What is the future of e-commerce? In this episode, the Operators tackle the biggest questions facing brands today. We explore the rise of "Agentic Commerce" and the concept of the "Me Store". A future where personal AI assistants curate and conduct our shopping, potentially replacing the traditional e-commerce storefront as we know it.The conversation then dives deep into one of the most critical topics for any founder: brand. How do you distinguish between building an enduring brand versus chasing a fleeting trend? We break down the Stanley cup phenomenon as a case study and debate the best ways to measure true brand power. Is it about pricing power and repeat purchase rates, or is brand evangelism the ultimate metric? Finally, we explore different strategies for brand growth and category expansion, looking at how to stay true to a core customer while still finding new avenues for growth. Join us for a forward-looking discussion on the threats, opportunities, and strategic pivots required to win in the next era of commerce.Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction00:06:15 - Stealing Marketing Ideas from 50 Years Ago00:17:47 - How AI Will Change E-Commerce Forever00:36:44 - How Do You Actually Measure "Brand"?00:49:30 - Analyzing Post-Purchase Survey Data00:56:52 - Brand vs. TrendPowered By:Fulfil.io.https://bit.ly/3pAp2vuThe Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands. Northbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Postscript.https://postscript.io/Richpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescSaras.https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_moreSubscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperatorsSubscribe to The Finance Operators here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

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Hosts Matthew Bertulli and Sean Frank go behind-the-scenes with Katy Mimari, founder and CEO of +$100M baby brand Caden Lane.

Katy shares her 21-year entrepreneurial journey, detailing the motivations behind starting her company, the challenges faced during economic downturns, and her pivotal decision to transition into DTC.

She discusses the importance of product expansion, compassionate leadership, and the lessons learned throughout her journey.

Katy reflects on the decision not to sell her company along with the personal growth that has come from navigating the complexities of business ownership, going from single mother to blended family, and life.

Chapters

00:00 The Genesis of Caden Lane

09:20 Navigating Challenges and Growth

17:46 The Transition to Direct-to-Consumer

25:50 Rebuilding and Expanding Product Lines

37:06 The Decision Not to Sell: A Personal Journey

56:37 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations

This conversation explores the dynamics of remote and hybrid work models, the impact of company culture on brand identity, and the generational differences in workplace engagement. The speakers discuss the importance of flexibility, accountability, and how to navigate controversies within brand communities. They emphasize that a strong culture can enhance brand performance and that the future of work may lie in a hybrid approach that balances in-person and remote interactions. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of branding, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, customer acquisition, and the need for brands to be remarkable. They discuss how successful brands often evolve based on customer feedback and the significance of data in shaping brand strategies. The conversation also touches on the role of influencers and counter-positioning in establishing a brand's identity.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

07:55 Balancing Flexibility and Accountability

14:30 Generational Perspectives on Work and Learning

20:19 The Role of Culture in Brand Identity

40:35 The Essence of Branding

55:46 Fluidity in Targeting Customers

01:05:00 The Role of Data in Brand Strategy

01:15:20 The Impact of Influencers on Brand Success

Powered By:

Fulfil.io.

https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu

The Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands.

Northbeam.

https://www.northbeam.io/

Postscript.

https://postscript.io/

Richpanel.

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Saras.

https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_more

Subscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here:

https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperators

Subscribe to The Finance Operators here:

https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here:

https://9operators.com/

In this episode, the Operators break down how to build a world-class product development organization. They dive into how to structure your product team and debate who should own the process from idea to launch. They also tackle the classic question of whether your strategy should be marketing-led or product-led.

Drawing from their own expensive mistakes and huge successes, the hosts share hard-won lessons on the toughest challenge of all: choosing what to make. They share their strategies for balancing groundbreaking 'hero' products with simple, iterative improvements. They also explain the critical difference between products designed to acquire new customers (CAC products) and those built to increase customer lifetime value (LTV products).

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

05:45 How to Structure Your Product Team

19:21 Deciding What to Make

30:16 Learning from Wins And Fails

44:16 The "Ready to Launch" Dilemma

Powered By:

Fulfil.io.

https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu

The Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands.

Northbeam.

https://www.northbeam.io/

Postscript.

https://postscript.io/

Richpanel.

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Saras.

https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_more

Subscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here:

https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperators

Subscribe to The Finance Operators here:

https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here:

https://9operators.com/

In this episode of the Operators Podcast, Krishna Poda, CEO of Saras Analytics, joins the hosts to break down the tangible ways AI is revolutionizing business operations. The conversation moves beyond the hype to explore how companies are leveraging artificial intelligence for significant productivity gains across various departments. They discuss the foundational importance of creating a centralized "single source of truth" for data, which allows AI tools to provide instant, accurate business insights and automate reporting that once took analysts days to compile. The group also shares real-world examples, from building AI-powered "ad factories" that generate massive volumes of creative content to developing custom internal GPTs that act as a company "brain" for streamlined communication, onboarding, and strategy. Ultimately, the discussion highlights how AI is becoming an indispensable operating system for modern businesses, enabling teams to analyze customer feedback, refine product development, and make faster, more informed decisions.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

06:04 - AI as an Operating System

20:51 - Getting a Business "AI Ready"

37:39 - Generative AI for Content

54:43 - The Future of Remote Work and AI

01:07:24 - Developing an AI Strategy

Powered By:

Fulfil.io.

https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu

The Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands.

Northbeam.

https://www.northbeam.io/

Postscript.

https://postscript.io/

Richpanel.

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Saras.

https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_more

Subscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here:

https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperators

Subscribe to The Finance Operators here:

https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here:

https://9operators.com/

In this conversation, Arash discusses his extensive experience in finance, particularly in private equity and M&A, drawing parallels between the current economic climate and the 2008 recession. He highlights the challenges faced by companies today, including the rise of 'zombie companies' that thrived on easy capital but now struggle with profitability. The discussion also covers the current state of consumer behavior, market dynamics, and the importance of gross margins in determining a company's health and attractiveness to investors. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the current state of the consumer market, discussing the challenges of valuation, investor expectations, and the characteristics of successful brands. They explore the impact of AI on banking and the future of investment, emphasizing the importance of building a strong brand connection with consumers. The discussion also highlights the need for businesses to adapt to changing market conditions and the significance of maintaining a long-term vision.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

12:41 The Current State of M&A and Private Equity

24:28 Consumer Behavior and Market Dynamics

39:05 The Rise of Zombie Companies and Market Challenges

42:53 Valuation Challenges in a Shifting Market

49:53 Identifying Successful Brands in Consumer Markets

01:02:29 The Future of Banking in an AI-Driven World

Powered By:

Fulfil.io.

https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu

The Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands.

Northbeam.

https://www.northbeam.io/

Postscript.

https://postscript.io/

Richpanel.

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Saras.

https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_more

Subscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here:

https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperators

Subscribe to The Finance Operators here:

https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here:

https://9operators.com/

In this episode, entrepreneur Pete details the complex and risky strategy behind scaling his two nine-figure companies, Jocko Fuel and Origin, at the same time. He reveals how for years he used the high-margin cash flow from his successful supplement partnership with Jocko Willink to fund a seemingly impossible dream: a vertically-integrated, "Made in America" manufacturing operation. This synergy fueled incredible growth, but the pressure of managing two fundamentally different business models eventually led to a crisis. After taking on a private equity partner, Pete faced his most challenging year as a leader, navigating millions in losses and a catastrophic inventory overage. To save the enterprise, he had to make a critical, unconventional decision that few founders would dare to consider. This is the unfiltered story of the brutal lessons of hyper-growth and the strategic thinking that led him to fire himself.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

11:58 Building a Brand with Jocko Willink

22:38 Shared Resources and Team Structure

30:15 The Role of Private Equity

39:47 The Emotional Journey of Brand Separation

52:11 Leadership Challenges and Trust in Decision Making

01:00:50 Learning The Importance of Data

01:15:40 The Evolution of Customer Demographics

Powered By:

Fulfil.io.

https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu

The Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands.

Northbeam.

https://www.northbeam.io/

Postscript.

https://postscript.io/

Richpanel.

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Saras.

https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_more

Subscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperators

Subscribe to The Finance Operators here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/

In this episode, the hosts explore the foundational financial strategies that underpin 8 and 9-figure e-commerce success. Drawing questions directly from the eCommerceFuel community, the hosts pull back the curtain on their distinct approaches to financial planning, forecasting, and capital allocation. The discussion navigates the complexities of annual budgeting, the critical decisions behind reinvesting profits versus taking dividends, and the intense debate over how to truly measure a good investment. This is an essential listen for any founder grappling with the transition from a scrappy startup to a mature, scalable enterprise. Tune in to hear how the leaders of major brands handle the financial discipline required for sustainable, high-level growth.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

28:13 Navigating Product Development Timelines

40:00 The Challenges of Forecasting and Demand Planning

47:44 The Pressure of Growth and Stakeholder Expectations

52:02 Leveraging Data and AI for Business Insights

55:50 Balancing Growth and Returns

01:02:50 Understanding Working Capital and Its Importance

01:07:00 Return on Invested Capital

Powered By:

Fulfil.io.

https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu

The Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands.

Northbeam.

https://www.northbeam.io/

Postscript.

https://postscript.io/

Richpanel.

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Saras.

https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_more

Subscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here:

https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperators

Subscribe to The Finance Operators here:

https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here:

https://9operators.com/

In this episode, the hosts discuss the upcoming Q4, focusing on predictions, market challenges, and strategies for Black Friday. They delve into the impact of tariffs on pricing and supply chains, the importance of value engineering, and the necessity of optimizing inventory. The conversation also highlights the significance of creative investment in marketing and the need for effective audience engagement strategies. The hosts share actionable tips for brands to prepare for the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of planning and adaptability in a changing market.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

04:09 Catch-up

10:13 Navigating Tariffs and Supply Chain Challenges

19:26 Market Positioning

26:03 Value Engineering and Cost Management

31:50 Consumer Trends and Market Outlook

40:48 Pricing Strategies

50:45 Creative Investment for Marketing Success

56:04 Optimism for Q4

01:01:49 Finding Talent and Building Effective Teams

01:16:19 Margin Expansion Strategies for E-commerce Brands

Powered By:

Fulfil.io.

https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu

The Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands.

Northbeam.

https://www.northbeam.io/

Postscript.

https://postscript.io/

Richpanel.

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Saras.

https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_more

Subscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here:

https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperators

Subscribe to The Finance Operators here:

https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here:

https://9operators.com/

In this episode the hosts interview Jacques, CEO of Raindrop Agency, discussing the agency's journey. Particularly their work with Dr. Squatch, which grew from a $3 million company to a billion-dollar sale. They explore the dynamics of creative advertising, the importance of storytelling, and the agency's unique approach to brand campaigns. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in creative production and the future of advertising, emphasizing the need for brands to invest in narrative-driven campaigns rather than relying solely on UGC.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

05:24 Jacques and the Raindrop Agency

10:00 The Dr. Squatch Success Story

20:40 Creative Philosophy and Agency Operations

36:10 The Ideal Client and Brand Building

54:39 Campaign Strategy and Timelines

01:09:13 The Role of AI in Creative Advertising

Powered By:

Fulfil.io.

https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu

The Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands.

Northbeam.

https://www.northbeam.io/

Postscript.

https://postscript.io/

Richpanel.

https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdesc

Saras.

https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_more

Subscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here:

https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperators

Subscribe to The Finance Operators here:

https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS

Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here:

https://9operators.com/