Ecom Gold

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Rewind Shopify App.
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Sendlane.
Unified email, SMS, and reviews for eCommerce. Better features. Better support. Better customer experience. Send your customers exactly what they want, when they want it. (Better than Klaviyo in Finn's opinion). https://www.sendlane.com/

Follow Finn on Twitter: https://twitter.com/finn_radford

In this episode, our host Finn sits down with the founder of Glade Optics, Curt Nichols. As a self-proclaimed ski bum turned entrepreneur, Curt shares his journey of turning his passion for skiing into a successful business. Join us as we dive into topics such as building a brand in a competitive market, scaling up a business, and staying true to your passion. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a fellow ski enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. So grab your goggles and buckle up, because it's time to hit the slopes with Curt Nichols on EcomGold!

[00:00:00] Founder of Glade Optics, successful ski bum.

[00:09:41] Challenging business building, ski community understanding, market diligence.

[00:15:20] Limited funds, testing creative outlet with caution.

[00:16:41] Trust gut, take risks, balance ego.

[00:26:03] Early days, seasonal challenges, then scalable growth.

[00:28:59] Shipping light, high-margin goggles with viral impact.

[00:32:50] Seasonality addressed, focus on existing customers. Limited product line expansion.

[00:41:38] Inventory constraint hinders growth, want strategic expansion.

[00:46:45] High R&D budget crucial for innovative product.

[00:51:18] High fees for business loans not important.

[00:53:10] High-margin products lead to better marketing results.

[00:58:26] Validation from reputable publications boosts brand credibility.

[01:04:42] Recognition on mountains as surreal made it.

Get show alerts and playbooks by signing up on the EcomGold website: www.ecom.gold

Claim an extended free trial as a show listener.
EcomGold is brought to you by:
‍
Rewind Shopify App.
Back up your Shopify store because not doing so is absolute lunacy! As a listener of the show, you can claim a no strings attached free month with this link: https://rewind.com/ecommercegold/

Sendlane.
Unified email, SMS, and reviews for eCommerce. Better features. Better support. Better customer experience. Send your customers exactly what they want, when they want it. (Better than Klaviyo in Finn's opinion). https://www.sendlane.com/

Follow Finn on Twitter: https://twitter.com/finn_radford

This week, Finn is joined by Aaron from Brez, a ground-breaking brand disrupting the alcohol industry. In this episode, we'll dive into the fascinating story behind Brez, a cannabis beverage that aims to create people-centric products through innovative and less regulated approaches. Aaron will share how the idea for Brez was born, the challenges they faced in developing the brand, and their mission to provide consumers with refreshing, hydrating, and healthier alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. We'll also discuss the evolving culture of drinking, the emergence of the CBD and hemp-derived THC markets, and the future direction of the cannabis industry. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by Aaron's journey of disruption and innovation in the alcohol industry.

[00:00:00] Ecom Gold podcast welcomes special guest Aaron from Brez, a THC-infused beverage disrupting the alcohol industry.

[00:06:00] Founder of Lucid, dealt with ad restrictions. Partnered with Nick and built successful brands. Expanded into CBD and cannabis industry. Developed new brand called Brez with partners. Successful team effort.

[00:12:26] CBD market declined, Delta-8 THC booming. Hemp-derived THC legalized, market expanding rapidly.

[00:21:20] Girlfriend tries cannabis in Amsterdam, has hilarious experience.

[00:23:15] Nano emulsion technology creates a unique cannabis experience. It offers clarity and control unlike smoking or edibles. Current cannabis culture lacks understanding of dosage. Brez introduces a clear and gateway to cannabis. Brez uses 2.5mg to 5mg doses. Feel the effects within five minutes. Provides relief and happy euphoria similar to alcohol. Includes lions mane mushroom for cognitive enhancement. Not overly intoxicating or sedating like other methods.

[00:32:47] Lucky start to cannabis beverage business. Fast and successful launch.

[00:42:27] Creating a great product is key. Spread through word of mouth for fast growth.

[00:46:53] Experience is a combination of taste and feeling. Taste is subjective, but more people associate with feeling. Lemon and grapefruit-based drink tastes natural and refreshing. The goal is to reduce sugar content and create healthier options. A pharmacology PhD joins the company for future product development.

[00:54:52] Creating drinks and products for changing bar culture.

[01:00:23] Alcohol harmful, Brez enhances recreational activities.

[01:03:37] Changing states is innate; Brez offers a solution.

[01:09:29] Nick Shack's product promises a major success

Get show alerts and playbooks by signing up on the EcomGold website: www.ecom.gold

Claim an extended free trial as a show listener.
EcomGold is brought to you by:
‍
Rewind Shopify App.
Back up your Shopify store because not doing so is absolute lunacy! As a listener of the show, you can claim a no strings attached free month with this link: https://rewind.com/ecommercegold/

Sendlane.
Unified email, SMS, and reviews for eCommerce. Better features. Better support. Better customer experience. Send your customers exactly what they want, when they want it. (Better than Klaviyo in Finn's opinion). https://www.sendlane.com/

Follow Finn on Twitter: https://twitter.com/finn_radford

Get show alerts and playbooks by signing up on the EcomGold website: www.ecom.gold

Claim an extended free trial as a show listener.
EcomGold is brought to you by:
‍
Rewind Shopify App.
Back up your Shopify store because not doing so is absolute lunacy! As a listener of the show, you can claim a no strings attached free month with this link: https://rewind.com/ecommercegold/

Sendlane.
Unified email, SMS, and reviews for eCommerce. Better features. Better support. Better customer experience. Send your customers exactly what they want, when they want it. (Better than Klaviyo in Finn's opinion). https://www.sendlane.com/

Follow Finn on Twitter: https://twitter.com/finn_radford

In today's episode, Finn is joined by new guest, Dan Demsky, the co-founder and CEO of Unbound Marino. Join us as we dive into the world of entrepreneurship and discover how to sell wool. We'll hear about Dan's journey and the challenges faced when starting his apparel brand for travellers. From the importance of positioning and narrowing marketing to creating a fun and collaborative work culture, we'll explore the secrets behind their success. Get ready for an inspiring and insightful conversation on building a business and finding fulfilment along the way. So, grab your headphones and let's dive in!

[00:00:00] Podcast episode with CEO Dan From.

[00:09:00] Lost charger broke streak, gave it up.

[00:11:53] Founder creates apparel brand for light packers.

[00:24:55] Fun project becomes unexpectedly successful venture.

[00:27:54] Entering clothing industry, focused on sourcing and branding.

[00:37:54] Old UK clothing company embraces e-commerce.

[00:40:33] Startup founder finds inspiration, creates wool brand.

[00:47:27] Thrilled entrepreneur leads successful company with pride.

[00:55:04] Constantly experimenting to crack the advertising code.

[01:00:55] Narrow marketing focus, one product, dominate market.

[01:10:12] Operators Slack group: Join for playbook. Sean authentic on WhatsApp, same online. Great choice. Light on fire on random new things. Bizarre online purchase?

[01:11:37] Appreciate every moment, find similarities, launch.

Get show alerts and playbooks by signing up on the EcomGold website: www.ecom.gold

Claim an extended free trial as a show listener.
EcomGold is brought to you by:
‍
Rewind Shopify App.
Back up your Shopify store because not doing so is absolute lunacy! As a listener of the show, you can claim a no strings attached free month with this link: https://rewind.com/ecommercegold/

Sendlane.
Unified email, SMS, and reviews for eCommerce. Better features. Better support. Better customer experience. Send your customers exactly what they want, when they want it. (Better than Klaviyo in Finn's opinion). https://www.sendlane.com/

Follow Finn on Twitter: https://twitter.com/finn_radford

https://shopcarteblanche.com/password

[00:00:00] Brand Carte Blanche: hats, tees, hoodies.

[00:03:02] Lemonade stand, fish breeding, Instagram, ecommerce, success.

[00:09:38] Limited time split between brands; expanding meticulously.

[00:13:17] Complete love and passion for branding details.

[00:17:03] 8th grade summer into freshman year; pre-apps, dad's photo, big runner with curious questions, young entrepreneurship.

[00:18:26] Emotional attachment to navigation system for making money. Mixed emotions with wins and losses.

[00:22:43] Carte Blanche - Drop-based model for hats and shirts.

[00:27:11] Started US sales, found local suppliers, launched successfully.

[00:31:43] Revenue soared with no expenses spared.

[00:36:29] Carte Blanche's success: Marketing, designs, belief.

[00:45:10] Carte Blanche: People connect, become friends.

[00:47:16] No payment to influencers; focus on quality.

[00:50:26] Represent is an inspiration for me. Learned from him, created new designs, sold out hoodies. Building brand, not focused on profit.

[00:53:43] Me and Adam are creatively productive together.

Get show alerts and playbooks by signing up on the EcomGold website: www.ecom.gold

Claim an extended free trial as a show listener.
EcomGold is brought to you by:
‍
Rewind Shopify App.
Back up your Shopify store because not doing so is absolute lunacy! As a listener of the show, you can claim a no strings attached free month with this link: https://rewind.com/ecommercegold/

Sendlane.
Unified email, SMS, and reviews for eCommerce. Better features. Better support. Better customer experience. Send your customers exactly what they want, when they want it. (Better than Klaviyo in Finn's opinion). https://www.sendlane.com/

Follow Finn on Twitter: https://twitter.com/finn_radford

Chad Carlton discusses 3PL and success.
[00:06:24] Hardship leads to success in business.
[00:12:38] Despite challenges, succeeded with new client. Leased another facility, shipped 250k pieces. Expanded to help other companies solve problems. Reached million shipments through referrals. Named company The Good Company.
[00:17:40] Great cross-functional relationships, high expectations, high communications.
[00:23:44] Outsource fulfillment to 3PL for efficiency.
[00:27:22] Top Amazon seller questions FBA vs. self-fulfillment. People vs process company.
[00:33:32] Responsibility for customer satisfaction, accountability, and training.
[00:37:07] Customized 3PL rates benefit unique businesses.
[00:43:52] Hack rigid system, align incentives, manage nuances.
[00:48:40] Managing exceptions to improve fulfillment experience.

Welcome back to another exciting episode of EcomGold. In this episode, we delve into the world of third-party logistics (3PL) with our guest, Chad Carlton, who runs an exclusive 3PL for chosen brands. Chad shares his insights on managing high demand and keeping customers coming back. We'll also explore the importance of tailoring agreements, managing expectations, and the benefits of working with specialized boutique 3PLs. Join us as we uncover the intricacies of the 3PL industry.

Get show alerts and playbooks by signing up on the EcomGold website: www.ecom.gold

Claim an extended free trial as a show listener.
EcomGold is brought to you by:
‍
Rewind Shopify App.
Back up your Shopify store because not doing so is absolute lunacy! As a listener of the show, you can claim a no strings attached free month with this link: https://rewind.com/ecommercegold/

Sendlane.
Unified email, SMS, and reviews for eCommerce. Better features. Better support. Better customer experience. Send your customers exactly what they want, when they want it. (Better than Klaviyo in Finn's opinion). https://www.sendlane.com/

Follow Finn on Twitter: https://twitter.com/finn_radford

 In today's episode, our host Finn is joined by special guest Brett from the nine-figure brand Kizik, known for their game-changing hands-free shoes. We'll dive into Kizik's journey in the shoe industry and their goal of reaching a billion dollars in revenue. But first, we'll take a fascinating look at how Purple disrupted the mattress industry through their goldilocks video campaign and how Kizik employs a similar strategy to revolutionize footwear. From creating entertaining and memorable content to expanding into retail stores and international markets, our guest shares valuable insights into their successful marketing and growth strategies. Stay tuned as we uncover the secrets to becoming a household name and disrupting the world of shoes. This episode is brought to you by our sponsors, Sendlane and Rewind. Let's dive in!

[00:00:00] E-commerce podcast features Bret discussing hands-free shoe.
[00:03:25] Workaholic marketer strives to balance work and family.
[00:07:11] Changing business goals, growth, challenges, team management.
[00:10:52] Prioritize impactful tasks, avoid unnecessary meetings.
[00:14:59] Hands-free tech company revolutionizing footwear industry.
[00:20:01] From photographer to marketer, learning and growing.
[00:25:04] Purple focused on disruptive video content, using humor and long-form videos to stand out in the mattress industry. Kisick, a footwear company, followed a similar strategy of creating entertaining and memorable content to disrupt the relatively unchanged footwear market. Videos and demonstrations helped turn skeptics into believers for Kisick's innovative technology.
[00:28:46] Functional footwear brand evolves to be aspirational.
[00:34:53] Video first, demonstrating unique Hands Free technology.
[00:39:55] Paid social is the biggest contributor (55-60%), followed by YouTube (5%) and paid search (10%). Testing platforms like TikTok and Snapchat is challenging to scale. Facebook and Google dominate the budget. Paid influencer partnerships are used for product promotion. Organic content is repurposed from paid social. The target audience is busy moms aged 25-40. They are active on Instagram and TikTok.
[00:42:49] If you're in the DTC space, use Sendlane.
[00:47:27] Shoes are sexy; more repeat buyers.
[00:50:46] Flexible online sales, expanding into retail.
[00:52:46] Expanding brand with new stores, international expansion.
[00:56:44] Thank you, Bret, for joining the Ecom Gold podcast.

Get show alerts and playbooks by signing up on the EcomGold website: www.ecom.gold

Claim an extended free trial as a show listener.
EcomGold is brought to you by:
‍
Rewind Shopify App.
Back up your Shopify store because not doing so is absolute lunacy! As a listener of the show, you can claim a no strings attached free month with this link: https://rewind.com/ecommercegold/

Sendlane.
Unified email, SMS, and reviews for eCommerce. Better features. Better support. Better customer experience. Send your customers exactly what they want, when they want it. (Better than Klaviyo in Finn's opinion). https://www.sendlane.com/

Follow Finn on Twitter: https://twitter.com/finn_radford

[00:09:53] Feel Good Labs founded on family-developed product, pain relief through skin delivery. Nature-inspired ingredients found to be effective.
[00:13:59] Increase product absorption through clean skin.
[00:18:33] Passionate entrepreneur provides hope and relief.
[00:24:39] Decades-in-the-making pain reliever formulation, manufacturing setbacks.
[00:33:43] Challenges, authenticity, and scaling QVC success.
[00:38:05] Functional medicine aims to improve overall wellness by addressing inflammation and stress. They offer natural pain cream and sport recovery lotion as initial products, then educate customers on supplements like vitamin D and fish oil for optimal health. Hydration, sleep, and nutrition are prioritized in that order. The brand recently launched a food inflammation test that reveals individual reactions to different foods. This test helps people reduce inflammation and improve overall body function.
[00:46:37] Retail growth is the ultimate playbook.
[00:51:50] Business changed, considering possible buyout, personal mission.
[00:55:37] Growing wellness company with unique pain relief approach.
[01:01:42] Iterative packaging design with emphasis on experience.
[01:07:50] Promising pain relief, but challenges exist.

Ryan's father, a knowledgeable expert in formulating drugs for transdermal delivery, spent decades perfecting topical pain relievers. The breakthrough came when he started collaborating with local herbalists and experimenting with different natural ingredients.

Throughout their journey, they encountered various challenges, including regulatory requirements and the need for preservatives to extend shelf life. But they didn't let these obstacles hinder their progress. In fact, they're now working on a new foot and leg pain spray, refining the formulation even further.
The Feel Good Labs' vision extends beyond just pain relief. They're devoted to building a world where people can be healthy and feel good without relying on supplements or pain relievers. Their dedication to educating customers on overall wellness is truly admirable.
But how does Feel Good Labs differentiate itself in a market dominated by big players? How do they address the skepticism surrounding natural products' efficacy? And what strategies are they implementing to make a lasting impact?
Stay tuned as we delve into these questions and more, and uncover the captivating story of Feel Good Labs. So, without further ado, let's jump right into our conversation with Ryan.

Get show alerts and playbooks by signing up on the EcomGold website: www.ecom.gold

Claim an extended free trial as a show listener.
EcomGold is brought to you by:
‍
Rewind Shopify App.
Back up your Shopify store because not doing so is absolute lunacy! As a listener of the show, you can claim a no strings attached free month with this link: https://rewind.com/ecommercegold/

Sendlane.
Unified email, SMS, and reviews for eCommerce. Better features. Better support. Better customer experience. Send your customers exactly what they want, when they want it. (Better than Klaviyo in Finn's opinion). https://www.sendlane.com/

Follow Finn on Twitter: https://twitter.com/finn_radford

Welcome back to EcomGold, on this episode, we dive deep into the world of celebrities, brand partnerships, and the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce. In this episode,  we have an exciting guest - the charismatic Dhruv - joining our host Finn to share his insights and experiences in the realm of celebrity endorsements and talent management.

Dhruv kicks off the conversation by recounting lessons learned from his friend Maggie Sellers, a seasoned facilitator of celebrity deals. He emphasizes that finding the perfect celebrity for a brand is not a straightforward process, drawing a parallel to the selection of college basketball players by NBA teams. Research, planning, and understanding the desired outcomes are crucial steps in crafting successful partnerships.

From the Kardashians' hard work to Joe Jonas' commitment to his brand, Dhruv highlights the importance of celebrities who genuinely invest in their ventures. He explores the challenges of designing the perfect incentive structure and dives into the intriguing world of talent management agencies. Through his experiences, Dhruv questions the level of involvement celebrities have in decision-making and the classification of certain brands as "celebrity brands."

As the podcast progresses, Dhruv dissects the future of e-commerce, the role of technology-enabled solutions, and the potential impact of celebrity co-founders in brand promotion. He challenges the prevalent focus on celebrity endorsements and explores successful celebrity brands that were built with the celebrity in mind. Furthermore, Dhruv shares personal experiences from the toothpaste tablet industry and his journey in creating Celebritypackagedgoods.com, a pioneering directory of celebrity brands.

[00:02:10] YouTubers turned entrepreneurs create successful celebrity brands.

[00:07:14] Celebrities can work with brands in various ways. Cash, equity, and royalties are popular mechanisms. Instead of asking which celebrity to partner with, brands should focus on their desired business outcomes. Examples include launching a product that requires education or telling a story that current resources can't convey. There are countless reasons to work with celebrities, but also reasons not to.

[00:15:43] Celebrities can benefit brands, but not always.

[00:20:44] Talent agencies represent celebrities, not individuals.

[00:28:25] Process of finding a celebrity isn't definitive.

[00:35:46] Celebrity involvement in brands will be crucial.

[00:40:54] Limiting brand dilution in celebrity endorsements.

[00:45:05] Alcohol brands use celebrities for marketing. Beauty brands less influenced by celebrities.

[00:53:29] SKIMS: A successful shapewear brand by Kim Kardashian.

[00:58:23] Celebrity investments may not guarantee success.

[01:03:10] End of episode, support show, check out Rewind, Sendlane, Drew, Twitter, Celebrity Packaged Goods.

Get show alerts and playbooks by signing up on the EcomGold website: www.ecom.gold

Claim an extended free trial as a show listener.
EcomGold is brought to you by:
‍
Rewind Shopify App.
Back up your Shopify store because not doing so is absolute lunacy! As a listener of the show, you can claim a no strings attached free month with this link: https://rewind.com/ecommercegold/

Sendlane.
Unified email, SMS, and reviews for eCommerce. Better features. Better support. Better customer experience. Send your customers exactly what they want, when they want it. (Better than Klaviyo in Finn's opinion). https://www.sendlane.com/

Follow Finn on Twitter: https://twitter.com/finn_radford