In this Throwback episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews serial entrepreneur Roland Frasier on scaling ecommerce businesses from seven to eight figures and beyond. Roland shares actionable strategies around business acquisitions, including seven key categories: competitors, media, teams, products, affiliates, supply chain, and intellectual property. He explains how acquiring proven assets—rather than building from scratch—can accelerate growth, reduce costs, and expand market reach. The conversation also covers practical tips on systematizing operations and quick profit wins, providing high-level insights for ambitious business owners ready to break through growth plateaus.

Chapters:
Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)
Host introduces Roland Frazier and outlines the focus on acquisitions, strategic relationships, and marketing for scaling ecommerce.

Why Acquisitions Matter (00:00:54)
Roland explains why acquisitions are a key strategy for successful business growth, especially for scaling quickly.

Seven Categories of Acquisitions: Horizontal Integration (00:01:05)
Discussion of acquiring competitors (horizontal integration) as a way to double business size instantly.

Acquiring Media Assets (00:02:09)
Explains the value of acquiring media channels (blogs, newsletters, podcasts, social groups) to own customer attention.

Owning vs. Renting Media (00:03:16)
Benefits of owning media versus renting, including control over messaging and customer access.

Types of Media Acquisitions (00:04:17)
Covers various media types to acquire, including blogs, Amazon listings, and social media groups.

Micro-Influencers and Small Media Deals (00:06:26)
How small media assets, often run by micro-influencers, can be acquired affordably for business growth.

Acquiring Teams and Infrastructure (00:07:15)
Introduction to "aqua hiring"—acquiring companies for their teams and operational infrastructure.

Acquiring Products, Services, and Affiliates (00:07:32)
Strategies for acquiring complementary products, services, and even affiliates to boost sales and margins.

Supply Chain and Distribution Acquisitions (00:08:28)
Explains acquiring suppliers, distributors, and other value chain participants to capture more profit.

Acquiring Intellectual Property (00:10:15)
Discusses licensing or acquiring intellectual property to innovate and expand product offerings.

Summary of Seven Acquisition Categories (00:10:27)
Roland summarizes the seven main acquisition categories and the vast opportunities within each.

Actionable Takeaways for Listeners (00:12:01)
Host recaps three actionable steps: identify acquisition targets, raise prices/negotiate terms, and create SOPs.

Book Recommendation: Black Box Thinking (00:13:34)
Roland recommends "Black Box Thinking" and shares its impact on his business mindset.

Where to Find Roland Frazier (00:14:51)
Roland shares where listeners can connect with him, his challenge, podcast, and social media.

Episode Wrap-Up (00:15:25)
Host thanks Roland and closes the episode.

Links and Mentions:

Tools and Websites 
Get Epic Challenge
Epic Network
Business Lunch Podcast

Books 
Black Box Thinking

Social Media Links 
Roland Fraiser on LinkedIn

Transcript:

Josh Hadley 00:00:00  Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast where I interview the top business leaders in eCommerce. I'm your host, Josh Hadley. Today I'm speaking with Roland Frasier, a serial entrepreneur. And we will be talking about business acquisitions, strategic relationships and marketing as different levers that you can pull to help take your business to the next level for our audience. So ecommerce entrepreneurs here. Ideally, in that seven figure range, they've probably just crossed that seven figure mark. Right. And they may or may not have hit a plateau. Right. But they know that they want to make a lasting impact in the world. They know that their business has a lot of potential, but maybe they don't know exactly what the next steps are, or they're looking for different levers that they can pull to maybe get to that eight figure mark or grow and expand. tell me how acquisitions fit with inside of, you know, being able to scale and grow a business.

Roland Frasier 00:00:54  Yeah. So I think acquisitions are if you look at what do the wealthiest, most successful players on the planet do? They acquire companies.

Roland Frasier 00:01:05  They generally are not inventing things. They are finding people who have done something that they feel could enhance their business, and then they're acquiring from those people. Whatever it is they built. And what one of the tools that that kind of came out of teaching this is that I found there's really seven primary categories that can dramatically impact your ability to grow your business through acquisitions. The first one is what they call horizontal, integration, which is just acquiring your competitors. And that one seems like that one makes a lot of sense. But it's not just buying your competitors because like, if you want to double your e-com business overnight, you and you're doing $5 million a year, go buy a $5 million e-commerce business, and you've instantly gone from 7 to 8 figures. Right now you're at ten. Yep. literally overnight, the day that you close the deal that's done. And being able to do that with little or no money out of pocket opens that avenue up, I think, to a lot more people.

Roland Frasier 00:02:09  But it's not just acquire your competitors. It's well, who are the indirect competitors? Like who are the people that have substitute products or services for mine? And then you think you can go out and say, well, now what is it that I want to solve for problem wise? And so if you want to, if you want instant growth by your competitors, right. But if you want, let's say that you're just like, man, if I had more leads, I'd be able to really take off with this. Well then media is your play. Go acquire media. If you acquire media, particularly as the costs on Facebook and Instagram and a lot of places Google have gone up and are continuing to go up, like customer acquisition cost is a real challenge for a lot of people these days. But if you go out and acquire your own media and that can be, it doesn't have to be like you go buy a television network. It can be. You go and buy a newsletter or a group or a podcast or some other thin...

Garland and his business partners have been building the next generation of CPG brands with the company that he co-founded Atlas Brands. They have sold over $100 million in revenue with over 5 million units sold. It’s truly an amazing journey from reselling products to building 8 figure Brands. 

Highlight Bullets

> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. 

• Transition from retail arbitrage to private label brands in e-commerce.
• Importance of delegation and hiring the right people for business growth.
• Learning from failures and embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth.
• Strategy of acquiring existing Facebook groups to access established audiences.
• Challenges faced in scaling e-commerce businesses, including inventory management.
• The role of TikTok and other marketing channels in driving sales.
• Prioritizing resources effectively for sustainable growth.
• Emphasis on focusing on high-return products and optimizing cash flow.
• Importance of building a cohesive brand identity in a competitive market.
• Strategies for expanding into direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales and retail channels.

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley welcomes Garland Sullivan, co-founder of Atlas Brands, who shares his journey of scaling his e-commerce brand to over $100 million in revenue. Garland discusses transitioning from retail arbitrage to private label, emphasizing the importance of delegation, learning from failures, and strategic hiring. He reveals a unique strategy of acquiring existing Facebook groups to tap into established audiences. The conversation covers challenges in scaling, optimizing direct-to-consumer strategies, and prioritizing resources effectively. Garland’s insights provide a roadmap for e-commerce entrepreneurs aiming to scale their businesses to eight figures and beyond.

Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:

1. Focus on ROI: Concentrate on your proven business models and ensure they are generating sufficient profit before diversifying.

2. Emphasize the "Who" over the "How": Hiring the right talent is crucial for success. Delegating responsibilities allows entrepreneurs to focus on high-impact areas.

3. Prioritize High-Leverage Activities: As a CEO or co-founder, it’s essential to focus on activities that will drive future growth, such as exploring new product opportunities or sales channels.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:

• Ecomm Breakthrough
• Josh Hadley on LinkedIn
• eComm Breakthrough YouTube
• eComm Breakthrough Consulting
• eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• Email Josh Hadley: [email protected]
• Amazon
• Shopify  
• TikTok Shop
• Meta Ads
• AG1
• ChatGPT
• Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell
• How to Win Friends and Influence People
• Good to Great by Jim Collins
• Alex Hormozi
• Simon Sinek
• Russell Brunson
• Logan from Physician's Choice

Special Mention(s):

• Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedIn
• Kevin King on LinkedIn
• Michael E. Gerber on LinkedIn

Related Episode(s):

• “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• “Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• “Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast

Episode Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. 

I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.

I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.

If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.

Transcript Area

00:00:00  Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guest include Kevin King, Aaron Cordova's, and Michael E Gerber, author of the E-myth. Today I'm speaking with Garland Sullivan. He's the cofounder of Atlas Brands, and he is going to be sharing the lessons that he has learned as they have scaled up their brand and have sold over a total of $100 million in ...

In this Throwback episode, Chad Franzen interviews Josh, co-founder of Hadley Designs, about his journey from door-to-door sales and custom wedding invitations to building an eight-figure Amazon brand with over 1,300 SKUs. Josh shares how resilience, leveraging Facebook ads, and continuous learning fueled his growth. He discusses the transition from bespoke products to scalable e-commerce, the impact of mentorship, and the importance of reinvesting profits. Josh also introduces his new podcast, aimed at helping seven-figure business owners scale to eight figures by sharing real-world lessons and strategies from successful entrepreneurs.

Chapters:

Introduction and Early Entrepreneurial Drive (00:00:00)
Josh discusses resilience, shaking off criticism, and introduces Chad Frandsen as the interviewer.

Lifelong Entrepreneurial Spirit (00:00:44)
Josh describes his restless drive for business ideas and entrepreneurial mindset.

Starting Hadley Designs (00:01:03)
Josh recounts working at American Airlines, Becca’s passion for art, and launching Hadley Designs.

First Wedding Invitation Sales & Facebook Groups (00:01:51)
Becca’s first wedding invitation project, joining Facebook groups, and early sales tactics.

Early Revenue and Facebook Group Marketing (00:03:43)
Josh explains how Facebook groups drove initial revenue and his extensive involvement in them.

Sales Approach and Door-to-Door Experience (00:04:13)
Josh credits his sales process and door-to-door pest control sales for refining his approach.

Applying Sales Tactics to Wedding Invitations (00:05:00)
Josh details his copy-paste sales messages and qualifying questions for potential clients.

Lessons from Door-to-Door Sales (00:05:33)
Josh shares how door-to-door sales taught him perseverance, handling rejection, and maintaining momentum.

Resilience and Bouncing Back (00:07:47)
Josh discusses shaking off criticism, confidence, and how resilience helps in business and relationships.

Evolution of Marketing Strategy (00:08:35)
Josh describes shifting from Facebook groups to Facebook ads, and the impact on Hadley Designs’ growth.

Transition to Amazon and Product Expansion (00:09:39)
Josh explains moving from custom invitations to mass-produced products, launching on Amazon, and scaling SKUs.

Mentorship and Continuous Learning (00:11:35)
Josh talks about his college mentor, Troy D’Ambrosio, and the importance of ongoing education and learning from others.

Key to Success: Willingness to Learn (00:13:33)
Josh affirms that continuous learning and seeking knowledge have been crucial to his success.

Launching a New Podcast (00:13:36)
Josh introduces his new podcast aimed at helping entrepreneurs scale from seven to eight figures on Amazon.

Podcast Focus and Value (00:13:56)
Josh outlines the podcast’s mission: sharing lessons, overcoming plateaus, and interviewing successful entrepreneurs.

Conclusion and Farewell (00:15:21)
Chad thanks Josh, expresses interest in the podcast, and the episode wraps up.

Links and Mentions:

Tools and Websites  
Adobe Illustrator 
Facebook Groups
Facebook Advertising
Amazon 

Courses  
Facebook Ads Course
Amazon Course

Mentors  
Troy D'Ambrosio on LinkedIn 

Transcript:

Josh 00:00:00  But you got to just shake things off and some people would be like, You seem like super scammy. Like, I don't, you know, you're you're a creepy dude. Like, why are you in these Facebook groups? It's mostly women in here. It's like, you know, you just got to shake it off and go the next person because, you know, you're doing people a service, right? And it's not like I was trying to do anything maliciously. So to me, it's I had full confidence going forward and being like, hey, all right, let's just go to the next person. Let's let whatever people say just literally slide off my back. And today I have Chad Franzen here of rise 25, who has done thousands of interviews with successful entrepreneurs and CEOs. We have flipped the script and he's going to be interviewing me today. Welcome, Chad.

Chad 00:00:44  Hey Josh, thanks so much. It's great to be here. Hey, question for you. Would you consider yourself a lifelong entrepreneur?

Josh 00:00:51  Yeah, I would definitely say I'm a lifelong entrepreneur.

Josh 00:00:54  For whatever reason, there's there's just something inside of me that, doesn't allow me to rest at night. I've always got a lot of business ideas going.

Chad 00:01:03  You kind of. You graduated with your MBA and with your, bachelor's degree. And you went to American Airlines. You were working there for five years, and then you were you were working nights with your wife, and that was that Hadley designed?

Josh 00:01:15  Yes, yes. So that's where Hadley Designs was born. So I started at American Airlines in August of 2014, and then Hadley Designs officially became an entity in March of 2015. So I had a good job with American Airlines, and we kind of asked ourselves, like, what is it that, you know, you should do? Becca. what? And she she didn't necessarily want to go work for somebody. right off the bat, which I thought was interesting. I was like, I fully support that. Like, let's go explore. Like, we've got time on our hands, right? No kids at this point.

Josh 00:01:51  Like, we just graduated college. And so she actually She's always had a passion for art and creativity, and so she kind of explored that. And so she ended up, I think a friend was getting married and she's like, hey, you know, ...

Brandon is the co-founder of the fastest growing AI powered Amazon research and marketing software, Data Dive. His strengths lie in his in-depth knowledge of Amazon’s ranking algorithm and ability to create data-based processes which improve the success rates and profitability of FBA businesses. 

He also founded Seller Systems, a college level course and mastermind community with educational content for Amazon sellers (www.seller-systems.com). 

Highlight Bullets

> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. 

• Strategies for increasing revenue in e-commerce businesses.
• Importance of customer segmentation and understanding customer behavior.
• RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary) analysis for identifying valuable customers.
• Data-driven decision-making and leveraging analytics for growth.
• Focus on customer lifetime value (LTV) and its impact on marketing budgets.
• Continuous improvement and iterative assessment of marketing strategies.
• Diversification of sales channels beyond platforms like Amazon.
• Utilizing direct mail as a complementary marketing channel.
• Emphasis on brand visibility and presence across multiple platforms.
• Cost-cutting strategies and prioritizing profitability over revenue.

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Brandon Young, co-founder of Data Dive and an eight-figure Amazon seller. They discuss the evolving challenges in the Amazon e-commerce space, such as margin compression and increased competition. Brandon emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, delayed gratification, and leveraging AI for scaling. Key takeaways include focusing on leading actions, differentiating your brand, and investing in skilled talent. They also touch on the significance of management systems and the role of AI tools in business. Brandon invites listeners to explore Data Dive and upcoming training programs for further growth.

Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:

1. Focus on Leading Actions

   1. Brand owners should identify and measure leading actions that will drive future profits and revenue, rather than just focusing on lagging metrics.

2. Differentiate Your Brand

   1. It's essential to stand out in the market through unique products, licensing deals, or intellectual property. Utilizing AI proactively can also provide a competitive edge.

3. Invest in Talent

   1. Hiring skilled talent is crucial for scaling. Brandon warns against hiring low-cost virtual assistants without considering their potential for growth. Investing in capable individuals can lead to a stronger team and better business outcomes.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:

• Ecomm Breakthrough
• Josh Hadley on LinkedIn
• eComm Breakthrough YouTube
• eComm Breakthrough Consulting
• eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• Email Josh Hadley: [email protected]
• Amazon
• Shopify  
• Data Dive
• Seller Systems
• Faire
• Walmart
• Amazon MCF (Multichannel Fulfillment)
• TikTok Shop
• PickFu
• Helium 10
• Midjourney
• Stockfish
• Market Masters with Kevin King
• Four Disciplines of Execution
• Measure What Matters
• Scaling Up

Special Mention(s):

• Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedIn
• Kevin King on LinkedIn
• Michael E. Gerber on LinkedIn

Related Episode(s):

• “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• “Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• “Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast

Episode Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. 

I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.

I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.

If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.

Transcript Area

Josh Hadley 00:00:00  Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Aaron Cordovez and Michael E Gerber, author of the E-myth. Today I'm speaking with the one and only Brandon Young, the man behind Stellar systems and eight figure Amazon seller ...

Drew Sanocki, he is 25 year DTC veteran who pivoted from a turnaround CEO to a SAAS founder. Drew's known for turning around 3 x hundred million dollar brands that were bleeding cash and shepherding them to an exit. He now runs PostPilot, the top direct mail platform for Shopify. 

Highlight Bullets

> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. 

• Strategies for increasing revenue in e-commerce businesses.
• Importance of customer segmentation and understanding customer behavior.
• RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary) analysis for identifying valuable customers.
• Data-driven decision-making and leveraging analytics for growth.
• Focus on customer lifetime value (LTV) and its impact on marketing budgets.
• Continuous improvement and iterative assessment of marketing strategies.
• Diversification of sales channels beyond platforms like Amazon.
• Utilizing direct mail as a complementary marketing channel.
• Emphasis on brand visibility and presence across multiple platforms.
• Cost-cutting strategies and prioritizing profitability over revenue.

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Drew Sanocki, a 25-year veteran in direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce and founder of Post Pilot. The discussion centers on strategies for scaling e-commerce businesses, focusing on customer segmentation, data analytics, and revenue multipliers. Drew shares insights on improving revenue through customer retention, diversifying sales channels, and leveraging direct mail. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer behavior, using data-driven decision-making, and maintaining profitability. The episode offers actionable takeaways for seven-figure business owners aiming to scale to eight figures and beyond.

Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:

1. Maximize Customer Segmentation with RFM Analysis – Use RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary) analysis to categorize customers based on their purchasing behavior. Identify high-value customers and tailor marketing strategies to boost retention, upselling, and repeat purchases. This approach reduces reliance on discounting and enhances long-term profitability.

2. Diversify Sales Channels to Reduce Risk – Avoid over-reliance on Amazon by establishing your own direct-to-consumer (DTC) platform, such as a Shopify store. This enables better control over customer data, improved brand visibility, and a more stable revenue stream through multiple touchpoints, including retail, social commerce, and direct mail marketing.

3. Cut Costs Without Compromising Growth – Regularly reassess operational expenses by renegotiating contracts, transitioning to cost-effective platforms like Shopify and Klaviyo, and avoiding long custom IT projects. Prioritize investments in strategic growth areas while eliminating unnecessary expenditures to maintain profitability.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:

• Ecomm Breakthrough
• Josh Hadley on LinkedIn
• eComm Breakthrough YouTube
• eComm Breakthrough Consulting
• eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• Email Josh Hadley: [email protected]
• Amazon
• Post Pilot  
• Klaviyo  
• Shopify  
• RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary)
• ICE Scoring Method
• Turnaround Tips by Drew Sanocki
• How Brands Grow by Drew Sanocki
• 80/20 Sales and Marketing
• Jay Abraham
• David Hitchcock

Special Mention(s):

• Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedIn
• Kevin King on LinkedIn
• Michael E. Gerber on LinkedIn

Related Episode(s):

• “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• “Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• “Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast

Episode Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. 

I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.

I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.

If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.

Transcript Area

Josh Hadley 00:00:00  Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Michael Gerber, author of The E-myth, and Matt Clark from ASM. Today I am speaking with Drew Sanocki, and we are going to be talking about three multiplier levers that you'll be able to pull in your business to increase revenue. This epi...

Drew Hart, your go-to guy for all things Amazon. Drew kicked off his entrepreneurial journey in 2018, launching two private label brands and now providing Full End to End Account Managment Services Agency that handles over 40 brands, Vinculum (VIN-CUE-LUM), which offers a full range of Amazon services, making him a one-stop-shop for Amazon success.

Highlight Bullets

> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. 

• Implementation of AI tools and bots in e-commerce.
• Use of large language models like ChatGPT for operational efficiency.
• Challenges faced by e-commerce businesses, particularly Amazon sellers.
• Strategies for reducing overhead and improving productivity through AI.
• Development of custom GPTs tailored to specific team roles.
• Importance of prompt engineering and clear communication with AI.
• Collaborative approaches to integrating AI into business workflows.
• Practical applications of AI in marketing, customer service, and logistics.
• Encouragement for businesses to innovate and experiment with AI tools.
• Future trends and advancements in AI technology for e-commerce.

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley welcomes back Amazon and e-commerce expert Drew Hart. They explore the transformative potential of AI tools and bots, particularly large language models like ChatGPT, in enhancing operational efficiency and reducing overhead for e-commerce businesses. Drew shares practical strategies for utilizing AI, including creating custom GPTs tailored to specific team roles. The discussion emphasizes the importance of adapting to a rapidly changing landscape marked by rising costs and fees, and how leveraging AI can help businesses remain competitive. Key insights include first principles thinking, chain of thought methods, and practical applications for AI in strategic planning and problem-solving.

Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:

1. Leverage AI for Strategic Decision-Making
   1. Use ChatGPT and custom AI bots to analyze data, generate insights, and streamline decision-making processes.
   2. Implement the "chain of thought" method to refine AI responses and enhance problem-solving within your team.
   3. Develop strategy bots that use the Socratic method to guide discussions and improve business strategies.
2. Integrate Automation Tools to Improve Efficiency
   1. Explore AI-powered automation platforms like Make and Integromat to optimize workflows and reduce manual tasks.
   2. Use AI tools like Gamma App for document and presentation automation to save time and boost productivity.
   3. Invest in custom GPTs tailored to team roles, ensuring they align with your business's long-term efficiency goals.
3. Encourage Continuous Learning and Innovation
   1. Stay updated on advancements in AI and e-commerce by engaging in hands-on exercises with AI tools.
   2. Share AI insights with leadership teams to identify challenges and opportunities for automation.
   3. Foster a culture of innovation by learning from client feedback, testing new AI strategies, and continuously iterating on business processes.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:

• Ecomm Breakthrough
• Josh Hadley on LinkedIn
• eComm Breakthrough YouTube
• eComm Breakthrough Consulting
• eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• Email Josh Hadley: [email protected]
• AI Bot Swipe Files
• Amazon
• ChatGPT
• Vinculum
• ClickUp
• YouTube
• Custom GPT
• Integrate.ai
• Task Aid
• A-10.ai
• Gamma.app
• Make (formerly Integromat)
• Zapier
• Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell
• 100 Million Offers by Alex Hormozi
• 100 Million Leads" by Alex Hormozi
• Prompt Engineering / Development
• Steve Jobs Principle (10-80-10)

Special Mention(s):

• Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedIn
• Kevin King on LinkedIn
• Michael E. Gerber on LinkedIn

Related Episode(s):

• “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast

Steven is the founder of My Amazon Guy, an agency that manages over $1.2 billion in annual sales across 400+ brands on Amazon. A best-selling author of "Amazon Selling Tips" and former TV reporter, Steven brings over a decade of eCommerce expertise. My Amazon Guy, with a team of 550+ employees, specializes in boosting traffic and sales for Amazon brands. Steven is also the owner of My Refund Guy and several Amazon brands, while his YouTube tutorials, viewed by millions, provide expert insights on navigating Amazon challenges.

Highlight Bullets

> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. 

• Evolving landscape of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) on Amazon.
• Impact of Amazon's AI initiatives, particularly the introduction of "Rufus."
• Stability of foundational SEO practices despite new AI developments.
• Changes in Amazon's title requirements and their implications for SEO.
• Strategies for launching new products, including the use of long-tail keywords.
• Importance of high-quality visuals and main product images in driving sales.
• Regular audits of Seller Central settings for optimization.
• Key SEO factors influencing performance, such as click-through rates and organic sales.
• Collaboration and information sharing among Amazon sellers.
• Continuous innovation and product launches as essential for maintaining competitiveness.

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Steven Pope, founder of My Amazon Guy, an agency managing over $12 billion in annual sales across 400+ brands on Amazon. The discussion focuses on the evolving landscape of SEO and AI within Amazon. Steven highlights Amazon's AI initiatives, particularly "Rufus," and their impact on SEO strategies. He emphasizes the enduring importance of foundational SEO practices, optimizing product listings, and the critical role of high-quality visuals. Steven also shares actionable insights on dynamic pricing, launching new products, and leveraging data analytics for continuous improvement.

Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:

1. Measure and Review Data: Regularly analyze SKU performance to identify trends and make informed decisions.
2. Focus on Visual Content: Prioritize high-quality images and engaging product presentations to attract buyers.
3. Implement Dynamic Pricing: Be flexible with pricing strategies to optimize sales and maintain competitiveness.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:

• Ecomm Breakthrough
• Josh Hadley on LinkedIn
• eComm Breakthrough YouTube
• eComm Breakthrough Consulting
• eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• Email Josh Hadley: [email protected]
• Amazon
• My Amazon Guy
• My Refund Guy
• Amazon Seller Central
• Amazon Brand Analytics
• Search Query Performance Report
• PickFu
• Amazon A/B Testing
• Perplexity AI
• Helium 10
• Amazon Selling Tips by Steven Pope
• Transcending the Levels of Consciousness: The Stairway to Enlightenment by David R. Hawkins
• Power vs. Force by David R. Hawkins
• Dan Kennedy
• John Aspinall

Special Mention(s):

• Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedIn
• Kevin King on LinkedIn
• Michael E. Gerber on LinkedIn

Related Episode(s):

• “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• “Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• “Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast

Episode Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. 

I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.

I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.

If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.

Transcript Area

Josh Hadley 00:00:00  Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Michael Gerber, author of The E-myth and Aaron Cordova's. Today we've got a special returning guest. He is Steven Pope from my Amazon guy, and today we are going to be talking all about SEO and AI, and how the world of Amazon and SEO is changing. Or rather, is it not changing on Amazon, and are the tactics of how we need to write our titles and our b...

Tyler Wallis. Over the past 15 years, Tyler Wallis has led e-commerce and retail teams to remarkable success, including seven years at Amazon running multiple billion-dollar categories. In addition, he launched and grew the Amazon Renewed program from a modest $60K to over $100 million in sales, was responsible for launching Amazon’s Canada Grocery category, and led the Marketplace business across Amazon Canada.

Now, as the Founder and CEO of TripleLine, Tyler is on a mission to accelerate profit growth for brands that are better for people and the planet. He and his team work hand-in-hand with a select group of impact-driven companies to boost their online profit and presence.

Highlight Bullets

> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. 

• Leading indicators of success for Amazon brands
• Importance of input metrics versus output metrics
• Weekly Business Reviews (WBR) as a management practice
• Strategies for prioritizing tasks based on potential ROI
• Data-driven decision-making and performance assessment
• Case studies illustrating successful e-commerce strategies
• Focus on core competencies before diversifying sales channels
• Assigning Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to team members
• Building a robust reporting structure for business insights
• Recommendations for tools and resources to enhance productivity and management practices

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Tyler Wallis, founder and CEO of Triple Line, an expert in e-commerce with extensive experience at Amazon. Tyler shares insights on identifying leading indicators for successful Amazon brands and how listeners can apply these strategies to scale their businesses. Key topics include the importance of Weekly Business Reviews, understanding and focusing on key input metrics, and assigning clear KPIs to team members. Tyler also discusses practical tools and resources, emphasizing data-driven decision-making and strategic prioritization for sustainable growth.

Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:

1. Implement Weekly Business Reviews (WBR) for Continuous Improvement
   1. Set up structured WBR meetings to track customer feedback, input metrics, and project updates.
   2. Focus on input metrics (like inventory turnover and conversion rates) rather than just revenue.
   3. Use customer insights to align business strategies with real needs.
2. Use Mind Mapping to Identify and Optimize Key Metrics  
   1. Create a mind map to visualize key business areas: customer experience, sales, operations, and marketing.
   2. Identify leading indicators that drive performance, such as return rates, fulfillment efficiency, and ad spend ROI.
   3. Prioritize and refine strategies based on actionable insights from the map.
3. Clearly Define Roles and KPIs for Sustainable Growth
   1. Assign well-defined roles with measurable KPIs to avoid inefficiencies in hiring and team management.
   2. Regularly review performance against these KPIs to ensure accountability.
   3. Optimize processes before expanding into new business areas.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:

• Ecomm Breakthrough
• Amazon Sales Formula
• Tyler Wallis on LinkedIn
• Josh Hadley on LinkedIn
• eComm Breakthrough YouTube
• eComm Breakthrough Consulting
• eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• Email Josh Hadley: [email protected]
• Amazon
• Amazon Weekly Business Review
• Triple Line Brands
• Think Like Amazon Podcast
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell
• Power BI
• Loom

Special Mention(s):

• Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedIn
• Kevin King on LinkedIn
• Michael E. Gerber on LinkedIn

Related Episode(s):

• “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• “Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• “Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast

Episode Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. 

I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.

I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.

If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.

Transcript Area

Josh Hadley 00:00:00  Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin Keene, Aaron Cordovez, and Michael Gerber, author of the E-myth. Today I'm speaking with Tyler Wallis, and today we're going to be talking about the leading indicators of successful Amazon b...

Andrew is a seasoned e-commerce marketing expert with over 15 years of experience and the Founder & CEO of BlueTuskr, a full-service agency dedicated to scaling e-commerce brands. As the host of The E-Comm Show podcast and a member of Amazon’s Buy with Prime Advisory Board, he stays at the forefront of omnichannel marketing innovation. Frustrated by the inefficiencies of siloed agencies and disjointed marketing efforts, Andrew built BlueTuskr to provide brands with a seamless, omnichannel approach that drives real growth.

Highlight Bullets

> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. 

• Strategies for scaling e-commerce brands beyond Amazon.
• Importance of diversifying sales channels for e-commerce success.
• Framework for testing and establishing direct-to-consumer (DTC) platforms.
• Role of advertising on platforms like Meta and Google in driving traffic.
• Significance of data collection and analysis for marketing effectiveness.
• Creative marketing strategies, including user-generated content (UGC).
• Building a dedicated sales funnel for top-selling products.
• Leveraging emerging platforms like TikTok Shop for marketing.
• Understanding domain and page authority for SEO optimization.
• The impact of customer data on business valuations and long-term growth.

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley welcomes Andrew Maff, founder and CEO of Blue Tuskr, to discuss scaling e-commerce brands beyond Amazon. Andrew shares his extensive experience, emphasizing the importance of diversifying sales channels to mitigate risks and increase profitability. He outlines a practical framework for transitioning to direct-to-consumer (DTC) platforms, starting with small tests and leveraging Amazon traffic. Key strategies include optimizing for SEO, using creative marketing assets, and exploring platforms like TikTok. Andrew also highlights the financial benefits of diversification, such as higher valuations during exits. This episode offers actionable insights for scaling e-commerce brands effectively.

Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:

1. Focus on Creative: Prioritize creating engaging content by collaborating with creators and micro-influencers.
2. Test and Learn: Use successful UGC in ads to gauge the potential for growth outside of Amazon, directing traffic to Amazon using brand attribution links.
3. Start Simple: Create a dedicated sales funnel for your best-selling item and explore upselling and membership opportunities.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Ecomm Breakthrough
• Josh Hadley on LinkedIn
• eComm Breakthrough YouTube
• eComm Breakthrough Consulting
• eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• Email Josh Hadley: [email protected]
• Amazon
• Shopify
• Meta Ads
• ChatGPT
• Blue Tuskr
• Google Ads
• Amazon Attribution Code
• Klaviyo
• Mailchimp
• Buy with Prime
• TikTok Shop
• Jasper AI
• Top of Mind by John Hall

Special Mention(s):

• Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedIn
• Kevin King on LinkedIn
• Michael E. Gerber on LinkedIn
• Neil Patel on LinkedIn

Related Episode(s):

• “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• “Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• “Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast

Episode Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. 

I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.

I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.

If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.

Transcript Area

Josh Hadley 00:00:00  Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Past guests include Kevin King, Michael Gerber, author of The E-myth, and Matt Clark from ASM. Today I am speaking with Andrew Maff and he is going to be talking about how to scale your brand off of Amazon. This episode is brought to you by Ecomm Breakthrough, where I specialize in inv...

Josh emphasizes the importance of being a bar raiser during hiring, explaining that new hires should elevate the entire team. By raising the bar with each new team member, existing talent will also be inspired to improve. Tune in to the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast for more talent acquisition tips!

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, Josh— the host of this podcast and an experienced eight-figure brand owner—shares a proven seven-step hiring process tailored for entrepreneurs scaling to 8-figures and beyond. Listeners learn how to conduct a time study, craft compelling role profiles, source and filter candidates, assign test projects, and leverage group and one-on-one interviews with reference checks. Emphasizing practical assessments over resumes, the episode offers actionable strategies to attract A-level talent, streamline hiring, and build a high-performing team—empowering business owners to delegate effectively and accelerate their company’s growth.

Highlight Bullets

> Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. 

• Importance of hiring management-level staff effectively
• Challenges entrepreneurs face in the hiring process
• Seven-step hiring process for improving hiring practices
• Conducting a time study to understand time allocation
• Creating a detailed role profile with key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Sourcing and filtering candidates using various platforms
• Utilizing test projects to assess candidates' skills and abilities
• Conducting group interviews to evaluate interpersonal skills and team dynamics
• Importance of one-on-one interviews and thorough reference checks
• Strategies for crafting compelling job descriptions to attract top talent

Build a Team That Scales With You
Hiring is the highest-leverage activity for any entrepreneur aiming to scale. By following this rigorous, data-driven, and human-centered 7-step process, you’ll dramatically increase your odds of hiring management-level staff who drive growth, embody your values, and help you reach 8 figures and beyond.

Here are 3 actionable takeaways that you can get from this episode:

1. Slow down to speed up: Invest the time upfront to avoid costly mis-hires.
2. Be relentless in your standards: Only A-players will help you scale.
3. Systematize and optimize: Use tools

Resources & Links Section

Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:

• Ecomm Breakthrough
• Ecomm Breakthrough YouTube
• Ecomm Breakthrough Consulting
• Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast
• Email Josh Hadley: [email protected]
• Amazon
• ChatGPT
• Loom
• Grok
• OnlineJobs.ph
• Workable
• Criteria Corp
• Culture Index
• Upwork
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz on Amazon
• The One Thing by Gary Keller on Amazon
• The E-Myth by Michael E. Gerber on Amazon
• Who on Amazon

Special Mention(s):

• Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedIn
• Kevin King on LinkedIn
• Michael E. Gerber on LinkedIn

Related Episode(s):

• “Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist’s Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• “Kevin King’s Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• “Unlocking Entrepreneurial Greatness | Insider Secrets With E-myth Author Michael Gerber” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast

Episode Sponsor

Sponsor for this episode...
This episode is brought to you by eComm Breakthrough Consulting where I help seven-figure e-commerce owners grow to eight figures. 

I started Hadley Designs in 2015 and grew it to an eight-figure brand in seven years.

I made mistakes along the way that made the path to eight figures longer. At times I doubted whether our business could even survive and become a real brand. I wish I would have had a guide to help me grow faster and avoid the stumbling blocks.

If you’ve hit a plateau and want to know the next steps to take your business to the next level, then go to www.EcommBreakthrough.com (that’s Ecomm with two M’s) to learn more.

Transcript Area

Josh Hadley 00:00:00  Welcome to the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast. If you are tired of hiring the wrong people, or you're tired of putting out a job post and finding poor applicants, I've got the system for you. I'm going to be showing you and breaking down my seven step process in order to hire management level staff from anywhere in the world. All right. So let's get into it. First of all, 99% of you entrepreneurs are hiring people the wrong way. We're going to be diving in exactly how you should be hiring them here. All right. So let's talk about what is the easiest way to use AI and to be able to find incredible management level contractors. First of all, who am I? I am a father of four, husband to a beautiful wife. that is my pride and joy. Right there is my family. Also, I've been an eigh...