Operators

“You make your money on the customer, not the acquisition.” In this episode, Sean sits down with Jordan, the media-buyer-turned-founder behind Instant Hydration, to unpack how he went from affiliate marketer—only eating what he killed—to helping scale multiple 8‑figure CPG brands into 9‑figure powerhouses using Meta ads, tight payback models, and a true growth engine mindset. They talk about why red‑ocean markets like electrolytes are actually a signal of demand, how to think about LTV, subscriptions and time-to-second-purchase, what really happens when a founder tries to steal your team, and the wild IP and trademark journey that led to the Instant Hydration brand.Chapters:00:00 – Cold open: “You make your money on the customer, not the acquisition”02:40 – Jordan’s story: from almost-lawyer to Facebook affiliate marketer15:30 – Scaling 8‑figure CPG brands to 9‑figures with Meta ads28:10 – Why consumables, LTV and payback periods win over “one-and-done” products41:45 – The Instant Hydration origin story and trademark/IP battle55:20 – Building a true growth engine: subscriptions, email/SMS, and sending it on ad spendPowered By:Fulfil.io.https://bit.ly/3pAp2vuThe Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands. Northbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Richpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescSaras.https://bit.ly/9OP-YtdescRivo.https://www.rivo.io/operatorsSubscribe 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/

The operators discuss the critical balance between executing a high-stakes Q4 and planning for the upcoming fiscal year. They debate structured versus unstructured planning methodologies, with Sean and Matt favoring quarterly rocks and 18-month outlooks, while Jason relies on continuous, fluid strategic discussions driven by financial models. The conversation covers the specific role of the CEO during peak season, moving from the field to the budget office, and how to identify non-obvious growth levers like sweepstakes or wholesale expansion to diversify revenue. Finally, they compare internal communication frameworks, specifically contrasting Ridge's unique company-wide daily standups with more traditional departmental leadership cadences.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:17 - Managing Q4 Anxiety

00:16:05 - Annual Planning Timelines

00:27:12 - Prioritizing Strategic Bets

00:38:09 - Choosing Growth Levers

00:52:34 - Meeting Rhythms & Standups

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/

Richpanel.

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

Saras.

https://bit.ly/9OP-Ytdesc

Rivo.

https://www.rivo.io/operators

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 their actual results from Black Friday and Cyber Monday, analyzing why some brands experienced record growth while others saw shifts in consumer behavior between the US and Canadian markets. They debate critical holiday strategies, such as the benefits of starting sales early versus maximizing profit during high-intent windows, and explore the theory that inflation is driving consumers back toward durable goods over expensive experiences. The discussion also covers the increasing reliance on "Buy Now, Pay Later" services, the potential risks of mounting consumer debt, and essential tactics for managing post-holiday returns and preventing e-commerce fraud.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:35 - BFCM Recap

00:18:36 - Regional Sales Trends

00:30:52 - Inflation's Impact

00:40:39 - Buy Now Pay Later

00:53:45 - Returns Management

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://bit.ly/9OP-Ytdesc

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/

The operators talk about the complexities of channel expansion, debating the strategic trade-offs between doubling down on digital ads versus pushing into physical retail. They discuss how pricing power acts as a form of marketing and why a $30 customer acquisition cost is becoming the floor for most brands. The conversation also explores the nuances of brand versus performance marketing, the hidden risks of international expansion into Europe compared to the US market, and how AI is reshaping creative production while potentially accelerating "peak screen time" and changing consumer behavior.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:28 - Channel Expansion Strategy

00:22:51 - Measuring Marketing ROI

00:42:22 - Managing Complexity in Channel Expansion

00:55:02 - The $30 CAC Floor

01:09:37 - AI's Impact on Brand Authenticity

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/

Richpanel.

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

Saras.

https://bit.ly/9OP-Ytdesc

Rivo.

https://www.rivo.io/operators

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 discuss the financial realities of scaling an e-commerce brand, discussing the discipline required to manage cash flow and the strategic decision-making behind reinvesting profits versus taking distributions. They explore the critical timeline for when a business can realistically generate free cash flow, debating the merits of allocating capital toward inventory, product development or team expansion. The conversation also covers advanced financial strategies like dividend recaps, the "Rule of 40" for measuring growth against profitability, and personal approaches to managing wealth and generational assets once liquidity is achieved.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:48 - Managing Cash Flow and Reinvesting for Growth

00:25:53 - Using Debt and Dividend Recaps for Liquidity

00:39:31 - Determining Cash Targets and EBITDA Margins

00:53:18 - Managing Personal Wealth and Generational Assets

01:05:30 - Understanding the Rule of 40 and P&L Mechanics

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://bit.ly/9OP-Ytdesc

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 dive deep into the current holiday shopping landscape, analyzing Black Friday Cyber Monday strategies and the shifting behavior of consumers in a soft economy. They debate the merits of starting sales early versus waiting for the "Cyber Five," discuss the complexities of inventory management, and share insights on forecasting growth for 2025 and 2026.

The conversation also explores the difference between "sexy" trend-based growth and durable long-term success, using case studies like Nike and On Running, before concluding with a candid discussion on the role of the CEO in prioritizing company initiatives and making high-leverage decisions

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:34 - Holiday Discounting & Consumer Sentiment

00:18:16 - Early Sales vs. Cyber Five Strategies

00:30:00 - Forecasting & Growth Targets

00:42:38 - Durable vs. "Sexy" Growth

00:54:53 - The CEO's Role & Priorities

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/

Richpanel.

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

Saras.

https://bit.ly/9OP-Ytdesc

Rivo.

https://www.rivo.io/operators

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/

Jon Buscemi joins the podcast to discuss his journey from trend forecasting at DC Shoes to founding his iconic luxury sneaker brand. He shares the inside story of selling his brand to private equity and how their strategy to create an attainable luxury diffusion line was the "kiss of death", violating the rules of luxury pricing. Buscemi argues that fashion's monoculture is dead, replaced by micro-communities, and that social media has killed the discovery aspect of fashion. He details how his new members-only golf brand Redan, is built on scarcity and community, predicting that this "members-only" model is the future trend for fashion.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:31 - The $1000 Sneaker

00:18:00 - From DC Shoes to Tribal Fashion Trends

00:33:17 - Selling to Private Equity

00:45:14 - Networking, Signaling, & The "Members-Only" Brand

00:59:11 - Can a Monoculture Brand Still Be Built Today?

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://bit.ly/9OP-Ytdesc

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/

Cash is king, period. In this episode, the operators get real about why cash flow matters more than your P&L, EBITDA, or vanity revenue numbers. They share their worst "cash crunch" war stories, like pushing payroll or having to choose between buying inventory and paying taxes. To prove a hard lesson: even profitable businesses go bankrupt all the time. You'll learn the backward-sounding truth of e-commerce: rapid growth bleeds cash, while slowing down can actually fill your bank account. They get into the weeds on risky trend-based inventory, and how to get your suppliers to finance your growth by trading margin for better terms. They also cover the real cost of equity (why you should probably just take the money) and why you need a serious finance team and audits long before you ever think about selling.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:07 - Worst Cash Crunch Moments

00:18:26 - How Growth & Inventory Type Affect Cash Flow

00:34:50 - Tactical Ways to Protect Cash

00:46:26 - The Truth About Equity Financing

01:03:27 - Partnership, Paranoia, and Playing the Leverage Game

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/

Richpanel.

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

Saras.

https://bit.ly/9OP-Ytdesc

Rivo.

https://www.rivo.io/operators

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/

Join hosts Matt Bertulli and Jason Panzer to experience the journey of Yariv Citron, Co-Founder & CMO of MAËLYS. After leaving law school, Yariv faced the crushing decision to shut down his first business. Yet, he emerged resilient, venturing into the fiercely competitive beauty industry with a bold vision to “break the feed” and redefine body care.

Born from a hero product, the Booty Lift and Firm Mask, Yariv and his co-founders took a daring leap, securing personal loans to fund their dream and launch MAËLYS with a mega-influencer campaign centered on Khloe Kardashian. This bold move not only expanded their audience but also solidified MAËLYS as a brand that challenges norms and empowers women with innovative, clinically proven solutions.

Today, the company is on track to achieve $150-200 million in annual revenue while maintaining profitability. Discover how personal setbacks became the foundation for extraordinary success, and learn the tactics behind MAËLYS’ rapid growth. This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to understand the grit, innovation, and determination required to build a disruptive brand.

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In this episode, the Operators dive deep into omnichannel strategy, starting with the lingering debate: should your brand be on Amazon? The hosts break down the pros of incrementality and meeting customers where they are. Versus the cons of price wars, channel conflict, and the platform's brand-unfriendly nature.

The discussion then shifts to the high-stakes game of wholesale, weighing the relative safety of the "Big Three" (Costco, Target, Walmart) against the serious financial risks of smaller retailers going bankrupt.

Finally, the squad debates the ultimate omnichannel play: opening your own physical stores. They explore the potential for unique customer experiences and domestic supply chain advantages versus the immense complexity, high costs, and low success rate for digitally-native brands.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:16:55 - "Is it Good For My Brand?" Amazon Debate

00:33:30 - The Risks of Wholesale

00:43:45 - Is Being in Big Stores Worth It?

00:56:51 - The Case for Owned Retail

Powered 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=ytdesc

Saras.

https://bit.ly/9OP-Ytdesc

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/