eCom Collab Club Podcast - The eCommerce Podcast for DTC Businesses

In this episode, Pete teams up with guest co-host Rich Evans from Get Better to chat with Darren Lake, Head of CX & Marketing at Glazing Vision, about how AI is actually making customer service sharper, analytics faster, and CRM more powerful without losing the human touch.

Darren shares how Glazing Vision is embedding AI into customer service, cutting hours out of manual processes, and turning messy data into insights that actually drive revenue.

This isn’t hype. It’s AI in the trenches.

They cover:– How AI can cut hours out of case studies and customer support– The truth about AI vs. automation vs. CRM (and why most people confuse them)– Personalisation: how to turn raw data into real revenue– Why “human + AI” always beats AI alone– The future of CX, analytics and AI-powered shopping assistants

This episode is for any operator who’s tired of the AI hype and wants practical, real-world examples of AI delivering results today. If you’ve ever wondered how to actually make AI useful in eCommerce—this one’s for you.

About the Guest
Darren Lake, Head of CX & Marketing at Glazing Vision. From dial-up websites and pet franchises to leading CX in construction, Darren’s career has been all about using tech to improve customer experience. Today, he’s using AI to make analytics actionable and customer service smarter.

About the Hosts
Pete Gardner, Co-founder of Blend Commerce and eCom Collab Club™, obsessed with what actually works in eCommerce.

Rich Evans, Founder of Get Better, email and retention specialist and long-time partner-in-crime to Pete.

Work with BlendNeed your store to convert like your margins depend on it?
Book a free “Metric on Fire” diagnostic:
👉 ⁠https://blendcommerce.com/pages/metric-on-fire⁠

#eCommerce #AIinEcommerce #CustomerExperience #Analytics #CRM #Automation #FounderStories #DTCGrowth #EcomGrowth #eComCollabClub #BlendCommerce

In this episode, Pete teams up with guest co-host Rich Evans from Get Better to chat with Danny Bull, founder of Düng Snacks, about how AI is actually making marketing sharper, faster and more profitable for challenger brands.

Danny shares how Düng is punching above its weight, getting into all the right places, and freeing up more time for the creative work that really moves the needle.

This isn’t hype. It’s AI in the trenches.

They cover:– How AI is helping Düng Snacks scale without a huge team– The marketing jobs worth automating vs. keeping human– Picking AI tools that actually work for your brand– Personalising at scale without sounding like a robot– Balancing AI data with gut instinct– Why challenger brands can move faster (and smarter) with AI

This episode is for any operator tired of AI “thought leadership” that doesn’t actually tell you what to do. If you want real-world examples of AI delivering results (and a few snack puns along the way) this one’s for you.

About the GuestDanny Bull, Co-Founder of Düng Snacks. Former agency guy turned challenger snack brand builder, using AI to get his protein balls into inboxes, shop shelves and customers’ hands.

About the HostsPete Gardner, Co-founder of Blend Commerce and eCom Collab Club™, obsessed with what actually works in eCommerce.
Rich Evans, Founder of Get Better, email and retention specialist and long-time partner-in-crime to Pete.

Work with BlendNeed your store to convert like your margins depend on it?
Book a free “Metric on Fire” diagnostic:
👉 ⁠https://blendcommerce.com/pages/metric-on-fire⁠

#eCommerce #AIinMarketing #ChallengerBrand #SnackBrand #Automation #RetentionMarketing #DTCGrowth #EcomGrowth #FounderStories #eComCollabClub #BlendCommerce

In this episode, Pete and Adam sit down with Emma Burke, founder of LACEEZE LTD, to unpack what it really takes to build a brand that means something, not just sells something.

From turning a personal frustration into a product to creating a fiercely loyal community around a niche problem, Emma shares the story of how LACEEZE became a brand people believe in, not just buy from.

No gimmicks. No fake urgency. Just real connection and the long-game of loyalty.

They cover:– How Emma turned a niche pain point into a brand with purpose– Why community is a foundation, not an afterthought– How customer feedback drives product, messaging and retention– The value of doing things that don’t scale (on purpose)– How to grow with your community — not just around it

This episode is for any founder or marketer trying to build more than just a transactional business.
If you're tired of chasing attention and ready to earn trust, Emma’s story is the permission slip (and the playbook) you’ve been waiting for.

Spoiler: the best marketing strategy might just be belonging.

About the GuestEmma Burke – Founder of LACEEZE. Product creator, community builder, and firm believer that great brands solve problems and bring people together.

About the HostsPete Gardner & Adam Pearce, Founders of Blend Commerce and eCom Collab Club™, bringing honest insights and hard-earned lessons from the trenches of DTC growth.

Work with BlendNeed your store to convert like your margins depend on it?
Book a free “Metric on Fire” diagnostic:
👉 ⁠https://blendcommerce.com/pages/metric-on-fire⁠

#eCommerce #BrandCommunity #CXStrategy #LACEEZE #RetentionMarketing #CommunityLedGrowth #FounderStories #BelongingMatters #CustomerLoyalty #eComCollabClub #BlendCommerce

In this episode, Pete and Adam sit down with Nick Moutter, founder of MOOT Group, to uncover how predictive analytics and AI are changing the way eCommerce brands scale.

From rescuing brands like Houseology to building Ascend AI, Nick shares the hard-won lessons that keep stockouts, shrinking margins and chaos at bay – long before they bite.

Forget guesswork. This is about making data your superpower.

They cover:
– How Nick scaled Olivia’s from a kitchen table to 8 figures– Why predictive analytics is the key to smarter growth– The biggest forecasting mistakes brands still make– How Ascend AI turns messy ops data into real insights– The future of AI in eCommerce (and what’s just hype)

This episode is for any operator tired of flying blind. If you’re ready to protect margins, predict demand, and scale with less stress (and fewer “oh sh*t” moments), this one’s for you.

Spoiler: growth isn’t luck, it’s data.

About the GuestNick Moutter – Founder of MOOT Group. A serial eCom builder who’s scaled, rescued and reimagined brands using data and technology. Believer in solving problems before they start.

About the HostsPete Gardner & Adam Pearce – Founders of Blend Commerce and eCom Collab Club™, bringing honest insights and hard-earned lessons from the trenches of DTC growth.

Work with BlendNeed your store to convert like your margins depend on it?
Book a free “Metric on Fire” diagnostic:
👉 ⁠https://blendcommerce.com/pages/metric-on-fire⁠

#eCommerce #PredictiveAnalytics #AIinEcommerce #CXStrategy #Forecasting #MOOTGroup #EcomGrowth #OpsStrategy #DataDriven #FounderStories #eComCollabClub #BlendCommerce

In this episode, Pete and Adam sit down with Tom Mayes, co-founder of Edmunds Cocktails, to uncover what most brands miss after checkout—and how a great unboxing moment, a handwritten note, and a post-purchase flow that actually educates (not just sells) can turn casual customers into obsessed repeat buyers.

From cocktail rituals to limited drops, Tom shares how his team builds loyalty without the hard sell—and why even your inserts deserve a bit of foil and flair.

It’s thoughtful, scrappy, and wildly effective.
Like a well-made Negroni.

They cover:

– Why post-purchase is a brand moment, not just an email– The ROI of handwritten notes (yes, still)– How to build CX that scales and feels personal– What brands get wrong about inserts– And why one great product experience is better than a dozen pushy upsells

This episode is for any operator trying to turn first-time customers into brand fans—without discounting their dignity (or product).

Spoiler: it’s about care, not just conversion.

About the Guest
Tom Mayes – Co-founder of Edmunds Cocktails. Ex-Heineken salesman turned DTC disruptor, fan of hand-labelling bottles and handwritten notes. Probably taste-tested more margaritas than you’ve had hot dinners.

About the Hosts
Pete Gardner & Adam Pearce – Founders of Blend Commerce and eCom Collab Club™, always asking what makes a customer actually come back for round two.

Work with BlendNeed your store to convert like your margins depend on it?
Book a free “Metric on Fire” diagnostic:
👉 https://blendcommerce.com/pages/metric-on-fire

#eCommerce #RetentionMarketing #CXStrategy #CustomerExperience #PostPurchase #EdmundsCocktails #DTCGrowth #UnboxingExperience #HandwrittenNotes #BrandLoyalty #FounderStories #eComCollabClub #BlendCommerce

In this episode, Adam sits down with Jodie Sanders, CMO of Pooky Lights, to unpack how smart brands turn customer feedback into gold – not just a colour-coded spreadsheet no one reads.

From spicy Trustpilot reviews to DMs with more attitude than insight, Jodie shares how her team turns even the toughest feedback into sharper strategy, stronger products, and long-term loyalty. No sulking. Just growth.

She’s candid, creative and wildly good at reading between the (angry) lines.

They cover:

– Why “we hate your packaging” is often more useful than “we love your brand”– What actually happens when you listen instead of panic– The product improvements Pooky made thanks to customer moans– When to engage vs. when to just… let them vent– And why you can’t build a great brand without a little humility (and thick skin)

This episode is for any operator who’s ever flinched at a one-star review, wondered if feedback really fuels growth, or toyed with the idea of deleting Trustpilot altogether.

Spoiler: it’s worth a listen. And listen well.

About the Guest

Jodie Sanders – CMO of Pooky Lights. Strategic CX queen, insight nerd, and firm believer that feedback is fuel even when it stings.

About the Host

Adam Pearce – Co-founder of Blend Commerce and eCom Collab Club™, always on the hunt for what actually moves the needle.

Work with Blend

Need your store to convert like your margins depend on it?
Book a free “Metric on Fire” diagnostic:
👉 https://blendcommerce.com/pages/metric-on-fire

#eCommerce #CustomerExperience #CXStrategy #PookyLights #JodieSanders #TrustpilotTruths #RetentionMarketing #BeautyBrands #MoansIntoMoney #FeedbackIsFuel #DTCGrowth #FounderStories #eComCollabClub #BlendCommerce

In this episode, Pete and Adam sit down with Amy Anzel, founder of Hollywood Browzer Beauty, to unpack what really happens when you stop avoiding complaints and start using them to grow.

Amy’s taken her beauty brand from in-store demos to 20+ markets, built a fiercely loyal global customer base, and turned even the sharpest feedback into stronger retention and repeat sales.

She’s sharp (literally), candid and doesn’t sugar-coat the realities of scaling – or what she really thinks of business reality TV...

They cover:

– Why your angriest customers are often your most valuable– What actually happens when you listen (instead of react)– How Hollywood Browzer used CX to drive international growth– The difference between moaners and meaningful insight– And why being too perfect can backfire in DTC

This episode is for any eCom operator who’s ever rage-closed a Trustpilot tab, drafted a spicy response, or wondered if CX really makes a difference.

(Spoiler: it does.)

About the Guest
Amy Anzel – Founder of Hollywood Browzer Beauty. Beauty boss, customer whisperer, and proud Apprentice alum with no time for fluff.

About the Hosts
Adam Pearce – Co-founder of Blend Commerce and eCom Collab Club™, always on the hunt for what actually moves the needle.
Peter Gardner – Co-founder of Blend Commerce, CRO obsessive, powered by oat flat whites and unfiltered honesty.

Work with BlendNeed your store to convert like your margins depend on it? Book a free “Metric on Fire” diagnostic:
👉 https://blendcommerce.com/pages/metric-on-fire

#eCommerce #CustomerExperience #CXStrategy #HollywoodBrowzer #AmyAnzel #RetentionMarketing #BeautyBrands #MoansIntoMoney #TheApprentice #eComCollabClub #BlendCommerce #DTCGrowth #FounderStories #BrutalReviews #TrustpilotTruths

In this episode, Adam and Pete sit down with Rob Manning, Director of DTC at Biotiful Gut Health, to unpack what it really takes to grow a brand in 2025 – without losing your margins, your team, or your mind.

Rob’s helping lead one of the UK’s most recognisable gut health brands, balancing DTC and retail growth, keeping the team sane, and saying no to the chaos that trips so many brands up.

He’s calm, candid, and knows exactly how to scale without falling for the usual nonsense.

They cover:

– Why profit-first growth is the new power move– The real difference between “busy” growth and smart growth– How to stay disciplined without going stale– What happens when you don’t chase every shiny channel– And why team culture is your most underrated growth lever

This episode is for any eCom operator trying to grow in a messy market — and wanting to do it without burning out (or blowing up the bottom line).

Rob Manning – Director of DTC & eCommerce at Biotiful Gut Health. Balancing brand building with margin protection, team sanity, and long-term thinking in a very short-term world.

Adam Pearce – Co-founder of Blend Commerce and eCom Collab Club™, always hunting for what actually moves the needle.
Peter Gardner – Co-founder of Blend Commerce, CRO obsessive, powered by oat flat whites and unfiltered honesty.

Need your store to convert like your margins depend on it? Book a free “Metric on Fire” diagnostic:
👉 https://blendcommerce.com/pages/metric-on-fire

#eCommerce #BrandBuilding #ProfitFirst #SmartGrowth #CRO #TeamCulture #DTCBrands #eComCollabClub #BlendCommerce #RobManning #Biotiful #GutHealth #FounderStories #FinancialDiscipline #SustainableScaling

About the GuestAbout the HostsWork with Blend

In this episode, ex-pro tennis player turned DTC founder Jack Oswald joins Adam and Pete to unpack what it actually takes to grow a product brand without sacrificing margins, sanity, or control.

Jack’s built Cancha, a modular bag brand now shipping globally, using a mix of bootstrapping, crowdfunding, fintech loans and angel investment. And he’s brutally honest about what worked…and what he’d never do again.

They cover:

– Why more money won’t fix messy operations
– The real risks of seller-based financing (hello, margin drain)
– How to test products without torching your cash
– Building a brand your customers will actually fund
– And how staying lean often leads to better decisions

This episode is for anyone growing a DTC brand and wondering how to fund it without falling into a cashflow death-spiral.

About the Guest
Jack Oswald – Former pro athlete and founder of Cancha. Navigated bootstrapping, crowdfunding, and external capital (sometimes the hard way) to build a lean, growing DTC brand.

About the Hosts
Adam Pearce – Co-founder of Blend Commerce and eCom Collab Club™, always hunting for what actually moves the needle.

Peter Gardner – Co-founder of Blend Commerce, CRO obsessive, powered by oat flat whites and sharp takes.

Work with Blend
Need your store to convert like your margins depend on it? Book a free “Metric on Fire” diagnostic: https://blendcommerce.com/

#eCommerce #StartupFunding #Crowdfunding #DTCGrowth #ShopifyCapital #AngelInvestment #Cashflow #Bootstrapping #eComCollabClub #BlendCommerce #JackOswaldTurner #Kancha #FounderStories

What makes a business truly valuable – and what quietly destroys your shot at a clean exit?

In this episode, Elizabeth Gooch MBE joins Adam and Pete to unpack what it really takes to grow, scale and sell a company that investors actually want to buy.

She’s built a global tech brand, listed it on the London stock exchange, and now mentors founders who want to do the same – without falling into the usual traps.

They cover:

– The biggest mistakes founders make when chasing growth

– What investors are really looking for (and it’s not just revenue)

– The cap table decisions that haunt you at exit

– How to build boardroom habits, even if you’re nowhere near IPO

– And why she'd absolutely never sit on a board with no values

This episode is for anyone who’s building something serious. Whether you’re raising, scaling, or just want to protect what you’ve built.

About the Guest

Elizabeth Gooch MBE – Founder, ex-CEO, and boardroom powerhouse. Took her own company from startup to IPO and now helps founders grow businesses worth buying.

About the Hosts

Adam Pearce – Co-founder of Blend Commerce and eCom Collab Club™, always hunting for what actually moves the needle.

Peter Gardner – Co-founder of Blend Commerce, CRO obsessive, powered by oat flat whites and sharp takes.

Work with Blend

Need your store to convert like a business worth buying? Book a free “Metric on Fire” diagnostic: https://blendcommerce.com/

#StartupFunding #ExitStrategy #InvestorReady #DTCGrowth #ElizabethGoochMBE #BoardroomTips #eCommerce #FounderStories #CapTable #Valuation #eComCollabClub #BlendCommerce