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...

Yoon Kim, Yoon is an anti-social hermit that's been grinding away for the last 17 years working as the president of Nutricost. Yoon joined Nutricost during his 3rd year of law school, going to classes in the morning and working until 2 am at Nutricost. He joined the Nutricost team as the 4th employee and joined the founders. Nutricost has since grown to over 540 million dollars in annual revenue and over 900 employees working across 14 warehouses and offices through 3 different states. In the last 3 years, Nutricost has had 9 figure growth each and every year. 

Highlight Bullets

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

• Building a sustainable e-commerce business with a long-term operational mindset.
• Strategies for scaling a business to nine figures in revenue.
• The importance of focusing on quality and customer feedback in product development.
• Navigating the challenges of cash flow management and inventory control.
• The significance of maintaining a strong company culture and team dynamics.
• Ethical practices in e-commerce, particularly on platforms like Amazon.
• The role of data-driven decision-making in optimizing business operations.
• Timing and strategic decisions in capitalizing on market trends.
• The balance between short-term gains and long-term growth strategies.
• Insights on personal development and effective communication within teams.
   

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Yoon Kim, president of NutriCost, who shares his journey of scaling the company to over $540 million in annual revenue. Yoon emphasizes the importance of a long-term operational mindset over short-term exit strategies. He discusses the significance of product quality, customer feedback, and ethical practices in building a sustainable business. The conversation also highlights the necessity of focusing on core operations before diversifying, effective cash flow management, and the value of a strong, dedicated team. This episode provides actionable insights for entrepreneurs aiming for substantial growth.

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

1. Prioritize Long-Term Growth Over Quick Wins – Instead of focusing on an exit strategy, build a business designed for sustainability. Invest in quality, avoid shortcuts, and develop efficient systems that support long-term operations.

2. Strengthen Your Company Culture for Retention & Growth – Retaining a dedicated team is crucial for scaling. Create a positive work environment, offer professional development, and establish core values that guide decision-making and foster loyalty.

3. Master Cash Flow & Inventory Management for Scaling – Sustainable growth requires strong financial oversight. Assign a team member to monitor financial metrics, optimize inventory to prevent stockouts, and ensure sufficient cash flow to support expansion.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Josh Hadley on LinkedIn
• eComm Breakthrough Consulting
• eComm Breakthrough Podcast
• Email Josh Hadley: [email protected]
• Amazon
• Market Pulse
• eBay
• ChatGPT
• Profit First
• Crucial Conversations
• Ezra Firestone on LinkedIn

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. 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 Jung Kim, and he is going to be talking about building a business to run and not to sell. We're going to be diving deeper because this guy is selling nine figures on Amazon. Last year they did over 500 million itself. So this is turn up the volume. Make sure you dive in because he's going to be sharing some wicked smart strategies with all of us to help us understand what does it take to really build a business that is generating nine figures in annual revenue? This episode is brought to you by Ecomm Breakthrough, where I specialize in investing in and scaling seven figure e-commerce brands to eight figures and beyond. If you're an ambitious e-commerce entrepreneur looking for a coach or a consultant who can help you take your business to the next level. My team and I bring hands on exper...

Fred started Cosmetic Solutions.com online store in 1996 and was one of the first third party sellers in Beauty on Amazon starting in 2003. Cosmetic Solutions is on the gorilla list of Biggest All Time Amazon Sellers in the top 260. Cosmetic Solutions’ first 10 years were dedicated to selling everything at one time boasting over 100,000 sku's and offering everything from professional beauty and what you would find at your local drugstores.  Now as the business on Amazon has evolved Cosmetic Solutions is dedicated to selling its Brands as the authorized reseller and brands rights holder like skin care brand Dermactin and hair care brand Difeel and nail care brand Barielle.

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

• Challenges of counterfeiting on Amazon and brand protection strategies.
• The evolution of selling on Amazon and adapting to marketplace changes.
• Importance of innovation and product development for competitiveness.
• Strategies for maintaining healthy profit margins amidst rising costs.
• Role of customer service in identifying product issues and enhancing satisfaction.
• Necessity of monitoring key performance metrics for business success.
• Building strong customer relationships to inform product offerings.
• Importance of delegation and team building for business growth.
• Navigating unexpected challenges in the e-commerce landscape.
• The significance of having a clear vision for business direction and growth.

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Fred Adler, founder of Cosmetic Solutions and a seasoned Amazon seller with over two decades of experience. Fred shares invaluable insights on tackling counterfeiting, maintaining competitiveness, and leveraging customer service for product development. He emphasizes the importance of a robust distribution strategy, constant innovation, and attentive customer service to stay ahead in Amazon's dynamic marketplace. The episode concludes with actionable takeaways on protecting profit margins, optimizing operations, and engaging with customer feedback to drive business growth.

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

1. Proactively Monitor and Protect Your Listings from Counterfeits

• Regularly check your product listings for inaccuracies, such as image swaps or unauthorized changes, to prevent sales loss.
• Implement unique SKUs for different sales channels (Amazon, retail, DTC) to help distinguish your authentic products from counterfeit ones.
• Consider working with legal experts to safeguard your brand against counterfeiters and unauthorized resellers.

2. Optimize Operational Costs to Protect Profit Margins

• Track daily metrics, including FBA fees, cost of goods sold (COGS), and overhead costs, to identify areas for optimization.
• Work directly with shipping carriers and explore alternative fulfillment strategies to reduce logistics expenses.
• Conduct regular audits of product classifications and Amazon’s warehousing fees to avoid unexpected financial losses

3. Leverage Customer Insights for Product Innovation and Service Improvement

• Actively engage with customer feedback to identify pain points and improve product offerings before issues escalate.
• Use customer input to develop new product variations or features that competitors may overlook.
• Advocate for better direct communication tools on Amazon to enhance customer service and build brand loyalty.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Ecomm Breakthrough
• Amazon Transparency
• Project Zero
• Edison IP
• Amazon
• Shopify
• Meta Ads
• Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon)
• Snow Crash
• Moby Dick by Herman Melville
• L'Oreal
• Alex Ramos's Podcast
• ChatGPT

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. 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 am speaking with Fred Adler, and we're going to be talking about the three biggest lessons that he has learned after selling on Amazon...