Podcasts about Skus

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIn this special edition of the DTC Podcast, we break down Crown Affair's ad strategy, creative execution, and landing page experience. Hosted by Eric Dyck and joined by Aves, this teardown focuses on how the brand has scaled through a hero SKU, clean branding, and a ritual-based narrative that resonates with a premium beauty audience.What You'll Learn in This Episode✔️ How Crown Affair uses a dry shampoo hero product to drive acquisition✔️ Why the “ritual” brand positioning allows flexibility in product education and bundling✔️ The importance of top-of-funnel clarity — and where their website messaging could improve✔️ What makes their ad creative mix so effective (UGC, press badges, branded visuals)✔️ Why they run retail-focused ads (Sephora) alongside DTC✔️ How Instagram lifestyle content supports their ritual narrative✔️ Tactical insights on bundle builders vs. in-cart upsellsBest Moments in the EpisodeBreakdown of their “Crown” pun, brand aesthetic, and above-the-fold critiquesWhy clean branding can still confuse users without contextual clarityWhat makes their ad messaging tactile and emotionally resonantHow running to a dry shampoo SKU helps educate while differentiatingThoughts on Instagram strategy beyond the grid: sell the lifestyle, not just the productThe risks and rewards of running top-of-funnel campaigns to retail storesWhy It Matters for DTC OperatorsCrown Affair shows how premium brands can scale with clarity + ritual. By focusing on fewer SKUs, tighter messaging, and a flexible customer ritual, they've found a formula that blends high aesthetic with real-world traction. If you're running a beauty, wellness, or ritual-based brand — this episode will show you where strategy meets execution.Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Crown Affair Live Brand Breakdown02:00 – Why You Should Listen to Adventurous04:00 – Website Audit: What's a Three-Course Ritual for Hair?08:00 – Ad Library Review: UGC vs. Branded Content12:00 – Founder-Led Storytelling & The “Ritual” Concept15:00 – The Glossier Comparison and Brand Persona17:00 – Bundle Builders, AOV Strategy, and Upsells18:00 – Instagram Strategy: Rituals Beyond Aesthetics20:00 – Final Thoughts and Call for Brand SuggestionsHashtags#DTCPodcast #AKNF #CrownAffair #AdLibrary #BeautyMarketing #BrandBreakdown #HaircareBrand #EcommerceStrategy #AdCreative #DTCBrands Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://www.pilothouse.co/?utm_source=AKNF550Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

John sits down with Micah Findley (HomeField) to talk about building a national brand in one of the most overlooked trades: The Septic Pumping Business. From pricing thousand-gallon pumps to dump fees, grease traps, and service agreements, this is the real playbook for scaling a modern Septic Pumping operation.They unpack the entire stack—how a Septic Truck Business goes beyond “just pumping” into repairs, installs, commercial work, and recurring maintenance—plus route density, transfer (frac) tanks, land application vs treatment plants, AR policies, and the software/marketing engines (LSA, PPC, ServiceTitan/Housecall Pro) that drive profitable Septic Pumping growth.

OpenAI just turned ChatGPT into a storefront. With Instant Checkout and the new Agentic Commerce Protocol, shoppers can now buy directly inside ChatGPT without ever visiting your website or Amazon listing.   In this episode, I explain what conversational commerce really means, how brands can prepare for AI-driven shopping, and why this may be the most disruptive platform shift since Amazon Prime. You'll learn the immediate opportunities for small catalogs and hero SKUs, the risks of giving up customer ownership, and the long-term trends as commerce moves from websites to AI agents.   If you're building an e-commerce brand in 2025, you can't afford to ignore this.   If you need help, we're here for you! Request a free brand audit to book a call with me personally to discuss how my team can help: www.weavos.io   All my resources: www.andyisom.com      

What happens when you build an 8-figure business in one of the most taboo industries - without a team, funding, or traditional ad channels? Brian Sloan did exactly that. And in this episode, he reveals the unfiltered story behind his wild entrepreneurial path. Jim sits down with Brian Sloan, founder of AutoBlow, to unpack how he built a global DTC sex toy brand that now generates 8 figures annually - with a team of just two. From eBay auctions to viral PR stunts, Brian shares how his unconventional path, deep product focus, and scrappy tactics helped him thrive in a space where Facebook ads and mainstream visibility were off-limits. This conversation pulls back the curtain on manufacturing, media manipulation, brand building, and what it really takes to scale when the rules don't apply to your category.Key Topics Covered:How Brian went from selling antiques to latex fetishwear to inventing AutoBlowThe viral crowdfunding stunt that made him internet-famous overnightWhy he ditched Amazon - even after major salesHow to get on GQ, Playboy, Howard Stern, and more without a PR teamThe power of press-worthy product ideasWhy focus (on just 2 SKUs) was his biggest growth unlockBuilding a lean team using a global network of niche freelancersIf you're building in DTC and feel like you're drowning in overhead or noise, this episode is a masterclass in focus, edge, and unconventional growth.Resources:AutoblowJim Huffman websiteJim's TwitterGrowthHitThe Growth Marketer's Playbook Additional episodes you might enjoy:Startup Ideas by Paul Graham (#45)Nathan Barry: How to Bootstrap a Company to $30M in a Crowded Market (#41)How I Met My Biz Partner and Less Learned Hitting $2M ARR (#44)Ryan Hamilton on his Netflix special, touring with Jerry Seinfeld, & how to write a joke (#10)How We're Validating Startup Ideas (#51) 

How do you build one of the fastest-scaling independent alcohol companies in America — without diluting ownership?That's the story of Mom Water, the fruit-infused vodka water RTD brand that has gone from a backyard experiment in 2018 to a 850,000-case business by 2024 — and continues to grow. With playful, first-name flavors like Linda, Susan, and Kathy, Mom Water blazed a new path in the RTD category by staying still (non-carbonated) while everyone else went fizzy.In this episode, CEO Kara Woolsey walks us through how the brand:Turned a vacation resort hack into a disruptive category playSurvived co-packing disasters and empty warehouses to stay alive in Year OneWent viral on TikTok and built a cult following among Gen Z — even though it was designed for momsLanded major retail accounts like Target, Walmart, and Publix, with chains now driving more than half of its businessLaunched Dad Water, a tequila water, and the very different challenges of scaling a second brandBalanced explosive growth with profitability by staying lean, resisting big checks, and keeping ownership in the familyFor drinks founders, Kara's story is a rare playbook in discipline and execution: Building a national brand that can compete with the big RTD players — without selling a majority stake.If you want to understand how to scale a breakout brand in one of the most competitive categories, this episode is packed with actionable insights.Last Call:

Amazon PPC for Managing Really Big Accounts doesn't have to be chaos.In this episode we unpack Managing Really Big Accounts in Amazon PPC so you know when to go granular and when to aggregate for real ROI.Learn the hybrid playbook: build full five-campaign stacks for the hero SKUs, consolidate Tier 2 products by parent ASIN, and use catch-all autos to lightly cover the long tail without drowning in a million-row report.We show guardrails (

In this episode of Talk Commerce, Brent Peterson speaks with Martin Balaam, CEO of Pimberly, about the critical role of Product Information Management (PIM) in e-commerce. They discuss how PIM serves as a single source of truth for product data, its importance in global e-commerce, and the impact of AI and agentic commerce on the industry. The conversation also touches on the differences between B2B and B2C approaches to PIM, the challenges of data management, and how Pimberly differentiates itself in the market. Finally, they explore the implications of tariffs on data management and the future of PIM in a rapidly changing landscape.TakeawaysPIM is essential for managing complex product data.Globalization requires businesses to adapt their product data strategies.AI optimization is crucial for effective e-commerce.B2B companies are adopting agentic commerce faster than B2C.Structured data is necessary for machine-readable formats.PIM helps reduce the number of SKUs needed for different marketplaces.Tariffs can significantly impact supply chain data management.Pimberly focuses on high complexity and conditionality in product data.The importance of capturing contextual information in B2C.PIM can streamline data management across various platforms.Chapters00:00Introduction to Pimberley and Martin Balaam04:14Understanding Product Information Management (PIM)07:23The Importance of a Centralized Data Source12:13Agentic Commerce and Its Future17:00B2B vs B2C: Data Needs and Challenges21:57The Role of PIM in Supply Chain Management25:17Conclusion and Future Outlook for Pimberley27:21TC - Outtro All AV version 1.mp4Follow Talk Commerce on your favorite platform:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@talkcommerceBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkcommerce.bsky.socialApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-commerce/id1561204656Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Alx6N7ERrPEXIBb41FZ1nTwitter: @talkingcommerceLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talk-commerceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingcommerceWebsite: https://talk-commerce.com/

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupOn this episode, we speak with Boone & Ben, co‑founders of Highland Style Co., a clean‑ingredient men's grooming brand that grew from kitchen‑experiments to eight figures in revenue. We dig into their growth journey: how they built performance products, retained customers, and scaled unit economics without losing the values that launched them.What you'll learn in this episode:How to validate product performance early via professional channels (barbershops/salons) to build credibility.The importance of embedding unit economics (margins, payback period, LTV/CAC) from day one to ensure scalable growth.Three content pillars that moved the needle for Highland: founder storytelling, expert endorsements, and aspirational user content.Real tactics for retention: packaging, post‑purchase experience, SMS/email flows, and repeat products.Why staying lean in team & operations matters, and how to hire/contract strategically to keep agility.How clean beauty standards (ingredients, packaging) can coexist with performance and profitability.Timestamps00:00 The origins of Highland and solving a personal problem02:00 Early product development and validation with barbershops07:00 Bootstrapping, fundraising, and focus on profitability10:00 Building strong unit economics and targeting 80% margins12:00 Meta ads and founder-led storytelling that drove growth15:00 Evolving content strategy and leveraging industry experts18:00 Scaling to eight figures with only two SKUs21:00 Staying lean with a four-person team and efficient operations25:00 Merging marketing with finance and building a payback workbook28:00 Retention tactics and post-purchase experience31:00 Expanding to Amazon and why it was a growth unlock32:00 Scrappy press tactics and winning grooming awards35:00 Building relationships with creators and affiliate partners36:00 Future goals, brand vision, and plans for expansionHashtags#DTCpodcast #HighlandHair #EcommerceGrowth #Bootstrapping #StartupStory #UnitEconomics #FounderJourney #ContentStrategy #RetentionMarketing #AmazonGrowth #HaircareBrand #DigitalMarketing #BrandBuilding #BusinessPodcast #ScalingBrands Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Send us a textA Melbourne winter. A real gap in kids' wool headwear. A founder with a finance brain and a product heart. That is how Acorn Kids began. In this episode, Fiona Savaris shares how a winter beanie line turned into a year-round headwear brand that stockists love, why wholesale still wins for volume, and how she just launched swimwear by leveraging prints, suppliers, and existing demand. If you care about cash flow, indent, stockist relationships, and direct-to-consumer growth, you will love this founder story.Learn how to use indent orders to protect margins and place smarter production betsSee how a wholesale-first strategy can fuel longevity and repeat stockist revenueSteal the exact assets that help retailers sell more hats, beanies, and swim hatsHear the behind-the-scenes of a category expansion into swimwear that makes senseThe spark: Fiona could not find warm, design-forward kids hats in Melbourne. She starts winter-only with wool beanies, mittens, and scarves made through a women's collective and Brunswick production.The shift: Summer hats unlock smoother cash flow. Parents need hats for daycare and kinder. Kids lose hats. Heads grow. DTC sells summer all year.The engine: Wholesale remains the volume play. Disciplined launch timing, no constant discounting, and shared lifestyle photography keep stockists profitable.The system: Present ranges on Brandboom, take indent orders, back winners, manage MOQs for healthy margins, and hold core SKUs for reorders.The expansion: From swim hats to swimwear. Same brand prints. Specialist makers. A product customers already asked for.The team: Two full-time. Outsourced specialists for Klaviyo email marketing, Meta ads, photography, design, and sales support. Agents plus trade shows to reconnect face-to-face.The real life: Growth is not linear. Family health, market swings, and pacing. How to keep building without burning out.Timestamps 00:00 Origin story in Melbourne. Wool headwear that kids actually want to wear 06:30 Winter-only to summer hats. The cash flow unlock 12:15 Wholesale first. Protecting stockists and full price sell-through 18:20 Indent explained. Sizing curves, MOQs, and backing winners on Brandboom 24:05 Printing your own fabrics. Reusing prints across styles 27:00 New swimwear launch. Why timing and supply chain mattered 32:40 Who buys and why. Repeat purchases and lifetime value in kids headwear 3Support the showI'm Mel Robbins! from @thelotco Want a Roadmap to Building a Profitable Product Business head here for directions! Looking for ongoing support to grow your brand and sell more of your product? Join the Product Business Growth Club here. Find more details at https://www.thelotco.com.au/Business Coach for product-based businesses. Teaching creative business women how to build a scalable and profitable million-dollar product business whether a physical Retail store or Brand.Over 25 years as a Retail and Wholesale Strategist (Sales and Marketing for Brands).Grab my 8 step checklist on building a profitable product business.

NEXE Innovations President Ash Guglani joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce an exciting expansion of the company's product portfolio, unveiling the launch of four new coffee SKUs in collaboration with a leading North American distributor specializing in office coffee services and retail channels. Since beginning this partnership in February 2025, NEXE has seen consistent customer engagement through recurring orders, underscoring strong market demand for its products. The first SKU in this launch is a seasonal pumpkin-flavored coffee pod, of which the company has already produced and distributed six pallets across U.S. and Canadian markets. Looking ahead, NEXE is actively developing three additional SKUs — decaf, vanilla, and bananas foster — which are expected to hit the market in the near term. These offerings are designed to cater to diverse consumer preferences while maintaining the company's focus on high-quality, innovative coffee experiences. Beyond these initial launches, NEXE and its distribution partner plan to introduce at least ten more SKUs over the coming months. At the same time, the company is in advanced discussions with potential new partners to expand its distribution network, aiming to secure broader market access and reach more consumers across North America. NEXE remains dedicated to sustainable innovation, particularly in packaging and product development. Through strategic partnerships and environmentally conscious initiatives, the company continues to position itself as a forward-thinking leader in the coffee industry, blending quality, variety, and sustainability. #proactiveinvestors #nexeinnovationsinc #tsxv #nexe #otc #nexnf #Sustainability #CoffeePods #EcoFriendlyProducts #Manufacturing #PatentTechnology #StrategicPartnerships #AshGuglani #ProactiveInvestors #GreenTechnology

Without the right product images, nothing works. But: different style guides, missing samples, questions around color accuracy, videos - all of that can make costs skyrocket fast. Can AI help? Yes - when it acts as an on-set co-pilot for photographers and models, steering lighting, poses, style-guide compliance, and quality assurance. How this works in practice - and why it's a real performance lever for fashion brands and sellers - is what Ingrid and Valerie discuss with Gianni Serazzi from Pixelmoda.Takeaways:No GenAI renderings: Items are shot for real; AI optimizes the process.Costs down, output up: According to Pixelmoda, up to −70% for photos and −90% for videos at consistent “luxury-grade” quality.Speed in days, not weeks: Turnarounds usually < 5 days, in express cases same day - without compromising color fidelity or consistency.Scaling without style drift: ≈ 3× more SKUs/day and pixel-perfect execution of Zalando, Amazon & Co. style guides.Direct business impact: More content noticeably lifts conversion and reduces returns - Pixelmoda typically reports +5–15% sales and −5–20% returns.Who is it for?Experienced sellers and brand teams (not only in fashion) who treat content ops as a revenue and P&L lever - not a cost center.

I've admired John Saunders for a long time. Most of you probably know him as the force behind the NYC CNC YouTube channel, the Business of Machining podcast, and of course, Saunders Machine Works. John has been creating content, teaching, and inspiring machinists since long before it was “cool” to do so online. In fact, he's one of the first people I think of when someone says they learned machining from YouTube. When we sat down for this conversation, I wanted to go deeper than the usual “how'd you get started” story. We talked about the real journey of moving from hobbyist to entrepreneur, how he built a thriving fixture plate and workholding company in Ohio, and—what I think many shop owners will appreciate—how he's structured his business so he can actually step away for weeks at a time without things falling apart. John shares how his early projects, like designing a better rifle target during college, taught him hard lessons about product development and manufacturing. He explains the tools, machines, and workflows that make Saunders Machine Works tick today, from automated horizontals to Willman lathes, and why he's thinking hard about one-piece flow and robotics. We also dive into how he developed his famous training classes, why lean manufacturing and clear processes matter more than ever, and how he balances all of this with family, passion projects, and building a humanoid robot—yes, Johnny Five—from scratch. This episode is full of insights for anyone running a shop or dreaming about launching their own product line. If you've ever wanted to peek inside the mind of one of the most generous and innovative creators in our industry, this conversation is for you.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:00) Introducing John Saunders and his career journey in manufacturing (7:13) Why we love the transparency of Phoenix Heat Treating (8:20) Starting NYC CNC YouTube channel and sharing his learning journey publicly (13:50) Turning the tables: How we feel about ChatGPT sharing our content (16:20) Launching Saunders Machine Works and creating fixture plates and mod vises (21:38) Building a custom ERP to manage thousands of SKUs and empower employees (23:22) Evolving production with horizontals, Willman machines, and one-piece flow thinking (29:15) See me at EBITDA Growth Systems Double Your Value Event  (31:58) Developing a team culture where machinists program their own parts (35:45) Internships and high school programs as a pipeline for skilled talent (37:48) The story behind John's famous training classes and why they are paused for now (45:17) Balancing entrepreneurship with personal life and creative pursuits (48:36) Building Johnny Five the robot and why passion projects keep him motivated (53:14) Lessons in lean thinking and creating processes that make work easier for everyone (55:46) Advice for contract manufacturers who want to develop their own product line (1:02:31) Why Verdant Commercial Capital is a true partner in your business Resources & People Mentioned Revisionist History Podcast Why we love the transparency of Phoenix Heat Treating See me at EBITDA Growth Systems Double Your Value Event  Verdant Commercial Capital  Toolpath  Connect with John Saunders Saunders Machine Works Connect on LinkedIn Follow on Instagram NYC CNC YouTube The Business of Machining Podcast Connect With Machine Shop Mastery The website LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Subscribe to Machine Shop Mastery on Apple, Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

“The Broadcom acquisition changed VMware's business strategy—and prices—overnight. Our job is to make the exit as simple as possible,” says Peri Uday Bhaskar, of DartIQ. In this Technology Reseller News podcast recorded at MSP Summit, Publisher Doug Green speaks with Bhaskar about DartIQ's focus: accelerating and de-risking VMware workload migrations to customers' preferred destinations—public cloud, private cloud, or on-prem. Bhaskar notes that VMware's long-time stability masked how dependent many organizations became on its licensing model and partner ecosystem. After Broadcom's acquisition, customers reported steep subscription price increases and a shift to bundled SKUs—from roughly 8,000 products to just a handful of bundles—forcing buyers to pay for features they don't need. He adds that discounts frequently require 3–5-year commitments, and many smaller customers are now confronting a minimum 72-core buy that doesn't fit their footprint. The result: VMware line items that jump 4x to 10x and a rush to evaluate alternatives. DartIQ's answer is vMigrate, a hyper-automated platform that consolidates the multi-step migration toolchain—discovery, assessment, planning, landing-zone build-out, and cutover—into a single workflow, which Bhaskar says can deliver up to 60% time savings compared with traditional approaches. Key capabilities include: Workload analysis & customized cloud planning: Breaks VMware estates into workload packages, validates readiness, and models target-cloud cost, architecture, and trade-offs before a move. Automated landing-zone assignments: Translates on-prem VMware constructs into the correct public/private cloud equivalents and builds the plumbing (networking, policies, placements) to ensure workloads run on day one. Destination flexibility: Supports migrations to public cloud, private cloud, or back to modernized on-prem—wherever the business case lands. “VMware is a feature-rich, solid platform,” Bhaskar says. “But when costs spike tenfold, customers—especially small and midsized organizations working through MSPs—need a clear, automated path to right-sized alternatives.” This DartIQ offering is purpose-built for MSPs: the company engages through the partner channel and provides assessments, planning, and migration execution with the goal of reducing both project complexity and services spend for end customers. Learn more: Visit DartIQ's website and the team's blog (referenced as datakey.ai in the conversation) for migration primers, cost-modeling insights, and MSP scheduling via Calendly.  

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIn this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Rod Morris, co‑founder of Lovevery, to dig into how they turned a single product idea into a global early‑learning brand with over 150 SKUs, presence in 34 markets, and a sustainable subscription model.What you'll learn:How Lovevery validated its premium product idea with the PlayGem and used early feedback to build credibility.The tactics that drove retention: mission‑aligned design, app features, quality materials.How unbundling the subscription and adding new SKUs (and retail partnerships) widened their customer base.Their strategy for profitable growth: optimizing supply chain, being more efficient, and adjusting to tariff pressures without compromising core experience.How circularity and resale aren't just ethical branding—they're catalytic for brand trust, lowering purchase friction, and increasing lifetime value.Roderick Morris is Cofounder and President of Lovevery, the global early childhood brand known for transforming the way families play and learn. Recognized for its award-winning, stage-based Play Kits program and the companion Lovevery App, the company provides science-backed tools that empower parents with confidence and nurture children's development from birth. Founded in 2015, Lovevery has since expanded to early literacy with The Early Reader Club subscription and The Reading Skill Set—a proven, screen-free, learn-to-read program. Today, Lovevery continues to lead in early childhood innovation across more than 30 global markets.Timestamps00:00 Serving parents and children with premium products02:00 The origins of Lovevery and first product launch04:00 Cracking the market with the Play Gym07:00 Building credibility through influencers and early adopters10:00 Scaling the subscription program and retention learnings14:00 Product quality, durability, and material choices17:00 Unbundling subscription kits to expand access19:00 Growth during COVID and path to profitability23:00 International expansion strategy and new markets26:00 Walmart partnership and retail rollout27:00 Launching the circularity marketplace for secondhand play kits30:00 Mobile app evolution and impact on retention33:00 Managing tariffs and business sustainability35:00 Future growth levers and expanding into new skillsHashtags#DTCPodcast #Lovevery #RodMorris #Ecommerce #SubscriptionBusiness #ParentingProducts #DTC #ConsumerBrands #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Every Board, investor, and potential acquirer is asking the same question: How are AI initiatives driving revenue? In episode #315, Ben Murray shares insights from his research into public tech companies and how they're defining and disclosing AI ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue). Using Verint as a case study, Ben explains how companies are leveraging AI-driven ARR, tying it to measurable outcomes, and communicating adoption in a way that resonates with both Wall Street and buyers. You'll also hear how these disclosures may have supported Verint's recent multibillion-dollar acquisition by Thoma Bravo. If you're a SaaS or AI operator, this episode will help you define AI ARR, communicate adoption signals, and position your business model for higher valuation. What You'll Learn What AI ARR is and how to calculate it. Why public companies like Verint are breaking out AI ARR from total ARR. The mechanics: how finance teams identify AI-influenced products and SKUs. Quantitative + qualitative adoption signals (e.g., number of users leveraging AI features). Why AI ARR disclosures matter for investor metrics and exit valuations. How Thoma Bravo's acquisition of Verint shows the value of communicating AI initiatives. Why It Matters For SaaS & AI Leaders: Properly defining AI ARR helps show investors where new growth is coming from. For Finance Teams: Accurate reporting requires collaboration across accounting, product, and FP&A. For Investors: AI ARR signals measurable adoption and future revenue growth. For Valuation: Tying AI initiatives to financial outcomes increases credibility in fundraising and exit scenarios. Resources Mentioned Blog Post: How to Define AI ARR: https://www.thesaascfo.com/ai-arr-vs-saas-arr-how-to-define-and-calculate/ The SaaS Metrics Academy: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Quote from Ben “Don't just say you're building AI into your product — show investors how much ARR it's driving and what outcomes it's creating.”

Struggling with Amazon flat files? Learn how to download, edit & master them step by step as Sasha Zubitov shares tips, fixes, and answers to common seller questions. ► Watch The Podcasts On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Helium10SeriousSellersPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 ► Instagram: instagram.com/serioussellerspodcast ► Free Amazon Seller Chrome Extension: https://h10.me/extension ► Sign Up For Helium 10: https://h10.me/signup  (Use SSP10 To Save 10% For Life) ► Learn How To Sell on Amazon: https://h10.me/ft What if mastering the nuances of Amazon flat files could transform your e-commerce success? Alexander “Sasha” Zubitov, an expert in consulting and managing Amazon businesses, takes us on an insightful journey through the intricacies of these powerful tools. He reveals how recent Amazon updates have increased the importance of flat files, making them essential for bulk edits, SEO enhancement, and variation management. Sasha's experience with defending against hijackers and resolving compliance issues makes his insights invaluable for both newcomers and seasoned sellers eager to optimize their Amazon listings. Sasha sheds light on the often-overlooked impact of "product type" on flat file attributes, a crucial detail that can unlock new editing possibilities. By understanding how product type influences product display, sellers can effectively manage variations, even as Amazon phases out certain options. Sasha guides listeners through the process of creating new SKUs or variations, ensuring they maintain control over their listings amidst these changes. The detailed exploration of listing violations further equips sellers with strategies to address and overcome compliance challenges. The conversation doesn't stop there. We dive into effective listing management, from handling violations to deletion strategies. Sasha discusses how to strategically use deletion and re-uploading as troubleshooting methods, emphasizing the need for patience to allow changes to propagate. He also shares advanced recovery strategies, offering a roadmap to quick listing reinstatement. With Sasha's guidance, you're not just surviving the complex world of Amazon Seller Central, you're mastering it. In episode 702 of the Serious Sellers Podcast, Shivali and Sasha discuss: 00:01 - Utilizing Amazon Flat Files Effectively 02:50 - Optimizing Amazon Category Listing Reports 13:23 - Amazon Flat File Attributes and Variations 14:27 - Amazon Listing Optimization Tips 21:02 - Amazon Deprecation Announcement Overview 28:55 - Effective Listing Deletion Strategies 33:01 - Effective Amazon Listing Recovery Strategies 34:38 - Listing Recovery Process With Agencies

Making wine is capital-intensive. Making traditional method sparkling wine is even more so. From less juice from the grapes to double fermentation to more expensive bottles and taxes, Weston Eidson of recently launched Westborn Wine describes the differences in sparkling production. Detailed Show Notes: Weston's background: >10 years winemaking in Napa (Silver Ghost), family are wine collectors, interned w/ Jason Moore at Modus Operandi (2012), and acquired extra Chardonnay from Steve MatthiassonWestborn was founded in 2018, taking “Grand Cru” or single vineyard level fruit for sparkling wine (e.g., Heintz, Ritchie, Durell vineyards)Partnered w/ Russell Bevan (mentor) and Nathan Reeves (made sparkling in Margaret River)The goal is to start with high-quality wines and layer on complexity with traditional method agingTook 4-5 years to find a stride & hone the winemaking processInitially thought it would be 3 years aging vs 6 for 1st release (2019 1st release; 2018 1st vintage just disgorged mid 2025)SKUs: vintage, Blanc de Blanc, Rose, Non-vintageLuxury priced - $100+Solera method perpetual reserve program, late disgorged release, lead to a lot of capital in inventory2018: 500 cases; 2025 ~1,000 cases; target ~2,000 casesSparkling production costs vs. still wineFruit costs the same (growers love it: less shrivel, gets fruit off earlier - less pest/disease pressure; spreads out the work)Press cuts important, ~25% less gallons/ton vs still wine, as they don't take tailleNeed to make the wine twice: initial fermentation (vin clair), secondary fermentation (bottled with yeast and sugar)Custom crush costs are slightly more expensive due to double fermentationBottles are more costly and need to be bought earlier (~$0.15-20 for a standard bottle; ~$1 for sparkling)Taxes higher: $2.40/gallon for sparkling wine, $0.07/gallon for still wine

Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupIn this episode of the DTC Podcast, Eric speaks with Dougie, lead of the Google team at Pilothouse, about what happens when DTC brands try to scale on Google Ads and hit a ceiling. The conversation digs into impression share limits, ad rank, new customer acquisition, product mix, and how demand generation must be part of the strategy—not just search & shopping.Why you'll want to listen:Learn when you're maxed out on impression share and what to do about it.How to use Google's new customer acquisition settings & prioritize hero SKUs to improve incrementality.When & how to build upper funnel demand (YouTube, content, ingredient‑based content) to feed your capture channels.This episode is essential for growth‑stage DTC marketers and eCommerce owners who want to scale Google Ads profitably without just increasing budget and sacrificing efficiency.Timestamps00:00 Scaling on Google Ads and hitting ceilings02:00 Understanding impression share and ad rank04:30 Creating demand through content and upper funnel tactics07:00 Avoiding bidding mistakes and ensuring incrementality09:00 Product distribution misalignment and hero product strategy12:00 Shopping campaigns vs Performance Max for new customer growth14:00 Using search terms and AI insights for keyword strategy16:00 Preparing Google Ads accounts for Black Friday and Q418:00 How Pilothouse runs audits and identifies growth opportunitiesHashtags#GoogleAds #DTC #Pilothouse #AdStrategy #DigitalMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #PerformanceMax #ScalingAds #MarketingPodcast #PPCStrategy Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video

Unmask the secrets of a $50M costume empire. From million-dollar days to seasonal surges, discover what Halloween sellers can teach every Amazon entrepreneur. Fraser Smeaton, the mastermind behind a $50 million costume empire, joins us to unveil the fascinating world of seasonal business success. With Halloween just around the corner, Fraser spills the beans on capturing 15% of annual revenue in just four days leading up to the spooky celebration. We explore the cultural evolution of Halloween, from its roots with Scottish and Irish immigrants to its booming presence across the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Europe. Fraser also shares how confectionery companies have sweetened Halloween's appeal in the UK over the past 15 years, and offers a nostalgic look at traditional celebrations like guising in Scotland.   The journey from a bedroom startup to a global costume phenomenon is nothing short of inspiring. Fraser recounts how writing the website URL on Morphsuits turned customers into living billboards, and how harnessing early Facebook advertising created waves in the e-commerce ocean. As the business scaled rapidly, they navigated the storm of market saturation and competition, pivoting towards direct-to-consumer sales on Amazon. Fraser emphasizes the significance of e-commerce tools like Helium 10 and the wisdom gained from networking events, which transformed their operation from $15 million to a $50 million powerhouse.    Talking about the operational side, we uncover the complexities of managing a seasonal costume business. From intricate retail partnerships with giants like Spirit Halloween and Target to the art of balancing high-end and budget-friendly offerings, Fraser reveals the strategic intricacies of thousands of SKUs. He sheds light on the international demand for costumes, highlighting the year-round efforts involved in product design and inventory management. As tariffs fluctuate and international expansion beckons, Fraser's insights provide a roadmap for navigating economic challenges while maintaining a festive spirit in the vibrant world of costume sales. In episode 465 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Fraser discuss: 09:09 - Seasonal Business Challenges and Strategy 11:16 - From Bedroom to Global Success 13:23 - Year-Round Dressing Up Culture in Europe 18:28 - Navigating Business Challenges 23:05 - Networking Across Different Industries 25:04 - Retail Strategy for Costume Sales 26:16 - Standard vs. Licensed Costumes 29:22 - Product Complexity and Growth Strategies 34:38 - Seasonal Costume Sales Strategy 36:17 - Seasonal Business Planning and Inventory Management 42:24 - US Tariffs and Halloween Inventory Challenges 45:22 - Inventory Challenges and Adaptations During Shipping 48:59 - Christmas Party Collaboration With Interactive Costumes 50:14 - Expanding Costume Business Internationally 56:10 - Opportunities for Costume Market in Japan  1:01:01 - Analyzing Past Trends for Future Projection 1:01:42 - Utilizing Helium 10 for Costume Sales

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson is joined by Jen Laughlin from WeSupplyTrades to break down how contractors can cut material costs without sacrificing quality. From OEM parts to exclusive brands, John and Jen dig into real-world ways to protect margin, get parts fast (even if you're rural), and build supplier partnerships that actually help you scale.They dive into shipping realities (UPS vs. LTL), why exclusives like Stream33/Breeze33/Bright33 can be margin game-changers, how to handle fraudulent tool orders, and what trust + open communication with your wholesaler should look like. John shares how swapping SKUs and auditing his top 500 items unlocked big savings inside a $30M home service company. Together, they unpack:Being the “lifeline” for hard-to-find OEM parts (and why that wins lifetime customers)The SKU audit playbook: start with your top 500 and swap line by linePartnering with wholesalers in 2025: trust, feedback loops, and clear expectationsFacility maintenance & rural logistics: stocking strategy without bloating inventory

Send us a textHeated debate ensues over PlayStation 6 rumors suggesting a 2027 release date and potential pricing strategy, with co-hosts strongly disagreeing about whether this timeline is too soon after PlayStation 5.• PlayStation 6 rumored to feature detachable disc drive with three different SKUs and potential pricing between $450-800• Discussion about whether Sony should wait until 2028 due to COVID impact on PS5 lifecycle and recent PS5 Pro release• Marvel Rivals coming to PlayStation 4 on September 12, indicating continued support for older hardware• Call of Duty Black Ops 7 confirmed for PlayStation 4, raising questions about slow adoption rates for newer consoles• Helldiver 2 sold 926,000 copies on Xbox in first week versus 600,000 on PlayStation 5• The Rock's dramatic weight loss for film role sparks discussion about age and physical transformation• Sony sold shares in EVO fighting tournament but remains global sponsor until 2028• New York man arrested for selling counterfeit Nintendo products since 2018, faces 15 years in prisonOur YouTube channel is coming in three weeks! Stay tuned for updates on our official launch date.Support the show

Sales keep climbing, but your costs still feel sticky and slow.You're not overpaying on purpose. You're just not getting the manufacturer money tied to what you already buy.The real issue? Your invoices aren't connected to the rebate network that sends quarterly checks.In this episode, I'm with Kyle Bechthold from Dining Alliance to show how to hook up your distributors in minutes, what to expect on timing, and where the easy non-food wins live.It's not about switching vendors or buying more. It's about getting paid for the same purchases you're already making.What You'll Learn

“We complete your portfolio—but never compete with your secret sauce,” says Raul Garrido, Director of Sales & Implementation at C3 Complete. At the MSP Summit in Orlando, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, spoke with Garrido and Darin Gull, Director of Business Development, about how C3 helps MSPs strengthen their offerings while preserving customer relationships. C3 Complete provides voice and collaboration, managed services, private cloud, and increasingly, advanced security solutions such as vCISO services and pre-compliance readiness. Their approach is built on partnership: MSPs retain ownership of customer relationships, while C3 provides the expertise and services needed to fill gaps and create recurring revenue streams. “We help MSPs monetize what they may not be able to do on their own,” Gull explained. “It's always a win-win-win for the partner, the customer, and C3.” The team emphasized that empathy, listening, and tailored solutions are at the core of their model. Rather than pushing standard SKUs, C3 designs bespoke solutions for each customer's unique challenges. With a strong focus on relationships and culture, Garrido and Gull stressed that C3 is not about being flashy—it's about building trust, solving problems, and helping MSPs thrive in uncertain economic times. “AI may be powerful, but it will never replace human empathy,” Gull added. “That's what defines C3.” Learn more at c3-complete.com.

What happens when a former tech manager buys a 20-year-old health food business - and turns it into a modern, fast-growing CPG brand?In this episode, I'm talking with Philip Macaulay, the founder of Vital Purple and the new owner of NaturalZing, a raw food company he's rebranded and expanded. Philip shares how he took over an outdated brand with 500 SKUs, fixed the packaging, introduced new products, launched an entirely new superfood line, and is now building something he believes will disrupt the cacao industry.Whether you're a designer working with CPG clients or a founder yourself, this is a rare behind-the-scenes look at rebranding, packaging, retail strategy, and launching innovative products from the ground up.You will learn:What it's like to rebrand a legacy brand while managing existing retail relationshipsHow much he invested in branding and packaging for both product linesWhy visual identity directly impacted retail growth and customer trustHow Vital Purple is shifting the narrative around cacao productsThe overlooked link between design, storytelling, and sales in wellness brandsGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink what great branding actually means in the CPG space!And if you're tired of wasting time on invoices, tracking payments, or chasing overdue bills, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FreshBooks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. It's the all-in-one invoicing and accounting software I use to stay organized and focus more on design - not admin.Aventive Academy's Resources:From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠$12k Client Attraction Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/attract-clients-workshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mockup Magic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/mockup-magic/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 12-Week Business Program for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join My Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventive-academy.ck.page/0fc86a336f⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator

AI is revolutionizing e-commerce by enabling brands to scale product catalogs and optimize Amazon listings with unprecedented efficiency. Daniela Bolzmann shares how Mindful Goods uses artificial intelligence to transform data analysis, content creation, and split testing for seven and eight-figure brands.• AI allows agencies to support enterprise brands with thousands of SKUs by creating template masters deployable across entire catalogs• Split testing tools like Manager Experiments (free within Amazon), PickFu, IntelliV, and Product Pinion provide critical consumer insights• Title testing can increase Amazon sales by up to 990% according to Mindful Goods' data• The three pillars of Amazon success: SEO visibility, main image optimization, and product page conversion• Data Dive offers powerful keyword analysis capabilities for Amazon listings (use code mindfulVIP for a discount)• AI-powered synthetic avatar testing allows brands to test messaging against specific personas before spending ad dollarsGuest Contact Information: - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbolzmann/ - https://mindfulgoods.co/—----------More from EWR and Matt:Leave a Review if it was content you enjoyed: https://g.page/r/CccGEk37CLosEB0/reviewFree SEO Consultation: https://www.ewrdigital.com/discovery-callOne-on-One Consulting: https://www.ewrdigital.com/digital-strategy-consulting/private-consulting-session—The Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing podcast is a podcast hosted by Internet marketing expert Matthew Bertram. The show provides insights and advice on digital marketing, SEO, and online business. Topics covered include keyword research, content optimization, link building, local SEO, and more. The show also features interviews with industry leaders and experts who share their experiences and tips. Additionally, Matt shares his own experiences and strategies, as well as his own successes and failures, to help listeners learn from his experiences and apply the same principles to their businesses. The show is designed to help entrepreneurs and business owners become successful online and get the most out of their digital marketing efforts.Find more great episodes here: https://www.internetmarketingsecretspodcast.com/  https://seo-podcast-the-unknown-secrets-of-internet-marketing.buzzsprout.comFollow us on:Facebook: @bestseopodcastInstagram: @thebestseopodcastTiktok: @bestseopodcastLinkedIn: @bestseopodcastPowered by: ewrdigital.comHost: Matt Bertram Connect With Matt Bertram:Website: https://www.matthewbertram.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt_bertram_live/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattbertramlive/Disclaimer: For Educational and Entertainment purposes only.Support the show

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1146: Automotive News's 100th anniversary Congress celebrated industry icons and looked towards the future, Elon Musk bets big on Tesla, shoppers get overwhelmed by too many choices (sound familiar?)Show Notes with links:At its 100th anniversary Congress, Automotive News celebrated legacy while tackling the industry's most pressing challenges—from EV adoption to geopolitical threats.Centennial Awards went to GM's Mary Barra and Hyundai's Euisun Chung for transformational leadership.Chung addressed the ICE worker raid, signaling cross-government cooperation: “I hope we can make together a better system for that.”Barra emphasized EV commitment despite headwinds: “From an EV perspective, that is still our North Star.”Industry insiders warned of China's dominance—EV share grew from 6% to 50% in five years, while foreign brands lost half their market share.Asbury CEO David Hult called fixed ops the “backbone” of the dealership, with aging vehicles and tech shifts fueling long-term growth saying he's “really bullish on the next six to 10 years.”Tesla stock surged after CEO Elon Musk disclosed a nearly $1B stock buy, calming investor nerves amid political distractions and sagging EV demand.Musk bought 2.57M shares on Friday, spending between $372 and $396 each.Tesla shares jumped over 8% in premarket trading Monday, continuing a late-week rally.Despite a 2% year-to-date dip, the stock is on pace for its third straight daily gain.Investor concerns had grown over Musk's political focus and waning EV demand.Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm pushed back: “Elon is back front and center at the company.”A new survey reveals grocery shoppers are overwhelmed by too many choices—and many now treat food labels like vehicle window stickers.36% of Americans report “aisle anxiety,” triggered by too many options and crowded stores.Shoppers spend an average of 4 minutes per item, with 71% trying to be more intentional.Retailers like Trader Joe's and Aldi combat “choice paralysis” by limiting SKUs per category.Certifications matter: 40% research products for health, ethics, and sustainability—but many confuse terms like “natural” and “organic.”“When consumers see a trusted certification, it's like a shortcut to feeling good about their decision,” said Jamie Horst, Traditional Medicinals' Chief Purpose Officer.0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier2:45 Announcements: Upcoming Webinar3:17 Automotive New 100th Anniversary Congress6:12 Elon Musk Buys $1B of Tesla Stock8:39 36% Of Americans Have "Aisle Anxiety"Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Ben Johnson, SVP of Marketing at Red's All Natural. Red's is on a mission to cook food better for people with big things to do. They know they are a good small part of consumers' great big lives, and they take that seriously. Follow Ben Johnson on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-w-johnson-/Follow Red's on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/red's-all-natural-llc/Follow Red's online at: https://www.redsallnatural.com/Here's what we asked him : Red's positions itself as an authentic, premium foods brand with a strong emphasis on ingredient integrity and product innovation. How do you keep that authenticity alive in marketing while still scaling the brand?In the competitive grocery segment, how do you approach balancing spending between in-store and digital channels to both delight consumers and drive awareness?What strategies is Red's using to build deeper, more personalized consumer relationships—whether that's through loyalty programs, social media storytelling, or in-market experiences?With big players leading the pack, what creative plays or differentiators has Red's leaned into to stand out in a category so saturated with competitors?Have you experimented with newer forms like influencer activations, experiential pop-ups, or TikTok campaigns? If so, which ones are resonating most with Red's audience right now?Sustainability is often top of mind for natural-focused brands. How do you communicate Red's environmental or wellness commitments transparently—but without coming across as “preachy” or performative?How are you collaborating with retail partners—whether getting shelf innovation, exclusive SKUs, or co-promotions—to drive both trial and repeat purchase?What marketing metrics (e.g., repeat rate, social engagement, retail velocity) are giving you clear signals on whether your campaigns are advancing the brand's long-term health?Looking into the future: What CPG and food trends are you most excited (or concerned) about? Are there new innovation territories Red's is exploring?As a senior marketer, what's one piece of advice you'd give to emerging marketers looking to lead marketing in the CPG grocery food space today?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

On this episode, I'm joined by Kristina Tucker, the longtime Minister of Enlightenment at The Republic of Tea.   We explore the brand's 30-year journey from launching the first certified Organic tea in 2003 to piloting new Regenerative Organic Certified® SKUs today. Kristina shares how the company sources over 400 teas and herbs from more than 80 growing regions, and what it takes to balance innovation, ingredient integrity, and supply chain complexity at scale.   We dive into how regenerative fits into their historical sourcing evolution — from organic to biodynamic to ROC™ — and why the brand is taking a thoughtful, "wait and learn" approach to rolling out regenerative products across their massive catalog.   You'll also hear about the product, packaging, and business decisions that have contributed to their success and longevity in the tea category, their super unique fax-based origin story, and their commitment to supporting smallholder farmers across the globe.   So pour yourself something to sip on and get ready to learn about this Republic and its Ministers, Ambassadors, Citizens, and Embassies.   Episode Highlights:  

Andrew Jones never set out to start a wine brand. What began as a side project to help him connect with vineyard clients has become Field Recordings — a 50,000-case winery with national distribution, strong retail partnerships, and 30% case growth projected in 2025.So what's fueling this momentum at a time when many California wineries are shrinking? Andrew has tapped into what Gen Z and Millennial consumers actually want: wines that are authentic, experimental, and fun. Think Skins, an orange wine that dominates its category; Freddo, a chillable red that's gaining prime shelf space in the cold box; and Fiction, a red blend built to be an everyday favorite. Together, these wines — plus a smart private-label strategy with Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and major restaurant groups — now drive nearly 70% of Field Recordings' production.In this conversation, Andrew shares how he's scaling differently by:Leaning into orange wine and chillable reds that resonate with younger drinkersDisrupting grocery wine sets by pushing unconventional SKUs into prime real estateUsing private-label deals as growth accelerators without cannibalizing his core brandRethinking distributor relationships with road trips, pool parties, and pop-ups that actually engage buyersBuilding a winery team of 16 with low turnover and high buy-inBalancing authenticity with scalability in an industry often stuck in traditionFor any drinks entrepreneur, this episode is a playbook on how to grow by connecting with the next generation of wine drinkers while still staying true to your roots.Last Call:What does the animal on a wine label say about quality and value? A lot, it turns out! Scott, Caroline, and Erica discuss a recent post from The Pudding that analyzed nearly 1,500 wines with animals on their labels and uncovered some surprising insights.Don't miss our next episode, dropping on September 17.For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. Most recently, he was the Portfolio Development Director at Distill Ventures. Prior to that, he was the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor: Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineSPONSOR: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link: ⁠https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinksIf you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

On this episode, we're talking with Isabel Washington, the founder of Laurel's, a rapidly growing ready-to-drink coffee brand powered by regenerative A2 dairy. We dive into Isabel's personal journey discovering A2 milk, how it transformed her relationship with dairy, and why it became the cornerstone of her brand. You'll hear how she spotted a massive gap in the RTD coffee aisle — where 90% of products were non-dairy — and why she designed Laurel's first three SKUs to reflect what people actually order at real coffee shops. Isabel also pulls back the curtain on the scrappy, behind-the-scenes grind of building a CPG brand from scratch — from tying up all her money in the first production run to grinding through 40 demos in 50 days at Erewhon. And we talk about the bigger picture — how content, culture, and motivated moms will determine the future of regenerative food and beverage. Episode Highlights:

In Episode 218 of China EVs & More, Tu Le and Lei Xing break down one of the most heated summers yet in China's EV world — a season of price wars, social media battles, and momentum shifts.We cover:⚔️ Onvo L90 vs. Li Auto i8 rivalry – aggressive pricing, messy launches, and social media smear campaigns.

Work with Jordan personally at www.ecommerceos.coWork with social commerce club at www.socialcommerceclub.comGet 27 strategies in 27 days at https://socialcommerceclub.com/pages/27-strategiesJoin Tiktok shop elites mastermind at https://www.skool.com/tiktokshopelite/aboutIf you're tired of guessing what actually works on TikTok Shop in 2025, this video is your step-by-step roadmap.After working with over 100+ brands, I've tested what flops and what scales to the moon

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John Wilson sits down with Tony from Wanamaker to break down one of the biggest challenges contractors are facing in 2025: leads are tougher for everyone.John and Tony dig into why this year has been so unusual for home service businesses, from cooler summers and unpredictable weather to rising digital costs and shifting media consumption. They unpack how operators can protect market share in a down year, why consistency beats quick creative changes, and the three questions every ad should answer: Why you? Why now? How can I afford you?Tony shares practical insights on cost-shifting budgets, leveraging the Zero Moment of Truth, and keeping brand messaging dialed in—even when the industry feels shaky. From media buying advantages in non-political years to the impact of ChatGPT, SEO, and the decline of cookies, this conversation is packed with actionable pro tips to help contractors navigate 2025 and set up strong for 2026.

Most Amazon sellers brag about revenue. But revenue doesn't pay the bills… profit does. David Schomer, co-host of the Firing the Man podcast, breaks down what it really takes to build a sustainable Amazon business. From managing TACoS and uncovering hidden Amazon fees to choosing the right products and using accrual-based accounting, he shares hard-earned lessons from his own journey. David explains why most sellers misunderstand profit, the overlooked costs that cut into margins, and the product strategies that actually work in 2025. In this episode, we cover:✅Why profitability (not revenue) is the real measure of success✅The difference between cash vs accrual accounting for Amazon sellers✅How to calculate and manage TACoS (Total Advertising Cost of Sale)✅The hidden Amazon fees (AFCoS) that erode margins and how to track them✅Product strategies for choosing higher-ticket and oversized items that scale profitably 

In this episode, the hosts dissect a high-margin dental supply e-commerce carve-out deal and uncover how a recent legislative change may have obliterated its business model.Business Listing - https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/high-margin-b2b-e-commerce-dental-supply-business-with-2-500-customers/2382931/Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.

In this episode of Cooperatively Speaking Allison Lambert speaks with Grant Wicks, Director of Sales at Patterson Veterinary Supply, about how institutions can simplify procurement and elevate veterinary care. From AI tools that deliver radiograph results in minutes to strategic sourcing that reduces administrative burden, Grant reveals how Patterson's partnership with E&I makes it easier than ever for universities to do more with less. With access to over 80,000 SKUs—including thousands of competitively priced essentials—Patterson is a one-stop procurement partner built for higher ed. E&I Host: Allison Lambert, E&I Category Marketing Manager, Veterinary Services Guest: Grant Wicks, Director of Sales, Patterson Veterinary SupplyRelevant Links:E&I's Patterson Veterinary ContractCooperatively Speaking is hosted by E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit procurement cooperative exclusively focused on serving the needs of education. Visit our website at www.eandi.org/podcast.Contact UsHave questions, comments, or ideas for a future episode? We'd love to hear from you! Contact Cooperatively Speaking at podcast@eandi.org. This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host(s) or E&I Cooperative Services.

Send us a textImproved Amazon listings, campaigns, and images helped us solve major seller problems fast. Fixing ASIN issues, updating SKUs, and handling listing errors made a big difference. Getting expert support with A+ content, store pages, and ad strategy changed everything.Stuck with your listings or just tired of Amazon headaches? Book a call, let's fix it: https://bit.ly/4jMZtxu#AmazonFBA #AmazonSuspension #EcommerceHelp #AmazonListingFix #MyAmazonGuyWatch these videos on YouTube:You're Losing DTC Sales Over These Simple Mistakes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRUl0QIPuj8&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_YEKE1B5o1uhbBm1QQcPzmY&index=8Amazon Is Spying on Your DTC Site Right Now! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiw06RkO6no&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_YEKE1B5o1uhbBm1QQcPzmY&index=13-------------------------------------------------Want to turn Amazon buyers into loyal customers? Book your DTC strategy call today: https://bit.ly/4kOz6rrTimestamps00:00 - Before Working with MAG00:24 - Problems with a Solo Amazon Consultant00:43 - Fast Changes After Hiring MAG01:17 - Fixing Legacy Listing and SKU Issues01:49 - Past Experience Getting Shut Down on Amazon02:21 - Why It's Worth Paying for the Right Support02:56 - Staying Involved with Your Amazon Business03:32 - Why MAG's Ongoing Support Matters-------------------------------------------------Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28605816/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpopemag/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/myamazonguys/Twitter: https://twitter.com/myamazonguySubscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast: https://podcast.myamazonguy.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-amazon-guy/id1501974229Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A5ASHGGfr6s4wWNQIqyVwSupport the show

Send us a textA shipment was sent using a new UPC, but the listing is still tied to the original code. Using Amazon Warehousing & Distribution (AWD) adds complexity when dealing with mismatched SKUs. This video breaks down how to fix UPC conflicts, relabel inventory, and avoid stranded units.Got a shipment mess? Talk to an expert and fix your Amazon problems before they cost you: https://bit.ly/43N1bZD#AmazonFBA #AWD #UPC #AmazonLogistics #AmazonSellersWatch these videos on YouTube:Improve Search Rank and Drive Growth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyeMk5p-oww&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_b9RMGmU9XeqkI9D7QDOAI8&index=2The Easy Way to Find Amazon Keywords That Rank: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kmBZPid_iA&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_b9RMGmU9XeqkI9D7QDOAI8&index=3-----------------------------------------------Having trouble with SEO, PPC, or listing issues?  Send it to us: https://bit.ly/3Hrwm5fGrab the SEO Toolkit Amazon sellers use to rank faster and find missed keyword gaps: https://bit.ly/457zjSlTimestamps00:00 - UPC issue explained during shipment00:33 - Using AWD as an off-channel warehouse01:19 - Why relabeling matters for inventory tracking02:09 - Parentage problems with mismatched SKUs02:55 - AWD relabeling vs. removing inventory03:30 - Off-Amazon distribution option walkthrough04:15 - Intercepting and relabeling inbound shipments04:49 - Can a carrier reroute to avoid the issue?05:30 - Options recap and final recommendations----------------------------------------------Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28605816/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpopemag/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/myamazonguys/Twitter: https://twitter.com/myamazonguySubscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast: https://podcast.myamazonguy.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-amazon-guy/id1501974229Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A5ASHGGfr6s4wWNQIqyVwSupport the show

AWS executives reveal how generative AI is fundamentally reshaping ISV business models, from pricing strategies to go-to-market approaches, and provide actionable insights for software companies navigating this transformation.Topics Include:Alayna Broaderson and Andy Perkins introduce AWS Infrastructure Partnerships and ISV SalesGenerative AI profoundly changing how ISVs build, deliver and market software productsTwo ISV categories emerging: established SaaS companies versus pure gen AI startupsLegacy SaaS firms struggle with infrastructure modernization and potential revenue cannibalizationPure gen AI companies face scaling challenges, reliability issues and cost optimizationRevenue models shifting from subscription-based to consumption-based pricing per token/prompt/taskFuture-proofing architecture critical as technology evolves rapidly like F-35 fighter jetsData becoming key differentiator, especially domain-specific datasets in healthcare and legalBalancing cost, accuracy, latency and customer experience creates complex optimization challengesMultiple specialized models replacing single solutions, with agentic AI accelerating this trendHuman capital challenges include retraining engineering teams and finding expensive AI talentSecurity, compliance and explainability now mandatory - no more black box solutionsEnterprise customers struggle with data organization and quantifying clear gen AI ROIISV pricing models evolving with tiered structures and targeted vertical use casesTraditional SaaS playbooks failing in generative AI landscape due to ROI uncertaintyPOC-based go-to-market with free trials and case study selling proving most effectivePricing strategies include AI gates, credit systems and separate SKUs for servicesCustomer trust requires proactive security messaging and auditable, transparent AI solutionsModular architecture enables evolution as new technologies emerge in fast-changing marketAWS positioning as ultimate gen AI toolkit partner with ISV collaboration opportunitiesParticipants:Alayna Broaderson - Sr Manager, Infrastructure Technology Partnership, Amazon Web ServicesAndy Perkins - General Manager, US ISV, Amazon Web ServicesSee how Amazon Web Services gives you the freedom to migrate, innovate, and scale your software company at https://aws.amazon.com/isv/

In this episode, Toni Ko, founder of NYX Cosmetics, shares how she built one of the fastest-growing cosmetics brands in the world—scaling from a $250,000 investment to a $500M exit to L'Oréal. She reveals: • How she turned 18 SKUs into millions of units sold in year one • The simple packaging strategy that disrupted the beauty industry • Why she avoided debt and scaled profitably without VC pressure • Her raw take on selling her “baby” and facing post-exit depression • The lessons from a failed second business—and why it was her best teacher • Her blueprint for launching multiple influencer-led brands under Bespoke Beauty Brands If you want to learn what it really takes to build, scale, and exit a product brand—this is a must-listen. Foundr Community Offers Want 1-on-1 mentorship to launch or scale your brand faster? Apply for eCommerce coaching: → Starting your ecom biz? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → Already selling and want to scale? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want all-access to step-by-step training from 7, 8 & 9-figure founders? Start your Foundr+ $1 trial today → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Omnisend | Get 50% off your first 3 months of email and SMS marketing with Omnisend with the code FOUNDR50. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started. Connect With Nathan Chan Instagram → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect With Toni Ko Website → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click Here⁠ Instagram → ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Click Here⁠ Follow Foundr for More Business Growth Strategies YouTube → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here

Will FitLife Brands be able to show the “one man's trash” proverb is an effective growth strategy within the supplement industry? But for anyone new to these quarterly content pieces, FitLife Brands sells more than 250 SKUs across 13 supplement brands…each with a slightly different product portfolio and sales channel strategy. In total, the FitLife Brands portfolio is sold through more than 20K retail locations globally. But throughout this content, you'll hear me categorize the FitLife Brands portfolio into three segments: Legacy FitLife Brands, Mimi's Rock Corporation, and MusclePharm. Though, everything will be changing very soon with the recent acquisition of Irwin Naturals. In the second quarter of 2025, FitLife Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FTLF) had revenues of $16.1 million...which was down 5% YoY. But while there's strategic initiatives going on that involve the legacy FitLife Brands and Mimi's Rock segments, the most intriguing activity within FitLife Brands is also currently its smallest segment (i.e. MusclePharm). In the second quarter of 2025, MusclePharm segment revenue was just under $2.6 million...which decreased 4% YoY. But maybe you're hearing that result…thinking to yourself “that's not too terrible,” and I'd typically agree (if it wasn't due to self-inflicted strategic wounds). After learning that FitLife Brands intended to bid on the bankrupt assets of MusclePharm, I was generally excited because it seemed to “be a good shepherd to the brand in the latter part of its life cycle.” Also, the pattern of conservative decision-making had me thinking FitLife Brands fully understood it's a turnaround marathon (and not a sprint). Moreover, it was super simple to see that the last 7+ years of MusclePharm brand mismanagement had provided a sizable amount of unlocked value that was just waiting to come out. Furthermore, doing the required “hard work” upfront (aka running the turnaround marathon) to rebuild the foundation of MusclePharm for the long haul would inherently unlock enough short-term financial results to appease shareholders around the acquisition ROI. Yet…that isn't what happened thus far! Instead, FitLife Brands has surprised me (and not in a good way), as leadership has been unable to learn from past MusclePharm experiences that in hindsight were major underlying driver of its failure. It started with “becoming a victim of product line extension creep” but quickly progressed to chasing ready-to-drink protein beverage (and ready-to-eat protein bar) mirages. Finally, I'll discuss the recent decision of FitLife Brands to find potentially “easier growth” through more M&A opportunities. During the first half of 2025, Irwin Naturals generated revenue of $33.1 million. And since the first half 2025 revenue of FitLife Brands was basically a million dollars less…the acquisition of Irwin Naturals effectively doubles the top-line revenue of new combined company.

In this Technology Reseller News interview, Doug Green speaks with Dane Surkamer, VP of Global Channel Sales at Digi International, about how the IoT leader is teaming with TELCLOUD to tackle the huge POTS line replacement market. Digi, now in its 40th year, specializes in mission-critical wireless connectivity across industries such as healthcare, transportation, and utilities. Millions of legacy copper endpoints still in use can now be replaced with TELCLOUD's as-a-service POTS solution, integrated with Digi's EX50 5G cellular router and managed through Digi Remote Manager. “The EX50 being PoE-enabled means we can bring the device to where the service is, even in challenging locations like concrete basements,” Surkamer notes. “That flexibility is part of the value we bring to TELCLOUD's solution and to our partners.” The offering fits Digi's channel-first strategy and Digi360 model, giving partners simple SKUs, recurring revenue potential, and a customizable, pre-baked platform. Digi plans to expand partner enablement through alliances, training boot camps, and dedicated support resources. Digi TELCLOUD Press Release Digi Channel Partners Sign Up Visit www.digi.com

Send us a textHandling 1000 hyper-niche variations can stall ad strategy, especially when traffic is low. Learn how to simplify campaign structures with auto-targeting and catch-all setups. Understand how to run low-bid, high-efficiency ads and competitive ASIN targeting without overthinking.Want a direct strategy to simplify PPC when you have too many SKUs? Let's break it down together: https://bit.ly/3ZlHh6G #AmazonPPC #AutoCampaigns #AmazonAdvertising #LowBidStrategy #ProductVariationsWatch these videos on YouTube:Amazon PPC Tier List Management Rankings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9s9vjtU5l4&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_a1PRDJWRoR4yIM8K5Ft569Why Turning Off Ads Kills Sales and Rankings on Amazon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp5fCd0i7ts&list=PLDkvNlz8yl_a1PRDJWRoR4yIM8K5Ft569&index=2-----------------------------------------------Want better ad results? Download our free Amazon PPC Guide and start improving your campaigns today: https://bit.ly/3F8SBfsStruggling to rank higher? Grab our SEO Toolkit for Amazon Sellers and fix your listings the right way: https://bit.ly/4dkfxVBTimestamps00:00 - Managing a Flag Seller With 1000 Product Variations01:03 - Focus on Overall Account Strategy, Not Individual Products01:25 - Understanding the Account's PPC Scope and Budget01:50 - Why This Account Needs Auto Catch-All Campaign02:06 - Step-by-Step Setup of Auto Catch-All Strategy03:09 - Recommended Bids and Budget Setup03:38 - Using ASIN Targeting for Direct Competitor Matches04:25 - Differentiating Products in a Price-Heavy Category04:45 - Final Strategy Summary: Auto Targeting and ASIN Matching05:02 - QR Code Mentioned for Getting Help----------------------------------------------Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28605816/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpopemag/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/myamazonguys/Twitter: https://twitter.com/myamazonguySubscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast: https://podcast.myamazonguy.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-amazon-guy/id1501974229Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A5ASHGGfr6s4wWNQIqyVwSupport the show

In episode 144 of the Glow Journal podcast, host Gemma Dimond talks to the founder of Imbibe, Felicity Evans. Felicity's founder story is really different to my usual guests in that she never really set out to create a “brand.” I thought this was a wonderful opportunity to show you how many different shapes the startup journey, so to speak, can take.The short version- Felicity wanted to overhaul her health, so she started making probiotic drinks in her kitchen. Her friends and family saw a change in her skin, her hair, her energy, and her health, so she started making up batches for them. Word spread, local retailers started asking if they could stock her products, and over a decade on Imbibe is a fully fledged beauty and wellness brand with SKUs spanning ingestible and topical skincare.There's a lot you can take from this, but what I find the most interesting is the finding-the-right-manufacturer piece- if you set out specifically with the goal of becoming a “brand founder,” hearing the word “no” time and time again (a startup inevitability) would be really disheartening. In Felicity's case, she didn't necessarily want to start a brand, so hearing a “no” was kind of a straightforward “okay, well you're not the right manufacturer.” Business wasn't her primary motivator- her primary motivator was just getting a shelf stable version of her product to the people who wanted it.In this conversation, Felicity shares why the hotel space has become one of her most interesting and fruitful distribution channels, the many ways inflammation can show up in the body, and why she's always used her customers as her biggest influencers. Read more at glowjournal.comFollow Imbibe on Instagram @imbibelivingStay up to date with Gemma on Instagram at @gemdimond and @glow.journal, or get in touch at hello@gemkwatts.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tired of watching customers scan your products and find them cheaper online? This episode is your game-changer! We're sharing a special recording from one of our exclusive Pet Boss Nation Lunch & Learn sessions featuring Art Nakagawa from Artvark Pet Products, who's revolutionizing private labeling for independent pet businesses. In this power-packed session, you'll discover:

Boomers aren't your best bet anymore. While everyone's still chasing the so-called Silver Tsunami, the truth is most aging-out home service businesses won't sell — and the ones that do often aren't worth buying. In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack explain why smart operators are ditching the outdated playbook and going all-in on modern growth strategies.They unpack why 2026 is their multi-market year and how they're expanding beyond Ohio through greenfield launches, tuck-in acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. From leadership infrastructure to population-driven market selection, they share what it actually takes to scale a home service company past a single location. You'll hear hard-earned lessons from failed multi-location attempts, the red flags of unscalable markets, and why buying a business isn't always the best move — especially if the fundamentals aren't there.If you're a plumbing, HVAC, or electrical operator looking to grow into new markets, this is your real-time roadmap — not the recycled Silver Tsunami narrative. John even teases behind-the-scenes strategies they're using for greenfielding (the stuff he's not ready to fully reveal… yet).This is the episode that separates yesterday's growth myths from today's $100M playbook.

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

In this Throwback episode, Chad Franzen interviews Josh, co-founder of Hadley Designs, about his journey from door-to-door sales and custom wedding invitations to building an eight-figure Amazon brand with over 1,300 SKUs. Josh shares how resilience, leveraging Facebook ads, and continuous learning fueled his growth. He discusses the transition from bespoke products to scalable e-commerce, the impact of mentorship, and the importance of reinvesting profits. Josh also introduces his new podcast, aimed at helping seven-figure business owners scale to eight figures by sharing real-world lessons and strategies from successful entrepreneurs.Chapters:Introduction and Early Entrepreneurial Drive (00:00:00)Josh discusses resilience, shaking off criticism, and introduces Chad Frandsen as the interviewer.Lifelong Entrepreneurial Spirit (00:00:44)Josh describes his restless drive for business ideas and entrepreneurial mindset.Starting Hadley Designs (00:01:03)Josh recounts working at American Airlines, Becca's passion for art, and launching Hadley Designs.First Wedding Invitation Sales & Facebook Groups (00:01:51)Becca's first wedding invitation project, joining Facebook groups, and early sales tactics.Early Revenue and Facebook Group Marketing (00:03:43)Josh explains how Facebook groups drove initial revenue and his extensive involvement in them.Sales Approach and Door-to-Door Experience (00:04:13)Josh credits his sales process and door-to-door pest control sales for refining his approach.Applying Sales Tactics to Wedding Invitations (00:05:00)Josh details his copy-paste sales messages and qualifying questions for potential clients.Lessons from Door-to-Door Sales (00:05:33)Josh shares how door-to-door sales taught him perseverance, handling rejection, and maintaining momentum.Resilience and Bouncing Back (00:07:47)Josh discusses shaking off criticism, confidence, and how resilience helps in business and relationships.Evolution of Marketing Strategy (00:08:35)Josh describes shifting from Facebook groups to Facebook ads, and the impact on Hadley Designs' growth.Transition to Amazon and Product Expansion (00:09:39)Josh explains moving from custom invitations to mass-produced products, launching on Amazon, and scaling SKUs.Mentorship and Continuous Learning (00:11:35)Josh talks about his college mentor, Troy D'Ambrosio, and the importance of ongoing education and learning from others.Key to Success: Willingness to Learn (00:13:33)Josh affirms that continuous learning and seeking knowledge have been crucial to his success.Launching a New Podcast (00:13:36)Josh introduces his new podcast aimed at helping entrepreneurs scale from seven to eight figures on Amazon.Podcast Focus and Value (00:13:56)Josh outlines the podcast's mission: sharing lessons, overcoming plateaus, and interviewing successful entrepreneurs.Conclusion and Farewell (00:15:21)Chad thanks Josh, expresses interest in the podcast, and the episode wraps up.Links and Mentions:Tools and Websites  Adobe Illustrator  Facebook Groups Facebook Advertising Amazon  Courses  Facebook Ads Course Amazon Course Mentors  Troy D'Ambrosio on LinkedIn  Transcript:Josh 00:00:00  But you got to just shake things off and some people would be like, You seem like super scammy. Like, I don't, you know, you're you're a creepy dude. Like, why are you in these Facebook groups? It's mostly women in here. It's like, you know, you just got to shake it off and go the next person because, you know, you're doing people a service, right? And it's not like I was trying to do anything maliciously. So to me, it's I had full confidence going forward and being like, hey, all right, let's just go to the next person. Let's let whatever people say just literally slide off my back. And today I have Chad Franzen here of rise 25, who has done thousands of interviews with successful entrepreneurs and CEOs. We have flipped the script and he's going to be interviewing me today. Welcome, Chad.Chad 00:00:44  Hey Josh, thanks so much. It's great to be here. Hey, question for you. Would you consider yourself a lifelong entrepreneur?Josh 00:00:51  Yeah, I would definitely say I'm a lifelong entrepreneur.Josh 00:00:54  For whatever reason, there's there's just something inside of me that, doesn't allow me to rest at night. I've always got a lot of business ideas going.Chad 00:01:03  You kind of. You graduated with your MBA and with your, bachelor's degree. And you went to American Airlines. You were working there for five years, and then you were you were working nights with your wife, and that was that Hadley designed?Josh 00:01:15  Yes, yes. So that's where Hadley Designs was born. So I started at American Airlines in August of 2014, and then Hadley Designs officially became an entity in March of 2015. So I had a good job with American Airlines, and we kind of asked ourselves, like, what is it that, you know, you should do? Becca. what? And she she didn't necessarily want to go work for somebody. right off the bat, which I thought was interesting. I was like, I fully support that. Like, let's go explore. Like, we've got time on our hands, right? No kids at this point.Josh 00:01:51  Like, we just graduated college. And so she actually She's always had a passion for art and creativity, and so she kind of explored that. And so she ended up, I think a friend was getting married and she's like, hey, you know, ...

Scaling isn't always the answer—especially on Amazon. In this episode of Built by Business with Andy Isom, we break down the anti-scale strategy that's helping e-commerce sellers boost profits by simplifying their product catalog, cutting deadweight SKUs, and focusing on what actually moves the needle.   You'll learn how to:   Audit SKU-level profitability Reduce complexity and increase margin Reinvest resources into your hero products Avoid the hidden cost of over-scaling   Whether you're overwhelmed by too many ASINs or just want to grow smarter, not bigger, this episode will help you rethink what profitable growth looks like in 2025.   Request a free Amazon brand audit at www.weavos.io   Get 2-FREE Months of Sellerboard: https://sellerboard.com/?p=01393

Alyssa Wasko Stein is the founder and designer of Los Angeles–based womenswear brand Donni. Stein has had entrepreneurial tendencies since childhood, but she didn't always know her love of fashion would take her down the designer path. She studied a different part of the fashion industry (retailing and consumer sciences) and secured a coveted internship in Chanel's visual merchandising department during college. But after her father's passing at the beginning of her sophomore year, Stein sought out a creative outlet for her grief. She began handmaking and selling scarves, naming the business Donni Charm after her father, Donald. Stein slowly grew her side business while continuing to work at Chanel after graduating, but after some early wholesale success, she decided to focus on Donni Charm full-time. She moved operations to Los Angeles and rebranded to simply Donni. Most significantly, though, she stumbled into designing ready-to-wear clothing, as she wanted specific pieces to style with her scarves. While Stein had no prior clothing design experience, it came naturally to her, and she surprised herself with a full line of 30 SKUs within four weeks, laying the groundwork for the Donni we know and love today. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.