Welcome to another episode of Digital Coffee: Marketing Brew! In today’s show, host Brett Deister sits down with Neil, CEO and cofounder of Voltage Holding Company, to dive deep into the fast-moving world of Amazon FBA and e-commerce growth. With more than fifteen years of experience building, launching, and acquiring brands, Neil shares his invaluable insights on how businesses can thrive on Amazon by avoiding common mistakes, building strong brands, and navigating the ever-changing challenges of logistics and profitability.

Get ready to learn why standing out in a competitive marketplace is about much more than price, how the right mindset and patience are key to building lasting success, and what the future holds as AI transforms the way sellers connect with customers. Whether you're just starting out on Amazon or looking to elevate your business to the next level, this episode is packed with tactical advice, firsthand stories, and the trends every seller needs to watch. So grab your coffee, settle in, and join us as we explore what it really takes to succeed on Amazon—and beyond!

Guest Bio:

Neil grew up in Oregon’s Rogue Valley, a place he remembers as the birthplace of drive-through coffee kiosks—like the now-famous Dutch Bros. He’s witnessed firsthand how these roadside stands sparked a national love affair with coffee, a trend that rapidly spread over the last few decades. Despite America’s growing coffee craze, Neil enjoys sharing a calming ritual with his wife every evening: sipping a turmeric-blend tea together for its anti-inflammatory benefits and a bit of daily connection.

3 Fun Facts:

1. Neil grew up in Oregon, where the first coffee drive-thru kiosks appeared, and his family hosts full-scale tea parties with vintage china and treats.
2. Neil prefers to only sell products on Amazon with at least $12 in net profit per unit, often focusing on higher-ticket items like $200 audiophile cables instead of low-margin, high-volume commodities.
3. Neil predicts that Amazon’s upcoming AI tech, called "Cosmo," will fundamentally change product discovery from keyword-based to intention-based, making it even more important for sellers to have high-quality, well-optimized listings.

Key Themes:

1. Strategies for Amazon FBA profitability
2. Importance of brand building and trust
3. Navigating shipping and logistics challenges
4. Adapting to AI and automation trends
5. The value of patience and perseverance
6. Leveraging omnichannel ecommerce approaches
7. Optimizing listings through strong visuals/copy