Bonus Episode: Ecommerce Edge: Resilient Growth and Authentic Branding with Kyle Hency

Honest Ecommerce

#E-Commerce #Tech #Advertising #Advice #Digital #ECommerce #Marketing #Shopify #Shopify Expert Chase Clymer #Business #Industries #Podcasting Education

42:14

Episode Description: Jessica B. Harris may have been born and raised in New York City, but she has Tennessee roots through her father and has spent much of her life split between homes in the Northeast and the South – specifically New Orleans. For more than fifty years, she has been a college professor, a writer, and a lecturer, and her many books have earned her a reputation as an authority on food of the African Diaspora, as well as a lifetime achievement award from the James Beard Foundation. A few years back, Netflix adapted her book, High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America , into a 4 part docuseries. And I’m very proud to say that she’s a longtime contributor to Southern Living with a regular column called The Welcome Table. This episode was recorded in the Southern Living Birmingham studios, and Sid and Jessica talked about her mother’s signature mac and cheese, the cast-iron skillet she’d be sure to save if ever her house were on fire, and her dear friend, the late New Orleans chef Leah Chase. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Biscuits & Jam is produced by : Sid Evans - Editor-in-Chief, Southern Living Krissy Tiglias - GM, Southern Living Lottie Leymarie - Executive Producer Michael Onufrak - Audio Engineer/Producer Jeremiah McVay - Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

about a year ago 30:57

MP3•Episode home

Kyle Hency brings years of entrepreneurial expertise to the world of ecommerce and operational efficiency. He is the Co-Founder and former CEO of Chubbies, Co-Founder at Loop Returns, and now Co-Founder & CEO of GoodDay Software, where he’s redefining ERPs for modern Shopify brands.

Kyle’s experience spans building beloved DTC brands to scaling SaaS solutions. His time at Chubbies and Loop Returns has equipped him with unparalleled insights into brand growth, team leadership, and operational optimization.

With a passion for empowering businesses, Kyle specializes in creating tools that streamline processes, boost resilience, and help brands thrive in today’s competitive landscape. His journey reflects a commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and delivering impactful solutions that drive success.

In This Conversation We Discuss:

[00:40] Intro
[01:19] Focusing on early internet innovations
[03:23] Establishing values through collaborative processes
[05:05] Focusing on why customers engage with your brand
[06:40] Balancing innovation with retail fundamentals
[08:40] Simplifying customer service with self-service tools
[10:23] Expanding Loop's reach with new customers
[11:38] Turning a problem into a new business opportunity
[13:11] Moving from spreadsheets to systems
[17:47] Overcoming ERP complexities with streamlined solutions
[19:45] Tailoring solutions for Shopify-centric operations
[21:59] Empowering teams with centralized data access
[24:04] Helping early-stage brands with scalable systems
[25:48] Partnering to simplify warehouse management systems
[27:40] Preparing for challenges with a resilience-first mindset

Resources:

Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
A unified, reliable retail OS gooddaysoftware.com/
Proper length men’s shorts & more chubbiesshorts.com/
Returns management for Ecommerce brands loopreturns.com/
Follow Kyle Hency linkedin.com/in/khency

If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

469 episodes

Bonus Episode: Ecommerce Edge: Resilient Growth and Authentic Branding with Kyle Hency

Honest Ecommerce

68 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

In This Conversation We Discuss:

[00:40] Intro
[01:19] Focusing on early internet innovations
[03:23] Establishing values through collaborative processes
[05:05] Focusing on why customers engage with your brand
[06:40] Balancing innovation with retail fundamentals
[08:40] Simplifying customer service with self-service tools
[10:23] Expanding Loop's reach with new customers
[11:38] Turning a problem into a new business opportunity
[13:11] Moving from spreadsheets to systems
[17:47] Overcoming ERP complexities with streamlined solutions
[19:45] Tailoring solutions for Shopify-centric operations
[21:59] Empowering teams with centralized data access
[24:04] Helping early-stage brands with scalable systems
[25:48] Partnering to simplify warehouse management systems
[27:40] Preparing for challenges with a resilience-first mindset

Resources:

Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube
A unified, reliable retail OS gooddaysoftware.com/
Proper length men’s shorts & more chubbiesshorts.com/
Returns management for Ecommerce brands loopreturns.com/
Follow Kyle Hency linkedin.com/in/khency

469 episodes

#E-Commerce #Tech #Advertising #Advice #Digital #ECommerce #Marketing #Shopify #Shopify Expert Chase Clymer #Business #Industries #Podcasting Education

All episodes

Honest Ecommerce

1
Bonus Episode: Defining Success Before Launching Anything with Tim Wilson 35:14

4 days ago35:14

35:14

Tim Wilson is the Head of Solutions at facts & feelings, a consultancy focused on helping organizations put their data to productive use through clear thinking, aligned teams, and actionable insights. A seasoned analytics leader, Tim brings over two decades of experience across enterprise BI, agency strategy, and digital analytics to help brands translate complexity into clarity. Before co-founding facts & feelings, Tim led analytics practices at multiple agencies, advised Fortune 500 companies on digital data strategy, and built out BI infrastructure at a $500M B2B tech firm. He’s also the co-author of Analytics the Right Way: A Business Leader’s Guide to Putting Data to Productive Use and co-host of the long-running Analytics Power Hour podcast. Whether clarifying what “success” really looks like before a new feature launch or helping teams choose the right level of analytical rigor for a given decision, Tim focuses on making data work for the business, not the other way around. He offers a practical framework for leaders overwhelmed by dashboards, and a philosophy for analysts who want to be more than just report generators. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:39] Intro [01:15] Shifting from in-house roles to agency work [02:16] Highlighting the cost of overbuilding tech stacks [04:36] Pushing back on data-only decision making [07:13] Avoiding narrow ad metrics that mislead growth [10:08] Using AI to scale low-effort interactions smartly [12:38] Translating ideas into testable hypotheses [19:02] Differentiating high-credibility opinions in UX [20:00] Using split tests to validate costly changes [21:14] Skipping tests for clear conversion blockers [23:32] Filtering user recordings for CRO opportunities [26:13] Using logic when data can’t prove causality [29:39] Measuring what actually matters in performance Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Intelligent business consultancy obsessed with less and better factsandfeelings.io/ Data and analytics podcast analyticshour.io/ Follow Tim Wilson linkedin.com/in/tgwilson If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

Honest Ecommerce

1
333 | Growing a Brand With Zero Ecommerce Toolkits | with Samantha Rose 42:47

7 days ago42:47

42:47

Samantha Rose is the founder of Endless Commerce, a commerce enablement platform designed to help multi-channel consumer brands scale more efficiently through better infrastructure. A multi-exit founder and investor, Samantha brings deep operational experience across design, technology, and logistics to build systems that support sustainable, scalable growth. Before launching Endless Commerce, Samantha built and exited several consumer ventures, including GIR, an acclaimed kitchenware brand acquired in 2021, and Mvnifest, a full-stack operations and 3PL partner acquired in 2024. Alongside running Endless Commerce, she leads Hologram Capital, where she specializes in turning around distressed consumer brands with strong fundamentals but structural challenges. Whether rebuilding underperforming brands or designing the tech stack she wished existed, Samantha focuses on enabling commerce teams to grow beyond DTC into wholesale, retail, and omnichannel with confidence. She offers a playbook for founders who want to scale without losing operational grip, and a framework for tech partners who want to plug into brands at pivotal moments of inflection. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:42] Intro [00:59] Building software from firsthand founder struggle [01:45] Solving problems with curiosity and play [03:13] Validating ideas with zero market research [06:42] Executing better instead of chasing new ideas [07:45] Turning demand into a real business plan [09:26] Developing software to solve real-life habits [10:24] Electric Eye, Social Snowball, Portless, Reach & Zamp [16:46] Differentiating in a commodity-driven market [17:23] Building with no modern Ecommerce tools [19:11] Navigating growth without today’s tech stack [19:45] Going omnichannel to build retail resilience [23:31] Boosting perceived value with smart bundles [24:12] Shifting from operator to tech builder post-exit [25:31] Reinvesting in brands that need a second life [27:30] Building features from real-world friction [29:28] Avoiding early over-specialization in teams [33:47] Explaining the rebundling era of commerce stacks Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Modular, AI-powered commerceOS endlesscommerce.com/ Follow Samantha Rose samantharose.co/ Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect Drive revenue through affiliates & referrals socialsnowball.io/honest Revolutionize your inventory and fulfillment process portless.com/ Level up your global sales withreach.com/honest Fully managed sales tax solution for Ecommerce brands zamp.com/honest If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

Honest Ecommerce

1
332 | Turning a Tree-Planting Mission Into a Global Brand | with Derrick Emsley 30:35

14 days ago30:35

30:35

Derrick Emsley is the co-founder and CEO of Tentree, a purpose-driven lifestyle apparel brand that plants ten trees for every product sold. With a background in environmental stewardship, carbon markets, and sustainable business strategy, Derrick leads Tentree’s mission to make regeneration scalable through consumer action. Since launching Tentree in 2012, Derrick has grown the brand into a category leader in sustainable apparel, helping plant nearly 100 million trees worldwide. Without relying heavily on paid media, his scaled impact through values-aligned partnerships, product storytelling, and community-powered growth. In 2021, he co-founded Veritree, a technology platform built to verify, monitor, and audit global reforestation with end-to-end transparency. Grounded in climate impact and systems thinking, Derrick focuses on building businesses that convert everyday consumption into measurable environmental good. Whether guiding Tentree’s brand vision or driving tech innovation with Veritree, he offers a blueprint for founders' scaling mission with integrity, traceability, and long-term environmental ROI. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:48] Intro [00:58] Naming the brand after the mission itself [01:55] Pivoting purpose into a consumer brand [03:54] Partnering with retailers to gain early traction [05:49] Running mission ops while scaling the brand [06:22] Building tech to verify real-world impact [08:22] Responding to unexpected product demand [10:10] Connecting funders to verified outcomes [11:35] Embedding impact to boost DTC performance [12:53] Electric Eye, Social Snowball, Portless, Reach & Zamp [20:15] Building a global supply chain from scratch [23:21] Balancing co-founder strengths from day one [24:10] Creating decision fatigue with too much choice [27:33] Leveraging impact as a growth advantage Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Earth-First, sustainably made apparel that plant trees tentree.com/ Verified reforestation projects for your business veritree.com/tree-planting Follow Derrick Emsley linkedin.com/in/derrickemsley Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect Drive revenue through affiliates & referrals socialsnowball.io/honest Revolutionize your inventory and fulfillment process portless.com/ Level up your global sales withreach.com/honest Fully managed sales tax solution for Ecommerce brands zamp.com/honest If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

Honest Ecommerce

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331 | Persistence Powers Long-Term Growth | with Celeste Hilling 32:45

21 days ago32:45

32:45

Celeste Hilling is the founder and CEO of Skin Authority, a direct-to-consumer skin health technology brand focused on merging cosmetic performance with immune-boosting skincare. With a background in research, marketing, and tech, Celeste leads the development of biotech-powered formulations that deliver visible results while strengthening skin’s natural defenses. Since launching Skin Authority, Celeste has scaled the brand without paid media or a PR agency, leveraging strategic collaborations, emotional brand storytelling, and a rabid customer base to drive growth across North America and Europe. Her work has been featured on MSNBC, ABC, FOX, and in wellness circles as a fresh voice redefining beauty as part of whole-person health. Rooted in a science-backed, customer-led model, Celeste focuses on building high-retention product experiences powered by habit, transformation, and trust. Whether mentoring female founders or licensing next-gen skincare IP, she brings a playbook for scaling with authenticity, resilience, and long-term brand equity. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:42] Intro [00:54] Exploring wellness through skin health [01:18] Bringing science into a vanity-driven space [02:06] Educating consumers with purpose and clarity [03:09] Reframing wellness as a real market need [07:06] Estimating costs and timelines realistically [10:27] Building momentum through word of mouth [11:58] Sponsors: Electric Eye, Social Snowball, Portless, & Reach [17:02] Bootstrapping growth with strategic partners [18:41] Investing in backend infrastructure early [20:18] Launching Ecommerce from day one [23:19] Collaborating early to build awareness Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Best Skin Care Products for All Skin Types skinauthority.com/ Follow Celeste Hilling linkedin.com/in/celeste-hilling-8735a64 Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect Drive revenue through affiliates & referrals socialsnowball.io/honest Revolutionize your inventory and fulfillment process portless.com/ Level up your global sales withreach.com/honest If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

Honest Ecommerce

1
Bonus Episode: Tweaking Tariffs to Maximize Margins Legally with Izzy Rosenzweig 22:29

25 days ago22:29

22:29

Izzy Rosenzweig is the founder and CEO of Portless, a supply chain platform helping ecommerce and DTC brands fulfill customer orders directly from China, cutting delivery times and unlocking cash flow through tax deferment and tariff optimization. A 10-year DTC veteran, Izzy first launched Browze in 2012, shipping over 2.5 million home and kitchen products globally. After building a China-based fulfillment center to improve customer experience, he saw an opportunity to help other brands bypass traditional U.S. warehouses, leading to the creation of Portless. Portless enables brands to ship faster, avoid upfront taxes, and reclaim working capital, transforming how modern operators manage logistics. Izzy's deep experience in cross-border fulfillment, HS code strategy, and tariff engineering gives him a unique lens into how ecommerce brands can survive regulatory shifts and thrive under pressure. With a margin-first, speed-to-cash mindset, Izzy helps brands reimagine global operations to win in today's volatile landscape, efficiently, legally, and profitably. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:43] Intro [00:56] Understanding the De Minimis model [02:36] Revealing the new customs entry methods [07:35] Clarifying tariffs vs. import taxes [08:25] Comparing global manufacturing options [09:30] Recognizing China’s manufacturing edge [10:36] Separating security from supply chains [12:24] Predicting the next tariff move [13:39] Balancing tariffs with tax reform [15:18] Pausing growth without clear policy [16:00] Deferring taxes to boost cash flow [20:02] Migrating platforms to save cash Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Revolutionize your inventory and fulfillment process portless.com/ Follow Izzy Rosenzweig linkedin.com/in/izzy-rosenzweig-13653846 If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

Honest Ecommerce

1
330 | Self-Care Powers Sustainable Growth | with Mark Murrell 32:14

28 days ago32:14

32:14

Mark Murrell is the founder and operator behind Get Maine Lobster and Black Point Seafood, specializing in scaling premium direct-to-consumer seafood brands with a focus on operational agility, customer loyalty, and brand storytelling. Raised in Maine, Mark turned a love for local seafood into a nationwide business, mastering dock-to-doorstep logistics for live lobster delivery. Since launching in 2010, Mark has served over 500,000 customers, quadrupled his customer base, expanded into new categories like seafood appetizers and select beef, and acquired Maine Lobster Direct to deepen fulfillment capabilities. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Rachael Ray, ESPN, and national campaigns for Chase Bank, alongside collaborations with Momofuku and Geoffrey Zakarian. Rooted in a customer-first, margin-focused mindset, Mark builds brands that balance growth with sustainability. Whether scaling operations or evolving brand experiences, he brings a clear playbook for turning fresh products into loyal communities, efficiently, profitably, and with staying power. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:45] Intro [01:32] Highlighting specialty items for customers [02:44] Starting a business from personal experience [03:50] Delivering higher quality through logistics [04:59] Pitching new ideas with simple outreach [05:51] Adapting CRM systems for operations [06:39] Managing growth with limited capacity [07:47] Balancing two businesses during early growth [09:07] Surveying customers beyond product feedback [10:36] Aligning brand identity with buyer emotions [11:36] Sponsors: Electric Eye, Social Snowball, Portless, & Reach [16:41] Taking risks when the signs are undeniable [18:43] Launching internal marketing after early growth [20:21] Redesigning operations for more agility [22:48] Realizing early sales hide margin problems [27:26] Blending creativity with structured thinking [28:29] Building resilience through daily habits Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube #1 Lobster Delivery Service From Dock To Doorstep getmainelobster.com/ Premium Maine lobster and seafood across the U.S. and Canada blackpointseafood.com/ Follow Mark Murrell linkedin.com/in/mainelobster Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect Drive revenue through affiliates & referrals socialsnowball.io/honest Revolutionize your inventory and fulfillment process portless.com/ Level up your global sales withreach.com/honest . If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

Honest Ecommerce

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329 | Strong Teams Start With Honest Founders | with Brian Anderson 33:23

5 weeks ago33:23

33:23

Brian Anderson is a seasoned CEO and entrepreneur who specializes in scaling high-growth consumer brands and preparing them for profitable exits. With a background that spans fitness, wellness, supplements, outdoor, and travel, Brian has operated in both startup and private equity environments, guiding companies through critical growth and turnaround moments. Over the last decade, Brian has led brands like AG1, Delsey Luggage, MELT Method, and 2XU, while also advising companies such as Pvolve, Moji, and Connecticut Cannabis Company. His leadership has helped generate hundreds of millions in revenue and multiple successful exits. Rooted in a hands-on, operator-first mindset, Brian partners with founders to level up strategy, streamline operations, and build teams that can scale. Whether he’s stepping in full-time or advising from the sidelines, Brian brings a clear playbook for helping founder-led companies hit the next stage of growth, efficiently, profitably, and with the endgame in mind. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:43] Intro [01:09] Focusing on wellness-driven consumer brands [03:03] Balancing product, ops, and financial reality [06:05] Delegating better at larger revenue stages [08:29] Mentoring weak spots before replacing them [10:22] Licensing major brands to grow fitness revenue [12:27] Sponsors: Electric Eye, Social Snowball, Portless, & Reach [17:34] Building credibility through past outcomes [18:47] Partnering with founders instead of leading solo [21:25] Positioning your company for a clean exit [24:08] Guiding founders through the exit process [26:48] Creating deal structures where everyone wins [28:43] Getting fractional help without full-time cost Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Follow Brian Anderson linkedin.com/in/smallpondgroup Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect Drive revenue through affiliates & referrals socialsnowball.io/honest Revolutionize your inventory and fulfillment process portless.com/ Level up your global sales withreach.com/honest . If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

Honest Ecommerce

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Bonus Episode: Using SEO Data to Drive Shopify Revenue Gains with Kai Davis 27:24

6 weeks ago27:24

27:24

Kai Davis is the founder of Double Your Ecommerce and KeywordMagic.ai, two platforms helping Shopify merchants unlock sustainable growth through SEO, content, and email marketing. With over a decade of experience in digital strategy, Kai has worked directly with hundreds of Ecommerce businesses, offering fixed-price SEO services and tailored growth playbooks that prioritize results over complexity. Drawing from his deep expertise in search intent, content optimization, and store-level messaging, Kai equips Shopify brands with the tools they need to boost organic revenue, refine collection and product pages, and convert more traffic without overwhelming shoppers. Kai helps merchants rethink underperforming pages, optimize seasonal campaigns, and build resilient marketing systems, so they can grow more by working less. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:43] Intro [01:14] Introducing what drives real SEO results [02:46] Building pages around real search demand [05:44] Starting SEO with product-type collections [07:22] Using conversational copy to boost SEO [08:37] Filtering keyword data by page type [10:43] Recognizing when a term is too competitive [11:49] Understanding why products convert lower [13:56] Training custom GPTs for brand-aligned content [16:29] Drafting faster without losing quality [17:19] Exporting product data to scale AI writing [17:53] Building tools to surface keyword insights [19:54] Understanding your funnel before traffic drops [22:08] Optimizing for AI-driven shopping behavior [24:11] Offering hands-on SEO help for time-strapped teams [25:28] Focusing on what actually moves SEO rankings Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube SEO Services for DTC Shopify Stores doubleyourecommerce.com/ Follow Kai Davis linkedin.com/in/kaisdavis If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

Honest Ecommerce

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328 | Turning Sports Updates Into Automated Revenue | with Jamie Mottram 33:06

6 weeks ago33:06

33:06

Jamie Mottram is the President of BreakingT, a real-time licensed sports apparel brand redefining speed and relevance in a saturated sports merchandise market. With deep roots in digital sports media, Jamie brings over two decades of experience from leadership roles at Yahoo, AOL, and Gannett, where he built fan-first platforms like For The Win and helped generate hundreds of millions of monthly views. Leveraging his expertise in content, audience engagement, and digital commerce, Jamie helped scale BreakingT from a side project to an 8-figure business by turning trending sports moments into must-own fan gear, often within hours of a game-changing play. Guided by the belief that fan excitement is the most powerful demand signal, Jamie has led BreakingT through rapid growth by building a responsive supply chain, refining its segmentation and outreach engine, and expanding across DTC, wholesale, and Amazon. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:43] Intro [01:00] Creating products from real-time trends [01:26] Applying media skills to Ecommerce growth [02:33] Focusing on traction over profitability [02:57] Spotting viral moments fans want to wear [05:29] Launching with digital mockups to test demand [07:21] Fulfilling retail orders faster with screen print [08:49] Combining paid, organic, and affiliate for scale [12:12] Sponsors: Electric Eye, Social Snowball, Portless & Reach [17:17] Balancing speed between Ecommerce and wholesale [20:30] Pushing retail to move faster than seasonal cycles [21:22] Navigating approvals in licensed product drops [23:05] Realizing Amazon serves a different customer [23:56] Balancing marketplace growth with brand control [26:08] Choosing platforms based on product urgency [28:16] Turning social signals into merch decisions Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Real-time licensed sports fan gear, apparel, and t-shirts breakingt.com/ Follow Jamie Mottram linkedin.com/in/jamiemottram Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect Drive revenue through affiliates & referrals socialsnowball.io/honest Revolutionize your inventory and fulfillment process portless.com/ Level up your global sales withreach.com/honest . If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

Honest Ecommerce

1
327 | Trusting Real Experience Over Credentials | with Jon-Mark Craddock 30:59

7 weeks ago30:59

30:59

Jon-Mark "JM" Craddock is the CEO of La Matera, a premium direct-to-consumer brand elevating craftsmanship and authenticity in a market crowded by fast fashion. With hands-on expertise in brand building, supply chain management, and Ecommerce growth, JM draws on his experience at high-growth brands like Chubbies, Marine Layer, and Tuckernuck to scale La Matera while preserving its artisanal roots. Driven by the belief that lasting brands are built on quality and meaningful customer connections, JM has led La Matera through a new chapter of growth, refining its identity, strengthening its supply chain, and balancing digital expansion with a commitment to craftsmanship. Under his leadership, La Matera continues to deliver timeless products that honor tradition while thriving in a modern DTC landscape. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:42] Intro [01:09] Building networks through unexpected paths [04:37] Finding hidden value in early teams [05:18] Building momentum with new platforms [06:50] Learning supply chain under real pressure [09:35] Choosing brands with personal connection [12:15] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye, Snowball & Portless [16:18] Balancing trust and strategy with sellers [17:48] Answering every deal email immediately [18:40] Backing deals with personal guarantees [20:29] Buying businesses to create opportunities [21:39] Rebuilding brand soul through founder voice [25:20] Tapping networks to solve real problems [27:20] Choosing tenacity over easy wins Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Collection of meticulously handcrafted leather belts and accessories lamaterashop.com/ Follow Jon-Mark Craddock linkedin.com/in/jonmarkcraddock Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect Drive revenue through affiliates & referrals socialsnowball.io/honest Revolutionize your inventory and fulfillment process portless.com/ If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

Honest Ecommerce

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326 | Creating Experiences That Ads Can’t Buy | with Erin Murray 24:53

8 weeks ago24:53

24:53

Erin Murray is the Chief Brand Officer at Mad Rabbit, a fast-growing tattoo skincare brand reshaping the way consumers and professional artists approach post-ink care. With deep expertise in brand storytelling, product development, and digital strategy, Erin has helped propel Mad Rabbit to quadruple sales year-over-year and expand from a direct-to-consumer model into major retail partnerships. Driven by the belief that brand growth stems from authentic community engagement, Erin has steered Mad Rabbit's shift from a purely consumer-first brand to one that deeply integrates pro artist voices. Under her leadership, the brand has launched ambassador programs, refined its identity, and executed a digital-first yet retail-savvy strategy that connects across multiple touchpoints. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:40] Intro [00:56] Recognizing emerging consumer needs [01:26] Scaling brands before the market exists [03:15] Growing communities that drive revenue [04:13] Bringing in fractional experts early [05:44] Pivoting strategy with real consumer data [08:56] Episode Sponsors: Electric Eye, Snowball, and Portless [12:58] Testing channels before doubling down [16:08] Driving foot traffic after landing retail [18:16] Thinking beyond direct response marketing [18:59] Scaling brands with a holistic mindset [20:36] Expanding products to fit customer journeys [22:05] Building brands without losing core buyers [22:53] Refining brand identity for new markets Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Mad Rabbit is your easy tattoo care solution from soothing new ink to reviving & protecting current ones madrabbit.com/ Follow Erin Murray linkedin.com/in/airynn00 Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect Drive revenue through affiliates & referrals socialsnowball.io/honest Revolutionize your inventory and fulfillment process portless.com/ If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

Honest Ecommerce

1
Bonus Episode: Creating Connections That Can’t Happen Online with Paul Chambers 20:24

9 weeks ago20:24

20:24

Paul Chambers is the Co-Founder of SubSummit, the world’s largest conference dedicated to subscription, membership, and recurring revenue models in the direct-to-consumer space. With over 20 years of experience in subscription commerce, including launching Gentleman's Box in the early 2000s, Paul brings a rare blend of operator insight and community-building expertise to the challenges of scaling retention-first brands. Driven by the belief that subscriptions are more than a billing model, Paul helped transform SubSummit from a small founder meetup into a global ecosystem, connecting thousands of brands each year. The event fuses tactical content with curated networking and is designed to help ecommerce teams grow beyond one-off purchases and into long-lasting customer relationships. Each year, Paul and his lean team develop a thematic roadmap for the event, guiding DTC operators through the shifting landscape of loyalty, retention, and membership. From Walmart+ to Amazon Prime to True Classic’s hybrid models, Paul studies the movements of top brands and distills them into actionable lessons for growing recurring revenue. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:42] Intro [00:54] Navigating business partner dynamics [02:31] Connecting DTC brands through events [03:08] Starting with a founder-first vision [04:30] Learning big lessons from small niches [06:05] Rebranding to reflect the vision [06:59] Investing upfront in long-term value [10:15] Improving how people connect [12:42] Balancing virtual and in-person events [14:17] Designing curated table conversations [15:48] Making events affordable for founders Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Leading subscription commerce conference subsummit.com/ Follow Paul Chambers linkedin.com/in/paulcchambers If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

Honest Ecommerce

1
325 | Regaining Brand Clarity After Trend Overload | with Demi Marchese 16:46

9 weeks ago16:46

16:46

Demi Marchese is the Founder and Head of Brand at 12th Tribe, a fast-growing fashion brand blending curated style with operational excellence to empower the next generation of confident women. With expertise in merchandising, marketing, and brand-tech integration, Demi turns creative vision into scalable systems that drive real growth. Bootstrapped from scratch, 12th Tribe reflects Demi’s hands-on leadership across every function, from designing product drops to building workflows that streamline team execution. She’s driven by a mission to not only create beautiful apparel, but to curate a lifestyle rooted in confidence, freedom, and community. Demi is also a systems thinker, embracing AI and automation to scale brand voice, streamline content, and optimize customer journeys. She’s trained ChatGPT to mirror her own copy style, implemented AI-driven SMS segmentation, and continues to experiment with tools that bring brand and tech closer together. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:40] Intro [01:00] Building a site before Shopify blew up [03:34] Testing demand without inventory risk [05:06] Leveraging organic social growth [07:09] Responding quickly to market shifts [08:57] Episode Sponsors: Intelligems & Electric Eye [12:01] Refocusing on your core customer [14:10] Scaling brand voice using AI Want more insights from top Ecommerce leaders? Our episode guest was a featured speaker at eTail Palm Springs 2025, sharing insights with top Ecommerce minds. If you want to be part of the next big discussions, join eTail Boston in August 2025 and/or eTail Palm Springs in February 2026! Learn more at eTail’s official sites: etaileast.wbresearch.com/ etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Your online vibe director + stylist 12thtribe.com/ Follow Demi Marchese linkedin.com/in/demimarchese Book a demo today at intelligems.io/ Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/ If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

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324 | Investing in Product Before Spending on Growth | with Robert Cardiff 24:15

10 weeks ago24:15

24:15

Robert Cardiff is the co-founder and COO of Laundry Sauce, an 8-figure DTC brand reinventing the way consumers experience laundry. With a background in venture building and performance marketing, Robert helps Ecommerce brands unlock growth by identifying white space, building high-affinity products, and scaling through bold creative bets. Before launching Laundry Sauce, Robert founded multiple consumer businesses and now leads Give Ventures, a nonprofit teaching entrepreneurship to underserved youth in Central and South America. His work spans brand development, manufacturing operations, investor storytelling, and go-to-market execution—giving him rare end-to-end insight into what it takes to launch premium products in commoditized categories. In 2021, Robert and his co-founders made a $40,000 investment in a single anchor video—before making a single sale. That video helped legitimize their vision and raise millions in capital, setting the stage for their early DTC success. By skipping Amazon, obsessing over product-market fit, and treating customer feedback as gospel, Robert and his team built a brand people actually love in a category no one cared about. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:39] Intro [01:22] Positioning beyond generic options [02:18] Differentiating in legacy categories [04:05] Asking why they’d buy your product [07:04] Iterating through multiple brands [08:45] Episode Sponsors: StoreTester and Intelligems [11:57] Partnering with top creatives [13:18] Launching with paid media first [15:33] Hiring experts for each channel [17:21] Growing with mostly organic traffic [18:10] Getting DTC focus right first [20:05] Surveying customers to guide R&D Want more insights from top Ecommerce leaders? Our episode guest was a featured speaker at eTail Palm Springs 2025, sharing insights with top Ecommerce minds. If you want to be part of the next big discussions, join eTail Boston in August 2025 and/or eTail Palm Springs in February 2026! Learn more at eTail’s official sites: etaileast.wbresearch.com/ etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/HonestEcommerce?sub_confirmation=1 The World’s Best Smelling Detergent https://laundrysauce.com/ Follow Robert Cardiff https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertcardiff Book a demo today at https://www.intelligems.io/ Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service https://storetester.com/ If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews! Review Link: http://getpodcast.reviews/id/1447700156 Honest Ecommerce is a weekly podcast, community & educational resource providing online store owners with honest, actionable advice to increase their sales and grow their business. Visit http://honestecommerce.co/ for more information. Or get all our content sent directly to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter: https://honestecommerce.co/pages/subscribe…

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Bonus Episode: Growing Your Brand Beyond Technical Fixes with Sia Karamalegos 30:06

11 weeks ago30:06

30:06

Sia Karamalegos is a freelance web developer and web performance engineer helping ecommerce brands turn faster load times into real revenue. As a Google Developer Expert in Web Technologies and a former engineer on Shopify’s performance team, Sia brings a unique blend of hands-on experience and deep technical insight to the challenge of building faster, more performant online stores. With a passion for developer education and community building, Sia organizes the Eleventy Meetup, Durham Social Hack Night, and a new global web performance meetup, connecting engineers around the world to share real-world tactics and tools. She’s also a frequent international speaker and writer, known for making complex topics like Core Web Vitals and JavaScript performance approachable and actionable. In 2024, Sia launched ThemeVitals, a tool that benchmarks Shopify themes using real user data—not lab simulations to uncover which themes actually perform well across the devices your customers use. It’s a mission rooted in impact: helping merchants and theme developers make smarter, faster decisions that drive conversion and long-term growth. Through her work, Sia is redefining how ecommerce teams think about performance, showing that real user data, smart defaults, and community-driven tooling can transform the way we build the web. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:40] Intro [01:00] Focusing on real-world site speed fixes [02:39] Improving performance metrics for merchants [04:22] Translating Google metrics for merchants [04:56] Understanding how Core Web Vitals work [07:34] Balancing traffic vs technical optimization [10:36] Shifting focus from speed to sales [13:16] Balancing performance with product experience [15:26] Highlighting global device performance gaps [16:54] Uploading giant images the wrong way [21:04] Auditing your tech stack regularly [21:53] Comparing Shopify themes with real data [24:11] Balancing features vs speed in theme choice [26:00] Avoiding minimalist themes that lack function [28:08] Encouraging feedback for future improvements Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Explore real-world Core Web Vitals performance data for popular Shopify themes themevitals.com/ Web Developer & Performance Engineer sia.codes/ Follow Sia Karamalegos linkedin.com/in/karamalegos If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

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323 | Creating Brand Experiences Beyond Ecommerce | with Jiake Liu 27:08

11 weeks ago27:08

27:08

Jiake Liu is the Co-Founder and CEO of Outer, a brand revolutionizing outdoor living by reimagining furniture and transforming backyards into immersive, functional spaces. With a mission to make life outside effortless and enjoyable, Outer combines eco-friendly materials, durable design, and an innovative showroom model—crowdsourcing real customers’ backyards to create a unique, community-driven shopping experience. Before launching Outer in 2018, Jiake built his career in tech and software engineering at Riot Games, where he honed his expertise in problem-solving and user experience. Now, as an angel investor and founder, he’s leveraging technology, sustainability, and consumer-first innovation to redefine how people connect with their outdoor spaces. In 2025, Jiake is taking Outer beyond furniture with Outer Spaces—a proprietary solution designed to convert vacant backyards into fully functional outdoor living spaces, from wellness retreats and dining areas to personal gyms. Under his leadership, Outer is reshaping the way we think about outdoor living—proving that sustainability, design, and convenience can coexist seamlessly in Ecommerce. In This Conversation We Discuss: [01:06] Intro [01:48] Introducing a new way to sell products [03:40] Finding the right investors for growth [05:10] Pitching a better product to investors [07:38] Building a brand through viral marketing [08:35] Building brand trust through storytelling [09:43] Validating ideas with ad mockups [10:13] Talking to customers before launching [11:14] Staying connected with customers post-purchase [11:57] Inventing solutions before customers ask for them [14:06] Episode Sponsors: StoreTester and Intelligems [17:19] Building trust with real product experiences [19:58] Turning media buzz into big opportunities [22:22] Mastering numbers before raising capital [23:27] Building outdoor spaces in one day Want more insights from top Ecommerce leaders? Our episode guest was a featured speaker at eTail Palm Springs 2025, sharing insights with top Ecommerce minds. If you want to be part of the next big discussions, join eTail Boston in August 2025 and/or eTail Palm Springs in February 2026! Learn more at eTail’s official sites: https://etaileast.wbresearch.com/ https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube The Perfect Outdoor Sofa is Now Within Reach liveouter.com/ Follow Jiake Liu linkedin.com/in/jiakeliu Book a demo today at intelligems.io/ Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/ If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

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322 | Turning Returns Into Business Insights | with Michael Hughes 32:21

12 weeks ago32:21

32:21

Michael Hughes is a trailblazer in the luxury mattress industry, revolutionizing the way consumers experience organic sleep. As the Founder & CEO of PlushBeds, he built one of the largest direct-to-consumer brands specializing in toxin-free, eco-friendly mattresses. Inspired by his father’s battle with Parkinson’s, Michael set out to create a healthier sleep environment—one that blends sustainability with uncompromising comfort. With 25+ years in Ecommerce and direct selling, Michael transformed PlushBeds into a market leader, becoming one of the largest importers of organic latex in the U.S. His expertise spans product innovation, supply chain mastery, and direct-to-consumer growth strategies, allowing him to scale without sacrificing quality. Today, Michael is on a mission to redefine luxury sleep, ensuring that health-conscious consumers don’t have to choose between comfort and sustainability. PlushBeds continues to set new standards in organic sleep solutions, proving that a commitment to quality and purpose-driven business can drive long-term success. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:38] Intro [01:16] Introducing your brand to new audiences [01:49] Pivoting from finance to Ecommerce [06:47] Naming the brand with a simple idea [07:33] Studying competitors to find market gaps [11:44] Asking the right growth questions [12:32] Driving traffic with paid search & SEO [13:11] Testing orders before realizing it was real [14:36] Rebuilding after a devastating setback [15:30] Episode Sponsors: StoreTester and Intelligems [18:42] Analyzing competitors to stay ahead [19:39] Adopting AI but not mastering it yet [20:14] Adapting to an AI-native generation [21:03] Building a custom mattress-making machine [28:20] Listening to feedback to improve products Want more insights from top Ecommerce leaders? Our episode guest was a featured speaker at eTail Palm Springs 2025, sharing insights with top Ecommerce minds. If you want to be part of the next big discussions, join eTail Boston in August 2025 and/or eTail Palm Springs in February 2026! Learn more at eTail’s official sites: https://etaileast.wbresearch.com/ https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Organic latex mattresses offer superior comfort & support plushbeds.com/ Follow Michael Hughes linkedin.com/in/michael-hughes-plushbeds Book a demo today at intelligems.io/ Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/ If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

Honest Ecommerce

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Bonus Episode: Boosting Credibility With Verified Reviews with DJ Sprague 24:24

13 weeks ago24:24

24:24

DJ Sprague is a pioneer in Ecommerce reputation management, helping brands turn trust into a competitive advantage. As the CMO of Shopper Approved and co-author of Reputation King, he has spent decades refining strategies that boost online credibility, improve search rankings, and drive revenue growth. Before joining Shopper Approved, DJ built his career across marketing, advertising, sales, and PR, leading companies to exponential growth—including scaling revenue from $7M to $54M in just four years. With over 35 years of experience and nearly 70 professional certifications, he applies behavioral science principles and ethical influence strategies to help Ecommerce brands win more customers through trust. Today, DJ is on a mission to redefine reputation management for online sellers. Under his leadership, Shopper Approved has become a Google review partner and the world’s first Diamond Cialdini Certified Marketing Agency, setting new standards in verified reviews, social proof, and search engine dominance. As the digital landscape evolves, DJ is proving that trust isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation of ecommerce success. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:42] Intro [01:08] Displaying social proof to boost conversions [02:47] Dominating search results with positive reviews [03:45] Getting more credibility in Google Shopping [05:48] Why trust is the key to first-time buyers [09:25] The limits of review distribution [10:50] Balancing review collection across platforms [12:50] Common mistakes killing your online reputation [19:39] Real data on how reviews boost conversions Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube More reviews, traffic, and conversions shopperapproved.com/ YOUR REPUTATION. NEXT LEVEL reputationking.com/ Follow DJ Sprague linkedin.com/in/duanesprague If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

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321 | Making Your Brand Easy to Reach | with Aman Advani 23:44

13 weeks ago23:44

23:44

Aman Advani is an innovator, entrepreneur, and the driving force behind Ministry of Supply, a brand redefining comfort in professional clothing. As the CEO and Co-Founder, he has fused engineering, technology, and fashion to create apparel that is soft, stretchy, and wrinkle-free—without the need for dry cleaning or ironing. Before launching the Ministry of Supply, Aman built his career in management consulting at Deloitte and TechnoServe, developing a sharp eye for problem-solving and operational efficiency. Armed with a BSIE from Georgia Tech and an MBA from MIT, he turned his passion for performance-driven fashion into a thriving brand that has earned recognition from Fast Company, NASA, and Guinness World Records. Today, Aman is on a mission to engineer the future of apparel. Under his leadership, Ministry of Supply has perfected the balance between comfort and performance, pushing the boundaries of wearable technology, supply chain innovation, and customer-first branding. As the retail landscape shifts, he’s proving that science-driven design isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of fashion. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:39] Intro [01:18] Turning DIY fixes into a scalable business [02:58] Launching a Kickstarter to validate demand [03:36] Refining the product through 14 iterations [04:19] Struggling with a supply chain built for 30K [04:56] Handling the chaos of rapid demand [05:53] Prioritizing backers over new sales [06:51] Embracing feedback to improve the product [08:01] Building a website before Shopify took over [08:59] Regretting early diversification too soon [10:12] Episode Sponsors: StoreTester and Intelligems [13:25] Defining what makes fashion timeless [15:22] Lessons from switching platforms [16:13] Optimizing analog strategies for digital growth [18:00] Why great products outlast trends [19:42] How supply chain strategy drives growth [21:12] Balancing art and science in retail [21:47] Why personalization is the next big shift Want more insights from top Ecommerce leaders? Our episode guest was a featured speaker at eTail Palm Springs 2025, sharing insights with top Ecommerce minds. If you want to be part of the next big discussions, join eTail Boston in August 2025 and/or eTail Palm Springs in February 2026! Learn more at eTail’s official sites: https://etaileast.wbresearch.com/ https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Performance Clothes for Work ministryofsupply.com/ Follow Aman Advani linkedin.com/in/amanadvani Book a demo today at intelligems.io/ Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/ If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

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320 | Turning Customers Into Your Best Marketers | with Brandon Horoho 27:41

14 weeks ago27:41

27:41

Brandon Horoho is a brand builder, e-commerce strategist, and the driving force behind one of the most innovative American-made knife companies. As the Co-Founder, VP, and CMO of Montana Knife Company (MKC), he has transformed a niche product into a multi-million dollar brand with a cult following. Before launching MKC, Brandon spent decades in e-commerce and product marketing, overseeing the launch of 1,500+ products across the outdoor and fitness industries. His expertise in community-driven marketing, scarcity-based sales models, and direct-to-consumer growth strategies has helped MKC scale rapidly—without relying on traditional advertising. Today, Brandon is on a mission to redefine American-made manufacturing in the digital age. Under his leadership, MKC has built a passionate audience of hundreds of thousands, mastering sellout product drops, a unique VIP program, and customer-first engagement strategies. By focusing on transparency, quality, and people-first branding, he’s proving that DTC success isn’t just about sales—it’s about creating a movement. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:41] Intro [00:56] Exploring the evolution of product lines [01:56] Building a brand during the COVID lockdowns [05:05] Scaling from custom batches to forecasting demand [08:48] Mentoring young talent to grow the business [09:38] Using Instagram content to build brand recognition [12:30] Episode Sponsors: StoreTester and Intelligems [15:42] Managing a high return customer rate challenge [16:41] Turning loyal customers into brand ambassadors [19:32] The power of surprise in building brand loyalty [20:38] Scaling product drops with lean manufacturing [22:36] Forecasting product drops 8 months ahead [23:13] Avoiding pre-orders to build trust with customers [24:35] Leveraging American-made for authentic marketing Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Working Knives For Working People montanaknifecompany.com/ Follow Brandon Horoho linkedin.com/in/brandonhoroho/ Book a demo today at intelligems.io/ Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/ If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

Honest Ecommerce

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Bonus Episode: Scaling Without Running Out of Cash with Aaron Schwartz 22:16

15 weeks ago22:16

22:16

Aaron Schwartz is a DTC business builder, investor, and advisor to some of the most innovative commerce tech companies. With a sharp eye for scaling brands and solving complex operational challenges, Aaron has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Ecommerce. Before founding Orita, Aaron built a $1M+ watch brand on Shopify, co-founded Passport Shipping to simplify international logistics, and served as the president of Loop Returns, helping brands optimize their post-purchase experience. His hands-on experience across shipping, returns, and AI-driven customer insights makes him a trusted expert in the DTC space. Today, as the founder of Orita, Aaron is on a mission to help brands unlock the power of their customer data. Orita uses AI to analyze millions of data points, enabling brands to make smarter, more profitable marketing and retention decisions. By focusing on machine learning-driven personalization, Aaron is helping DTC brands move beyond guesswork and into data-backed growth strategies. With degrees from Columbia and UC Berkeley Haas, Aaron brings both academic rigor and real-world experience to the table. When he’s not revolutionizing the Ecommerce industry, he’s a dedicated father of two—and pretty funny when he’s not in business mode. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:42] Intro [00:56] Building smarter customer insights with AI [02:48] Switching from brand to SaaS [05:18] Focusing on customers before scaling up [07:04] Solving data problems for brands [08:41] Using machine learning to predict customer behavior [11:04] Updating customer data daily for better marketing [14:18] Investing in AI-powered customer insights [16:33] Filtering out the wrong customers [17:12] Using AI to boost retention [18:34] Finding hidden revenue in your email list Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Grow sales from existing customers with AI optimization orita.ai/ Follow Aaron Schwartz linkedin.com/in/aaroncharlesschwartz If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

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319 | From Zero Experience to Ecommerce Success | with Johnny Person 29:42

15 weeks ago29:42

29:42

Johnny Person is the Owner and Operator of Aug11 Co, a brand dedicated to creating high-quality, perfectly fitting snapback hats. With no prior experience in Ecommerce, Johnny took a hands-on approach—teaching himself everything from website development to paid ads and email marketing to build a brand that stands out in the crowded apparel space. Before launching Aug11 Co, Johnny ran service-based businesses but always dreamed of creating a product-driven brand. After a transformative personal journey, he found inspiration in honoring a pivotal moment in his life, leading to the creation of Aug11 Co. His commitment to quality, authenticity, and relationship-driven growth has shaped a brand that resonates with customers beyond just the product. Today, Aug11 Co is known for its "quality hats that fit perfectly—guaranteed" promise, ensuring every customer gets the perfect fit or their money back. By leveraging a mix of paid media, organic social, and direct outreach, Johnny has grown Aug11 Co into a brand built on community, trust, and craftsmanship. In This Conversation We Discuss: 00:39] Intro [01:16] Pivoting from services to product-based business [06:35] Scaling sales faster than expected [07:58 Learning every part of the business first [10:31] Hiring the right team starts with you [11:52] Soft launching with a password-protected store [12:41] Scaling ad spend from $50 to $500/day [14:00] Episode Sponsors: StoreTester and Intelligems [17:12] Leveraging social media for customer acquisition [18:09] Testing Snapchat ads for new customers [19:32] Scaling customer reach with strategic gifting [20:33] Treating influencer outreach as an investment [22:23] Focusing on recognition over short-term profit [23:15] How a simple email boosted retention [25:38] Turning rock bottom into a brand mission Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Quality Hats That Fit Perfect, Guaranteed aug11.co/ Follow Johnny Person linkedin.com/in/johnnyperson Book a demo today at intelligems.io/ Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/ If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

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318 | Transforming a Simple Idea into a Business | with Liam Eriksson 26:34

16 weeks ago26:34

26:34

In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:40] Intro [00:54] Jumping into Business Without Hesitation [01:51] Launching a Brand from a Simple Idea [05:26] Reinventing How Fragrances Are Sold [08:36] Turning a Vision into a Real Product [11:13] Episode Sponsors: StoreTester and Intelligems [14:26] Turning Free Samples into Sales [16:21] Using Starter Kits to Boost Conversions [19:58] Balancing a Startup and a Full-Time Job [22:03] Why Overcomplicating Business Holds You Back [24:44] Finding Success in What You Love Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Award-winning colognes and candles guyfox.com/ Follow Liam Eriksson linkedin.com/in/liameriksson Book a demo today at intelligems.io/ Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/ If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

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Bonus Episode: Finding Elite Talent for Your Ecom Business with Tim Masek 23:10

17 weeks ago23:10

23:10

Tim Masek is the CMO of Storetasker, the largest platform to hire high-end Ecommerce talent. With a deep background in growth and Ecommerce enablement, Tim has played a pivotal role in connecting top-tier freelancers with Shopify merchants, helping brands scale with expert support. Before joining Storetasker, Tim founded and sold 1-800-D2C, a go-to platform that helped Ecommerce operators discover the best software solutions. His expertise in building marketplaces and curating specialized talent has made him a sought-after voice in the future of hiring and the evolution of freelance networks in Ecommerce. Passionate about the intersection of talent and technology, Tim continues to shape the way brands access expert freelancers, ensuring that Storetasker remains the trusted hub for Shopify’s growing ecosystem. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:46] Intro [01:04] Connecting brands with top talent [02:33] Targeting specific pain points [04:36] Expanding services strategically [08:20] Finding the right DTC marketer [09:31] Matching talent by industry [10:19] Avoiding marketplace dilution [12:52] Building brand equity first [13:50] Balancing full-time and freelance [17:40] Running lean without full-time hires Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Connect With The Best Shopify Experts storetasker.com/ Follow Tim Masek linkedin.com/in/timmasek If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

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317 | Creating Connection Beyond The Product | with Brandi Corbello 22:48

17 weeks ago22:48

22:48

Brandi Corbello is the founder and CEO of Melan, a sunscreen brand redefining sun care with a focus on comfort, fun, and giving back to melanoma and skin cancer research. As a melanoma survivor, Brandi’s journey inspired her to create a clean, effective sunscreen that makes sun protection effortless and enjoyable. After facing her own battle with skin cancer, Brandi launched Melan with a mission to change the way people think about sunscreen. Under her leadership, Melan has combined high-performance formulas with transparency and purpose, ensuring that every product not only protects but also supports melanoma awareness and research. A passionate advocate for self-care, wellness, and community, Brandi continues to push the boundaries of the sun care industry, making sunscreen a daily essential for all. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:45] Intro [01:07] Advocating for better product standards [05:17] Investing in product education before launching [06:54] Researching before committing to a business [07:36] Defining brand identity before launch [09:00] Launching new products based on demand [10:28] Using trade shows for brand awareness [11:29] Episode Sponsors: StoreTester and Intelligems [14:41] Learning the complexities of retail barcodes [16:57] Testing the new brand with customers [19:11] Building community through live events Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Melan | Protect Your Rind melansuncare.com/ Follow Brandi Corbello linkedin.com/in/brandicorbello Book a demo today at https://www.intelligems.io/ Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service https://storetester.com/ If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

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316 | Scaling a Thriving Ecommerce Brand | with Allison Herman 21:26

18 weeks ago21:26

21:26

Allison Herman is the owner and CEO of Dragonwing, an activewear brand designed specifically for teen and tween girls. With a background in competitive swimming and over two decades in children’s activewear, she combines her passion for athletics and fashion to create high-quality, confidence-boosting apparel. After acquiring Dragonwing in 2022, Allison relaunched the brand in Denver, transforming it into a leading name in girls' activewear. Under her leadership, Dragonwing has redefined comfort and style, ensuring that every girl feels empowered—whether she's at the dance studio, on the field, or hanging out with friends. A seasoned expert in apparel manufacturing, sourcing, and merchandising, Allison continues to innovate, bringing functional and stylish activewear to the next generation. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:37] Intro [01:16] Updating legacy products for growth [02:15] Finding the perfect business fit [03:25] Designing activewear for all sizes [04:21] Growing through brand ambassadors [05:56] Diversifying product mix for growth [07:51] Expanding into retail partnerships [08:40] Leveraging social for brand awareness [09:48] Expanding brand reach through events [10:30] Networking for business growth [10:53] Episode sponsors: StoreTester and Intelligems [14:05] Learning from costly branding mistakes [15:55] Tailoring product mix for retailers [16:38] Finding the right people to support growth [17:42] Launching products beyond seasonal drops [19:37] Building a mission-driven brand Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Activewear and dancewear that's anything but ordinary dragonwing.com/ Follow Allison Herman linkedin.com/company/dragonwing Book a demo today at intelligems.io/ Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/ If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

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Bonus Episode: Ecommerce Insights: The Power of Customer Conversations with Nick Trueman 39:34

19 weeks ago39:34

39:34

Nick Trueman is an expert in digital marketing, specializing in PPC and SEO strategies that drive real revenue. As the Director of PPC & SEO Consultancy at Spec Digital and Host of the Winning With Shopify Podcast, Nick has spent over 17 years helping brands scale through search and performance marketing. Nick founded Spec Digital, a leading PPC & SEO consultancy, in 2011 and has since worked with over 1,500 brands across various industries. His expertise has even influenced changes in how major search engines operate. Before Spec, he launched and successfully sold TrueLine Marketing to the Collider Group in 2013. With a deep understanding of Google & Bing advertising, website optimization, and revenue growth, Nick’s insights help businesses maximize their lead generation and ecommerce success. On Winning With Shopify, he shares actionable strategies, interviews top industry experts, and dives into the latest trends shaping digital commerce. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:09] Intro [01:29] Scaling from local to global brands [04:27] Turning an unexpected role into success [05:10] Building a business beyond a podcast [06:12] Making decisions with outdated data [08:40] Navigating post-COVID economic realities [12:13] Optimizing margins through smart supply chains [16:29] Maximizing ROI without increasing ad spend [19:11] Creating collections that actually convert [22:49] Investing in tools but never using them [25:40] Knowing your strengths in business growth [26:57] Testing before launching new features [29:40] Analyzing conversion rates vs. order value [32:02] Standing out beyond basic discounts [34:03] Forecasting demand with creative strategies Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Digital Marketing Agency in Surrey spec.digital/ It's Time To Win, With Our Shopify Podcast wwspodcast.com/ Follow Nick Trueman uk.linkedin.com/in/ntrueman If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

Honest Ecommerce

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315 | Building a Lasting Ecommerce Brand | with Heather Florio 28:38

19 weeks ago28:38

28:38

Heather Florio is the second-generation owner and CEO of Desert Harvest, a company pioneering sustainable solutions in pelvic and sexual health. Recognized by Authority Magazine as one of the Top 50 Women in Wellness and featured in Forbes as a top woman in business, Heather has spent over 30 years driving innovation in the industry. Under her leadership, Desert Harvest has transformed pelvic healthcare, funding medical research, launching science-backed products, and advocating for those suffering in silence. As a pelvic health specialist and "Sexpert," Heather shares her expertise globally, speaking on panels and at conferences to raise awareness about chronic pelvic health issues. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:14] Intro [01:09] Developing products that align with brand mission [01:30] Identifying market gaps through personal experience [03:26] Building a business where people find their niche [04:53] Following Ecommerce industry shifts to stay ahead [06:45] Partnering with nonprofits for awareness [08:57] Evolving a brand’s online presence over decades [10:35] Selling online before Ecommerce platforms existed [12:00] Struggling with early web design tools [13:59] Navigating regulatory changes in Ecommerce [15:28] Episode sponsors: StoreTester and Intelligems [18:40] Using AI for customer acquisition & targeting [20:18] Optimizing for AI-driven recommendations [21:10] Adapting to AI-driven consumer research [25:41] Building consumer trust through education [27:01] Creating a brand connection that lasts Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Scientifically studied, all-natural supplements and skincare desertharvest.com/ Follow Heather Florio linkedin.com/in/heather-florio-468822a4 Book a demo today at intelligems.io/ Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/ If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

Honest Ecommerce

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314 | Scaling Without Ads: Power of Word-of-Mouth | with Haley Weidenbaum 27:43

20 weeks ago27:43

27:43

Haley Weidenbaum is the Co-Founder and CEO of Everhem, a custom window treatment brand simplifying the design process. After a decade as an interior designer in Los Angeles, Haley noticed a recurring pain point: window treatments were costly, inconsistent, and error-prone. In 2018, she and her husband Adam self-funded Everhem to offer an easy online solution for consumers and interior designers. Today, Everhem is a multi-million-dollar business with a less than 1% mistake rate, serving top designers and A-list clients like Amber Valetta, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Nacho + Blanca Figueras. Everhem has thrived beyond the pandemic boom, blending trend insights with exceptional craftsmanship, with every order still hand-sewn in Los Angeles. Haley’s expertise in design and entrepreneurship offers invaluable lessons for building customer-first businesses. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:46] Intro [01:05] Understanding niche product offerings [01:37] Recognizing customer pain points [04:48] Building a brand from scratch [05:35] Hiring for sustainable growth [07:04] Turning ideas into execution [07:51] Creating a seamless user experience [10:38] Partnering with designers and influencers [14:03] Episode sponsors: StoreTester and Intelligems [17:13] Finding product-market fit organically [18:52] Standing out with craftsmanship [21:56] Balancing trade and consumer needs [23:28] Launching products from feedback [25:15] Streamlining the customer journey Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Where warmth meets sophistication. everhem.com/ Follow Haley Weidenbaum linkedin.com/in/haley-weidenbaum-85974b12 Book a demo today at intelligems.io/ Done-for-you conversion rate optimization service storetester.com/ If you’re enjoying the show, we’d love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts . It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!…

Honest Ecommerce

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Bonus Episode 57: Driving Retail Success With Powerful Networking with Leo Martinez 16:26

21 weeks ago16:26