTC Pod, we uncover tactics for rapid growth in the CPG space. Christopher highlights the importance of adapting to market shifts and consumer demands, which steered his brand from a costly initial direct-to-consumer model to a more sustainable retail focus, eventually re-introducing multi-packs for platforms like Instacart and launching shelf-stable products on Amazon. With Koia now available in approximately 30,000 retail locations—including a recent nationwide partnership with Starbucks—Christopher reflects on the brand's product development and scale-up process.Shop Koia on Amazon.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Startup Challenges and Solutions2. Retail Partnerships and Scaling3. Adaptation to Regulations4. Four Loko's Market Evolution5. Koya's Strategic Growth6. Distribution and Manufacturing Strategies7. Direct-to-Consumer Shifts and TrendsTimestamps01:48 Christopher Hunter's background, how Four Loko and Koia started07:14 From managing Phusion Projects to investing in Raw Nature 5 to creating Koia09:28 How a partnership helped launch and scale Koia12:12 Troubleshooting initial production challenges at Koia14:41 Starting with natural retailers, then going to specialty and conventional ones17:23 The evolution of Koia's supply chain and operations19:57 Moving from DTC to retail, addressing customer requests, discovering an opportunity to sell on Amazon22:22 Expectations for Koia's launch on Amazon, looking at product competition25:41 Lessons learned from Four Loko, product iteration and scaling31:16 Dealing with government agencies, building a solid business foundation33:56 Consumer research and how it factors in making business decisions like product line expansionShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Christopher Hunter - Co-Founder of Phusion Projects and KoiaBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Kellen Roland, with 18+ years of expertise in the luxury and consumer sectors, has a triple role as a founder, investor, and strategic advisor. He fosters business growth through insightful leadership and AI integration, invests in promising businesses like TRUFF, and offers strategic advice to brands such as Slowtide. With an acute sense of cultural trends and storytelling skills, he establishes authentic links between brands and audiences. Notably, he worked at Agenda Trade Show, Herschel Supply Co., and iamOTHER, founded The NTWRK Agency, and eventually built JOOPITER alongside Pharrell Williams. At present, he shares this extensive learning at his own consulting business, KRMC.In this DTC Pod episode, Kellen Roland gives insights on building strong retailer relationships. He emphasizes the importance of delivering unique value to create lasting partnerships in retail. He also discusses negotiating techniques and the need to maintain a healthy balance of markups and margins, appealing to vendors while preserving brand profitability. Kellen encourages brands to be agile; taking customer feedback seriously and quickly adapting to changing preferences is key for success in the fast-changing DTC landscape. Through his strategic insights, Kellen cements the framework for a successful retail strategy that is as much about captivating storytelling as it is about shrewd business deliberations.Join 15k founders and marketers & get our pod highlights delivered directly to your inbox with the DTC Pod Newsletter!On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Strategic DTC Brand Launch2. Entrepreneurship and Relationship-Building3. Agility and Adaptability in Retail4. Ethics in CPG and Brand Responsibility5. Traits of Highly Successful People6. Practical Benefits of AI in Business7. The Value of MentorshipTimestamps01:30 Kellen Roland's background, early career and passion06:48 Herschel's success, the importance of clear vision and timing11:45 Creating win-win situations for retailers as a brand13:01 How to pitch new products to retailers17:04 Traditional brand launch versus modern direct-to-consumer approach21:14 The importance of demand planning and brand agility25:23 Brands to watch out for: Graza, Nguyen Coffee, Rocky's Matcha, Goodles32:52 Working with Pharell Williams on JOOPITER35:53 Traits for leveling up to Kobe-level success40:41 Commitment, resilience, and persistence amidst challenges44:17 Using AI to manage schedules, solve problems, and scale operations49:08 Coaching and revenue growth, building a consulting business52:08 Seeking mentors, not copy-pasting success formulasShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Kellen Roland - Founder of KRMCBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Loren Castle is an entrepreneur and the founder of Sweet Loren's, a brand specializing in ready-to-bake cookie dough that is plant-based, gluten-free, nut-free, and non-GMO.After being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of 22, Loren Castle was motivated to create a line of sweets that aligned with her own desire for healthier, less processed treats made from real food ingredients. Baking served both as her therapy and a means of creative expression during her challenging times.Sweet Loren's began in Loren's kitchen after her homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe received high praise, leading her to realize the potential of her products. Her business has grown significantly over the years, and she has successfully led the brand to offer a broad range of products catering to health-conscious consumers. Sweet Loren's products are now available in over 25,000 supermarkets.This episode of DTC Pod explores how Sweet Loren's became the #1 natural cookie dough brand in the US. We cover topics like scaling product production, identifying business opportunities, and integrating customer feedback into product development stages. Learn about their success from startup to leader in the CPG market.Episode brought to you by More StaffingJoin 15k founders and marketers & get our pod highlights delivered directly to your inbox with the DTC Pod Newsletter!On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Tips for Scaling Product Production2. Key Considerations for Product Line Expansion3. Strategies for Successful Product Launches4. How to Identify White Space Opportunities5. Customer Feedback Integration in Product Development6. Business Decision-Making and GrowthTimestamps04:14 Starting Sweet Loren's, the #1 natural cookie dough brand in the US10:32 Discovering passion, becoming an entrepreneur, finding purpose14:11 From solopreneurship to business leader15:46 Deciding between opening a bakery vs entering the CPG market16:39 Product development, choosing cookie dough as the first product20:54 Customer feedback and its role in product iteration cycle22:32 Shifting focus to customer needs, scaling Sweet Loren's24:58 Changing products to cater to food intolerances and allergies32:28 Early stages of funding, bootstrapping, scaling34:36 Evaluating business opportunities based on personal alignment35:52 Figuring out the top five SKUs that are gonna sell38:03 Launching Sweet Lauren's first shelf-stable product38:59 Launching other types of refrigerated doughs41:16 Considerations for expanding Sweet Loren's product offerings43:14 Researching, identifying opportunities, developing products46:55 Why team, experience, expertise, and data are vital for startup successShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Loren Castle - CEO and Founder of Sweet Loren'sBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Emmett Shine is the creative genius behind Pattern, taking the lead in shaping the narratives and aesthetics of its seven brands. He also co-founded a creative agency, Gin Lane, and oversaw its evolution in parallel with the burgeoning startup ecosystem that came to define New York's landscape.In this episode, Emmett discusses Pattern Brands' approach to cultivating a unique identity for each brand within its family. He underscores the need to create specialized experiences for individual brands while exploring synergies across the portfolio. His dual focus on operations and creatives emerges as a cornerstone strategy, proving pivotal in his company's ongoing journey to build a robust and profitable direct-to-consumer ecosystem.Join 15k founders and marketers & get our pod highlights delivered directly to your inbox with the DTC Pod Newsletter!On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Creative vs Operational Mindsets2. Talent Recognition and Recruitment Strategies3. Timeless Design Principles and Inspiration4. DTC Brand Challenges and Strategies5. Building and Scaling a Brand Family6. Personal Growth and Entrepreneurship Timestamps00:00 Working with business founders, finding market opportunities05:25 Starting Pattern Brands, buying businesses, launching a design agency13:23 Finding and hiring the right talent15:27 Emmett Shine's background in design, creating timeless vs trendy designs24:18 Launching two brands, Equal Parts and Open Spaces28:31 Managing multiple brands: human resources and operations33:50 Building specialized brands that cater to millennials45:01 Focusing on consistency, quality, and iterative processes46:34 Diverse projects in early stages, seeking new challengesShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Emmett Shine - Co-Founder of Pattern BrandsBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Our conversation with growth strategist Sabir Semerkant is filled with actionable insights on thriving in the e-commerce landscape.Sabir's approach to e-commerce growth is holistic. He emphasizes constant improvement and a strong understanding of one's business foundations. His advice invites brands to explore a growth path that's not reliant on temporary fixes but solidifies lasting customer relationships and strong business workflows. Don't miss this opportunity to get an expert's take on fueling your strategy and growth.Episode brought to you by More StaffingJoin 15k founders and marketers & get our pod highlights delivered directly to your inbox with the DTC Pod Newsletter!On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Sabir Semerkant's 8D Method2. The Importance of Mobile Optimization3. Key Dimensions for E-Commerce Success4. Storytelling in Marketing5. Customer Experience and Branding6. The Importance of Customer Centricity7. Value Creation and Strategic Pricing8. E-Commerce Platform Optimization9. Growth and Operational Strategies10. Logistics and FulfillmentTimestamps10:48 Setting goals, improving KPIs every day by 1%12:10 The Rapid 2X and Mastermind programs and the 8D Method13:46 Consistent improvement vs. quick transient optimization dilemma18:21 The importance of measuring all aspects of business for success20:17 The risks of relying solely on paid advertising, the importance of building a brand24:43 The dangers of discounting and how it could hurt a business28:12 Storytelling in marketing, building an emotional connection with customers32:32 Optimizing tech stack for attention span, earning audience engagement37:44 Free tool for measuring site speed to improve performance and conversion39:10 Mobile optimization and why it is important42:25 Product positioning and brand building, paying attention to what customers care about45:33 The importance of authenticity in branding48:43 Putting customers at the center of a business, creating buyer personas 53:15 Strategic pricing, cultivating brand loyalty through content01:00:11 Factors to consider when choosing the right tech stack01:08:42 Choosing the right third-party logistics and operations partners01:13:58 Finding and hiring the right people to help a business growShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Sabir Semerkant - Founder of GROWTH by SABIRBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Jennifer Liao's journey with MìLà is nothing short of remarkable. From a grassroots project where they collected orders through Google Forms, it evolved into a successful venture that raised $21.5 million in its second round of funding.This episode doesn't just serve up the story behind MìLà's signature frozen soup dumplings; it provides a feast of insights on the ingredients for business growth, fundraising, and the power of community-driven marketing.Episode brought to you by More StaffingJoin 15k founders and marketers & get our pod highlights delivered directly to your inbox with the DTC Pod Newsletter!On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Fundraising Strategies and Investor Relationships2. Navigating Logistics for Frozen Food Distribution3. Product-Market Fit Testing4. Branding and Content Strategy Development5. Scaling Manufacturing 6. Leveraging E-commerce PlatformsTimestamps03:37 Experimenting with frozen soup dumplings06:17 How testing and running ad campaigns on Meta led to MìLà's rapid growth14:59 Product-market fit testing, team expansion20:43 Establishing a team for content and branding28:00 Getting funded, setting realistic goals, and scaling for success35:52 The supply chain side of frozen, perishable goods37:22 Building infrastructure for proactive outreach38:46 Product innovation, retail expansionShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  -----Jennifer Liao - Co-Founder of MìLàBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

In today's episode, I sit down with Jake Karls, Co-founder and Chief Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, as we explore the thrilling journey of entrepreneurship through the lens of a company that has transformed the health bar industry. From the importance of having a groundbreaking product to the challenges of scaling a business, Jake shares insights into Mid-Day Squares' exponential growth in the U.S., the pains and pleasures of entrepreneurship, and the crucial balance between product excellence and effective marketing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices