Episodes
Ever wondered how entrepreneurs manage to blend successful businesses with a rich family life full of adventures? In this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by Antje Pepper, co-founder of KeepGoingFirstAid.com. Antje shares her incredible journey of traveling the world for 19 months with her family while managing and growing their business. Discover how Antje and her husband, James, have crafted a unique business model that allows them to prioritize both their business ambitions and their...
Published 11/15/24
Published 11/15/24
Have you ever wondered what it takes to scale a business from millions to tens of millions? In this episode, join me as I catch up with Ayman Al-Abdullah, former CEO of AppSumo, who transformed the company from $3 million to $70 million in revenue. Discover the critical lessons he learned about leadership, hiring, and maintaining personal health amidst intense business growth. Listen as Ayman dives into his strategies for scaling operations, nurturing internal talent, and making tough...
Published 11/08/24
Are you fascinated by the intersection of health and entrepreneurship? In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Michael Tecku, founder of Momentum Shake. Michael shares the story behind creating a health product designed to enhance longevity, with the ambitious goal of adding a million years to human life. Dive into his journey from music scouting to mastering the health supplement industry, where he challenges the status quo with a focus on quality and integrity. Listen as we explore the...
Published 11/01/24
What does it take for a brand to explode to near eight-figure revenue in just eight months? In this episode, I chat with Isaac Medeiros, founder of Kanpai Foods, a burgeoning freeze-dried food company, who has managed to do just that. Isaac shares his journey from running MiniKatana.com to diving into the snack industry, revealing the strategies behind his rapid growth and the transition between diverse markets. Listen in as Isaac dives into the nuances of brand building and scaling in the...
Published 10/25/24
How do vibrant businesses thrive amidst the complexities of international trade and team management? In this episode, I’m joined by Liza Roeser, founder of FiftyFlowers, a company that has mastered the art of importing premium flowers from Ecuador to the U.S. Liza shares her journey from starting in the Peace Corps to building a successful international business that directly impacts the floral industry. Listen in as she unveils the secrets behind managing international logistics, her...
Published 10/18/24
Ever wondered how insights from top market analysts can reshape our understanding of global economic shifts? In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Ed Elson, co-host of Prof G Markets, renowned for his sharp analysis and dynamic presentation on crucial socio-economic topics. Ed dives into thought-provoking discussions on "the war on the young," the cultural divides between the UK and the US and the evolving role of big tech in our society. Listen as Ed shares his nuanced...
Published 10/11/24
Curious about how a brand rapidly scales to a $60 million powerhouse in the eCommerce health sector? In this episode, I’m joined by Dean Brennan, CEO, and Dillon Randolph, Chief Research Officer, at Heart & Soil, a health and wellness company that offers nutrient-dense supplements. Their unique approach involves fanatical branding and innovative community-building strategies that propel their direct-to-consumer operations beyond traditional models. Listen in as Dean and Dillon dive deep...
Published 10/04/24
Have you ever wondered what it takes to manage a vibrant community of eCommerce entrepreneurs? In this episode, I'm thrilled to chat with Dana Eriksson, the Director of Community and Connection at eCommerceFuel. Dana brings her unique perspective on fostering connections and ensuring that every member of the community feels valued and understood. Listen in as Dana shares some of the complexities of community management, discussing the challenges and rewards of her role. We also talk about...
Published 09/27/24
Ever wondered what secrets serial entrepreneurs use to keep their businesses thriving? In today's episode, I’m sitting down with Dimitri Vorona, a multifaceted entrepreneur who has made significant waves across various sectors, from software development to eCommerce. Dimitri shares his journey from early internet days to becoming a seasoned entrepreneur, including insights from his diverse experiences such as selling a company to Earthlink and working with the Department of Defense. Listen...
Published 09/20/24
Have you ever wondered what it's like to navigate through both personal and professional crises as an entrepreneur? In this episode, I sit down with Ronnie Teja, the founder of Branzio Watches and TrulyOffice.com. Ronnie shares his profound experiences dealing with significant business challenges, from severe staff cuts to navigating through Google penalties, and how his personal health journey has intertwined with his entrepreneurial spirit. Listen as Ronnie dives deep into the realities of...
Published 09/13/24
Wondering how a subscription-based business thrives by focusing on community and membership rather than just products? In this episode, I chat with John Roman, co-founder of BattlBox.com, a leader in the survival and outdoor gear space. John shares his unique business journey, including the challenges and strategic moves involved in buying back his company at an incredible discount after selling it for a substantial profit. Listen as John dives into the significance of community engagement...
Published 09/06/24
Curious about the cutting-edge applications of AI in eCommerce? In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Williams from MadBrains AI, who brings a wealth of experience from both struggling eCommerce environments and a deep dive into AI innovations. We explore a broad array of topics including the future of search, the implications of AI on child-rearing, and the technicalities of fine-tuning AI models for business use. Listen as Kevin discusses the potential and challenges of AI in transforming...
Published 08/30/24
Ever wondered how to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of eCommerce and digital platforms effectively? In this episode, I sit down with Johnathan Solorzano, owner of Solo Media Group and an expert in Shopify development. Johnathan shares his insights from managing high-traffic sites like Kanye West’s Yeezy brand and how these experiences have shaped his approach to eCommerce strategy and team building. Listen as Johnathan dives into the nuances of creating a robust digital presence,...
Published 08/23/24
What happens when you blend deep dives into the eCommerce sector with insights into artificial intelligence? In this episode, I'm joined by Bill D'Alessandro, a longtime friend of the show and CEO of ElementsBrands.com, and we’re exploring a range of topics, from the state of the public and private eCommerce markets to the latest trends in AI tools.  Listen in as Bill shares his firsthand experiences and observations on market dynamics, including the impact of AI on business operations and...
Published 08/16/24
Ever wondered how a former dishwasher could build a multi-million dollar eCommerce business? In this episode, I sit down with Santiago Roa, the founder of Culiau.com, as he shares his incredible journey. From humble beginnings and learning English while washing dishes to innovating a unique engraving pen that completely revolutionized his sector, Santiago has an amazing story you don't want to miss. Listen in as he discusses the challenges and milestones of scaling a business from scratch,...
Published 08/09/24
How do seasoned entrepreneurs navigate the intense competition from Chinese manufacturers on platforms like Amazon? In this episode, I'm joined by Bernie Thompson, the mind behind Pluggable and PPC Ninja, who has thrived in the challenging environment of sourcing electronics from China for over 15 years. Bernie shares his insights on adapting to the evolving landscape where Chinese competition has intensified, offering a deep dive into the strategic maneuvers necessary for Western businesses...
Published 08/02/24
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to retire early, only to jump back into the entrepreneurship game? Join me as I sit down with Greg Shugar, CEO of Beau Ties of Vermont, as he shares his unique journey of early retirement at 40, the challenges that prompted his return to entrepreneurship, and his ongoing passion for business innovation. Listen in as Greg explores the dynamics of managing his Vermont-based business remotely from Florida, the benefits of domestic manufacturing, and how...
Published 07/26/24
Ever wondered how a small brand can harness the power of TikTok to skyrocket its growth? In this episode, I chat with Paul Jauregui from BK Beauty, who, along with his wife Lisa, has transformed their beauty and cosmetics brand into a sensation on TikTok. Paul shares their journey over the last five years, emphasizing the explosive growth they've experienced in just the past 12 to 18 months. Listen in as Paul reveals the strategies behind their success on TikTok, including key insights on...
Published 07/19/24
How can understanding taxes transform the way you operate and invest in your business? In this episode, I tackle the often misunderstood topic of taxes and their substantial impact on business operations. Diving into the psychology of taxation, I share how a shift in perspective can lead to more strategic decisions in both personal and business finances, and emphasize the importance of focusing on after-tax implications to truly understand the cost or benefit of every business decision. ...
Published 07/12/24
How do you turn a struggling eCommerce business into a booming success? In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Huie, founder of VIM & VIGR, as she shares her journey from facing financial challenges to significantly improving her business’s profitability and reveals her strategies for restructuring operations. Listen in as Michelle explains the pivotal changes she made to her business model, from reducing reliance on trade shows to increasing direct consumer interactions. We also...
Published 07/05/24
How often do entrepreneurs get a second chance with their first love? In this episode, join me as I converse with Cathryn Lavery, the founder of BestSelf Co., who navigated the unusual path of selling her business to a private equity firm, only to buy it back after seeing its potential falter under new management. Cathryn shares her initial reasons for selling, the insights from stepping away, and what drove her to reclaim control and re-inject her vision into the brand. Listen in as Cathryn...
Published 06/28/24
Curious how health-focused products carve out success in today's bustling retail scene? Join me in this episode as I sit down with Justin Mares, founder of Kettle & Fire and Perfect Keto, venture partner at Long Journey Ventures, and CEO at Truemed. Justin shares his journey through evolving marketing strategies and investment insights that aim to reshape America's eating habits. Tune in as Justin delves into the importance of strategic branding and packaging design in influencing...
Published 06/21/24
How can taking a gap year transform personal and professional life? In this episode, I’m sharing my plans to take a family and business gap year, as well as the motivations behind this decision. From wanting to invest deeply in family time to reshaping my business operations to support long-term sustainability and personal fulfillment, this decision wasn’t made lightly. Listen in as I dive into the logistics of preparing for a gap year, covering everything from educational plans for my...
Published 06/14/24
How can executive assistants revolutionize your workflow and dramatically increase your productivity? In this episode, I dive into the transformative impact of hiring and effectively integrating an executive assistant into your business operations. From managing emails to handling critical administrative tasks, discover how an EA can free up your time and allow you to focus on what truly moves your business forward. Listen in as I share my personal journey from overwhelm to high efficiency...
Published 06/07/24