In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane) and Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella)sit down down with Sheldon Zitzmann from TigerTough, a Minnesota–based company that makes ultra-durable seat covers for hard-working vehicles and even harder-working people. From humble beginnings in 1993 to a full-on brand transformation in 2016, Sheldon shares how Tiger Tough went from sewing custom interiors to going all-in on rugged, U.S.-made seat protection.

Forget chasing trends, this is a story about choosing focus, building in the U.S., and showing up for the blue-collar customer with killer products and content.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why TigerTough ditched custom work to go all-in on branded products.
• The real challenges of keeping manufacturing in the U.S.
• How they’ve built trust with fleets and direct-to-consumer buyers.
• The power of niche content (torture tests, anyone?) in driving sales.
• How a small-town mindset fuels smart decisions and big moves.
• Why marketing to blue-collar America takes authenticity, not fluff.
• The value of resilience, speed, and customer obsession in brand building.
  

If you’re into building niche, no nonsense products that people rely on every day this one’s for you.

_____

Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!

Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/

LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.com

Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com

Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at https://asompod.com

Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com

_____

00:00 Teaser Trailer

00:50 Intro to The ASOM Pod 

01:24 Small Town Life in Vesta, Minnesota 

04:38 The Origin of TigerTough 

06:11 The Evolution of the Business 

13:23 Challenges and Innovations in Manufacturing 

20:54 Marketing and Sales Strategies 

28:43 Exploring Product Durability and Expansion 

29:12 Venturing Beyond Seat Covers 

32:16 Manufacturing in the USA 

36:14 Challenges and Rewards of Domestic Production 

38:26 Sales Strategies and Market Penetration 

48:25 Marketing and Content Creation 

48:54 Reflections and Future Plans 

58:15 Final Thoughts and Advice

_____

Follow Jimmy Kim at: 

X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim 

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim 

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim

Follow Bryan MacDonald at:

X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad

Follow John Roman at: 

X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman

Follow Amer Grozdanic at:a 

X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic

Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox) and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) sit down with Ryan Hogan, founder of Hunt A Killer and CEO of Talent Harbor for a no BS conversation about what it really takes to build a community-first DTC brand. From failed mud runs to million-dollar subscription boxes, Hogan breaks down the wins, pivots, and painful lessons that shaped his journey.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How a failed race sparked a subscription box empire.
• Why Hunt A Killer turned checkout into a community moment.
• The brand-building strategy that drove exponential growth.
• Navigating rising CAC and adapting to a post-tracking world.
• Why multiple sales channels saved the business.
• Behind the scenes of raising capital and choosing the right partners.
• How to restructure leadership and scale without burning out.
  

This one’s packed with real stories and tactical gems for anyone building a brand people rally behind. 

_____

Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!

Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/

LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.com

Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com

Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at https://asompod.com

Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) get into how today’s best founders validate ideas fast and effectively without relying on biased feedback from friends or family. Whether you're pre-launch or post-launch, this episode will help you stay sharp, curious, and customer-first.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Validate or Vaporize: Why skipping validation is the fastest route to building a product no one buys.
• Google Knows Best: How to use Google Trends, search volume, and keyword data to back up your gut feeling.
• Talk to Strangers: Why your inner circle isn’t the best place to source honest feedback (and who is).
• Smoke 'Em if You Got 'Em: How to run smoke tests and pre-sell to gauge real market demand.
• Social Listening 101: The underrated art of eavesdropping on the internet to spot pain points and product gaps.
• Validation Never Ends: How to keep testing, learning, and iterating, even after launch.
  

This episode is packed with practical advice, real-life examples, and a few spicy takes on the myths of overnight success. If you’ve ever said “I think people want this,” this one’s for you.

_____

Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!

Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/

LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.com

Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com

Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at https://asompod.com

Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com

_____

00:00 Teaser Trailer

03:06 Intro to the ASOM Pod

06:30 Deep Dive into Product Validation

15:49 Competitive Research and Market Analysis

24:57 Leveraging Social Media for Product Research

26:09 Distinguishing Trends from Sustainable Markets

27:31 The Rise and Fall of Trend-Based Businesses

29:01 Using Data and Tools for Market Analysis

32:49 The Importance of Social Listening

40:45 Pre-Selling and Validating New Products

51:10 Common Mistakes in Product Validation

52:42 Final Thoughts

_____

Follow Jimmy Kim at: 

X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim 

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim 

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim

Follow Bryan MacDonald at:

X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad

Follow John Roman at: 

X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman

Follow Amer Grozdanic at: 

X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic

Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) break down what it really takes to acquire your first 1,000 eCommerce customers—organically. No paid ads. No magic bullets. Just strategy, consistency, and a whole lot of community building.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• ICP or Bust: Why understanding your Ideal Customer Profile is the foundation of all successful growth.
• Post with Purpose: How consistent, authentic social content builds trust and traffic over time.
• Communities Convert: How Reddit threads, Facebook groups, and micro-influencer collabs can turn browsers into buyers.
• Give to Get: The smart way to run giveaways and referral programs that actually generate leads—not just freebie hunters.
• Play the Long Game: How to avoid burnout and keep the growth engine running once early traction slows.
• Fear of the Feed: Overcoming hesitation around posting and engaging with your audience on social.
  

This episode delivers actionable strategies, personal stories, and the honest truth about what it takes to build an eCommerce brand—one customer at a time.

_____

Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!

Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/

LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.com

Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com

Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at https://asompod.com

Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com

_____

00:00 Teaser Trailer

03:32 Intro to the ASOM Pod

06:14 Identifying and Understanding Your Ideal Customer

15:45 Leveraging Social Media for Organic Growth

20:16 The Importance of Authenticity and Consistency in Social Media

24:14 The Role of Social Media in Consumer Validation

28:46 The Importance of Social Media Presence

29:51 Building Community Through Social Media

31:51 Turning Community Members into Paying Customers

41:45 The Role of Referrals and Giveaways

50:35 Challenges and Strategies for Organic Growth

54:13 Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs

_____

Follow Jimmy Kim at: 

X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim 

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim 

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim

Follow Bryan MacDonald at:

X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad

Follow John Roman at: 

X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman

Follow Amer Grozdanic at: 

X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic

Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) dive into one of the biggest challenges for early-stage founders: How to validate and launch a new product in just 30 days—with a limited budget and no fluff.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Validate Before You Create: How to test product ideas fast with real customer feedback (not just your mom’s opinion).
• Go Where the Buyers Are: Why platforms like TikTok Shop, eBay, and Amazon are clutch for quick market validation.
• Pricing That Works: The pitfalls of “gut feel” pricing—and how to set a number that drives both sales and scale.
• Tell the Right Story: How founder-led marketing and storytelling can unlock customer loyalty from day one.
• Pivot or Peace Out: The mindset shift every founder needs when it’s time to either tweak the product—or walk away.
• Early Wins That Matter: What month-over-month growth, referrals, and repeat purchases really tell you about your product’s future.
  

Whether you’re launching your first product or trying to speed up your go-to-market strategy, this episode delivers the hard-won lessons and actionable tactics to go from zero to sales—fast.

_____

Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!

Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/

LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.com

Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com

Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at https://asompod.com

Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com

_____

00:00 Teaser Trailer

01:56 Launching a New Product in 30 Days

06:28 Market Validation and Product Ideas

09:02 Prank Box Case Study

11:55 Marketing Strategies and Channels

26:39 Pricing Strategies and Common Pitfalls

31:24 Understanding Pricing Strategies

32:43 The Importance of Customer Experience

33:35 Validating Your Product

35:22 The Role of Storytelling in Marketing

38:47 Learning from Real-Life Examples

43:39 Setting Realistic Goals for New Entrepreneurs

44:06 When to Pivot or Quit

58:49 Metrics for Early Success

01:05:10 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

_____

Follow Jimmy Kim at: 

X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim 

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim 

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim

Follow Bryan MacDonald at:

X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad

Follow John Roman at: 

X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman

Follow Amer Grozdanic at: 

X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic

Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) dive deep into the psychology of the purchase—unpacking how different generations shop, scroll, and swipe their way through the modern DTC landscape.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• One Strategy Does Not Fit All: Why you can’t speak to Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z the same way—and what actually clicks for each.
• Gen Z = Scroll to Buy: How mobile-first design and influencer-powered marketing dominate their shopping journey.
• Millennial Money Moves: Why this generation still cares about aesthetics and ethics—and how brands like Blue Bottle win their wallets.
• The Boomer Breakdown: What older generations value most (spoiler: it’s not your TikTok dance).
• From Hooters to Has-Beens: A wild case study on how brands fade when they don’t adapt to cultural shifts.
• Multi-Gen Marketing: Smart strategies for brands looking to connect across generational lines—without diluting the message.
  

Whether you’re building a brand for Gen Z hype or trying to win the trust of a Boomer buyer, this episode gives you the real insights and playbook to make it work.

_____

Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!

Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/

Alia -  An app that is revolutionizing how brands turn website visitors into loyal customers. With some of the highest performing pop ups in eCommerce, Alia is helping brands ditch traditional webforms and double down on education, personalization and conversion. We highly recommend you check out :https://www.alialearn.com/

Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at https://asompod.com

Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com

_____

00:00 Teaser Trailer04:06 Intro to the ASOM Pod07:30 Generational Differences in Online Shopping13:16 Influencer Impact on Younger Generations21:51 Mobile Shopping Trends Among Gen Z23:05 Brand Ethics and Sustainability31:42 Older Generations' Shopping Preferences33:10 Generational Differences in Medical and Nutritional Advice34:13 Customer Support Preferences Across Generations35:13 The Impact of Generational Buying Behaviors on Business36:58 Exploring Boomer Brands: Walgreens and CVS39:14 Millennial Brands: The Rise of Blue Bottle Coffee41:32 Gen Z Brands: Chamberlain Coffee and Tabs Chocolate44:06 Marketing Strategies for Multi-Generational Brands01:01:16 A Case Study in Generational Shifts01:08:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

_____

Follow Jimmy Kim at: 

X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim 

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim 

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim

Follow Bryan MacDonald at:

X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad

Follow John Roman at: 

X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman

Follow Amer Grozdanic at: 

X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic

Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) come in hot—unpacking what’s actually working in eCommerce right now… and what’s just noise.

We’re talking community-building, live shopping wins (and fails), the death of boring product posts, and why chasing top-line growth without real profit is the fastest way to implode your brand.

• Content > Catalog: Why showing your product isn’t enough—and how entertaining, valuable content is what actually drives conversion.
• Community = Currency: How brands are ditching transactional mindsets and using loyal communities to power sustainable, long-term growth.
• Live Shopping Breakdown: What’s working, what’s not, and how to stand out in an increasingly crowded space.
• Beyond the Vanity Metrics: Why chasing top-line revenue can put your brand at risk—and how to build a healthier bottom line instead.
• Organic Growth Playbook: Real strategies from brands winning without paid ads (yes, it’s possible—and profitable).
• Retail Isn’t Dead… But It’s Evolving: A no-BS look at how retail fits into today’s DTC world—and where it still wins.

If you’re building an eCommerce brand and want the playbook for community, content, and conversion in today’s landscape—you’ll want to hit play on this one.

_____

Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!

Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/

Alia -  An app that is revolutionizing how brands turn website visitors into loyal customers. With some of the highest performing pop ups in eCommerce, Alia is helping brands ditch traditional webforms and double down on education, personalization and conversion. We highly recommend you check out :https://www.alialearn.com/

Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at https://asompod.com

Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com

_____

00:00 Teaser Trailer

00:23 The Importance of Community in Branding

00:54 TikTok Shop and Other Sales Channels

01:49 Podcast Introduction and Host Introductions

04:15 Retail Discussion

14:01 Community and Organic Growth

21:47 The Power of Community in B2B

22:17 The Importance of Organic Conversations

24:31 Live Shopping: The Next Big Thing

25:45 Success Stories and Strategies in Live Shopping

36:19 Top Line Growth vs. Bottom Line Optimization

44:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

_____

Follow Jimmy Kim at: 

X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim 

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim 

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim

Follow Bryan MacDonald at:

X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad

Follow John Roman at: 

X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman

Follow Amer Grozdanic at: 

X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic

Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

John Roman (CEO of BattlBox) and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) take you on a boots-on-the-ground tour of SubSummit 2025 in Dallas—no boring recap slides here. From immersive booths and epic entrance setups to hosted buyer programs and jam-packed breakout sessions, they explore how the subscription industry is leveling up. Along the way, they highlight standout keynotes, behind-the-scenes convos, and some truly creative brand experiences. Whether you missed the event or just want the insider scoop, this episode captures the energy, innovation, and connections that make SubSummit the go-to for subscription-based businesses.

_____

Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!

Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/

Alia -  An app that is revolutionizing how brands turn website visitors into loyal customers. With some of the highest performing pop ups in eCommerce, Alia is helping brands ditch traditional webforms and double down on education, personalization and conversion. We highly recommend you check out :https://www.alialearn.com/

Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at https://asompod.com

Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com

_____

00:00 Introduction

00:28 Exploring the SubSummit Venue

02:08 Hosted Buyer Program Overview

03:00 Walking Through the Booths and Activities

04:23 Special Guests and Interviews

06:02 Conference Enhancements and Experiences

09:34 Final Walkthrough and Observations

12:03 Exploring the Event Venue

12:35 Diving into the Speaker Tracks

13:48 Enjoying the Event's Delicacies

16:08 Checking Out the Podcast Studio

19:44 A Peek into the Main Stage

23:17 Wrapping Up the Event Tour

_____

Follow Jimmy Kim at: 

X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim 

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim 

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim

Follow Bryan MacDonald at:

X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad

Follow John Roman at: 

X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman

Follow Amer Grozdanic at: 

X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic

Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) unpack how eCommerce brands can stay strong during shaky economic times. From rising acquisition costs to unpredictable consumer behavior, the crew tackles the tough conversations about what it really takes to build a resilient brand when the market turns—and what not to do, using cautionary tales.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• War Chest Wisdom: Why building financial buffers is non-negotiable—and how to start now.
• Knee-Jerk Reactions = Death: Why slowing down and thinking strategically will save your brand.
• Customer Love Is the Moat: How community and loyalty become your unfair advantage.
• Cut Costs, Not Corners: Smart ways to optimize without hurting long-term growth.
• Real Talk Book Club: The team reviews The Hard Thing About Hard Things and what it teaches about navigating hard decisions.
• Vendor Negotiation Playbook: Tips for renegotiating contracts and improving cash flow without burning bridges.
  

This episode is your tactical survival guide for leading through uncertainty. If you want to future-proof your business, make smarter decisions, and turn downturns into opportunity—don’t miss this one.

_____

Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!

Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/

Alia -  An app that is revolutionizing how brands turn website visitors into loyal customers. With some of the highest performing pop ups in eCommerce, Alia is helping brands ditch traditional webforms and double down on education, personalization and conversion. We highly recommend you check out :https://www.alialearn.com/

Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at https://asompod.com

Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com

_____

00:00 Teaser Trailer

02:06 Intro to The ASOM Pod

04:43 Economic Downturn Strategies

13:16 Consumer Sentiment and Business Adjustments

27:44 Cautionary Tales: Learning from Mistakes

31:20 Debunking the Quickster Story

31:37 The Downfall of J. Crew

33:42 Omas Pride and the Missed Opportunity

37:24 Understanding the Mandela Effect

38:49 Biggest Mistakes Business Owners Make

44:10 Strategies for Business Resilience

51:26 Book Review: The Hard Thing About Hard Things

59:28 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

_____

Follow Jimmy Kim at: 

X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim 

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim 

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim

Follow Bryan MacDonald at:

X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad

Follow John Roman at: 

X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman

Follow Amer Grozdanic at: 

X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic

Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) dive deep into one of the most underrated tools in marketing: storytelling. With raw insights and real examples, the crew explores how brands can use human connection, humor, and authenticity to cut through the noise and drive serious results—without always needing a massive ad budget.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Storytelling Converts: How emotional connection fuels customer loyalty and brand love.
• Organic > Over-Engineered: Why behind-the-scenes, real content wins over glossy perfection.
• Platform-Specific Tactics: What’s working (and what’s not) on TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, and YouTube.
• In-House vs. Agency: When to hire an internal content creator and when to outsource.
• Content Cadence: The pros and cons of high-frequency posting and what consistency really means.
• Story-Driven Brand Shoutouts: Standout campaigns from brands like Overnight Oats and Moms on Call.

This episode is a tactical guide to building lasting brand resonance in a content-saturated world. If you’re looking to sharpen your content strategy and win with story, this one’s for you.

_____

Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!

Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/

Alia -  An app that is revolutionizing how brands turn website visitors into loyal customers. With some of the highest performing pop ups in eCommerce, Alia is helping brands ditch traditional webforms and double down on education, personalization and conversion. We highly recommend you check out :https://www.alialearn.com/

Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at https://asompod.com

Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com

_____

00:00 Teaser Trailer

03:19 Welcome to the ASOM Pod

06:51 The Importance of Content Marketing

11:39 The Power of Organic Social Media

35:49 Identifying the Villains in Business

36:37 Challenges with Legacy Thinking and Agencies

38:06 Cool Brand Stories: Overnight Oats

41:42 Cool Brand Stories: Apple and Accessibility

47:26 Cool Brand Stories: Mom's on Call

52:07 Effective Content Marketing Strategies

01:02:36 Buy or Sell: Content Marketing Insights

01:10:11 Wrapping Up

_____

Follow Jimmy Kim at: 

X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim 

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim 

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim

Follow Bryan MacDonald at:

X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad

Follow John Roman at: 

X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman

Follow Amer Grozdanic at: 

X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic

IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic

Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips