Ecomm Breakthrough

Ezra is the founder of BOOM! by Cindy Joseph, a multimillion-dollar DTC beauty brand built on authenticity and emotional storytelling. He’s also the founder of Smart Marketer, where he’s helped thousands of entrepreneurs grow their online businesses, and Zipify Apps, a suite of tools that help Shopify brands boost conversions and lifetime value.Ezra has built multiple 7-, 8-, and even 9-figure brands, and he’s a true pioneer in teaching how to grow not just through great products — but through great customer relationships.Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Importance of product promise and quality in e-commerce success.Strategies for increasing repeat business and customer retention.Evolution of e-commerce marketing channels and targeting methods.Impact of large language models (LLMs) on future consumer engagement and advertising.Necessity of optimizing key acquisition channels: Google, Facebook, and Amazon.Role of content creation and influencer marketing in brand visibility.Challenges and opportunities presented by platforms like Amazon and social commerce.Importance of continuous product development and innovation.Strategies for effective use of AI tools in content production and marketing.Need for a holistic approach combining product quality, marketing, and customer engagement.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews e-commerce veteran Ezra Firestone. Ezra shares actionable strategies for scaling brands in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, emphasizing continuous product innovation, optimizing key channels (Amazon, Facebook, Google), and leveraging influencer and AI-driven content. The discussion covers the shift toward AI-powered discovery, the importance of creative ad systems, and practical retention tactics. Ezra also highlights the value of community-building, mentorship, and adapting to new technologies, offering listeners a roadmap to future-proof their e-commerce businesses.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Overhaul Your Creative Production SystemScale up video content dramatically through brand ambassadors, micro-influencers, and paid creators. Use AI tools (like Vo3 and 11 Labs) to multiply content variations. Aim for 60-70% of paid ads to use whitelisted content from creators for 30-40% lower CPMs.Launch Products ConsistentlyImplement the "new and fancy" technique—create updated versions of your bestsellers. Target 2-4 product launches per year. Add basket builders (high-margin accessories) and test multiple size variants. Default product pages to your highest-priced variant to increase average order value.Optimize the Big Three ChannelsFocus 90% of acquisition energy on Amazon, Google, and Facebook. Fill out complete product data in Shopify's backend for LLM readiness. Activate Shop App campaigns and optimize all social commerce channels (Instagram Shop, TikTok Shop) even if they're currently small revenue sources.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] ShopAmazonShopifyChatGPTFacebook ShopsInstagram ShopSocial CatAmazon VineAmazing Selling Machine

In this episode, the host interviews Brad Allen, an Amazon seller and entrepreneur, about his journey from eBay and retail arbitrage to building a successful Amazon FBA business. Brad shares how he sourced high-end European skincare products, overcame a major account suspension and $400,000 debt, and transitioned to private label. He highlights the importance of active business management, cash flow planning, and creativity. The episode concludes with actionable advice for Amazon sellers: stay hands-on, manage inventory and finances wisely, and innovate to stand out in the marketplace.Chapters:Introduction and Account Suspension (00:00:00)Brad is introduced; discusses his Amazon account suspension and overcoming $400K in debt.Early E-commerce Journey (00:00:33)Brad shares his start with eBay in childhood, selling household items, and his early exposure to e-commerce.Discovering Amazon FBA (00:01:11)Learns about Amazon FBA in 2012, transitions from eBay, and begins retail arbitrage with toys and other products.Corporate Career and Realization (00:02:19)Describes unfulfilling corporate jobs, getting fired, and joining a friend’s epoxy flooring business in Ohio.Entrepreneurial Mindset Shift (00:03:34)Realizes he enjoys working for himself, which reignites his interest in e-commerce and Amazon.Deep Dive into Retail Arbitrage (00:04:36)Explores flipping products from eBay to Amazon, focusing on high-end skincare, and develops sourcing systems.European Skincare Arbitrage Strategy (00:06:45)Discovers sourcing high-end European skincare from overseas retailers, imports to the US, and sells on Amazon.Scaling and Living Abroad (00:08:54)Business grows; Brad moves to Buenos Aires and Africa, living a digital nomad lifestyle while running the business.Amazon Account Suspension Details (00:10:04)Explains the cause of his Amazon suspension—authenticity complaints and inability to provide manufacturer receipts.Lessons from Suspension and Financial Struggles (00:11:05)Discusses lessons learned: importance of active management, risk-taking, and not being complacent in business.Advice on Growth and Risk (00:11:48)Emphasizes reinvesting profits, financial planning, and the need for risk tolerance as an entrepreneur.Financial Intelligence and Risk Management (00:13:57)Stresses forecasting, living below means, and being prepared for the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.Three Actionable Takeaways (00:14:11)Host summarizes: 1) Active management and planning, 2) Cash flow and inventory management, 3) Creativity in the Amazon marketplace.Episode Wrap-up (00:16:43)Host thanks Brad, hints at a future episode, and closes the interview.Links and Mentions:Tools and Websites EZSniperActionable Takeaways Set an Annual Plan for Your Business: 00:14:11 Cash Flow Management: 00:15:04 Bring Creativity to the Amazon Marketplace: 00:16:15Transcript:Josh 00:00:00 Today I am super excited to introduce you to Brad Allen. I met him at Kevin King's, $1 Billion Seller summit, and he's going to have a lot of knowledge to share with us. I'm going to dive in like immediately to what was mentioned in your bio. You had your account suspended. You had you ran into 400 K of debt and loans, but you've kind of come out the other end and you're you're crushing it right now on Amazon. So tell me, Brad, what happened with the account suspension?Brad 00:00:33 So I, I was doing, retail arbitrage and I got, I got really into it. it it was actually kind of unique. It started off, where I was, I, I was really into eBay growing up, so I was always selling stuff, just like as a kid throughout the house, whether it was mine or not. I was grabbing, like, antiques from the basement and, like, selling stuff out of the garage. And I think that's where I got kind of, you know, introduced to e-commerce and kind of obsessed so that that kind of was always on the side.Brad 00:01:11 And I was doing that through grade school, high school, and then into college. And I learned about Amazon FBA and I think 2012. and as an eBay guy, it was like blew me away because I was, you know, the guy waiting in line at the, at the post office and having to deal with customers. So the fact that you could just send a bunch of items in and Amazon will ship it and take care of customer service was very appealing to me. So I started, I just started watching videos and the easiest way to start, which I don't know how many people really started out like this, but I'm sure some. But I was going into, you know, odd lots and Walmarts and just buying toys or whatever I could find. And essentially I was just kind of learning that process. so, you know, that was a good way to, like, get my feet wet into Amazon FBA. and then, you know, life kind of happened where that was put off to the side.Brad 00:02:19 I was in the corporate world for a while. not doing very well. I just, was not very passionate about what I was doing, and, I got a call from a buddy. I was living in South Florida. I'm from Ohio originall

Julia Rubien is the Founder and CEO of Amie, a TikTok agency dedicated to helping beauty brands grow and thrive in one of the fastest-moving platforms today. Under Julia’s leadership, Amie has become both a TikTok Marketing Partner and a TikTok Shop Partner, making them one of the go-to agencies for brands that want to convert attention into real revenue. She and her team specialize in creating original and trending content, running highly effective TikTok ad campaigns, and building engaged communities that feel authentic and connected. Her work has helped beauty brands not only showcase their products but also turn TikTok into a true virtual storefront, driving measurable growth.Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Strategies for success on TikTok Shop, particularly for beauty brands.Importance of optimizing shop operations and merchandising before driving traffic.The role of affiliate marketing in generating content and driving sales.Necessity of maintaining a steady flow of high-quality, engaging content.Effective use of promotional strategies, including bundles and gift-with-purchase (GWP) offers.The significance of participating in TikTok’s promotional events and flash sales.The need for a holistic approach that integrates shop operations, content creation, and advertising.Insights on pricing strategies and impulse buying behavior on TikTok Shop.The impact of sample volume on return on investment (ROI) and brand visibility.Recommendations for brands to focus their resources on one channel to maximize impact.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Julia Rubien, founder and CEO of Amie, a TikTok agency for beauty brands. Julia shares expert strategies for succeeding on TikTok Shop, emphasizing the importance of optimized shop operations, high-volume affiliate marketing, original brand content, and robust ad campaigns. She highlights the need for significant investment, tailored promotions, and a holistic, coordinated approach. Julia also offers actionable tips for brands to build momentum and scale effectively on TikTok Shop, while sharing insights from her own experience and agency work.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Invest in All Four Pillars Together – Don’t cherry-pick strategies. Success comes from aligning shop optimization, affiliate marketing, brand content, and paid ads into one powerful flywheel.Scale Affiliate Content Early – Build momentum fast by sending 500–1,000 samples a month, offering hybrid compensation, and training creators for consistent, on-brand videos.Treat Your TikTok Shop Like a Flagship Store – Curate best sellers, bundle products, and use GWPs or exclusives to boost conversions and trigger TikTok’s algorithmic favor.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] ShopShopifyAmazonSephoraUltaCanvaNotionGMV MaxTime FinderLinkedInKate Youngman on LinkedInSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorSponsor for this episode...This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaJulia Rubien 00:00:00 These are the moving parts we need to work on, and we need to work on them all at the same time. So I would say that, you know, every client's shop strategy is going to be a little bit different depending on the product, the price point, the brand, the where they're at in their growth journey. But the advice that I could give every listener and every single brand is that.Intro 00:00:27 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. Are you ready to unlock the full potential and growth in your business? You've already crossed seven figures in sales, but the challenge is knowing how to take your business to the next level.Josh Hadley 00:00:41 Do you want to know how to generate more sales on TikTok shop and increase the number of views that your videos get on TikTok?

In this episode, host Josh interviews Steven Yates, CEO of Prime Guidance, about strategies for scaling e-commerce brands. Steve emphasizes optimizing Amazon listings and leveraging all available tools before expanding to other marketplaces like Walmart or eBay. He discusses the importance of having a direct-to-consumer website, maximizing Amazon advertising, and using analytics tools to track performance. Steve provides actionable advice on when and how to diversify sales channels, ensuring brands grow efficiently and profitably while building a strong foundation on Amazon first.Chapters:Introduction to Steven Yates and Prime Guidance (00:00:00)Josh introduces Steven Yates, his background, and expertise in retail management and e-commerce.When to Expand Beyond Amazon (00:00:48)Discussion on timing and considerations for expanding to other marketplaces like Walmart, eBay, Wayfair, and international markets.Sales Lift Estimates from Other Marketplaces (00:01:28)Steve provides rough estimates of sales lift from Walmart, eBay, and other channels compared to Amazon.Importance of Optimizing Amazon Before Expanding (00:01:39)Emphasis on being 80-90% optimized on Amazon before moving to other marketplaces.Choosing the Right Next Marketplace (00:03:32)Advice on analyzing where your customers are and not following a cookie-cutter approach to expansion.Launching a DTC E-commerce Website (00:04:04)Discussion on when and why to launch a direct-to-consumer website alongside Amazon.Benefits of Having a DTC Website (00:04:38)Steve explains the strategic advantages of having your own e-commerce site for brand building and customer retention.Capturing and Nurturing Website Visitors (00:05:46)Tactics for capturing emails and engaging visitors who land on your DTC website.Key Levers to Pull on Amazon (00:06:21)Josh asks for a list of actionable levers to increase sales and grow a brand on Amazon.Detailed Breakdown of Amazon Optimization Levers (00:06:33)Steve details optimization tactics: product pages, infographics, A+ content, pricing, assortment, advertising, and Amazon programs.Amazon Advertising and External Traffic Strategies (00:08:05)Discussion on types of Amazon ads, external traffic, and leveraging Amazon’s Brand Referral Bonus.Utilizing Amazon Programs and Betas (00:09:11)Overview of Amazon programs like FBA Small and Lite, brand store, Amazon posts, and customer engagement emails.Order of Operations for Optimization and Traffic (00:10:31)Advice on optimizing for Amazon’s algorithm and conversion before scaling advertising and traffic.Three Actionable Takeaways for Brands (00:11:21)Josh summarizes three key takeaways: maximize Amazon levers, focus on Amazon traffic, then expand to other channels.Tools for Tracking Amazon Metrics (00:13:40)Discussion on aggregating and analyzing Amazon data using third-party tools and Excel.Brand Analytics and Bonus Tool Recommendation (00:14:59)Steve recommends using Amazon Brand Analytics and nozzle.ai for tracking repeat purchases and customer lifetime value.Where to Learn More About Prime Guidance (00:16:21)Steve shares how listeners can contact or follow Prime Guidance for further help.Links and Mentions:Tools and Websites Prime Guidance Shopify WooCommerceAmazon Attribution Program Amazon Posts Helium 10Nozzle AI Transcript:Josh 00:00:00 Today, I'm excited to introduce you to Steve Yates. He is the CEO and founder of Prime Guidance. Steve developed well-rounded expertise working for multi-billion dollar fortune 500 retailers such as Amazon, Dick's Sporting Goods and eBay enterprise prior to founding Prime guidance in all industry consulting. With 30 years experience in retail management and 23 years experience in e-commerce. Steve and his team provide companies with strategic advice and innovative solutions that are based on real life experience working for industry leading retailers. He helps companies grow faster, smarter and more profitably by providing advice, mentoring and coaching for today's busy executives. So welcome to the podcast, Steve.Steven 00:00:46 Thank you. Josh. Thanks for having me.Josh 00:00:48 One of the first questions I want to ask, just kind of selfishly for myself, because we're looking to expand onto different channels right now with our business. We've grown to eight figures just on Amazon alone. But we're we are looking to, you know, is it time to explore or double down more on Walmart eBay, Wayfair? Do we try to get into target? Do we go international right and start shipping stuff into Canada, Mexico, the UK, etc.? So my question to you here, Steve, is what kind of sales lift do you see from those different marketplaces? Right.Josh 00:01:28 Like what do you estimate as hey you go to Walmart it best case scenario, you're probably looking at a 10% lift eBay. Maybe it's a 2%, you know, so on and so forth.Steven 00:01:39 Yeah. So it's a very tricky question because I've seen it wildly different. So interesting. I had to if I had to, to put a rough ass

Mo is a growth strategist who's helped scale 8- and 9-figure DTC brands in health, wellness, beauty, skincare, and more. He comes from a pharmaceutical background, but what really sets him apart is how he blends data and customer insight to lead content strategy — he’s been behind over 1,500 pieces of performance-driven content, from UGC to statics to direct response ads. On top of that, he's hands-on with product development, creative systems, and helping teams actually execute and scale with clarity.Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Strategies for scaling e-commerce brands from seven or eight figures to nine figures in sales.Importance of understanding the customer journey and data holistically.The impact of marketing channels on overall sales and the interconnectedness of ads across platforms.Key financial metrics and benchmarks for healthy e-commerce brands.Common pain points for brands trying to scale, particularly around trust and investment strategies.The significance of defining detailed customer personas and understanding their motivations.The role of user-generated content (UGC) and volume testing in effective advertising.The importance of creative content that addresses customer pain points using their own language.The evolving landscape of social commerce, particularly on platforms like TikTok Shop.The critical role of landing pages, offers, and founder storytelling in driving conversions and building brand trust.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews creative strategist Mohamed Elwahary (Mo), who specializes in scaling high-revenue DTC brands. Mo shares actionable insights on holistic data analysis, customer persona development, and the power of testing content at scale—especially on platforms like Meta and TikTok Shop. He emphasizes using real customer language in marketing, the importance of founder-led storytelling, and leveraging AI tools for creative production. The episode concludes with Mo’s personal recommendations and advice for brands aiming to break through growth plateaus and reach nine-figure success.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Think Holistically About Data — Track how all your marketing channels influence each other before cutting spend. Use attribution tools like Northbeam or Triple Whale to see the full customer journey.Invest to Scale, Don’t Save to Survive — Allocate budget for testing, creative production, and new channels. Growth requires spending strategically, not just cutting costs.Create at Scale Using Real Customer Insights — Mine customer reviews for language and emotions, turn them into ad hooks, and test hundreds of creative variations to find winners.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] WhaleForeplayTikTok ShopAmazonMeta (Facebook and Instagram)Nano BananaCaptionsThe Psychology of MoneyJulian HearnSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorSponsor for this episode...This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaMo 00:00:00 One of my case studies are doing. We're doing really great on Amazon, and they decided at some point to turn off all of their meta ads. Instantly, their Amazon sales shrink by 35% instantly. Why? Because what you do not know in the arena where we live, I might see your ad on Facebook and buy from Google and buy from Amazon and buy elsewhere. Come again and buy back later even with the referrals. So we need to understand things holistically.MC 00:00:41 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. Are you ready to unlock the full potential and growth in your business? You've already crossed seven figures in sales, but the challenge is knowing how to take your business to the next level.Josh Hadley 00:00:55 Do you want to know how to increase your sales page conversion rates? What is the

In this episode, Josh interviews Kris Gramlich, an experienced Amazon FBA seller and entrepreneur. Kris shares practical strategies for building customer loyalty, including using product insert cards with QR codes that lead buyers to claim free gifts in exchange for their contact information and order ID. He emphasizes providing value rather than manipulating reviews and discusses sourcing free sample gifts locally to quickly engage customers. Kris also offers actionable tips on optimizing product images, building an audience, and leveraging influencer marketing, all aimed at fostering long-term relationships and driving repeat business on Amazon.Chapters:Introduction to Kris Gramlich (00:00:00)Josh introduces Kris, his background in entrepreneurship, and his Amazon FBA journey.Product Insert Cards & QR Codes (00:01:03)Discussion on using product insert cards with QR codes to engage customers and offer free gifts.Landing Pages & Customer Verification (00:02:00)Explaining the process: QR code leads to a landing page, collects customer info and order ID to verify purchases.Avoiding Review Manipulation (00:04:06)Emphasizing not asking for reviews to avoid Amazon penalties and focusing on providing value instead.Free Gift Strategy & Messaging (00:05:15)Details on the types of free gifts offered, messaging on insert cards, and conversion rates.Sourcing & Sample Packs (00:05:48)Switching to U.S. suppliers for faster fulfillment and offering sample packs as free gifts.Landing Page Experience & Brand Story (00:07:30)Using videos and storytelling on landing pages to build brand connection and encourage opt-ins.Gift Relevance & Opt-In Process (00:08:01)Ensuring free gifts are relevant to the purchased product and using order ID to prevent abuse.Email Follow-Up & Community Building (00:09:16)Using MailChimp for follow-up emails, sharing brand story, and building a community around new product launches.Consumable Products & Customer Satisfaction (00:10:26)Focusing on consumable pet products, offering alternatives if customers are unsatisfied, and prioritizing customer happiness.Actionable Takeaways & Listing Optimization (00:11:46)Josh summarizes three actionable takeaways: optimize listing images, build an audience, and use free samples for subscriptions.Product Launch Strategies & Influencer Marketing (00:13:55)Discussing launch strategies: audience outreach, PPC, influencer marketing, and new affiliate software tools.Where to Find Kris & Closing (00:15:51)Kris shares how listeners can connect with him and offers a free gift; episode closes.Links and Mentions:Tools and WebsitesZapierMailchimpSellozo.comTranscript:Josh 00:00:00 Today I am excited to introduce you to Kris Gramlich. Kris is a professional FBA seller, a podcast host and an account executive at Sellozo. Kris has always been entrepreneurial and enjoyed the thrill of selling items, from selling items at garage sales as a kid to mowing yards and then selling clothes on eBay. Kris learned how to sell physical products on Amazon in 2013, starting out by selling things around the house. He learned the basics of retail arbitrage and started sourcing his own products. Kris launched his first product in 2014 after watching YouTube videos and listening to podcasts. Currently, Kris has four brands and enjoys helping other sellers on Amazon. Kris hosts a podcast with Dustin, another seller, where they talk about industry leaders and other sellers. So welcome to the podcast today, Kris.Kris 00:00:52 That's quite the intro there. Josh. That's pretty good. I'm gonna have to take a couple notes there and kind of implement those on our own podcast. That was really good.Josh 00:01:00 Hey. Well, you have, you have a good bio yourself.Josh 00:01:03 I think that's that's why it sounds so good to you. So I want to dive in a little bit more with, how you're building that audience with insert cards. You know, we do the same thing with our brand. I don't know that I necessarily see that as, like, overly gray. I mean, you look at like a box of, you know, grab some Clorox wipes. Right. What's on the product label for Clorox wipes? it's the P&G website. Right. So like and they have like a, you know, they're not saying like, hey, come register your warranty per se, but like they have links to their social media, right? They have their icons, they have their website on there. So like I don't think people need to be as scared about that. Right. But what are you seeing working really well when it comes to product inserts?Kris 00:01:49 Well if anything good out of Covid came, it's that people were more adapted to QR codes. So people like start to they know what that is now.Kris 00:02:00 And so QR code like that just not people realize, oh I can scan that. So a QR code insert that is has some type of messaging messaging like so thank you. you know, get your free gift. there's, there's things that, that I'm doing now where, somebody scans it,

Bill is a 4x founder, a serial entrepreneur, and currently the VP of Corporate Development at FoodScience, LLC, a leading provider of science-based wellness solutions for both humans and pets. With a strong focus on quality, innovation, and trust, FoodScience has been quietly building and acquiring some of the most exciting wellness brands in the market today.Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Bill D'Alessandro's experience in e-commerce and business acquisitions.Challenges faced by e-commerce brands regarding profitability and financial literacy.Importance of understanding contribution margins, fixed costs, and clean accounting records.Transitioning from cash basis to accrual accounting for better financial clarity.The significance of accurate inventory accounting and cost of goods sold (COGS).The necessity of cash flow forecasting and its role in financial health.Strategies for effective team management and the importance of hiring quality talent.The role of life insurance policies as a source of low-cost capital for businesses.Recommendations for improving accounting practices and financial oversight.Insights on leveraging AI tools for problem-solving in e-commerce operations.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Bill D’Alessandro, VP of Corporate Development at Food Science and a seasoned e-commerce entrepreneur. Bill shares insights from building and selling the Natural Dog Company, discusses common financial pitfalls in e-commerce, and stresses the importance of clean accounting, cash flow forecasting, and management-level talent. He also explores strategic uses of AI, long-term financial planning, and team building for scaling businesses. The episode offers actionable advice for founders on profitability, financial literacy, and preparing for sustainable growth or acquisition, with a special focus on the pet wellness industry.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Know Your Real Numbers – Stop chasing revenue vanity metrics. Understand your contribution margins, switch to accrual accounting, and review your P&L monthly so you can make data-driven decisions.Protect Your Cash Flow – Build a rolling 3–6 month cash flow forecast, negotiate supplier terms early, and secure lines of credit before you need them to avoid costly cash crunches.Invest in A-Players, Not Assistants – You can’t scale to eight figures with low-cost help alone. Hire experienced operators who can own functions, drive accountability, and free you to focus on strategy.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] InventoryEcom CPAChatGPTNatural Dog CompanyMorgan Stanley Capital PartnersFood SciencePortland Leather GoodsPlain Talk by Ken IversonBill DA's Personal WebsiteBill DA on X (formerly Twitter)Special Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaBill D'Alessandro 00:00:00 A lot of brands aren't thinking about it that way. And then they're also not really disciplined around looking at their PNL with a contribution margin and then kind of a fixed cost section. And like trusting their numbers when they get their QuickBooks file at the end of the month, that that number in the QuickBooks file actually represents how they did, and they feel confident in that number, and they manage the business according to that number. That is like less than 10% of brands. So that's actually a lot of what I do.MC 00:00:32 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. Are you ready to unlock the full potential and growth in your business? You've already crossed seven figures in sales, but the challenge is knowing how to take your business to the next level.Josh Hadley 00:00:46 Ever wonder why you don't have enough money in your bank account, or wondering why you have to conti

In this episode, Amazon algorithm expert Mark Casey shares insights on how sellers can optimize product rankings. He explains the importance of shopper behavior, external traffic, and consistent sales for Amazon’s algorithm. Mark discusses effective product launch strategies, including leveraging a shopper network, running PPC campaigns, and the significance of the FBA “honeymoon period.” He also offers tips for reviving older listings and highlights the tailored services provided by his company, House of AMZ. Listeners receive exclusive discounts on product launches and listing optimization services.Chapters:Introduction to Mark Casey and House of AMZ (00:00:00)Host introduces Mark Casey, his background, and the founding of House of AMZ.Amazon Algorithm Overview (00:01:09)Mark explains key factors Amazon’s algorithm considers for product ranking, focusing on shopper behavior and engagement.FBM vs. FBA Launches & Honeymoon Period (00:03:26)Discussion on launching via FBM versus FBA, the impact on conversion rates, and the Amazon honeymoon period.Case Study: Launching a Competitive Supplement (00:05:17)Mark shares a case study on launching a premium supplement, emphasizing branding, graphics, and shopper feedback.Shopper Network & Feedback Loops (00:06:41)Explanation of using a shopper network for feedback, image testing, and optimizing listings before launch.Long-Term Launch Strategy & Consistency (00:07:31)Mark details a 15-30 day launch strategy with consistent daily sales and external traffic for sustainable ranking.Combining External Traffic, Shopper Network, and PPC (00:10:07)Discussion on integrating external traffic, shopper network purchases, and PPC campaigns for optimal product launches.Three Actionable Takeaways for Sellers (00:10:58)Host summarizes three key strategies: building an audience, leveraging surveys and external traffic, and revitalizing old listings.Revitalizing Old Listings & Review Management (00:14:09)Advice on rejuvenating older products, merging ASINs, relaunching, and managing negative reviews.House of AMZ Services & Special Offers (00:15:29)Mark describes House of AMZ services, special discounts for listeners, and how to contact the company.Podcast Closing & Contact Information (00:16:41)Final remarks, website details, and encouragement for listeners to connect with House of AMZ.Links and Mentions:Tools and ServicesPickFuPost Purchase ProASIN DoctorWebsitesHouse of AMZPodcast EpisodeEcomm Breakthrough Podcast's Episode with Kevin KingTranscripts:Josh 00:00:00 Today, I'm excited to introduce you to Mark Casey. For the past seven years, Mark has studied the Amazon algorithm to understand how it works and how we can work along with it to rank products. He has traveled the world to speak and share these techniques with the largest sellers worldwide. Mark's personal background is marketing and branding. Having brands of his own, along with his Amazon knowledge working under the nine figure brand, combining those together is how House of arms was born. Where Mark can help is to optimize your products and brand not only for the outside world, but mainly on Amazon, which is its own ecosystem in itself. So welcome to the podcast, Mark.Mark 00:00:41 Thank you very much. Yeah. Good morning. How are you?Josh 00:00:44 Hey, I'm doing great. Thanks again for joining me. And I apologize for my voice, both to the listeners and to yourself. I lost my voice coaching, hockey practice and yelling, shouting at the kids. because there's multiple teams on the ice. So you have to speak relatively loud.Josh 00:01:03 And, it did my voice in, that's for sure. So I apologize about that.Mark 00:01:07 Oh, good. Yeah. No worries.Josh 00:01:09 Mark, you've studied the algorithm for seven years. You I would argue you would consider yourself an expert when it comes to ranking products on Amazon. So tell us, you know, can you break down the Amazon algorithm to our listeners and tell us what you are seeing that Amazon cares about when it comes to ranking products today?Mark 00:01:31 So if you have another six hours, I could do well, I could go in depth. no. But so yeah, there's a lot I mean, well, first of all, a lot of things change within the Amazon algorithm. Many, many things like it's always changing, evolving and growing and it's there's so much to it. But what I always like to break it down and explain to people in a very simple way is that every little thing that the shopper does, Amazon takes into account, and what that means is every little thing from how you clicked and how you even got.Mark 00:02:02 How you even got to Amazon, you know, backing up all the way there, how you got to Amazon, what keyword you search when you got there, how long like every little point in detail. So really. So we we really broke it down and saw okay. So someone goes on the listing onto Amazon. Where do they come from. Do they come from a Facebook ad. Do they come from a referral from let's say, What

Bryce Keffeler brings a rare combination of deep financial expertise, entrepreneurial insight, and a proven track record of helping high-growth businesses scale and stay wealthy. I’m thrilled to welcome Bryce Keffeler, Managing Partner at Dew Wealth Management — a firm that’s not only been named a Great Place to Work, but has also made the Inc. 5000 list four years in a row. Bryce specializes in helping business owners grow, manage, and protect their wealth using family office-level strategies — think M&A, investment consulting, and financial structures designed for 10x growth. Before Dew, he worked in corporate M&A at Intel and has since become a serial problem-solver for founders navigating complex exits or aggressive scaling.Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Financial strategies for e-commerce business ownersBusiness structuring options (LLC vs. S corp vs. C corp)Tax minimization techniques and their implicationsImportance of defining business goals (sell vs. cash flow)Challenges in cash conversion cycles for inventory-heavy businessesDevelopment of a model P&L for financial decision-makingImpact of advertising costs on profitability and business valuationExit planning and factors influencing business valuationImportance of working with fiduciary financial advisorsAdvanced tax strategies for entrepreneurs, including R&D tax credits and IC-DISCIn this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Bryce Keffeler, managing partner at Dew Wealth Management. They discuss essential financial strategies for e-commerce entrepreneurs, including business structuring for tax efficiency, balancing profitability versus growth, and advanced tax-saving tactics. Bryce shares insights on preparing for business exits, optimizing cash flow, and the importance of working with fiduciary advisors. The episode also highlights practical tools, recommended resources, and Bryce’s new book, offering actionable advice for entrepreneurs aiming to build, protect, and maximize their wealth.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Define Your Endgame EarlyDecide if you’re building to sell or to cash flow—this choice drives every decision from business structure to tax strategy. Align your CPA and wealth advisor around that goal now.Build a Model P&L and Track It QuarterlySet target percentages for COGS, ad spend, SG&A, and profit margins (aim for 15%+). Review quarterly and make cuts or optimizations when you miss targets.Assemble a Proactive Wealth TeamWork only with fiduciary advisors and tax strategists who plan ahead, not just file returns. Ask: “Are you a fiduciary at all times?” before hiring anyone.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] Wealth ManagementInc 5000Comet Web Browser (by Perplexity)PerplexityMichael Gerber - Author of 'The E-Myth'Brandon YoungRadical Candor by Kim ScottChatGPTAlex HormoziSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaBryce Keffeler 00:00:00 What's our goal with this business? I know, Josh, you and I were kind of just talking about this. Are we building this business to sell, or are we building this business to harvest cash flow and building our personal, balancing our wealth from the profits that it made? So I think that's the first critical determination that needs to be made. And it needs to be made off of, like, what are we actually trying to do here? Because that's going to change the entire structuring of the business. And so specifically what I'm talking about there is that most business owners, most of the common business owners start as an LLC. And then generally they make the S Corp election because making the S Corp election allows you to essentially pay yourself a W-2 income, and then you don't have to pay s

In this episode of the Econ Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh interviews Chad Rubin, operations and strategy leader at Profasee. Chad discusses the critical role of dynamic, AI-driven pricing for e-commerce and Amazon sellers, sharing how continuous price optimization can boost profits without sacrificing sales rank. He offers actionable advice on leveraging AI tools, strengthening business operations, and building strong supplier relationships. Chad also recommends influential books and software for entrepreneurs, and emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with trusted advisors. The conversation provides practical strategies for sellers aiming to thrive in a competitive, ever-changing marketplace.Chapters:Introduction to Chad Rubin and Profasee (00:00:00)Josh introduces Chad Rubin, his background, and his role at Profasee, focusing on e-commerce and AI-driven pricing.Why Pricing Matters in E-commerce (00:00:37)Chad explains his focus on pricing, its impact on profitability, and why many sellers neglect price optimization.The Fear of Raising Prices and Real-World Example (00:02:01)Josh discusses common fears around raising prices and shares a personal example of increasing prices without losing sales rank.Dynamic Pricing vs. Static Pricing (00:03:57)Chad describes Profasee’s approach to dynamic pricing, the importance of adjusting prices, and the Amazon flywheel effect.Dynamic Pricing in Other Industries (00:05:28)Josh compares dynamic pricing in e-commerce to revenue management in airlines and emphasizes the need for ongoing price adjustments.Three Actionable Takeaways for Sellers (00:06:13)Josh summarizes three key takeaways: focus on profits/pricing, incorporate AI, and strengthen organizational structure and supplier relationships.The Importance of Level 10 Meetings and Team Alignment (00:08:38)Josh highlights the value of EOS Level 10 meetings for organizational clarity and leadership alignment.Most Influential Books for Entrepreneurs (00:09:41)Chad recommends "The 4-Hour Workweek" and other books that influenced his entrepreneurial journey.Favorite and Game-Changing Software Tools (00:11:27)Chad shares his favorite software tools, including Ellie and Notion, for productivity and business management.Mentors and Influential People in E-commerce (00:12:31)Chad discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with trusted advisors and names key people he respects in the industry.How to Connect with Chad Rubin and Profasee (00:14:46)Chad provides contact information and ways to connect with him and learn more about Profasee.Links and Mentions:Tools and Websites Profasee ChatGPT Ellie.com Notion Books The 4-Hour Workweek" by Tim Ferriss on Amazon The Almanack of Naval Ravikant The Great CEO Within People Mentioned Brandon YoungTranscript:Josh 00:00:00 Today, I'm super excited to introduce you to Chad Rubin. Chad leads prophecies operations and oversees its strategy. He often speaks about e-commerce, Amazon, and leveraging AI strategies on webinars and conferences worldwide. He is also the author of the Amazon bestseller cheaper, easier, direct. Prior to Profasee. He founded Think Crucial and co-founded Cubana and the Prosper show. He is also a father, husband, and loves coffee and tacos. So with that, Chad, welcome to the Econ Breakthrough Podcast.Chad 00:00:35 Thank you for having me. Excited to be here.Josh 00:00:37 I want to ask you the question, Chad. You've you've gone through multiple exits. You have your own ecom brand. Why the focus on pricing and why is it so important at the end of the day?Chad 00:00:48 Yeah. So. Well, firstly, the reason why I was focused on price was that I was trying. I'm trying. I'm still working through it. I've been working on turning around my e-commerce business. It's been deteriorated over time. Didn't get a lot of love for me as I've been building other initiatives in my life.Chad 00:01:03 And so, you know, for me, I optimize spend and my ACOs, and I've been optimizing our conversion rate and my listings itself and the infographics on those listing pages. But the one thing that's driving the most to the bottom line is a very small lever, and it swings big doors, but it's not being swung with price. And I just couldn't understand why. Like if we have a $10,000 ad campaign, you would never leave it on. You would never leave it on optimized, you'd always be optimizing it. So why is nobody optimizing price? Because it's a it's hard to understand and it's very manual. And by the time you make the change to the price, the market shifted. So this is why I focus on it. And it's a juicy it's a delicious problem.Josh 00:01:50 It really is. And it can provide I mean it's a huge impact to your bottom line, right? If you want to, you know, increase your bottom line, the best way to do it is just by raising your prices.Josh 00:02:01 Says Roland Frazier, one of the previous guests that we've had on the show. One of the things that he does first, when he acquires any businesses

Mansour Narouzi, Partner at Incrementum Digital and a mastermind behind scaling 7- and 8-figure brands on Amazon. He’s helped brands crush it across multiple distribution channels and knows how to unlock maximum value from each marketplace. If you’re looking to supercharge your growth, you’ll want to hear this one.Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Transition from civil engineering to Amazon selling and advertising expertise.Importance of understanding customer touchpoints in advertising.Overview of Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC) and its capabilities.Use of advanced audience segmentation and targeting strategies.Tracking customer journeys across multiple ad types and channels.Integration of direct-to-consumer website data with Amazon advertising.Measurement of marketing efficiency and cross-channel behavior.Strategies for retargeting audiences, particularly those who added to cart but did not purchase.Insights on brand tailored promotions and their effectiveness.Importance of data analysis and custom reporting for optimizing advertising performance.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Mansour Narouzi, partner at Incrementum Digital and Amazon advertising expert. Mansour shares his journey from civil engineering to Amazon success, then delves into advanced Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC) strategies. He explains how AMC enables brands to analyze customer journeys, create targeted and lookalike audiences, and optimize ad campaigns. The discussion covers retargeting, brand tailored promotions, and using analytics tools to measure campaign impact. Listeners gain actionable insights on leveraging AMC and Amazon’s latest advertising features to boost sales and outpace competitors.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Dive Into Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC) NowAccess AMC via the Insights tab in your advertising console.Start with pre-built templates and the AI assistant to ease the learning curve.Focus on building custom and lookalike audiences for smarter targeting.Experiment with Audience Segmentation and RetargetingRetarget “add to cart” audiences with Sponsored Product campaigns and brand tailored promotions.Use lookalike audiences based on high-value customers, not just any segment.Create separate campaigns for each audience to maximize control and results.Leverage Brand Tailored Promotions and Measure EverythingLayer promotions on top of targeted audiences for a conversion boost.Use customer journey analytics to track drop-off rates and brand search trends.Build custom dashboards to monitor performance and inform decisions.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] Marketing CloudAmazon Advertising ConsoleBrand MetricsBrand Tailored PromotionsCustomer Loyalty TabCustomer Journey AnalyticsVisual Studio CodeGeminiIncrementum DigitalThe E-MythKevin KingSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaJosh Hadley 00:00:00 What was their first exposure to the brand so that you can understand, hey, this is actually what's like attracting demand generation for your listings and for your brand. That to me is what you highlighted. So it's like if auto campaigns, let's just assume if auto campaigns are are like the first bite at the apple for whatever reason for your brand. Like that's people's first exposure to your brand. Well, guess what happens if you decide to turn off auto campaigns because you heard it at some conference that auto campaigns are bad, right? Well, now you're shooting yourself in the foot because that was people's first interaction with you.Intro 00:00:41 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. Are you ready to unlock the full potential and growth in your business? You've already crossed seven figures in sales, but the

In this episode, the host interviews Josh Gibson, founder of Sojourn Group Consulting, about strategies for growing e-commerce sales on marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart. Josh shares expert tips on protecting profit margins, optimizing product listings, leveraging Amazon’s NARF program for international expansion, and efficiently managing inventory shipments. He discusses the benefits and challenges of expanding to Walmart and other platforms, emphasizes the importance of strong team communication, and recommends trusted industry resources. The episode concludes with actionable takeaways for maximizing sales and diversifying channels for long-term growth.Chapters:Introduction to Josh Gibson and Sojourn Group Consulting (00:00:00)Overview of Josh’s background, company focus, and personal life.Protecting Margins on Amazon: Categories, Weights, and Inbound Shipments (00:01:15)Importance of tracking product categories, weights, dimensions, and optimizing inbound shipments to protect margins.Challenges of Managing Amazon Shipments and Auditing (00:02:19)Issues with Amazon’s inventory reconciliation and the need for ongoing auditing to avoid losses.Prioritizing Marketplace Expansion and Expected Sales Lift (00:03:10)Discussion on which marketplaces to expand to first and typical sales lift percentages.Expanding with Amazon NARF (North America Remote Fulfillment) (00:03:50)How NARF enables easy expansion to Canada and Mexico, and the expected 7% sales lift.Considering Deeper International Expansion (00:04:53)When to consider establishing a physical presence in Canada or Mexico for further growth.Selling on Walmart Marketplace: Opportunities and Challenges (00:04:53)Walmart’s marketplace growth, operational challenges, and the shift to Walmart Fulfilled Services.Walmart Advertising and Early-Stage Advantages (00:05:49)Opportunities in Walmart’s less competitive ad platform and strategies for early success.Walmart Sales Lift and Rural Market Penetration (00:06:56)Typical 5–10% sales lift on Walmart, with strong performance in rural and Midwest areas.Three Actionable Takeaways for Marketplace Sellers (00:08:49)Maximize success on your primary channel.Fully optimize listings, especially for mobile.Expand to new marketplaces after optimizing the first.Optimizing Amazon Listings for Mobile and Conversion (00:09:48)Detailed tips for optimizing titles, images, videos, and A+ content for better conversion.Expanding to Additional Marketplaces Beyond Amazon and Walmart (00:10:54)Consider Target, eBay, Newegg, Etsy, and Wayfair for incremental revenue after maximizing Amazon and Walmart.Most Influential Book Recommendation (00:12:31)Gary Vee’s books and content for building a brand and leveraging social media.Favorite Productivity Tool or Resource (00:15:00)Slack for team communication and the importance of a fast, reliable computer.Most Admired E-commerce Influencers (00:16:14)Recommendations to follow Steven Pope, Bradley from Helium 10, and Kevin King for free, valuable content.Closing Remarks and Appreciation (00:17:26)Harry thanks Josh for sharing actionable insights and expertise.Links and Mentions:Tools and Websites Sojourn Group Consulting Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) NARF (North American Remote Fulfillment) Walmart Connect Helium 10 Influential People Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee) on LinkedInSteven Pope from My Amazon Guy on LinkedIn Bradley Sutton from Helium 10 on LinkedIn Kevin King on LinkedIn Events Sell and Scale Summit Productivity Tool:SlackTranscript:Josh Hadley 00:00:00 Today I'm super excited to introduce you to Josh Gibson. over the past 20 years, Josh has been leading sojourn Group consulting, a company with a strong e-commerce focus. Sojourn Group consulting specializes in marketplace sales, and has evolved from being a third party seller into an agency that helps other sellers grow their marketplace presence without having to hire a full team. Their years of experience and team make their bolt on solution very simple for many companies. Outside of work, he is happily married for 15 years and is the father of four children ages eight, six, four and two. That makes him very busy at this stage in his life. He says there's little time for anything except work and family. So welcome to the podcast, Josh.Josh Gibson 00:00:45 Thank you. Thanks for having me.Josh Hadley 00:00:46 Well, with how busy you are with a young and growing family and the business, we're excited to have you share some of your time with us. So thanks again for joining us. What else is there that you know? You're saying that Amazon eats your margin for business lunch and dinner or for breakfast? Lunch and dinner, right? So what else is there that you know, people should be paying attention to? And Amazon specifically for now that, you know, there could be a lot of, you know, marginally going out the business.Josh Gibson 00:01:15 Yeah. I mean, it's important to to track your weights and your gyms and your categories of what products

Stefano Pretto, the CEO of Nomadz, a PPC profit-focused agency and coaching company helping Amazon sellers optimize every dollar of their ad spend. With a team of seasoned Amazon experts, Nomadz provides PPC management that rivals the best in-house PPC teams, all backed by data-driven insights and a commitment to transparent, caring partnerships.Whether you're looking to build a personalized roadmap for growth or just tired of wasting money on inefficient campaigns, Stefano’s approach is all about action, clarity, and results.Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Amazon PPC (pay-per-click) advertising strategiesCommon mistakes in PPC campaigns, including overspending on product page placementsImportance of analyzing placement reports and reallocating ad spendCampaign and budget allocation best practices for profitabilityConsistency in managing PPC campaigns and accountabilityDeciding between in-house PPC management and outsourcing to agenciesFramework for transitioning from agency to in-house PPC managementHiring strategies for PPC talent, including candidate assessment and sourcing methodsImportance of building a strong in-house PPC team for scaling businessesDeveloping standard operating procedures (SOPs) and processes for effective PPC managementIn this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Stefano Prieto, CEO of Nomadz, about optimizing Amazon PPC campaigns. Stefano shares common mistakes sellers make, such as overspending on ineffective ad placements and inconsistent campaign management. He offers actionable strategies for budget allocation, emphasizes the importance of consistent PPC oversight, and discusses when to transition from agency to in-house management. The episode also covers best practices for hiring top PPC talent, building strong teams, and leveraging data-driven approaches to maximize profitability and scale Amazon businesses efficiently.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Prioritize PPC as a core competency – Treat Amazon ads seriously, invest proper resources, and don’t assign it to underqualified team members.Use agencies strategically – If PPC feels overwhelming, partner with a proven agency while preparing to train someone internally to take it over as you scale.Hire top talent across functions – Continuously bring in A-players (PPC, supply chain, product dev, etc.) to build a strong moat, sustain premium pricing, and fuel long-term growth.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] PPC Placement ReportAmazon Marketing CloudNomadz AgencyUpworkOnlineJobs.phManus AILovableAlex Hormozi's FrameworkHow to Stop SmokingSo Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal NewportEcomm Breakthrough YouTube ChannelDr. Ellis Whitehead on LinkedInSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorSponsor for this episode...This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaStefano 00:00:00 And it's, you know, like my our first app. It's always to see how they are doing with their PPC. And it's amazing to see the new like the people that come to us, they are making always the same mistakes over and over again. And the first big one I would highly suggest to everyone who is watching this video to analyze.Intro 00:00:19 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast. Are you ready to unlock the full potential and growth in your business? You've already crossed seven figures in sales, but the challenge is knowing how to take your business to the next level.Josh Hadley 00:00:33 Are you ready to learn the best Amazon PPC strategies working right now, or are you ready to learn whether you should bring PPC in-house or let an agency do it? Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley. I scaled my own brand from 0 to 8 figures in sales, and now my mission is to take it to nine plus figures

In this episode, the host interviews Harry Joiner, a top executive recruiter in marketing and e-commerce. Harry shares his selective approach to working with clients, emphasizing the need for clear business strategies, strong financials, and a commitment to e-commerce. He compares recruiting top talent to casting star actors, noting that A-level candidates seek companies with compelling stories and solid economics. The discussion highlights the importance of business leaders knowing their numbers, defining their vision, and welcoming candidates who ask tough questions to build high-performing teams. The episode concludes with actionable advice for attracting and retaining top talent.Chapters:Introduction to Harry Joiner and His Credentials (00:00:00)Host introduces Harry Joiner, his background, and notable companies he’s worked with.How Harry Selects Clients (00:01:04)Harry explains his criteria for choosing which companies to work with, comparing it to Hollywood actors picking scripts.Evaluating Client Business Fundamentals (00:02:20)Discussion on analyzing a client’s business economics, strategy, and suitability for top-tier candidates.Attracting Top Talent: The Hollywood Analogy (00:03:41)Harry compares recruiting top talent to attracting star athletes or actors, emphasizing the need for a strong business foundation.The Importance of Smart, Challenging Candidates (00:05:28)Harry shares his preference for candidates who ask tough questions and challenge him, indicating high-caliber talent.Recognizing Top Candidates by Their Questions (00:06:25)Harry describes how the best candidates demonstrate their value by probing deeply into business metrics and strategy.Hiring Lessons from Personal Experience (00:08:41)The host reflects on his own hiring experiences, noting that the best hires are those who challenge leadership and require preparation.Three Actionable Takeaways for Business Leaders (00:10:33)The host summarizes three key action items: define your exit strategy, know your numbers, and cast a clear vision for recruits.Harry’s Process and Final Advice (00:12:50)Harry emphasizes having a simple, practical process for business planning and offers to share it with listeners.Episode Wrap-Up and Thanks (00:15:35)The host thanks Harry for his insights and closes the episode.Links and Mentions:Tools, Websites, and LinksLinkedInBooks and ArticlesSuccessWall Street JournalBusinessweekUSA TodayInternet RetailingVideosShark TankEntourageTranscript:Josh 00:00:00 Today I'm super excited to introduce you to Harry Joiner. Harry is described by Search Engine Watch as a dominant recruiter in client side multichannel, the in multi-channel e-commerce space. He is an executive recruiter for marketing and eCommerce. He has been interviewed by success magazine and he has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, marketing, Sherpas, Great Minds in Marketing series, Businessweek, USA, TODAY.com, Internet Retailer, and many more. He has closed dozens of manager, director, VP and C-level ecommerce searches for some of the following companies. A&E television. Adidas American signature brands. Ashford. Com. Backcountry. Com. Boot barn. Com Columbia Sportswear. And many, many more. So welcome to the podcast, Harry.Harry 00:00:48 Thank you so much. Great to be here, Harry.Josh 00:00:50 I think what's interesting there, you mentioned, you know, you have a small firm, right? You're well experienced. Your results speak for themselves. If people go check out your LinkedIn profile, there's raving reviews of people that have worked with Harry.Josh 00:01:04 so, Harry 150, you know, companies are going to apply to kind of hire your services. What what are you looking for is you kind of determine what are the 50 you're going to work work with. What's the difference between those that you say no to versus the ones that you say yes to and why?Harry 00:01:22 Sure. It's a great question. well, so when people pitch us on a deal, so they pitch me into Alan and it's a little bit like if you've ever seen a concept pitched on Shark Tank, it's a little bit like that. Alan and I are very particular about the deals that we take, and I think I learned this watching entourage back in the, you know, 2000, 2008 through 12 or something that in Hollywood, the richest actors aren't the richest actors because they're the best actors. They're the richest actors because they get the best scripts. It's a lot like that as an e-commerce recruiter. So we like searches that can be closed on the back of a single story, right? So the brand, the you know, the client, they know what their business is about and who their business is for and what their unique selling proposition is.Harry 00:02:20 So why should anyone do business with them versus any option available to them? including doing nothing. we look for the underlying economics of the client's business. So do we understand how they make money? Do they understand how they make money? Do they understand how they're goi

Joe Hides, Co-Founder of Affluent.co, a performance-driven agency that’s helped DTC brands generate over £200 million in revenue through strategic execution across Meta Ads, email marketing, and conversion rate optimization.Joe is a master of Shopify scale, building omni-channel growth systems that turn bold Big Ideas into real, repeatable results. His team is obsessed with ROI, and their strategies are designed to increase brand reach and grow sales exponentially..Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Differences between selling on Amazon and Shopify, focusing on traffic generation and customer intent.Importance of paid advertising, particularly Meta ads, for driving traffic to Shopify stores.Strategies for scaling Shopify brands, including competitor analysis and understanding customer acquisition costs.The significance of creating compelling ad creatives and the need for high volume and diversity in ads.The role of email marketing and retention strategies in increasing customer lifetime value.Utilizing tools like the Facebook Ad Library for competitor research and ad performance analysis.The necessity of a customer-centric approach in Shopify branding and marketing.The impact of ad fatigue and the importance of continuous testing and iteration of ad creatives.Recommendations for starting a Shopify brand, including identifying competition and understanding ideal customer personas.The integration of various marketing channels, including Google Ads and email marketing, for a holistic growth strategy.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Joe Hides, co-founder of Affluent Co, about scaling DTC brands on Shopify versus Amazon. Joe shares his journey from pro skier to e-commerce expert, emphasizing the need for demand generation, competitor research, and high-volume Meta ad testing on Shopify. They discuss the importance of customer personas, owning customer data, and leveraging user-generated content. Actionable takeaways include identifying competitors, understanding your ideal customer, and sourcing diverse ad content. Joe also highlights the theory of constraints as a key business philosophy and shares his favorite AI research prompt.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Study competitors – Identify your competition, analyze their funnels, and track ads that have been running long-term to spot proven winners.Know your customer – Define your ideal customer persona (ICP), understand their pain points, and use competitor research to refine your targeting.Scale content fast – Build a creator/affiliate program to generate large volumes of UGC content (e.g., 1,000+ pieces monthly) to test, learn, and avoid ad fatigue.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] Ads LibraryForeplay.coShopifyGoogle AdsChatGPTAffluent AgencyThe E-Myth by Michael GerberThe Goal by Eliyahu M. GoldrattSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorSponsor for this episode...This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaJoe Hides 00:00:00 The first thing is like trying to figure out, are there competitors in your space that are making any of these platforms work on, you know, a different level that is typically like the earliest indication of the the chance that you have to be successful and like is the difference between like, okay, I've got this product and I can't see any Facebook ads selling it. That's going to be potentially more of a warning sign rather than a sign of opportunity. And so it's like figuring out with the product that you have is there actual legs behind it. And I think.Intro 00:00:34 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast. Are you ready to unlock the full potential and growth in your business? You've already crossed seven figures in sales, but the challenge is knowing how to take your b

In this episode, host Josh interviews Matt Altman, marketplace lead at Right Side Up, about advanced strategies for launching and scaling brands on Amazon. Matt shares actionable insights on budgeting for product launches, optimizing PPC campaigns by focusing on conversion rates, and leveraging Amazon’s internal data tools. He emphasizes the importance of consistently launching new, non-competing products to avoid cannibalization and drive growth. The discussion concludes with practical takeaways for sellers aiming to scale, plus an offer for a free brand audit from Matt’s agency, Right Side Up.Chapters:Introduction to Matt Altman and Right Side Up (00:00:00)Josh introduces Matt Altman, his background, and the success of his agency, Right Side Up.Current Product Launch Strategies on Amazon (00:00:31)Matt discusses effective modern tactics for launching new products and the importance of a sufficient launch budget.Budgeting for Product Launches (00:01:02)Explanation of current budget requirements, category selection, and why launch budgets have increased.Estimating Launch Budgets and Pre-Launch Data Collection (00:02:54)How to estimate launch budgets, use Amazon Ads, and gather pre-launch data using search query reports.Leveraging Search Query Performance Reports (00:04:14)Matt explains the value of Amazon’s search query performance reports versus brand analytics.Keyword Targeting and PPC Campaign Setup (00:05:19)Details on targeting specific keywords, campaign types, and optimizing for conversion rates over ACOS/TACOS.ASIN Targeting and Relevancy Building (00:07:44)Using ASIN targeting campaigns to build relevancy for launch keywords and leveraging historical data.Scaling to Eight Figures and Beyond (00:08:09)Advice for established sellers on scaling, focusing on new product launches, and avoiding complacency.Avoiding Product Cannibalization and Diversifying Product Lines (00:10:41)Strategies to prevent keyword overlap, expand product lines, and increase brand reach without cannibalizing sales.Actionable Takeaways for Sellers (00:12:54)Josh summarizes three main takeaways: aggressive product launches, PPC optimization via conversion rates, and image optimization.Strategic Delegation and Removing Bottlenecks (00:15:04)Matt advises stepping back, identifying bottlenecks, and delegating to scale the business effectively.Conclusion and Free Audit Offer (00:16:20)Matt shares where listeners can learn more and offers a free audit for podcast listeners.Links and Mentions:ToolsRight Side UpAmazon Search Query ReportsBrand AnalyticsPacvueEcom AnalyticsData DiveTranscript:Josh 00:00:00 Today, I'm super excited to introduce you to Matt Altman. Matt leads the marketplace at right side up. Matt has over 12 years of selling experience. He's launched and sold multiple personal brands, all starting from a retail arbitrage budget. Four years ago, he started an agency right Side up to help high growth CPG brands focus on dominating the marketplace. They've been able to scale many brands from 0 to 3 million in monthly sales. Welcome to the podcast, Matt.Matt 00:00:29 Thanks for having me. Josh, how are you doing?Josh 00:00:31 Doing great. What are some of the key things that you, you advise or recommend when launching a brand new product on Amazon that are working today? Because, as you know, a lot of those black hat tactics, you know, have come and gone. you also have the, you know, the rebates that everybody was doing, and now it's kind of leveled the playing field a little bit more. Tell me what you're doing that's been working for you guys.Matt 00:00:55 Yeah. So first off, I think that the biggest thing is making sure you have a big enough budget to launch your products.Matt 00:01:02 like the days of 5 to $10,000 budgets to launch products are just gone in my eyes, at least in the spaces that I work in. so we usually overestimate our budgets by like 20 to 30% of what we actually think it would be just to make sure that we're in a good place in case it doesn't go the way that we want it to. but outside of that, we're looking for a couple of major things. one is we want to see continued growth in the category. Amazon's making that way easier now with like the search query reports, the product Opportunity Explorer. There's so many internal tools that they're giving you access to now that you can really easily find that. And then the other big thing that we're looking for is categories that you've got maybe like 3 or 4 power players in. And by power players they aren't really doing that much. They're still kind of growing, but they're ahead of like the other 20 items there. really it just kind of is showing us that, hey, there's enough sales to go around.Matt 00:02:01 If these four people can all kind of be around the same and customers really don't care which one they're choosing right now, they're just basically picking whichever ones at the top from what we can see. So yeah, we used to go into very heavy like categories wh

Fernando Campos, the Co-Founder and CEO of HiveHQ, the #1 profit and analytics platform built specifically for TikTok Shop sellers. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by TikTok’s fragmented backend—with data scattered across Ads Manager, Seller Center, and Affiliate Center—HiveHQ is the solution that brings it all together into one powerful dashboard.Fernando isn’t new to the e-commerce world—he’s also the Co-Founder of MarketplaceOps, where he’s helped manage and scale brands to over 9-figures in revenue. Now, with HiveHQ, he’s giving sellers the visibility and insights they need to understand true profitability, optimize at the SKU level, and scale smarter and faster on TikTok Shop—and soon across multiple channels.Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Opportunities and challenges of selling on TikTok Shop.Strategies for scaling e-commerce businesses from seven to nine figures.Importance of product selection for TikTok Shop success, focusing on visually demonstrable and impulse-friendly items.Role of shoppable videos and their impact on TikTok's algorithm.Building and managing relationships with creators and affiliates for content generation.Effective use of flash sales and discounts to drive genuine demand.Importance of data analytics in tracking performance and profitability.Strategies for leveraging live streams and giveaways to boost engagement and sales.Recommendations for brands transitioning from Amazon to TikTok Shop.Insights on building a robust affiliate marketing strategy for sustainable growth.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Fernando Campos, co-founder and CEO of Hive HQ. Fernando shares his journey from overcoming financial struggles to building multi-million-dollar e-commerce brands. The discussion centers on strategies for scaling on TikTok Shop, including leveraging shoppable videos, creator partnerships, affiliate marketing, and data-driven decision-making. Fernando emphasizes the importance of focusing on one growth pillar, building strong affiliate relationships, and using analytics to optimize performance. The episode offers actionable insights for e-commerce entrepreneurs aiming to capitalize on TikTok Shop’s rapid growth and evolving opportunities.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Expand to TikTok Shop once Amazon is stable – Focus on Amazon first, then scale to TikTok Shop once operations are solid (especially if doing $5M+ in sales).Go big on affiliate sampling – Treat TikTok as a volume game. Send out large quantities of product samples (hundreds to thousands) to creators to find what works.Build relationships, not transactions – Treat affiliates like an MLM-style sales force. Keep them engaged, incentivized, and excited to continuously promote your products.Resources mentioned in this episode:Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] HQKalo DataDiscordFastmossTikTok Seller CenterRead AIChatGPTSteven PopeFernando CamposJared Mortensen's Underwear BrandJordan WestHIVEHQ Discount Code: HADLEY 15Special Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaFernando 00:00:00 Will generate the consensus right is more videos per day. Shoppable videos are like tagged with the product is going to perform better, right? Just because it's sending more signal to TikTok saying, hey, this product is like having a moment, like people are talking about it, and so then they're going to push that to more people and your GMV max will run more efficiently.Intro 00:00:28 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. Are you ready to unlock the full potential and growth in your business? You've already crossed seven figures in sales, but the challenge is knowing how to take your business to the next level.Josh 00:00:41 So

In this episode, the host interviews Kelcey Lehrich, founder of 365 Holdings and co-founder of the HoldCo Conference. Kelcey shares her journey from traditional business to e-commerce, the growth of 365 Holdings, and the challenges of acquiring and integrating multiple brands. He discusses the purpose of the Holdco Conference for multi-business entrepreneurs, strategies for stable acquisitions, and the realities of shared services. The episode offers practical advice on self-awareness, focusing on key business levers, and learning from experience in scaling and managing holding companies.Chapters:Introduction to Kelcey Lehrich and Holdco Conference (00:00:00)Kelsey introduces himself and explains the origin and purpose of the Holdco Conference for multi-business entrepreneurs.Kelcey's Journey into E-commerce and 365 Holdings (00:02:22)Kelcey shares how he and his partner entered e-commerce, acquired their first businesses, and built 365 Holdings.365 Holdings’ Structure and Focus (00:03:30)Discussion of 365 Holdings’ current scale, vertical integration, and future focus on food, baby, and consumable brands.Growth Strategies: Product Launches and Acquisitions (00:04:28)Comparison of launching new products versus acquiring businesses, and the importance of consistent experimentation.What to Avoid When Acquiring Businesses (00:05:52)Kelcey outlines lessons learned and what to avoid when evaluating acquisition opportunities.365 Holdings’ Core Strengths and Incremental Improvements (00:07:04)Exploration of the company’s strengths, vertical integration, and focus on small, compounding operational improvements.The Reality of Shared Services in a Holdco (00:09:54)Kelcey discusses the challenges and realities of sharing services across multiple brands in a holding company.Three Actionable Takeaways for Entrepreneurs (00:11:44)Host summarizes three key lessons: self-awareness, vision and action, and learning through experience in M&A.Kelcey’s Book Recommendation (00:14:03)Kelcey recommends "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz for entrepreneurs managing growing teams.Favorite Productivity Tool (00:14:40)Kelcey shares Superhuman as his favorite email productivity tool.Influential Figures in E-commerce (00:15:25)Kelcey discusses the many people who have influenced him, mentioning Gary Vee, Roland Frazier, and others.How to Connect with Kelcey and Learn More (00:16:59)Kelcey provides ways to connect with him and learn more about Holdco Conference and 365 Holdings.Links and Mentions:Tools and ResourcesSuperhumanWebsitesHoldco Conference365 HoldingsBooksThe Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz on AmazonInfluential FiguresGary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee)Roland FrasierTranscript:Josh 00:00:00 Today I'm super excited to introduce you to Kelcey Lehrich. Welcome to the podcast, Kelcey.Kelcey 00:00:05 Thank you for having me. Great to be here.Josh 00:00:06 Kelcey I attended Holdco conference. You did a fantastic job. That was your first ever Holdco conference. Tell our guests a little bit more about this Holdco conference, because I think it's really unique. And you're kind of one of the first to kind of come up with this type of holding company conference.Kelcey 00:00:24 Yeah. So I appreciate your kind words and glad you could come. And we'll see you there next year. date's coming soon. so I have a friend in town named John Wilson. you can find him on the internet. He's pretty public. he and I met, and we both have, 50 to 100 employees, multiple tens of millions of revenue, and we have multiple businesses. And we knew a few other people that had similar circumstances. And there really was no event, no conference, no, kind of home base or hangout place for people like us.Kelcey 00:00:56 And one day I'm like, hey, like, why don't we go ahead and we'll host the party. and so John and I partnered on that project, and, from January, when it was kind of hatched with the tweet to July, it was a bit of a wild ride, but it was a lot of fun. We're really proud of the first year. And, yeah, it's meant to be the place that multi business entrepreneurs called the holding company, meet, learn, scale and grow. But the kind of niche there is that if you're in software and you're venture backed, there's a conference for you. If you are in real estate, there's a conference for you. If you are in insert any industry, sales, metal stamping, mobile home parks, whatever it is, there's a conference for you. If you're a Holdco entrepreneur, there really wasn't a place to call your own. And our vision for Holdco is to be kind of that home base for people like us.Josh 00:01:43 Yeah, I love that.Josh 00:01:44 I love what you guys have started there. And I think we'll dive into that a little bit in more detail later in this podcast. But Kelcey, you've got a vast experience in e-commerce. Obviously you have a holding company that has multiple brands. You've acquired multiple e-commerce brands, you've grown them, you've scaled them. So yo

Jason Boyce is one of the true veterans of the Amazon marketplace. He started selling on Amazon back in 2003 and went on to build a top 100 seller account before founding Avenue7Media, a full-service agency dedicated to helping brands outperform their categories through smart, scalable strategies.He’s the co-author of The Amazon Jungle and a recognized expert in areas like Amazon Ads, Amazon DSP, ASIN strategy, account reinstatement, and product safety compliance. His agency supports clients across both Amazon and Walmart, focusing on profitable growth and cutting-edge solutions like Bottom-Up Audience Building for CTV.Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Challenges faced by e-commerce sellers on Amazon, including shrinking margins, tariffs, and increased fees.The impact of black hat tactics on legitimate sellers.Opportunities presented by connected TV (CTV) advertising and generative AI for brand growth.Introduction of the "stair step to the cloud" marketing strategy, focusing on a full-funnel approach.Importance of optimizing bottom-funnel PPC advertising and leveraging Amazon Marketing Cloud data.The role of creative content and high-quality marketing materials in justifying premium pricing.Strategies for retargeting and prospecting new customers using demand-side platform (DSP) advertising.The significance of building brand trust and credibility through TV advertising.The "seven avenues" strategy for comprehensive brand growth, covering presence, financials, traffic, customer knowledge, creative, product quality, and rivals.Predictions for the future of e-commerce, particularly the influence of AI on organic ranking and customer engagement.In this episode of the E-Comm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Jason Boyce, Amazon marketplace veteran and founder of Avenue Seven Media. Jason discusses the challenges facing Amazon sellers, including shrinking margins and increased competition, but highlights new opportunities in connected TV (CTV) advertising and generative AI. He introduces his “seven avenue strategy” for brand growth, emphasizing the importance of strong foundations in presence, financials, traffic, customer knowledge, creative, product quality, and competitor analysis. Jason also predicts AI-driven commerce will soon revolutionize online shopping, urging brands to adapt and leverage emerging technologies for long-term success.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Expect challenges and embrace change – Ecommerce is tough; lean into hard times as opportunities to innovate.Fix weak business foundations – Tackle at least one of the seven core areas (Amazon presence, finances, traffic, customer, creative, product, competition) and improve it step by step.Leverage new channels like CTV – Test connected TV ads as a cost-effective way to scale brand awareness and reach targeted audiences.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] Seven MediaLift AIChatGPT Grok AI GeminiPerplexity AIThe Amazon Jungle (by Jason and Rick Cesari)The Five Dysfunctions of a TeamJason Boyce on LinkedIn Jason Boyce on X (formerly Twitter) Special Mention(s):Steven Pope on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaJason 00:00:00 We have what we call this stair step to the cloud. What's in the cloud? Your brand is famous now, right? And we in the old days, you. You couldn't do this if a client came to us and they had no brand search volume on Amazon. They had no brand search volume really to speak of on Google were like, hey, don't do Amazon right now because there's nothing. We're bottom funnel here, man. We're a sales channel. We can't do much to improve your brand or do anything. Those are the old days. But now you can actually build a brand. But we start by inverting the old advertising funnel a little bit.Intro 00

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

Damon is a powerhouse in the world of wellness and e-commerce — someone whose leadership journey combines global experience, deep product expertise, and a relentless commitment to quality. I’m thrilled to welcome back Damon Sununtnasuk, the founder and CEO of Natural Cure Labs — the company behind the Palmara Health and VitaTails brands, known for their research-driven, USA-manufactured supplements for both people and pets. Crushing it on Tiktok, Walmart, Target.com & Amazon.comHighlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Strategies for scaling wellness brands in the e-commerce space.The role of social commerce and its impact on brand visibility.Marketing techniques specific to TikTok and other social media platforms.The growing influence of AI-generated content in marketing versus human-created content.Cost analysis and return on investment (ROI) for AI versus human content creators.Community management and creator engagement strategies.The importance of feedback loops in content creation and quality improvement.Technical challenges and solutions for content publishing on TikTok.Data-driven approaches to understanding target demographics and creating relevant content.Predictions for the future of e-commerce, including the rise of AI agents in consumer purchasing decisions.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Damon Sununtnasuk, founder and CEO of Natural Cure Labs. They discuss strategies for scaling wellness brands using social commerce, with a focus on TikTok and the balance between AI-generated and human-created content. Damon shares insights on leveraging AI for cost-effective, compliant marketing, building and managing global creator teams, and the technical challenges of scaling content. The episode concludes with actionable tips, book and tool recommendations, and reflections on the future of e-commerce and AI-driven commerce.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Embrace AI, But Don’t Abandon Human CreatorsUse AI for scalable, compliant, and cost-effective content.Maintain a human creator program for authenticity, community, and brand storytelling.Prioritize Volume and ConsistencyVirality is a bonus, not a requirement.Consistent, high-volume content (hundreds of videos daily) creates compounding brand awareness and sales.Invest in Data-Driven Personas and Prompt EngineeringLeverage your own sales data to inform AI personas and scripts.Use tools like Prompt Cowboy to refine AI prompts for better output.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] TikTok Affiliate CenterWhatsAppGeeLarkPerplexityGeminiGrok AIChatGPT Flux AI Veo4 Amazon Brand AnalyticsManychat QuoraRedditPrompt Cowboy Alex Hormozi on LinkedIn Matt Altman on LinkedIn $100 Million Offers$100 Million Leads$100 Million Money ModelsDamon Sununtnasuk on LinkedInSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorSponsor for this episode...This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaDamon Sununtnasuk 00:00:00 Again, like of the 8000 cleaners, we have 90% of dormant. Right. And who's in charge of, like, keeping these guys engaged and educated and enthusiastic? You kind of need someone to sort of be that cheerleader, but also to help and like, understand, like, okay, this person, you know, needs requires a little bit of extra attention here. Or, you know, I think that's that's a big bet we've made. And we just brought the person on within the last 30 days.Intro 00:00:24 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. Are you ready to unlock the full potential and growth in your business? You've already crossed seven figures in sales, but the challenge is knowing how to take your business to the next level.Josh Hadley 00:00:37 Everybody wants to know the secret how to go viral on TikTok, how to make money on TikTok sh

In this episode, host Josh interviews Rafael, founder of Share It Studio and a 3x Telly Award-winning Amazon marketing expert. Rafael shares strategies for building a successful brand on Amazon, emphasizing the importance of understanding your target audience, leveraging Amazon’s brand analytics, and creating high-quality, authentic content. The discussion covers Amazon’s evolving brand-building tools, including A+ content, brand stores, and social features like Posts and Live. Rafael offers actionable tips for optimizing listings and highlights the value of investing in content to boost trust and sales. Listeners also receive a special discount on Share It Studio services.Chapters:Introduction & Rafael’s Background (00:00:00)Josh introduces Rafael, his achievements, and Share It Studio’s success with Amazon listings.Mentorship & Entering Amazon Marketing (00:00:38)Rafael discusses the value of mentorship and how he transitioned into Amazon marketing.The Importance of Brand Building (00:02:36)Josh highlights Rafael's results and asks where sellers should start with brand building and content.Identifying Your Amazon Audience (00:03:09)Rafael explains the need to analyze data and understand the differences between Amazon and other e-commerce audiences.Using Amazon’s Brand Tools (00:04:02)Discussion on Amazon’s brand analytics, content tools, and the importance of creating a brand experience.Amazon’s Social Features & Custom Content (00:05:22)Rafael emphasizes using Amazon’s social features (Posts, Live, Follow) and creating custom content for holidays and trends.Three Actionable Takeaways for Sellers (00:06:57)Josh summarizes three key actions: analyze data, update content based on findings, and prioritize/testing content types.Content Quality Reflects Product Quality (00:10:03)Rafael stresses that high-quality, authentic content signals product quality to buyers, especially for sensitive categories.Final Thoughts & Influences (00:11:17)Rafael shares his admiration for Gary Vee and Carlos, and the importance of helping others in the e-commerce space.How to Connect with Share It Studio (00:12:55)Rafael provides contact info, offers a complimentary consultation, and a special discount for podcast listeners.Closing Remarks & Bonus Offer (00:14:00)Josh and Rafael wrap up, highlighting the 15% discount for listeners who mention the podcast.Links and Mentions:Tools and Websites: Share It Studio Amazon Brand Registry Amazon Live Videos Instagram Contact Information: Email: [email protected] Figures: Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee) on LinkedInTranscript:Josh 00:00:00 Today I am super excited to introduce you to Rafael. Rafael is the founder of Share It Studio. He is A3X Telly Award winning entrepreneur in marketing and film. He has 13 plus years of marketing experience, five of which are specialized in Amazon marketing. Sherritt studio sets itself apart as a boutique agency with a high level, data driven approach and bespoke full package services. The studio boasts 500 plus successful Amazon listings, with an average sales increase of 77% within the first month of launching. So welcome to the show, Rafael.Rafael 00:00:38 Josh, thank you so much for having me. I really appreciate it. What you were saying about finding somebody to help you. it's the best way I found out. I did the exact same thing with my mentors. Is Josh Nelson right here? Okay, so what you're offering is actually very, very, very good. I highly recommend that anybody that's, you know, listen to this. I met Josh in person. Super cool guy. you should definitely at least talk to him.Rafael 00:01:02 maybe you're not ready, but maybe within a month, you know you'll hit the target and you'll be ready to to to, you know, reach out to Josh and he can help you scale your business. But if if somebody has a blueprint, why would you want to, like, go sideways if somebody knows what it's going to happen? He's going to tell you, like, hey, you might run into this and this is what you have to do instead of you bouncing your head against the wall, you know?Josh 00:01:27 So true. Rafael, I guess I need to pay you that $100 now. Slide that under the table there.Rafael 00:01:33 No, this is not paid advertising. In no way whatsoever. It's just that I really I was I was super I am so stubborn that I, when I had my company, I was working for Nickelodeon at the time, and, I was, coordinator for post-production for Latin America. And I'm like, you know, at that time, my ego was just stupid.Rafael 00:01:55 and I was like, no, I don't need anybody's help with this. I can do myself, blah, blah, blah, blah. I'm just gonna apply for all the awards. I'm just gonna get all the awards and, you know, blah, blah, blah blah. And at some point I was like, oh my God, I'm really struggling, I need help. And a friend told me, a friend who's very much more successful than me with an agency. He's like, hey, man, I reached my million dollar mark, but I can't.

Joanna Lambadjeiva, founder and CEO of Amazing Wave Digital, an agency that helps Amazon and e-commerce businesses unlock scalable growth through practical AI solutions. From AI-powered business process audits to tailor-made strategies, team training, and streamlined operations, Jo and her team help brands identify inefficiencies and build custom systems that actually move the needle.With a proven track record of helping brands increase productivity, scale creative output, and build more agile teams, Jo is here to show you how to stop dabbling in AI and start integrating it in a way that’s strategic, sustainable, and wildly profitable.Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. The rapid integration of AI in e-commerce and its transformative effects on shopping behaviors.The importance of adapting business strategies to remain competitive in a changing landscape.The role of AI agents in making purchasing decisions for consumers.The significance of user-generated content and community engagement for brand visibility.Strategies for optimizing product listings and enhancing brand content using AI tools.The shift from traditional SEO to AI-driven recommendation engines.The necessity for brands to diversify beyond platforms like Amazon to mitigate risks.The potential for AI to enhance internal operations and improve team productivity.The importance of building authentic brands that meet customer needs in an AI-driven market.Practical steps for e-commerce businesses to start leveraging AI tools effectively.In this episode of the EComm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Jo Lambadjieva, founder and CEO of Amazing Wave Digital. They discuss how AI is rapidly transforming e-commerce, from changing consumer shopping behaviors to the rise of AI-powered agents making purchase decisions. Jo shares actionable strategies for brands to adapt, including leveraging AI tools for product optimization, building authentic engagement on platforms like Reddit, and preparing for an AI-driven marketplace. The episode offers practical advice for e-commerce businesses to stay competitive and thrive as AI reshapes the industry landscape.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Start Your AI Habit NowSpend 10 minutes a day using AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude to brainstorm, test prompts, or analyze data. Small, consistent use compounds fast.Optimize for AI DiscoveryPublish helpful content on Reddit, Wikipedia, and reputable media—these are the sources AI models trust and pull recommendations from.Test Fast, Iterate FasterUse AI to A/B test images, copy, and listings weekly. Treat AI as your “rapid testing lab” to stay ahead of slower-moving competitors.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] SearchSEMrushPressXAnthropicPerplexityChatGPTClaudeGoogle Creative SuiteGemini 2.5Gen SparkCustom GPTsSiddhartha by Hermann HesseMetaJon Derkits NewsletterKevin King's NewsletterSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorSponsor for this episode...This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaJo Lambadjieva 00:00:00 If you really just start putting all of this into like one neat package of what this means, it means that, yeah, shopping is going to be very soon, very AI powered. And for that reason, you have to start making some smart decisions about how to, like, pivot your business and sort of diversify your risk. If you are just like basically focus on just one platform, e.g. Amazon.Intro 00:00:28 Welcome to the E-com Breakthrough podcast. Are you ready to unlock the full potential and growth in your business? You've already crossed seven figures in sales, but the challenge is knowing how to take your business to the next level.Josh Hadley 00:00:41 AI is rewriting the rules of e-commerce in real time. Agents shopping is coming when AI agents are buy

In this episode, host Josh interviews Aaron Hovivian, CEO of The Collab Team, about scaling operations for entrepreneurs and solopreneurs. Aaron shares his journey from retail and corporate project management to founding his own operations consultancy. The discussion covers the importance of identifying strengths, implementing operating systems like EOS, and documenting SOPs to streamline growth from seven to eight figures. Aaron offers practical advice for overcoming operational bottlenecks and introduces his Ops Experts Club resource hub. The episode provides actionable steps for business owners looking to delegate effectively and build scalable, efficient operations.Chapters:Introduction & Aaron’s Background (00:00:00)Aaron shares his entrepreneurial roots, early jobs, and inspiration from his father’s business journey.Discovering a Passion for Operations (00:00:49)Aaron describes his natural inclination for improving systems and his transition from retail to project management.First Entrepreneurial Leap & Founding The Collab Team (00:01:35)Aaron recounts leaving a stable job to help a friend’s business, marking the start of The Collab Team.Systems Thinking & Early Genius (00:02:54)Discussion about always thinking in systems and the importance of operating in one’s zone of genius.Complexity in Growth & The Value of Operations (00:03:31)Aaron explains how business growth brings complexity and the need to streamline through operations.The Power of Delegation & Operating Systems (00:03:48)Aaron introduces the concept of “Delegate and Elevate” from EOS and the importance of SOPs.Why Operations Matter for Scaling (00:04:37)Aaron discusses why operations are crucial for entrepreneurs aiming to scale from seven to eight figures.Visionaries vs. Operators: Identifying Strengths (00:05:02)Aaron explains the difference between visionary entrepreneurs and those skilled in operations.Common Pitfalls in Delegation & Team Structure (00:06:17)Challenges entrepreneurs face when delegating without clear processes or team roles.Intentionality & Backward Planning (00:07:06)The importance of planning from the end goal backward to reduce daily frustrations.Operations as a Business Pillar (00:07:33)Josh compares operations to a three-legged stool, emphasizing its equal importance with sales and vision.Implementing Operating Systems & Frameworks (00:08:02)Josh shares his experience implementing operating systems and frameworks like EOS and Scalable.Entrepreneurial Profiles & The Kolbe Assessment (00:08:56)Discussion about the Kolbe assessment and how most entrepreneurs are high quick starts, not high follow-through.Three Actionable Takeaways for Entrepreneurs (00:09:33)Josh summarizes three steps: set your goal, do a time study/gap analysis, and document SOPs for delegation.Aaron’s Additional Advice: Start with the Highest Burn (00:11:15)Aaron advises tackling the most painful or draining tasks first to maximize relief and ROI.Ops Experts Club Gift & Resources (00:12:27)Aaron introduces the Ops Experts Club, offering free access and tools like the Gap Analyzer for listeners.Closing Remarks & Gratitude (00:14:31)Josh and Aaron wrap up, expressing appreciation and encouraging entrepreneurs to leverage operations for growth.Links and Mentions:Tools and WebsitesOps Experts Club on FacebookGap AnalyzerBooksTraction by Gino Wickman on AmazonAssessmentsKolbe AssessmentTranscript:Josh 00:00:00 Today I'm super excited to introduce you to Aaron Hovivian, the CEO and Project Lead at the Collaborative Team Management, or AKA the Collab Team. So welcome to the podcast, Aaron.Aaron 00:00:11 Hey Josh, thanks for having me man. So good to be here.Josh 00:00:13 Aaron, you've got a lot of experience. As we can see in operations, you've helped grow solopreneurs into multifaceted eight figure brands and helping scale people beyond that. Aaron, let's back things up and tell me, like, how did you even get started in operations? Why is that your specialty?Aaron 00:00:31 Yeah, I you know, so growing up, my dad was an entrepreneur. My dad was entrepreneurial, you know, and I saw him going out there starting his own business. For him, it was construction for him. He, you know, he had been working for some big guys doing construction in Southern California, you know, for his whole career. And at the age of 40, you know, he said, hey, I'm going to go out and do this on my own.Aaron 00:00:49 He was able to build this empire for himself. You know, of 85 people doing, you know, high rise construction ceilings in LA in Orange County. And I think inspired by his journey, I think is what inspired me. But I noticed me all growing up, you know, from my earliest jobs. I started working in skateboard snowboard shops as a kid, you know, but even there I did a lot of retail just starting out. A lot of kids do, you know. But I noticed about me is that I'm always pulling apart systems. Like, I'm always wondering, how could we

John is the Brand Evangelist at PickFu and Founder and CEO of Aspy, he helps businesses make data-driven decisions to optimize their product listings and marketing strategies on Amazon.Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Importance of optimizing main images for Amazon product listingsSignificance of click-through rates (CTR) for Amazon sellersRole of the hero image in attracting potential customersInsights into consumer behavior and preferences when shopping onlineNecessity of data-driven decisions for product listing optimizationContinuous testing and optimization of hero imagesUnderstanding and adhering to Amazon's image guidelinesRisk versus reward in image presentation strategiesTrends in product imagery and innovative visual elementsImportance of clearly communicating value propositions in hero imagesIn this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews John Aspinall, brand evangelist at Pickfu and CEO of ASPY. They discuss the critical importance of optimizing main images for Amazon product listings to boost click-through rates (CTR). John emphasizes that a compelling hero image is crucial for attracting clicks, likening it to the exterior of a house. He shares insights into consumer behavior, stressing the need for data-driven decisions and continuous testing. The episode concludes with actionable takeaways for improving CTR and sales, highlighting the role of visual elements and the impact of tariffs on product costs.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Regularly Test and Optimize Your Main Image: Stay competitive by continuously refining your hero images.Understand the Impact on Conversion Rates and Ad Spend: Your main image directly affects these critical metrics.Leverage AI Tools: Use AI tools to scale testing and experimentation effectively.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] 10Jungle ScoutSmart ScoutAmazonPickFuCanvaGoogle WhiskGoogle EffectsClaudePerplexityDeepSeekGoogle GeminiMr. BeastThe Diary Of A CEOSteven Pope in LinkedInLa Roche-PosayChatGPTSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorSponsor for this episode...This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaJosh Hadley 00:00:00 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Michael Gerber, author of The E-myth, and Steven Pope from My Amazon Guy. Today I am speaking with John Aspinall. John is the brand evangelist at Pickfu and the founder and CEO of ASPY, and he helps businesses make data driven decisions to optimize their product listings and marketing strategies on Amazon. Think about how you can make that main image stand out. John is your guy that's going to blow people away today, and that's what we're going to be talking about, ...

In this episode, Chad Franzen interviews Josh and Becca Hadley about their journey working together as a married couple. They share insights into balancing business and family life, setting boundaries, and defining clear roles. The Hadleys discuss the joys and challenges of entrepreneurship as partners, offer advice for couples considering a joint venture, and highlight the importance of communication, shared vision, and prioritizing their relationship. Personal anecdotes reveal their daily routines, family priorities, and fun facts about each other, providing an honest look at blending marriage and business.Chapters:Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:00:00)Chad Frandsen is introduced as the interviewer; Becca and Josh Hadley are welcomed to the podcast.Working with Your Spouse: Initial Thoughts (00:00:21)Becca and Josh share their experiences and feelings about working together as a married couple.Early Days of the Business (00:01:54)Josh describes how they started working together, their routines, and the excitement of building the business.Balancing Roles and Avoiding Friction (00:03:29)Discussion on the importance of clarifying roles and responsibilities to prevent conflicts.Work-Life Boundaries and Daily Routines (00:04:46)Chad asks about setting workday boundaries; Becca and Josh explain their flexible approach and daily schedules.Family Priorities and Involvement (00:07:01)Josh emphasizes prioritizing family, coaching kids’ sports, and the importance of being present as parents.Advice Received About Working Together (00:08:24)Becca and Josh recall advice they received about working as a couple and the importance of maintaining balance.Advice for Couples Considering Business Together (00:10:23)Josh and Becca offer advice to couples thinking about starting a business together, stressing clear roles and shared vision.Working from Home: Pros and Cons (00:12:39)They discuss working from home, its benefits, challenges, and how it affects their work-life transition.Personal Insights: About Each Other (00:13:43)Chad asks Becca and Josh to share something listeners wouldn’t know about the other, revealing personal and fun facts.Closing Remarks (00:15:52)Chad wraps up the interview, thanks the guests, and offers best wishes.Links and Mentions:Company/Tool:Rise 25Book/Quote:No success in the world can compensate for failure in the homeTranscript:Josh 00:00:00 Today I'm excited to introduce to you. I have two special guests with me. We have my wife, Becca Hadley, and then we have Chad Franzen here of rise 25, who has done hundreds of interviews with successful entrepreneurs and CEOs. We have flipped the script, and he is going to be interviewing Becca and I today. So welcome to the podcast, Chad.Chad 00:00:21 Hey, thanks so much, Josh. Great to be here with both of you. So, Becca, what is it like working with your spouse?Becca 00:00:28 Yeah, I love it. I know almost every single person I talk to always says, I don't know how you do that, or that didn't work for me or were divorced or whatever it is. We I think it's been one of the best things for us. I think we had a strong foundation before we began working with each other, and it kind of started off slow. And Josh was working in corporate America. We were working together at night, but for us, it's been it's been fun.Becca 00:00:51 It's been our hobby, I think since both of us are doing what we love, it's very fulfilling and then even more fulfilling to do it together. I think one of my favorite things is just the opportunity to, like, travel together to different conferences like we've had so many like couples trips that are business trips. and it's been so fun. We've seen so many places together. I think we're also learning new things together at the conferences we go to and the things that we listen to, the podcast, everything that we do together. So I think it takes our relationship even to the next level, which is really fun. Now, that's not to say that it's always easy. We definitely have our frustrations or our arguments or sometimes, like when we're on a date. In my head, I'm like, stop talking about the business, let's be on a date. So it's just finding a balance and making sure that, like in our relationship that we have like family time specifically and date nights and business time.Becca 00:01:41 And for us, honestly, it has been an incredible blessing. I've loved every minute of it.Chad 00:01:45 So great. Yeah. Why don't we get back to that in just a minute? Kind of the the boundaries or whatever, like work and home or whatever. But, Josh, what are your thoughts on working with your wife?Josh 00:01:54 Yeah, I think that it's been an amazing experience. And I think that, like Becca talked about, it's Is important for us. I think it like has actually brought us closer together because we've been working on like a similar vision. Like I would say, like kids brings you together, right? You and your spouse together on like a similar vision of like, we

Josh started his career at American Airlines (AA) and spent 5 years in their MBA leadership development program. Josh’s experience at AA further refined his leadership abilities and strategic decision making skills. While employed at AA Josh and his wife Becca started Hadley Designs. As the CEO of Hadley Designs, Josh led the business to gross $100,000+ in revenue within it’s first year and in 2022 Hadley Designs crossed the eight figure mark, grossing over $10,000,000 in revenue.Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Leveraging AI tools for hiring management-level staff globally.Conducting a time study to identify hiring resource allocation.Creating a clear role profile and scorecard with defined expectations and KPIs.Attracting top talent through detailed job descriptions and hidden tasks.Sourcing a large pool of candidates to ensure quality selection.Implementing AI recruiting tools for streamlined candidate sourcing and application management.Establishing a rigorous vetting process, including assessments and test projects.Conducting group interviews to evaluate candidate interactions and dynamics.Performing thorough reference checks to verify candidates' past performance.Setting high performance standards for new hires to enhance team effectiveness.In this podcast episode, the speaker, an experienced entrepreneur and host of the "Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast," shares a detailed seven-step process for hiring management-level staff using AI tools. The speaker emphasizes the importance of conducting a time study to allocate hiring resources effectively, creating detailed role profiles and scorecards, and leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT for efficiency. They discuss innovative techniques such as group interviews and AI-driven resume screening to streamline the hiring process. By implementing rigorous vetting processes and thorough reference checks, the speaker provides actionable insights for scaling businesses to eight figures and beyond.Here are 3 short, actionable takeaways from the podcast summary:Start with a Time Study: Track your daily activities in 15-minute increments for two weeks to identify tasks you can delegate—this sets the foundation for hiring the right management-level support.Use AI to Streamline Hiring: Leverage tools like ChatGPT to quickly generate tailored role profiles and scorecards, and platforms like Workable to automate resume screening and candidate sourcing.Vet Rigorously, Hire Deliberately: Implement group interviews, test projects, and reference checks to assess both skills and culture fit—only hire candidates who raise the bar for your existing team.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] (now known as Upwork)Criteria Corp (for assessments)Workable.phChatGPTSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorSponsor for this episode...This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaJosh Hadley 00:00:00 Today, I'm going to be walking through how we're going to be leveraging AI to hire management level staff anywhere in the world. Okay. And I'm going to be showing you guys kind of the filters, everything that we've set up. There's a lot to dissect in 20 minutes. So we're going to be flying through all of this. But the good news is Jim and Mimi, those two things that you talked about AI and hiring leaders, like, that's exactly what I'm talking about today. All right. So this is the easy way to use AI to find incredible management level contractors overseas. as Bryce mentioned. Who am I? So first and foremost, father of four, husband to a beautiful wife. We had a baby six months ago. Five months ago. His name is Harvey and Harper. She's the one here. She's a she's my second and she's six years old. So happy to have her with us. And then we started our brand on Amazon back in 2016. We've been an eight fi

In this Throwback episode, host Josh interviews patent attorney Rich Goldstein about the importance of intellectual property (IP) protection for businesses, especially e-commerce sellers. Rich explains the differences between copyrights, design patents, utility patents, and trademarks, highlighting why registering trademarks in China is crucial for those sourcing products there. They discuss how IP protection helps prevent copycats, increases business value, and is essential for a successful exit. Rich also shares actionable tips for building an IP strategy and recommends resources for further learning. The episode concludes with advice on connecting with top experts in the Amazon and e-commerce space.Chapters:Introduction to Rich Goldstein and His Background (00:00:00)Josh introduces Rich Goldstein, his experience, and his role in helping businesses obtain patent protection.Josh’s IP Mistake and the Importance of Early Protection (00:01:39)Josh shares his mistake of not getting IP protection early and discusses the risks of product copying on Amazon.Copyrights vs. Design Patents for Product Protection (00:02:56)Rich explains the difference between copyrights and design patents, and when each is applicable for product protection.The Importance of Registering Trademarks in China (00:04:33)Discussion about the risks of not registering trademarks in China and the potential consequences for e-commerce sellers.Understanding Utility Patents (00:06:16)Rich explains what utility patents are, what they protect, and how they differ from design patents.Three Actionable IP Takeaways for Entrepreneurs (00:08:44)Josh summarizes three key IP action items: trademarks, patents, and the value of IP for business exits.The Value of an IP Budget and Learning About IP (00:10:25)Rich emphasizes budgeting for IP as a business grows and the importance of entrepreneurs educating themselves about IP.Recommended Thought Leaders in E-commerce (00:12:06)Rich shares names of influential people and groups in the e-commerce and Amazon seller space.Where to Find Rich Goldstein and His Resources (00:14:32)Rich provides information on where listeners can find his website, book, podcast, and event updates.Links and Mentions:Tools and WebsitesGoldstein Patent LawBooksThe ABA Consumer Guide to Obtaining a PatentPodcastsInnovations and Breakthroughs PodcastNotable Individuals and GroupsKevin KingBrandon YoungTitan GroupNorm FarrarDanny McMillanTranscript:Josh 00:00:00 Today, I'm excited to introduce to you Rich Goldstein, who is on a mission to connect, protect, and educate. He helps small businesses, startups, and in e-commerce and digital marketers and inventors in their quest to obtain patent protection. Along with his team of attorneys. He counsels individual inventors and startups regarding the best steps to take for patent protection and when patent protection is available. Over the past 28 years, he has obtained more than £2,000 for his clients. And Rich is the host of the Innovations and Breakthroughs podcast and is the author of The Consumer Guide to Obtaining a Patent, published by the American Bar Association. So Rich, welcome to the podcast.Rich 00:00:46 Thanks so much, Josh. Thanks. Thanks for the warm introduction. And and really great to be on your podcast.Josh 00:00:51 Rich, I'm happy to say that we are a part of that number of 2000 plus, you know, patent successful patterns that you've been able to obtain and counting. Right.Rich 00:01:03 And counting.Josh 00:01:03 Yep. So thank you for your help and helping us get some of those design patterns that we've received for our business.Josh 00:01:10 So rich. Absolutely is the man.Rich 00:01:12 Absolutely. My pleasure. It's really exciting to see kind of what we're creating there in your company in terms of, asset value and protection, you know, against competitors. So, it's really cool. And someday we'll, we'll do a, you know, a Harvard business case study of some kind, to, you know, to take a look at what we've created here. I think it's pretty awesome.Josh 00:01:39 Well, I think that's the hope for both you and I that we're creating some significant value in the long run. Now, Rich, I shared this on previous podcast episodes as I shared some of the mistakes that I've made along my journey. One of those mistakes that I've made was not getting IP protection whatsoever for many of our products for four years, right? We literally went for in our business for four years before, you know, you and I fortunately met. And you're like, dude, you've got to start doing something here. And we had a great conversation.Josh 00:02:13 And now that we started getting copyrights issued for all of our products and then design design patents for some of our products, it's allowed us to actually protect more of our products, because prior to that, as many sellers know, as soon as you launch a product on Amazon, it's months, you know, sometimes as quick as a month later, sometimes 3 to 6 months later, you

Andrew co-founded Reason Automation after years at Amazon, working on their retail and vendor businesses. There, he learned data wasn’t just a resource—it was the backbone of every decision being made. To be successful, you had to dive into the numbers yourself, without a team of analysts to rely on. That hands-on experience shaped his approach to data and inspired him to create a company that helps other businesses tap into the power of their own analytics.Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Importance of data analytics in e-commerce decision-makingChallenges of data overload and how to manage it effectivelyPrioritization of tasks for entrepreneurs to drive growthUnderstanding SKU-level profitability and its impact on businessThe significance of real-time data for informed decision-makingIdentifying trends and opportunities in the marketOvercoming fear of data analysis and making timely decisionsThe role of feedback in leadership and personal growthStrategies for monitoring key metrics to enhance performanceAdapting to changing consumer behavior and market dynamicsIn this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Andrew Hamada, co-founder of Recent Automation. They discuss two pivotal factors for scaling e-commerce businesses: effective data analytics and task prioritization. Andrew, leveraging his experience at Amazon, emphasizes the importance of transforming data into actionable insights without getting overwhelmed. He advises entrepreneurs to focus on key tasks that drive growth and to understand product-level profitability. The episode also highlights the necessity of regular monitoring and the value of constructive feedback in leadership. This conversation offers invaluable guidance for scaling seven-figure brands to eight figures and beyond.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Prioritize What Matters Most Start each day by identifying your top 5 high-impact tasks and eliminate or delegate the rest to maintain focus and momentum.Track SKU-Level Profitability Regularly analyze product-level data to uncover hidden losses—especially from advertising—and adjust pricing, spend, or inventory accordingly.Act Fast with Real-Time Data Set up dashboards to monitor 3–5 key metrics in real time and make quick, informed decisions to stay agile and competitive.Resources mentioned in this episode:Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:Ecomm BreakthroughJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] Seller CentralSelling Partner APIData KioskMidjourneyLinkedInJason BoyceSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInNeil Patel on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorSponsor for this episode...This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaJosh Hadley 00:00:00 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Aaron Cordovez, and Michael E Gerber, author of the E-myth. Today I am speaking with Andrew Hamada, and today we are going to be talking about the two things that are going to set you and your business apart from the competition and allow your brand to be able to scale and win in today's competitive environment. This episode is brought to you by Ecomm Breakthrough, where I specialize in investing in and scaling seven figure ecommerce brands to eight figures and beyond. If you're an ambitious e-commerce entrepreneur looking for a partner or coach who can help take your business to the next level, reach out to me at Ecomm Breakthrough. Com. That's ecom with two ends and let's turn your dreams into reality. Today I am excited to introduce you all to Andrew Hamada. Andrew co-founded Recent Automation after years at Amazon working on their retail and vendor businesses. There, he learned data wasn't just a resou

In this Throwback episode, host Josh interviews Steven Pope from My Amazon Guy about advanced strategies for Amazon sellers, especially those with mature or seven-figure brands. Steven details the importance of focusing on SEO, PPC, merchandising, and design, and explains why SEO should be continuously optimized. He shares a case study on using Amazon’s search query performance report to find untapped keywords, and discusses practical tactics like updating product images and A/B testing. The episode wraps up with Steven’s favorite business resources and advice to take action and keep improving your Amazon business.Chapters:Introduction & Episode Overview (00:00:00)Josh introduces Steven Pope and sets up the discussion on advanced Amazon content strategies for mature brands.The Four Pillars of Amazon Success (00:00:40)Steven outlines the four key areas: SEO, PPC, merchandising, and design, emphasizing their importance for traffic and conversion.Challenges Facing Amazon Sellers (00:02:10)Discussion of increased competition, shrinking margins, and the need to focus on fundamentals instead of hacks or blackhat tactics.Deep Dive: SEO is Not Set-and-Forget (00:03:51)Steven explains his multi-phase SEO approach and stresses the importance of continuous optimization.Case Study: Using Search Query Performance Report (00:04:12)Steven introduces the ICAP marketing funnel and demonstrates how to use Amazon’s search query performance report to find valuable keywords.Market Share Growth Example (00:06:18)Steven shares a real-world example of tripling market share for a previously overlooked keyword using data-driven SEO.Image Optimization & A/B Testing (00:08:15)Discussion on improving product images (e.g., adding age ranges) and the impact on click-through rates, with a live example.Implementing Data-Driven Content Changes (00:09:59)How to use search data to inform content updates, including A/B testing and targeting specific demographics.Three Actionable Takeaways (00:11:30)Josh summarizes key steps: analyze search query data, implement keyword-driven content changes, and A/B test main images and A+ content.Favorite Business Book (00:13:17)Steven shares his most influential book, "The Road Less Stupid," and its impact on his decision-making.Favorite Productivity Tool (00:13:48)Steven discusses his upcoming productivity tool, Hybrid, and mentions the value of tools like Calendly.Recommended Ecommerce Influencer (00:14:33)Steven recommends following Harry Joiner for unique ecommerce insights and strategy frameworks.Final Words of Wisdom (00:15:18)Steven encourages listeners to take action and shares his contact info for feedback and stories.Podcast Closing (00:15:41)Josh thanks Steven for joining the podcast and wraps up the episode.Links and Mentions:Tools and Resources Seller Central Pickfu Calendly Books The Road Less Stupid Traction Scaling Up People to Follow Harry Joiner on LinkedInTranscript:Josh 00:00:00 Today I'm speaking with Steven Pope of my Amazon guy, and we will be talking a lot about content, strategies and how to uplevel your game on Amazon to capture more traffic and drive more revenue. We talked about this prior to recording Hitting the record button on this podcast, but I want to learn from you. And our audience is going to be interested, Steven, to learn. What would you recommend? Seven figure sellers and those that are maybe experienced on Amazon? They have a mature brand, so to speak. What should they be focusing on? Amazon, especially knowing where, you know, kind of the puck is going in the future with Amazon where things are going. What strategies would you recommend sellers be implementing right now?Steven 00:00:40 Anything that generates traffic and improves conversion rates. Full stop. That's it. That's all you got to focus on those two basic parameters. Now I can break those two down one layer deeper. Yep. Under traffic there's PPC and SEO and under conversion there's merchandising and design. So those four pillars make up E-commerce on Amazon.Steven 00:01:01 And so as we continue to go down even a layer further. Content production is the most underrated, easiest thing to do. As an Amazon seller that is being abandoned. Now, obviously there's a lot of cardinal rules of Amazon. Like never go out of stock. That's cardinal rule number one. And cardinal rule number two is kind of like cardinal rule number one. Don't go out of stock. Right. And so like those are important concepts. But when we look down to the very basics of how to sell more products to more people, more often for more money, it comes back to those four pillars SEO, PPC, design and merchandising. And if you were ignoring 1 or 2, maybe even three of those protocols, you're in a world of hurt right now. You are losing to the Chinese who are hacking your accounts and your listings. You are losing to Amazon's policies, who are clamping down and making it harder to be on the platform. You are losing to your Are competitors who

Brandon is a seasoned Amazon entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of Innovate, and he is the driving force behind a successful Kitchenware Brand with years of experience building and scaling e-commerce businesses. Brandon brings a unique perspective, shaped by both his entrepreneurial journey and his background as an attorney. Today we're going to be diving into his business. What is he doing with the challenges we're all faced with tariffs and Amazon fees and increasing competition? He's going to be sharing his journey and his tips and strategies he's implementing in his business today.Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Journey and experiences of an Amazon entrepreneur in e-commerce.Challenges faced in 2025, including tariffs, Amazon fees, and competition.Importance of pricing strategies and ad spend management for profitability.Insights on product listing optimization and inventory management.Growth and significance of the Innovate conference for e-commerce sellers.Strategies for navigating sourcing challenges and diversifying manufacturing locations.The role of customer feedback and product testing in successful launches.Legal considerations in e-commerce, including trademark and patent issues.Importance of continuous product innovation and optimization for sustained success.Recommendations for leveraging tools and resources to enhance e-commerce performance.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Brandon Fuhrmann, Amazon entrepreneur and co-founder of Innovate. Brandon shares advanced strategies for scaling e-commerce brands, including optimizing pricing, ad spend, and product listings amid rising tariffs and fierce competition. He discusses leveraging international markets, building a lean team, and the importance of continuous product innovation. Brandon also offers actionable insights on legal protections, customer feedback, and multichannel expansion. Listeners gain practical, high-level tactics to drive profitability and resilience, plus an exclusive invitation to the Innovate conference for elite sellers aiming to reach 8 figures and beyond.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Play the Price–Ad Spend Game: Adjust pricing & PPC together. Drop prices to rank faster, then raise and boost ads to keep momentum.Keep Listings Fresh: Constantly update images & copy based on split tests and customer feedback. Have backups ready to pivot fast.Diversify or Die: Sell in multiple marketplaces (EU, CA, Walmart, Shopify) so you can shift inventory when tariffs or demand change.Resources mentioned in this episode:Insiders Agency: 00:16:10Helium 10: 00:27:14Jungle Scout: 00:27:14Shopify: 00:23:55Walmart: 00:22:26Faire: 00:24:41SellaMetrics: 00:33:58Amazon: 00:03:33FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon): 00:03:45PPC (Pay-Per-Click) Advertising: 00:18:42E-myth by Michael E. Gerber: 00:00:37Grit by Angela Duckworth: 00:44:49Deep Work by Cal Newport: 00:50:13Jabran Niaz on LinkedIn: 00:51:30Innovate Conference: 00:52:16Special Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaBrandon 00:00:00 When you look at profitability, there's the two biggest levers are really pricing and ad spend. Right. So you can you can price your product cheap and have lower ad spend and make the same amount as having a price that's expensive. But you've got to pump the ad spend, right. So it's kind of a fine balance between the two and kind of seeing, you know, can I lower ad spend here but keep pricing the same? Can I lower pricing and then lower AD spend to make up for that.Host 00:00:24 Right. Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. Are you ready to unlock the full potential and growth in your business? You've already crossed seven figures in sales, but the challenge is knowing how to take your business to the next level.Josh 00:00:37 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh

In this episode, host Josh interviews Steve Simonsen, CEO of SYMO Global, about strategies for private label sellers and brands facing economic challenges like inflation, rising Amazon fees, and shrinking margins. Steve shares actionable advice on SKU-level profitability analysis, disciplined inventory management, negotiating with suppliers, and liquidating slow-moving products. He emphasizes the importance of understanding financial statements and maintaining financial discipline. The conversation offers practical tips for navigating uncertain demand and highlights the need for proactive, data-driven decision-making to thrive during tough economic times.Chapters:Introduction & Economic Context (00:00:00)Josh introduces Steve Simonsen and sets the stage: inflation, rising Amazon fees, squeezed margins, and a pending recession.State of the Economy & Inventory Focus (00:00:55)Steve discusses the reality of the recession, economic slowdown, and the importance of managing inventory on the balance sheet.SKU-Level Profitability & Declining Unit Sales (00:02:03)Emphasis on granular SKU-level profitability analysis and the impact of declining unit sales despite higher top-line revenue.Supplier Negotiations & Cost Control (00:04:04)Strategies for negotiating with suppliers, leveraging currency shifts, and pushing back on costs to improve margins.Inventory Valuation & Trash to Cash (00:05:58)Advice on devaluing inventory, taking write-offs, and converting slow-moving inventory into cash.Liquidation Strategies & Q4 Considerations (00:07:21)How to liquidate inventory, use Q4 for retail-value sales, and categorize inventory for effective action.Actionable Takeaways Recap (00:08:46)Josh summarizes three actionable takeaways: SKU-level analysis, turning trash to cash, and cautious inventory forecasting.Financial Discipline & Mindset (00:11:06)Steve stresses the importance of understanding financials, cash flow, and developing discipline during tough economic times.Closing Thoughts & Contact Info (00:13:44)Final advice on mindset, encouragement for entrepreneurs, and where to follow or contact Steve.Links and Mentions:Tools and WebsitesParsimonyAdditional ResourcesSteve Simonsen on LinkedInTranscript:Josh 00:00:00 Today I'm speaking with Steve Simonsen, owner and CEO of SYMO Global. Steve, you've got such great experience. You have. It sounds like a great network in terms of supplier relationships. Because of your vast experience with SYMO Global, you've already got so many different contacts in those different countries as we were in a difficult economic period right now. Right. We have inflation that's been going up. Amazon fees continue to go up, right. margins are getting squeezed. And then we have this pending recession on our hands where consumers are starting to pull back on some of the consumer spending. I think we're seeing that. I want to ask what you're seeing from your perspective. And then for our audience that are established brands that want to take it to the next level. What should they be doing? What strategies should they be employing over the next little while?Steve 00:00:55 Gosh, yeah, that's there's a lot in there. And the truth is, like we're already in a recession, right? It doesn't matter what the politicians say.Steve 00:01:04 It matters only what the numbers say. And the numbers are very clear, right? There is a slowdown, not just a slowdown, a reduction of economic output. And that doesn't mean the world's coming to an end. It just means there are some economic, reasonable laws that have to be dealt with. Right. It's like gravity. You can't argue whether gravity exists or not. It's there and you have to deal with it. So, what that means to us is like dealing with, you know, a reducing kind of economy and an increasing level of inflation. This is the ultimate squeeze. Nobody wants to see it, but where it's upon us. So we're we're we approached this from a very disciplined mathematics perspective. Like we especially we look at the balance sheet. It's like what is the biggest thing on the balance sheet we need to manage. And for private label sellers it's all about inventory, right? There's nothing bigger on your balance sheet typically that inventory. You know, maybe you got some cash here and there.Steve 00:02:03 But if you're a growing business, inventory is dominating that balance sheet. And that means that inventory, which, you know, may exist as a single line item on your financials, I don't know. But we get granular. We want to know every line item. We want to know every Asin, every SKU. However you refer to it and we want to know its profitability. We want to know what people are going to do when it comes to crunch time, right. If demand goes down, I'm here's a little insider secret. It's already gone down, right? Yeah. Units sold are already down the the cost or the pricing. In other words, the sell through may be higher, but that's that's a misleading stat.

Athena is the mastermind behind the mastermind. Founder of China Magic - a 12-Day Sourcing Trip for Amazon Sellers, she helps Amazon Sellers scale to 7-8 figures through unique Events, Sourcing Trips and Masterminds to make life and business changing shifts towards more profit, prosperous relationships, and ultimate freedom.Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Importance of leadership and having a clear vision for business growth.Necessity of breaking down large goals into actionable steps.Emphasis on implementation over mere learning for business success.Mindset shifts required for transitioning from seven-figure to eight-figure businesses.Significance of networking and building relationships within the e-commerce community.Value of hiring quality talent over seeking the cheapest options.Role of masterminds and events in fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.Strategies for sustaining growth after reaching significant revenue milestones.Importance of continuous learning and adapting to challenges in the business landscape.Encouragement to view challenges as opportunities for innovation and growth.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Athena Severi, co-founder of Titan Network. Athena shares her expertise on scaling e-commerce businesses from seven to eight figures, emphasizing leadership, goal clarity, and the power of networking. Key insights include the importance of actionable steps, perseverance, and continuous learning. Athena also highlights the value of meaningful relationships and hiring the right talent. The episode provides practical advice for business owners aiming for sustainable growth, encouraging them to embrace challenges and focus on high-impact activities.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Prioritize Your Rate of Learning:Focus on learning that is directly applicable to your current business challenges. Seek out resources that address specific issues and implement what you learn immediately.Embrace Perseverance:View challenges as opportunities for growth. Understand that even established brands face difficulties and must adapt to survive. Cultivate resilience and a willingness to pivot when necessary.Engage in Meaningful Networking:Attend industry events with the intention of building relationships. Focus on the conversations that happen outside of formal presentations, as these interactions can lead to valuable insights and connections.Resources mentioned in this episode:Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:Ecomm BreakthroughJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] NetworkChina Magic TripWho: The A Method for Hiring by Geoff Smart on AmazonReady, Fire, Aim on AmazonBillion Dollar Seller SummitNordicTrack on AmazonLeyden Smithers on InstagramSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInNeil Patel on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorSponsor for this episode...This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaJosh Hadley 00:00:00 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Aaron Cordovez and Michael E Gerber, author of the E-myth. Today I am speaking with Athena Severi, the co-founder of Titan Network. This episode is brought to you by Ecomm Breakthrough, where I specialize in investing and scaling seven figure ecommerce brands to eight figures and beyond. If you're an ambitious e-commerce entrepreneur looking for that coach or consultant who can help take your business to the next level, reach out to me directly at Josh at Ecomm Breakthrough. Com. That's E-comm with two M's. And let's turn your dreams into reality. Today I'm excited to introduce you all to Athena Safari. Athena is the mastermind behind the mastermind. She is the founder of China m

In this Throwback episode, Chad Franzen interviews business leader Josh, who shares his proven framework for rapidly enhancing business performance. Josh outlines four key drivers of growth: product innovation, hiring talented people, sales and marketing, and implementing effective operational systems. Drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey, Josh provides practical examples and actionable advice for each area. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on these core levers to achieve quick, sustainable results. The episode offers valuable insights and resources for entrepreneurs looking to improve their businesses, with Josh inviting listeners to connect for further guidance.Chapters:Introduction and Framework Overview (00:00:00)Josh introduces Chad as the interviewer and outlines his four-part framework for enhancing business performance.Product Innovation (00:01:50)Josh discusses the importance of unique product innovation, sharing an example of educational posters during COVID-19.Hiring Smart People (00:05:29)Josh explains why hiring talented people is crucial, with examples of improving processes through expert team members.Sales and Marketing (00:10:54)Josh emphasizes sales and marketing as the lifeblood of any business, necessary before scaling other areas.Operations and Implementing an Operating System (00:11:59)Josh details the importance of operational systems for scaling, describing their meeting structure and management processes.Getting Started with Operating Systems (00:15:47)Josh gives advice on how to begin implementing an operating system, recommending resources and offering help.Conclusion and Farewell (00:17:23)Chad and Josh wrap up the episode and say goodbye to listeners.Links and Mentions:Meetings and FrameworksL10 Meeting4-1-1 MeetingsEOS FrameworkWebsitesEcomm BreakthroughRise25BooksThe E-MythTranscript:Josh 00:00:00 I have Chad Franzen here of rise 25, who has done hundreds of interviews with successful entrepreneurs and CEOs. We have flipped the script and he's going to be interviewing me today. Welcome, Chad.Chad 00:00:12 Hey, Josh, thanks. It's great to be here. today, I would love to talk about your approach to, enhancing the performance of a business in your years as a business leader. What kind of framework have you developed where you can just step in and kind of implement ways to enhance the performance of a business pretty quickly.Josh 00:00:28 Over the last few years, I think, as our own business has continued to grow in scale, and I needed to build out a leadership team, I needed to myself write down what I felt were the biggest drivers, needle movers, biggest levers that I can pull inside the business. And so it forced me to kind of like narrow it down to like, there's a million different things that I could be working on with inside the business, right? I could be working on just HR in and of itself.Josh 00:00:59 I could be working on marketing, social media. I could be working on, you know, accounting, finance. There's the list goes on and on and on. Right. So what I decided to do is just create like four areas where if we focus on these four areas within our business and we make strategic decisions, this should be able to make an impact if we pull this particular lever. So that's how I kind of identified these. And I have specific examples here that I'll share with you that that walk through kind of why I decided like this is a core area of the business rather than, you know, maybe accounting for example, and finance, although important, you know, these are the four core things that I can move into a business, make changes, and then be able to see growth happen real quick. Does that make sense?Chad 00:01:50 Yeah, absolutely. So the first one that you listed, of the four was product innovation. Tell me a little bit more about you know obviously it's very important, but tell me a little bit more about your thoughts on it.Josh 00:02:00 Yeah. In one of our earlier podcast episodes, I shared this as one of my biggest mistakes that I've made in a business, and that is kind of creating me two products or looking at the market and saying, well, they're doing well with this type of product. So obviously I should just introduce something similar and I'm going to have similar results. What I have learned from launching over 1300 different products at this point is that you need to bring something unique to the table. creating meta products is never going to serve you in the long run. If if you do stumble upon something and it works. It's going to be a short term win in my opinion. So one of the examples that I would give you is, you know, one of the products that we launched during Covid, was educational posters. Okay. So obviously with homeschool, becoming more of a thing during Covid. Back in 2020, we our business had to pivot. We looked at, you know, different home school supplies and different things that we could launch to cater to that market because it was such a it wa

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

In this Throwback episode, Amazon brand-building expert Kevin shares advanced strategies for established sellers aiming to scale to eight figures and beyond. He emphasizes the shift from selling generic products to building authentic brands, leveraging Amazon as a distribution channel rather than the sole platform. Kevin discusses creative tactics for collecting customer data—like compelling insert cards and personalized experiences—and highlights the importance of nurturing an engaged email list. The conversation covers email marketing best practices, the challenges of today’s Amazon landscape, and actionable steps for long-term brand growth both on and off Amazon.Chapters:The Shift to Real Brand Building on Amazon (00:00:00)Discussion on the end of "me-too" products and the need for genuine brand building to scale on Amazon.What Makes a Real Brand (00:01:41)Explains the difference between a product and a true brand, using search volume and customer recognition as benchmarks.Owning Customer Data & Creative Inserts (00:02:37)Importance of collecting customer data, using creative insert cards, and leveraging off-Amazon channels for customer relationships.Pet Brand Example: Insert Offers & Birthday Campaigns (00:03:27)Detailed example of using free sample offers, pet registration, and birthday postcards to build loyalty and collect data.Email Marketing Challenges & Deliverability (00:07:40)Covers issues with email engagement, deliverability, and strategies to stay out of spam folders.Email Frequency & Value-Driven Content (00:09:18)Best practices for email frequency, balancing value and promotions, and the importance of testing.Testing Offers & Audience Warmth (00:10:42)The need to test different offers and tailor messaging based on audience familiarity with the brand.Actionable Takeaways for Amazon Sellers (00:12:01)Summarizes three key actions: build a real brand, create an email list, and provide value to your audience.Top Billion Dollar Seller Summit Speakers (00:13:45)Kevin names top speakers/attendees to follow for Amazon growth insights: Brandon Young, Casey Goss, and Josh Hadley.How to Connect with Kevin (00:16:33)Kevin shares the best way to contact him—primarily via Facebook.Links and Mentions:Tools and WebsitesShopifyWooCommerceAmazon Prime now Prime VideoTaxJarBillion Dollar Seller SummitRecommended SpeakersBrandon Young on LinkedInTranscript:Josh 00:00:00 You talked a lot about how important brand building is on Amazon now, as our audience primarily has established Amazon businesses, they've already found success, but they're looking to go to eight figures and beyond. You know, what do you see going on in the Amazon space right now? And some of the advice and strategies that you would recommend to establish sellers right now?Kevin 00:00:23 Yeah, that's a tough one because some of them are going to need to pivot, and it's going to be a little bit of a hard pivot because in the past on Amazon, there's a lot of people that built successful businesses and even exited successful businesses just basically finding opportunities. Sticking a name on it, you know, on a label on it and selling it, then selling that to an aggregator. But that's those days are pretty much over. I'm not going to say it doesn't happen. It could still happen here and there. And then there's a lot of people, as you know, that may have started with a small amount of money, and that's way more difficult now.Kevin 00:00:52 Not that you can't do it, but, you know, I always say, I always hear stories that people say, yeah, I started with 500 bucks and now I got an eight figure business. And I always say, RBS, you might have started with $500. That may be true. But two weeks later, your uncle gave you ten grand. Or somebody. You got a credit card or you did something. There's just no way it did. That just flat out does not happen. from 500. There was something else along the way. It might not be the money out of your pocket, but there's something else along the way in those days are much more difficult now. And as Amazon's you know Amazon's everything is more towards rewarding brands. You know the brand registry the brand analytics the all the different you know the advertising thing. Everything is there trying to reward those brands. It's because they're trying to clean it up as well. They don't want just this hodgepodge, flea market on there. They want, you know, people.Kevin 00:01:41 They're coming for brands. And a lot of people think they're a brand and they're really not. I say that if you don't have at least 3000 searches a month on your brand name on Amazon, on Amazon, because Amazon is so big, you're not a brand. If people are not looking for you, buy that that brand name and typing that in and you can see it in brand analytics and it's got like 3000 searches a month or more, then you're actually not a brand. You're just a product. And so that's where a lot of people get confused. And a brand is not a logo.

Ben Arneberg began his career as a US Air Force satellite engineer and member of the Air Force Parachute Team where he learned to take calculated risks that end in success. He’s a serial entrepreneur with three exits. Founder of PetHonesty, a consumer brand improving pet health. He’s an investor, passionate about disruptive technologies, education, and helping others find and live out their dreams.Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Transition from military service to entrepreneurship in e-commerce.Key business principles for successful brand building and exits.Growth strategies for scaling a brand, specifically Pet Honesty.Importance of cash flow management and financial strategies.Hiring top talent and the significance of a strong team.Building and leveraging an advisory board for guidance.Networking strategies to attract skilled professionals.The role of personal development in overcoming business challenges.Emphasis on having a clear vision and aligning goals with values.Iteration and continuous learning as essential components of success.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Ben Arneberg, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Pet Honesty. Ben shares his journey from a U.S. Air Force satellite engineer to a successful e-commerce entrepreneur with three business exits. He discusses scaling Pet Honesty from zero to $70 million in revenue in three years, emphasizing the importance of strategic hiring, cash flow management, and leveraging a strong network. Ben also highlights the value of having an advisory board and the significance of personal development and clear vision in achieving entrepreneurial success.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Focus on One Venture for Scalable GrowthInstead of spreading resources across multiple ventures, commit to one business with strong market potential. Prioritize product-market fit and allocate energy toward scaling efficiently.Hire Strategically and Build a Strong NetworkInvest in top talent early to delegate operational tasks and focus on high-level strategy. Leverage industry connections and referrals to attract skilled professionals who align with the company’s vision.Manage Cash Flow Proactively for Sustainable Scaling Use creative financial strategies such as leveraging credit lines and optimizing manufacturing processes to maintain liquidity. Consider local production to secure better terms and reduce working capital requirements. Resources mentioned in this episode:Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:Ecomm BreakthroughJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] by Greg McKeown on AmazonWho Not How on AmazonHigh Growth Handbook on AmazonThe One Thing on AmazonPet Honesty on AmazonKeith CunninghamSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorSponsor for this episode...This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaJosh 00:00:00 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Aaron Cordovez and Michael Gerber, author of the E-myth. Today I am speaking with Ben Arneberg, and we're going to be talking about timeless business principles that allowed him to exit three different brands, and how he's on a journey now where he doesn't even care about money because he is focused on the intrinsic value of what he's giving back to society. I think that's everything that we all want to strive to be as entrepreneurs, and he's going to show us how he's been able to achieve that in his life. This episode is brought to you by Ecomm Breakthrough, where I specialize in investing in and scaling seven figure ecommerce brands t...

In this Throwback episode, Chad Franzen interviews Josh, who shares his proven seven-step hiring process designed for business owners scaling to 8 figures and beyond. Josh details how to define roles, set KPIs, attract top talent, and rigorously assess candidates through assessments, test projects, and in-depth interviews. Listeners will learn actionable strategies to efficiently filter large applicant pools and secure high-performing team members. Chad and Josh’s discussion is packed with practical tips and real-world examples, offering a blueprint for building world-class teams and accelerating business growth.Chapters:Overview of the Seven Steps (00:00:00)Josh outlines the seven-step process for hiring effective team players, giving a broad overview.Introduction of Chad Frandsen and Episode Context (00:01:18)Chad is introduced as the interviewer, and the episode’s focus on hiring is set.Step 1: Define the Role and Success Criteria (00:01:52)Discussion on clearly defining the role, identifying business bottlenecks, and conducting a time study.Step 2: Set KPIs and Responsibilities (00:03:21)Explains how to set measurable KPIs and clarify day-to-day responsibilities for the role.Step 3: List the Job on Multiple Sites (00:04:37)Covers creating a compelling job description and posting it on various job sites, especially for international hires.Step 4: Applicant Assessments (00:06:06)Describes using assessments (like Criteria Corp) to quickly filter a large pool of applicants.Step 5: Test Projects for Applicants (00:07:44)Explains giving test projects to shortlisted candidates and provides examples of effective test assignments.Step 6: Conduct Interviews (00:12:09)Details the interview process, focusing on identifying patterns of success and using reference-based questions.Step 7: Extend Offer and Role Profile (00:14:23)Discusses making the final offer, sometimes to multiple candidates, and ensuring clarity with a role profile document.Reflections and Closing Remarks (00:15:27)Josh reflects on the process’s effectiveness, and both speakers conclude the episode.Links and Mentions:Tools and Websites Upwork now Fiverr Online Jobs Indeed Criteria Corp Books and Case Studies Harvard Business Review Case StudiesTranscript:Chad 00:00:00 Why don't you go through the seven steps? Just kind of a broad view of the seven steps, and then we'll dive into each one individually. Awesome. All right.Josh 00:00:07 So there's seven main steps to hiring a effective a team player for your business. Number one is you've got to define the role and what success looks like. Number two you've got to set KPIs and identify what the day to day responsibilities and tasks are going to be. Number three, you've got to list the job and on multiple websites and promote it on multiple websites. Step number four is once you start receiving applicants, you need to have those applicants take assessments. Step number five you need to give those applicants that pass your assessments test projects to complete. And step number six, those people that pass your test projects that you give them. You need to actually do interviews with them. Okay. And during these interviews you'll be looking for a pattern of success in their career. We'll dive into all of these in more detail, but step number seven is to extend the offer in correlation with having them sign a role profile document so that everybody is on the same page in terms of what the expectations are, so that when they start, they understand that this is a probationary time.Josh 00:01:18 They've got to earn the job. Today I'm excited to introduce to you Chad Franzen. He is here with rise 25, who has done hundreds of interviews with successful entrepreneurs and CEOs. We have flipped the script and he will be interviewing me today.Chad 00:01:34 the last time we spoke, we spoke about kind of the some of the difficulties you had getting going with various things. And one of those things was hiring people and kind of hiring them into ambiguous roles. Now, I know the thing. The time period you talked about was a few years ago. You've certainly drilled that down. And we'd like to talk about maybe your hiring process this time.Josh 00:01:52 You've got to be able to clearly articulate what success looks like from the onset and also understand how. Why is that one of the most pressing issues in your business right now? Why are you hiring them? So that's the first step is is actually defining the role. So what does this mean? It means you need to go through and assess in your business where is your biggest bottleneck.Josh 00:02:15 And rather than just saying, hey, I look at all these other companies and everybody has, let's say an operations manager. Just because everybody else has an operations manager doesn't mean that that needs to be your first hire. So you do a two week time study where you're literally analyzing where you spend your time every 15 minutes of the day. This is even personal time and your work

Aaron Young is a renowned entrepreneur with more than 40 years experience and several dozen multi-million dollar companies under his belt. Aaron has made it his life’s work to arm business owners with success formulas that immediately provide exponential growth and protection. Fully embodying his concept of the Unshackled Owner, he inspires others to do the same by empowering them to build strong companies while proactively protecting their dreams. Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Building and scaling businesses, particularly in the e-commerce sector.The importance of defining personal success and setting clear goals.Recognizing and leveraging personal strengths while delegating weaknesses.Hiring practices focused on cultural fit and complementary skills.Creating effective organizational structures and forward-looking charts.Implementing accountability measures through key performance indicators (KPIs) and scoreboards.Cultivating an intentional corporate culture that encourages innovation.Learning from real-world experiences and continuous education.The significance of creating systems for business independence and scalability.Strategies for maintaining personal fulfillment and legacy in entrepreneurship.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley welcomes Aaron Young, a seasoned entrepreneur and author of "The Unshackled." Aaron shares invaluable insights on scaling e-commerce businesses from seven to eight figures. Key topics include the importance of building autonomous business systems, defining personal success, and leveraging team strengths. Aaron emphasizes hiring for cultural fit, creating forward-looking organizational charts, and implementing KPIs for accountability. He also discusses the significance of a strong corporate culture and legacy building. This episode offers practical strategies for business owners aiming to achieve sustainable growth and long-term success.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:1. Systematize and Automate for Scalability – Develop detailed operating procedures and leverage automation to reduce manual effort. This ensures the business can run efficiently without requiring constant oversight, freeing up time for strategic growth. 2. Build a Team That Complements Your Skills – Identify your strengths and weaknesses, then hire team members who fill the gaps. Prioritize cultural fit and empower your team to make decisions, fostering a self-sustaining and innovative work environment. 3. Set Clear, Incremental Goals with a Defined 'Why' – Clearly define what success means to you and break down large objectives into manageable milestones. Understanding your motivation behind these goals helps maintain long-term focus and drive.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] E-Myth by Michael E. GerberChatGPTMagnify Your WealthThe Unshackled Owner"Who Not How" on AmazonThe Science of Getting Rich on AmazonLinkedInIndeedSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorSponsor for this episode...This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started my business in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then email me at [email protected] and in your subject line say “strategy audit” for the chance to win a $10,000 comprehensive business strategy audit at no cost!Transcript AreaJosh Hadley 00:00:00 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Aaron Cordovez and Michael E Gerber, author of the E-myth. Today I'm speaking with Aaron Young, the author of the book The Unshackled. This episode is brought to you by Ecomm Breakthrough, where I specialize in investing in and scaling seven figure ecommerce brands to eight figures and beyond. If you're an ambitious e-commerce entrepreneur looking for a partner or a coach who can help you take your business to the next level, I bring hands on expe

In this Throwback episode, Josh interviews Tyler Greg, founder of Ampd, about the game-changing strategy of driving Google Ads traffic directly to Amazon listings. Tyler explains how leveraging Google Ads—rather than sending traffic to standalone e-commerce sites—enables sellers to capitalize on Amazon’s superior conversion rates and boost keyword rankings. They discuss Amazon’s own traffic arbitrage, the benefits of Amazon-compliant (white hat) tactics, and how sellers can maximize ROI, reduce fees, and build defensible brands by combining external traffic with Amazon’s brand-building tools. Actionable tips for scaling to 8 figures and beyond are shared throughout.Chapters:Amazon’s Google Ads Arbitrage Explained (00:00:00)How Amazon buys Google Ads cheaply, drives traffic to search result pages, and resells clicks at a higher price.Introduction to Tyler and Ampd (00:00:40)Josh introduces Tyler Greg and Ampd’s expertise in Google Ads to Amazon traffic.Ampd’s Origin Story (00:01:12)Tyler shares how Ampd started as a data science platform for Google Ads to DTC stores in 2015.Transition to Automated Bidding (00:02:04)Google’s shift to automated bidding forced Ampd to rethink their approach and product offering.Early Focus on Shopify and BigCommerce (00:03:08)Ampd built tools for Shopify/BigCommerce, but struggled with low conversion rates on DTC stores.Switching Traffic to Amazon (00:04:23)Ampd decided to send Google Ads traffic to Amazon for higher conversion rates and better results.Amazon Affiliate Program Insights (00:05:18)Using Amazon’s affiliate program, Ampd discovered 30% of Google Ads clicks resulted in Amazon purchases.Conversion Rate Analysis (00:05:50)Discussion on how often external traffic buys advertised vs. other products, and the impact on conversion rates.Why Amazon Incentivizes External Traffic (00:07:18)Explains Amazon’s motivation for encouraging sellers to drive external traffic due to high overall conversion.Amazon’s Massive Google Ads Spend (00:08:18)Tyler discusses Amazon’s huge annual spend on Google Ads and the two main ad types: Shopping and Search.Difference Between Shopping and Search Ads (00:08:34)Breakdown of how Amazon uses Shopping ads for direct listings and Search ads for broader traffic.How Brands Can Compete with Amazon Ads (00:10:06)Case studies on replacing Amazon’s ads with your own to get cheaper, more direct traffic to listings.Building a Competitive Moat with External Traffic (00:10:39)Josh explains how external Google Ads traffic can help brands dominate and protect their Amazon position.Actionable Takeaways for Sellers (00:11:19)Summary of strategies: boosting keyword rankings, using white hat tactics, and testing Google Ads to Amazon.Three Key Focus Areas for Google Ads to Amazon (00:12:19)Emphasizes keyword selection, ad copy, and optimizing landing/store pages for best results.Shopify vs. Amazon for Google Ads Traffic (00:13:35)Tyler compares benefits of sending Google Ads to Amazon vs. Shopify, including conversion rates and branding.Brand Referral Bonus and Seller Fees (00:14:32)Explains Amazon’s 10% brand referral bonus, making fees competitive with Shopify for Google Ads traffic.Conclusion and Final Thoughts (00:15:09)Wrap-up and final remarks on the value of sending Google Ads traffic to Amazon.Links and Mentions:Tools and Websites Ampd Shopify BigCommerce Amazon Affiliate Program Amazon Attribution Transcript:Tyler 00:00:00 But what Amazon does with search ads is they buy it on Google often, you know, 30, 40, $0.50 per click. The average CPC on Google is about $0.60. They buy it first, call it $0.60, and they send it to a search result page. They do search, find, buy and you're not allowed to do it. Amazon. Yeah, of course they sent it to a search result page where they then have that page covered in sponsored ads. Yeah, that all cost $1.30 per click. Yeah. And so Amazon buys it for 60. They resell that traffic for $1.30. And they take that difference there. Arbitrage again. It's fascinating. Yeah it's it's genius. Genius.Josh 00:00:40 I never thought of it that way. But now I'm like my mind is now open. And I'm like, okay, that that makes ten times more sense now. Today I'm excited to introduce you all to Tyler. Greg Tyler and his team at Ampd are big data analysts who have spent seven plus years building Google ad tech and now bring that technology and knowledge to the Amazon industry, allowing Amazon sellers to unlock Google ads.Josh 00:01:03 Welcome to the podcast, Tyler.Tyler 00:01:05 Hey Josh, thanks so much for having me today and excited to be here and talk a little bit about Google ads. But, you know, talk about e-commerce in general.Josh 00:01:12 How did Ampd get started? What brought you to where you guys are today? And what I would argue to say is the kind of the name brand of bringing external Google ad traffic to Amazon.Tyler 00:01:24 Yeah, definitely. And so kind of quick background on Ampd is we are Google ads to Amazon experts. That is al

Kris Dehnert, he is the owner of Dugout Mugs, Bigg Golf, and Dehnert Media, and has been a digital entrepreneur since 2006 where he leveraged the power of a "new site" called Facebook to revolutionize the gym industry. Since then, he boasts over $70M in online sales, is a 3 time Inc. 5000 finalist, made the cover of Tampa Bay Business and Wealth Magazine, been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur Fast 50. Seen on CBS Morning, FOX & Friends, World News Tonight & Good Morning America!Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Kris Dehnert's entrepreneurial journey and background in digital marketing.The significance of understanding and defining the target customer base.Strategies for building a loyal customer base and community engagement.The importance of creativity in product development and innovation.Effective marketing strategies, including the use of tripwires and upsells.Leveraging technology and tools for customer relationship management and marketing.The role of data segmentation in understanding customer behavior and preferences.Insights on collaboration and partnerships within the e-commerce space.The impact of perspective on business decisions and personal fulfillment.Emphasizing long-term vision and happiness in entrepreneurship.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley engages with Kris Dehnert, CEO of Dugout Mugs. Kris shares his journey from digital marketing to achieving over $70 million in online sales. He emphasizes the importance of understanding your core customer, nurturing relationships, and leveraging innovative marketing strategies. Kris discusses building a loyal customer base, effective use of technology, and creative product development. He also highlights the significance of long-term vision and personal fulfillment in entrepreneurship. This episode offers valuable insights for 6-7 figure business owners aiming to scale to 8 figures and beyond.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Deeply Understand Your Customers to Drive SalesConduct regular surveys and analyze customer data to identify purchase patterns and unmet needs.Segment your audience based on demographics and behavior to personalize marketing efforts.Implement tripwire offers and upsells to maximize customer lifetime value.Leverage Innovation and Collaboration for GrowthContinuously seek customer feedback to improve and expand product offerings.Partner with complementary brands and explore affiliate marketing to lower customer acquisition costs.Test new product ideas on a small scale, iterate based on feedback, and scale successful innovations.Prioritize Long-Term Vision and Work-Life BalanceSet long-term business goals that align with your values and contribute to personal fulfillment.Balance daily tasks between immediate revenue generation and future growth initiatives.Focus on creating meaningful relationships with customers and partners to sustain long-term success.Resources mentioned in this episode:Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:Ecomm BreakthroughJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: Josh@eCommBreakthrough.comAmazonTeespringShopifySurveyMonkeyFacebookKlaviyoGo High LevelYotpoEmotiveShopify CollectiveClaudeChatGPTDugout MugsLinkedInThe SandlotThe Four Hour Workweek by Tim FerrissStart With Why by Simon SinekThe One Thing by Gary KellerHold On to Your Kids by Gordon NeufeldStrong Father, Strong Daughter by Meg MeekerGary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee)Special Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on ...

In this Throwback episode, Josh, a seasoned entrepreneur, is interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise 25. Josh shares five costly mistakes he made scaling his Amazon-based business, including over-diversifying sales channels, hiring without clear roles, delaying process documentation, underinvesting in talent, and launching unoriginal products. Their candid discussion offers actionable lessons for 6-7 figure business owners aiming for 8 figures: focus on your best channels, hire strategically, document processes early, invest in quality talent, and prioritize innovation. Listeners gain practical insights to avoid common pitfalls and accelerate their path to greater scale and profitability.Chapters:Introduction & Overview of 5 Mistakes (00:00:00)Josh introduces the five major mistakes he made in his entrepreneurial journey.Mistake 1: Over-Diversifying Sales Channels (00:01:09)Josh discusses spreading efforts too thin by moving from Amazon to Shopify and Etsy, and the resulting lack of success.Mistake 2: Hiring Without Clearly Defined Roles (00:04:01)Josh explains hiring people without clear roles, leading to ineffective hires and wasted resources.Mistake 3: Waiting Too Long to Document Processes (00:06:13)Josh talks about delaying documentation of business processes, which hindered scalability and efficiency.Mistake 4: Hiring at the Cheapest Rate Possible (00:08:05)Josh describes the pitfalls of trying to hire the cheapest talent, and the benefits of investing in quality hires.Mistake 5: Launching "Me-Too" Products (00:10:46)Josh shares lessons from launching unoriginal products and the importance of unique, differentiated offerings.Key Takeaways & Ideal Process (00:12:48)Josh summarizes the main lessons learned and outlines the ideal process he wishes he had followed.Closing Remarks (00:15:37)Chad and Josh wrap up the episode and thank each other.Links and Mentions:Tools and WebsitesAmazonShopifyEtsyTranscript:Josh 00:00:00 For everybody listening. You're able to avoid these mistakes that I made and help you move faster in your own journey as an entrepreneur. So let's talk about mistake number one is thinking that I have to be diversified in every sales channel, possibly or possible out there. Okay. Number two is going to be hiring people without having like clearly defined roles and probably hiring people to just solve a problem without me actually understanding the problem and very clearly defining that role. Number three is going to be waiting too long to document the processes in my business. And then number four is hiring trying to hire people at the cheapest rate possible. And then number five is launching or creating me two products that aren't 100% original or unique. So those are going to be like the five big mistakes that I'd love to share with the audience today. Today I am excited. I have Chad Franzen in here of rise 25, who has done hundreds of interviews with successful entrepreneurs and CEOs. We have flipped the script and he will be interviewing me today.Chad 00:01:09 Yeah. You know, when I hear you list those mistakes, I think, like, I think most people would probably think along the same lines, that you were thinking maybe when you first started making those mistakes. So I think it'll be very, interesting and informative to hear some kind of your journey regarding these mistakes. Why don't we start with the first one? Having you felt like you had to diversify the business and communicate through all channels. Tell me, maybe what your thought process was going in and why. That seemed like a good idea at the time.Josh 00:01:36 With Amazon, we were selling physical products, right? And we had this great idea that's like, hey, let's diversify ourselves. Let's go create a Shopify site. And then, hey, there's also this good opportunity on on Etsy where people are selling these digital files. And so we had this genius idea at the time that was like, okay, so many people talk about how, you know, physical products, brands, you know, so much crap gets tied up in inventory that cash flow becomes a problem.Josh 00:02:08 So, yeah, I think it would be great if we did just digital products. Let's go dominate that on Etsy. And then let's open up our own Shopify site. We can maybe sell some of our physical products there, but let's really sell these digital products. And again, we did this all out of fear and running away from Amazon, which was which was working great for us. So we end up going in and we spend literally we spent the last those next three years from 2017 until 2020, we spent building out our our Shopify site, which honestly like I think the best day we had was like maybe like 1 or $200, which is just like laughable. as we looked at Amazon, we're making, you know, thousands of dollars a day there. so we spent three years working on Shopify. Then we're like, oh, we just need to figure out this external traffic thing and drive more traffic to our own Shopify site. So then we build a blog,

Matt is a seasoned entrepreneur and powerhouse in the ecommerce world. Over the last 30 years, he’s launched and scaled businesses across industries, from concrete and brick-and-mortar ventures to thriving ecommerce brands. As the Managing partner at Build Grow Scale, Matt has personally helped hundreds of store owners reach and surpass the million-dollar mark, with many hitting $10M+. A sought-after speaker, Matt has graced stages across North America, sharing his expertise on ecommerce optimization and growth strategies with audiences from around the globe.Book a Discovery Call with Build Grow Scale and get a breakdown of where your site is leaking conversions.No fluff. No guesswork. Just proven strategies that work.Book your CRO strategy call here https://buildgrowscale.com/book-a-callHighlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Transition from retail arbitrage to private label brands in e-commerce.Importance of delegation and hiring the right people for business growth.Learning from failures and embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth.Strategy of acquiring existing Facebook groups to access established audiences.Challenges faced in scaling e-commerce businesses, including inventory management.The role of TikTok and other marketing channels in driving sales.Prioritizing resources effectively for sustainable growth.Emphasis on focusing on high-return products and optimizing cash flow.Importance of building a cohesive brand identity in a competitive market.Strategies for expanding into direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales and retail channels.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley chats with Matthew Stafford, managing partner at Build Grow Scale, about achieving e-commerce success through effective systems and strategies. Matthew shares insights on conversion rate optimization, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer feedback and optimizing checkout processes. Key takeaways include adopting a long-term business mindset, prioritizing exceptional customer service, and eliminating ambiguity in customer communications. Matthew also highlights the value of showcasing responsiveness to customer feedback and leveraging AI for data analysis. This episode offers actionable tips for scaling e-commerce businesses to eight figures and beyond.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Regular Reviews: Schedule regular reviews of customer feedback and website performance.Data-Driven Decisions: Use data to inform decisions and prioritize improvements.Stay Agile: Be willing to adapt and make changes based on new insights and feedback.Resources mentioned in this episode:Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:Ecomm BreakthroughJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] OrangeBuild Grow Scale "Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini Letting Go by David Hawkins Special Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaJosh Hadley 00:00:00 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Aaron Cordovez and Michael Gerber, author of the E-myth. Today I am speaking with Matthew Stafford, and he is going to be talking about how e-commerce success isn't just about luck, it's about systems. It's learning what customers actually want and implementing proven strategies to boost conversions, setting up your business for long term success and scalable growth. This episode is brought to you by Ecomm Breakthrough, where I specialize in investing in and scaling seven figure ecommerce brands to eight ...

In this Throwback episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews serial entrepreneur Roland Frasier on scaling ecommerce businesses from seven to eight figures and beyond. Roland shares actionable strategies around business acquisitions, including seven key categories: competitors, media, teams, products, affiliates, supply chain, and intellectual property. He explains how acquiring proven assets—rather than building from scratch—can accelerate growth, reduce costs, and expand market reach. The conversation also covers practical tips on systematizing operations and quick profit wins, providing high-level insights for ambitious business owners ready to break through growth plateaus.Chapters:Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)Host introduces Roland Frazier and outlines the focus on acquisitions, strategic relationships, and marketing for scaling ecommerce.Why Acquisitions Matter (00:00:54)Roland explains why acquisitions are a key strategy for successful business growth, especially for scaling quickly.Seven Categories of Acquisitions: Horizontal Integration (00:01:05)Discussion of acquiring competitors (horizontal integration) as a way to double business size instantly.Acquiring Media Assets (00:02:09)Explains the value of acquiring media channels (blogs, newsletters, podcasts, social groups) to own customer attention.Owning vs. Renting Media (00:03:16)Benefits of owning media versus renting, including control over messaging and customer access.Types of Media Acquisitions (00:04:17)Covers various media types to acquire, including blogs, Amazon listings, and social media groups.Micro-Influencers and Small Media Deals (00:06:26)How small media assets, often run by micro-influencers, can be acquired affordably for business growth.Acquiring Teams and Infrastructure (00:07:15)Introduction to "aqua hiring"—acquiring companies for their teams and operational infrastructure.Acquiring Products, Services, and Affiliates (00:07:32)Strategies for acquiring complementary products, services, and even affiliates to boost sales and margins.Supply Chain and Distribution Acquisitions (00:08:28)Explains acquiring suppliers, distributors, and other value chain participants to capture more profit.Acquiring Intellectual Property (00:10:15)Discusses licensing or acquiring intellectual property to innovate and expand product offerings.Summary of Seven Acquisition Categories (00:10:27)Roland summarizes the seven main acquisition categories and the vast opportunities within each.Actionable Takeaways for Listeners (00:12:01)Host recaps three actionable steps: identify acquisition targets, raise prices/negotiate terms, and create SOPs.Book Recommendation: Black Box Thinking (00:13:34)Roland recommends "Black Box Thinking" and shares its impact on his business mindset.Where to Find Roland Frazier (00:14:51)Roland shares where listeners can connect with him, his challenge, podcast, and social media.Episode Wrap-Up (00:15:25)Host thanks Roland and closes the episode.Links and Mentions:Tools and Websites Get Epic Challenge Epic Network Business Lunch Podcast Books Black Box Thinking Social Media Links Roland Fraiser on LinkedInTranscript:Josh Hadley 00:00:00 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast where I interview the top business leaders in eCommerce. I'm your host, Josh Hadley. Today I'm speaking with Roland Frasier, a serial entrepreneur. And we will be talking about business acquisitions, strategic relationships and marketing as different levers that you can pull to help take your business to the next level for our audience. So ecommerce entrepreneurs here. Ideally, in that seven figure range, they've probably just crossed that seven figure mark. Right. And they may or may not have hit a plateau. Right. But they know that they want to make a lasting impact in the world. They know that their business has a lot of potential, but maybe they don't know exactly what the next steps are, or they're looking for different levers that they can pull to maybe get to that eight figure mark or grow and expand. tell me how acquisitions fit with inside of, you know, being able to scale and grow a business.Roland Frasier 00:00:54 Yeah. So I think acquisitions are if you look at what do the wealthiest, most successful players on the planet do? They acquire companies.Roland Frasier 00:01:05 They generally are not inventing things. They are finding people who have done something that they feel could enhance their business, and then they're acquiring from those people. Whatever it is they built. And what one of the tools that that kind of came out of teaching this is that I found there's really seven primary categories that can dramatically impact your ability to grow your business through acquisitions. The first one is what they call horizontal, integration, which is just acquiring your competitors. And that one seems like that one makes a lot of sense. But it's not just buying your competitors because like, if you want to dou

Garland and his business partners have been building the next generation of CPG brands with the company that he co-founded Atlas Brands. They have sold over $100 million in revenue with over 5 million units sold. It’s truly an amazing journey from reselling products to building 8 figure Brands. Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Transition from retail arbitrage to private label brands in e-commerce.Importance of delegation and hiring the right people for business growth.Learning from failures and embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth.Strategy of acquiring existing Facebook groups to access established audiences.Challenges faced in scaling e-commerce businesses, including inventory management.The role of TikTok and other marketing channels in driving sales.Prioritizing resources effectively for sustainable growth.Emphasis on focusing on high-return products and optimizing cash flow.Importance of building a cohesive brand identity in a competitive market.Strategies for expanding into direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales and retail channels.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley welcomes Garland Sullivan, co-founder of Atlas Brands, who shares his journey of scaling his e-commerce brand to over $100 million in revenue. Garland discusses transitioning from retail arbitrage to private label, emphasizing the importance of delegation, learning from failures, and strategic hiring. He reveals a unique strategy of acquiring existing Facebook groups to tap into established audiences. The conversation covers challenges in scaling, optimizing direct-to-consumer strategies, and prioritizing resources effectively. Garland’s insights provide a roadmap for e-commerce entrepreneurs aiming to scale their businesses to eight figures and beyond.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Focus on ROI: Concentrate on your proven business models and ensure they are generating sufficient profit before diversifying.Emphasize the "Who" over the "How": Hiring the right talent is crucial for success. Delegating responsibilities allows entrepreneurs to focus on high-impact areas.Prioritize High-Leverage Activities: As a CEO or co-founder, it’s essential to focus on activities that will drive future growth, such as exploring new product opportunities or sales channels.Resources mentioned in this episode:Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:Ecomm BreakthroughJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] TikTok ShopMeta AdsAG1ChatGPTBuy Back Your Time by Dan MartellHow to Win Friends and Influence PeopleGood to Great by Jim CollinsAlex HormoziSimon SinekRussell BrunsonLogan from Physician's ChoiceSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript Area00:00:00 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guest include Kevin King, Aaron Cordova's, and Michael E Gerber, author of the E-myth. Today I'm speaking with Garland Sullivan. He's the cofounder of Atlas Brands, and he is going to be sharing the lessons that he has learned as they have scaled up their brand and have sold over a total of $100 million in ...

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, w

Brandon is the co-founder of the fastest growing AI powered Amazon research and marketing software, Data Dive. His strengths lie in his in-depth knowledge of Amazon’s ranking algorithm and ability to create data-based processes which improve the success rates and profitability of FBA businesses. He also founded Seller Systems, a college level course and mastermind community with educational content for Amazon sellers (www.seller-systems.com). Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Strategies for increasing revenue in e-commerce businesses.Importance of customer segmentation and understanding customer behavior.RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary) analysis for identifying valuable customers.Data-driven decision-making and leveraging analytics for growth.Focus on customer lifetime value (LTV) and its impact on marketing budgets.Continuous improvement and iterative assessment of marketing strategies.Diversification of sales channels beyond platforms like Amazon.Utilizing direct mail as a complementary marketing channel.Emphasis on brand visibility and presence across multiple platforms.Cost-cutting strategies and prioritizing profitability over revenue.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Brandon Young, co-founder of Data Dive and an eight-figure Amazon seller. They discuss the evolving challenges in the Amazon e-commerce space, such as margin compression and increased competition. Brandon emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, delayed gratification, and leveraging AI for scaling. Key takeaways include focusing on leading actions, differentiating your brand, and investing in skilled talent. They also touch on the significance of management systems and the role of AI tools in business. Brandon invites listeners to explore Data Dive and upcoming training programs for further growth.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Focus on Leading ActionsBrand owners should identify and measure leading actions that will drive future profits and revenue, rather than just focusing on lagging metrics.Differentiate Your BrandIt's essential to stand out in the market through unique products, licensing deals, or intellectual property. Utilizing AI proactively can also provide a competitive edge.Invest in TalentHiring skilled talent is crucial for scaling. Brandon warns against hiring low-cost virtual assistants without considering their potential for growth. Investing in capable individuals can lead to a stronger team and better business outcomes.Resources mentioned in this episode:Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:Ecomm BreakthroughJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] Data DiveSeller SystemsFaireWalmartAmazon MCF (Multichannel Fulfillment)TikTok ShopPickFuHelium 10MidjourneyStockfishMarket Masters with Kevin KingFour Disciplines of ExecutionMeasure What MattersScaling UpSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaJosh Hadley 00:00:00 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Aaron Cordovez and Michael E Gerber, author of the E-myth. Today I'm speaking with the one and only Brandon Young, the man behind Stellar systems and eight figure Amazon seller ...

Drew Sanocki, he is 25 year DTC veteran who pivoted from a turnaround CEO to a SAAS founder. Drew's known for turning around 3 x hundred million dollar brands that were bleeding cash and shepherding them to an exit. He now runs PostPilot, the top direct mail platform for Shopify. Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Strategies for increasing revenue in e-commerce businesses.Importance of customer segmentation and understanding customer behavior.RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary) analysis for identifying valuable customers.Data-driven decision-making and leveraging analytics for growth.Focus on customer lifetime value (LTV) and its impact on marketing budgets.Continuous improvement and iterative assessment of marketing strategies.Diversification of sales channels beyond platforms like Amazon.Utilizing direct mail as a complementary marketing channel.Emphasis on brand visibility and presence across multiple platforms.Cost-cutting strategies and prioritizing profitability over revenue.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Drew Sanocki, a 25-year veteran in direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce and founder of Post Pilot. The discussion centers on strategies for scaling e-commerce businesses, focusing on customer segmentation, data analytics, and revenue multipliers. Drew shares insights on improving revenue through customer retention, diversifying sales channels, and leveraging direct mail. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer behavior, using data-driven decision-making, and maintaining profitability. The episode offers actionable takeaways for seven-figure business owners aiming to scale to eight figures and beyond.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Maximize Customer Segmentation with RFM Analysis – Use RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary) analysis to categorize customers based on their purchasing behavior. Identify high-value customers and tailor marketing strategies to boost retention, upselling, and repeat purchases. This approach reduces reliance on discounting and enhances long-term profitability.Diversify Sales Channels to Reduce Risk – Avoid over-reliance on Amazon by establishing your own direct-to-consumer (DTC) platform, such as a Shopify store. This enables better control over customer data, improved brand visibility, and a more stable revenue stream through multiple touchpoints, including retail, social commerce, and direct mail marketing.Cut Costs Without Compromising Growth – Regularly reassess operational expenses by renegotiating contracts, transitioning to cost-effective platforms like Shopify and Klaviyo, and avoiding long custom IT projects. Prioritize investments in strategic growth areas while eliminating unnecessary expenditures to maintain profitability.Resources mentioned in this episode:Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:Ecomm BreakthroughJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] Pilot Klaviyo Shopify RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary)ICE Scoring MethodTurnaround Tips by Drew SanockiHow Brands Grow by Drew Sanocki80/20 Sales and MarketingJay AbrahamDavid HitchcockSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaJosh Hadley 00:00:00 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Michael Gerber, author of The E-myth, and Matt Clark from ASM. Today I am speaking with Drew Sanocki, and we are going to be talking about three multiplier levers that you'll be able to pull in your business to increase revenue. This epi...

Drew Hart, your go-to guy for all things Amazon. Drew kicked off his entrepreneurial journey in 2018, launching two private label brands and now providing Full End to End Account Managment Services Agency that handles over 40 brands, Vinculum (VIN-CUE-LUM), which offers a full range of Amazon services, making him a one-stop-shop for Amazon success.Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Implementation of AI tools and bots in e-commerce.Use of large language models like ChatGPT for operational efficiency.Challenges faced by e-commerce businesses, particularly Amazon sellers.Strategies for reducing overhead and improving productivity through AI.Development of custom GPTs tailored to specific team roles.Importance of prompt engineering and clear communication with AI.Collaborative approaches to integrating AI into business workflows.Practical applications of AI in marketing, customer service, and logistics.Encouragement for businesses to innovate and experiment with AI tools.Future trends and advancements in AI technology for e-commerce.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley welcomes back Amazon and e-commerce expert Drew Hart. They explore the transformative potential of AI tools and bots, particularly large language models like ChatGPT, in enhancing operational efficiency and reducing overhead for e-commerce businesses. Drew shares practical strategies for utilizing AI, including creating custom GPTs tailored to specific team roles. The discussion emphasizes the importance of adapting to a rapidly changing landscape marked by rising costs and fees, and how leveraging AI can help businesses remain competitive. Key insights include first principles thinking, chain of thought methods, and practical applications for AI in strategic planning and problem-solving.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Leverage AI for Strategic Decision-MakingUse ChatGPT and custom AI bots to analyze data, generate insights, and streamline decision-making processes.Implement the "chain of thought" method to refine AI responses and enhance problem-solving within your team.Develop strategy bots that use the Socratic method to guide discussions and improve business strategies.Integrate Automation Tools to Improve EfficiencyExplore AI-powered automation platforms like Make and Integromat to optimize workflows and reduce manual tasks.Use AI tools like Gamma App for document and presentation automation to save time and boost productivity.Invest in custom GPTs tailored to team roles, ensuring they align with your business's long-term efficiency goals.Encourage Continuous Learning and InnovationStay updated on advancements in AI and e-commerce by engaging in hands-on exercises with AI tools.Share AI insights with leadership teams to identify challenges and opportunities for automation.Foster a culture of innovation by learning from client feedback, testing new AI strategies, and continuously iterating on business processes.Resources mentioned in this episode:Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:Ecomm BreakthroughJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] Bot Swipe FilesAmazonChatGPTVinculumClickUpYouTubeCustom GPTIntegrate.aiTask AidA-10.aiGamma.appMake (formerly Integromat)ZapierBuy Back Your Time by Dan Martell100 Million Offers by Alex Hormozi100 Million Leads" by Alex HormoziPrompt Engineering / DevelopmentSteve Jobs Principle (10-80-10)Special Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast

Steven is the founder of My Amazon Guy, an agency that manages over $1.2 billion in annual sales across 400+ brands on Amazon. A best-selling author of "Amazon Selling Tips" and former TV reporter, Steven brings over a decade of eCommerce expertise. My Amazon Guy, with a team of 550+ employees, specializes in boosting traffic and sales for Amazon brands. Steven is also the owner of My Refund Guy and several Amazon brands, while his YouTube tutorials, viewed by millions, provide expert insights on navigating Amazon challenges.Highlight Bullets> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Evolving landscape of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) on Amazon.Impact of Amazon's AI initiatives, particularly the introduction of "Rufus."Stability of foundational SEO practices despite new AI developments.Changes in Amazon's title requirements and their implications for SEO.Strategies for launching new products, including the use of long-tail keywords.Importance of high-quality visuals and main product images in driving sales.Regular audits of Seller Central settings for optimization.Key SEO factors influencing performance, such as click-through rates and organic sales.Collaboration and information sharing among Amazon sellers.Continuous innovation and product launches as essential for maintaining competitiveness.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Steven Pope, founder of My Amazon Guy, an agency managing over $12 billion in annual sales across 400+ brands on Amazon. The discussion focuses on the evolving landscape of SEO and AI within Amazon. Steven highlights Amazon's AI initiatives, particularly "Rufus," and their impact on SEO strategies. He emphasizes the enduring importance of foundational SEO practices, optimizing product listings, and the critical role of high-quality visuals. Steven also shares actionable insights on dynamic pricing, launching new products, and leveraging data analytics for continuous improvement.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Measure and Review Data: Regularly analyze SKU performance to identify trends and make informed decisions.Focus on Visual Content: Prioritize high-quality images and engaging product presentations to attract buyers.Implement Dynamic Pricing: Be flexible with pricing strategies to optimize sales and maintain competitiveness.Resources mentioned in this episode:Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:Ecomm BreakthroughJosh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough YouTubeeComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: [email protected] Amazon GuyMy Refund GuyAmazon Seller CentralAmazon Brand AnalyticsSearch Query Performance ReportPickFuAmazon A/B TestingPerplexity AIHelium 10Amazon Selling Tips by Steven PopeTranscending the Levels of Consciousness: The Stairway to Enlightenment by David R. HawkinsPower vs. Force by David R. HawkinsDan KennedyJohn AspinallSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough PodcastEpisode SponsorThis episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.Transcript AreaJosh Hadley 00:00:00 Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Michael Gerber, author of The E-myth and Aaron Cordova's. Today we've got a special returning guest. He is Steven Pope from my Amazon guy, and today we are going to be talking all about SEO and AI, and how the world of Amazon and SEO is changing. Or rather, is it not changing on Amazon, and are the tactics of how we need to write our titles and our b...