Ever wondered what happens when a 442-year-old Italian family business meets modern American innovation? Join us for an inspiring journey from textile roots to sustainable sleep tech!

Innovation meets science as the mattress industry seeks to bridge the gap between comfort, performance, and consumer trust.

In this insightful episode of The FAM podcast, host Mark Kinsley catches up with Mike Magnuson who delves into groundbreaking developments in the mattress industry, focusing on the collaboration between GoodBed and Dow, a global leader in material science. They explore how science and data can revolutionize how mattresses are tested, moving beyond subjective reviews toward measurable, evidence-based criteria. This collaboration aims to give manufacturers, retailers, and consumers more accurate and detailed insights into mattress performance, especially concerning temperature regulation, comfort, and durability. Additionally, the discussion touches on the growing influence of e-commerce platforms and how the industry needs to evolve to stay competitive.

One of the central themes is how this partnership seeks to offer a level of precision that was previously unavailable, especially in measuring comfort-related characteristics like heat dissipation and memory foam responsiveness. As the hosts discuss the future of the mattress industry, they emphasize the importance of evidence-based testing in ensuring consumer satisfaction and reducing return rates. They also reflect on the growing influence of major media companies and online marketplaces in shaping consumer preferences and how this shift poses both challenges and opportunities for traditional retailers.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

From wild scooter adventures to DeLorean time machines, Sleep Summit 2024 had it all! Join Mark and Tara Kinsley as they dish out all the behind-the-scenes fun in this unforgettable recap.

Ever wondered how a wobbly bag of water turned into a cultural symbol of comfort and rebellion? Meet the man who started it all!

🎙 Kangaroos, Koalas, and Kickass Sleep! 🛏️

Ever wondered if Olympic athletes’ beds are designed to keep them from… extracurricular activities? Buckle up, because this episode dives into that juicy rumor and much more!

In this riveting episode, we sit down with Brett Thornton, the Chief Operating Officer of Airweave and Sleep Summit 2024 speaker, to debunk the myth of the so-called “anti-sex beds” that Olympic athletes are sleeping on.

Brett takes us through the fascinating journey of how Airweave transformed fishing line into high-tech mattresses that promise top-tier support and comfort. Discover how these innovative beds are tailored to each athlete’s needs using cutting-edge technology. Plus, get an inside look at Airweave’s mission to bring better sleep to the world, one recycled fishing line at a time. Spoiler alert: These beds can handle a lot more than just a good night’s sleep!

Don’t miss out on this blend of science, humor, and a dash of Olympic gossip!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

AirWeave offers a unique retail experience in Japan, with 250 store-to-store concepts and a personalized mattress scanning system.

The anti-sex mattress for Olympic athletes was a viral sensation, debunked by athletes and used as a marketing opportunity.

AirWeave is expanding into the US market, focusing on building a strong brand and offering innovative sleep technology products.

The company’s approach to sleep technology and retail experiences is driven by a combination of heritage, technology, and a focus on customer preferences and needs.

Brace yourself for sales gold and name slip-ups as Brent Batterman—aka 'The Butterman'— shares how making friends (not just sales) can revolutionize your retail game!

Mark Kinsley welcomes his longtime friend Brent Batterman (not Bierman!) to drop some serious sales wisdom from his 20+ years in the mattress industry. From making unforgettable first impressions to the art of bundling, Brent is here to supercharge your sales game and remind you why the customer experience always comes first—because if you’re not making friends, you’re not making sales! Plus, Brent teases his upcoming presentation at Sleep Summit 2024, complete with secret strategies on mentoring your team. Prepare for some laughs, a few F-bombs, and a lot of business-boosting advice!

Key Takeaways:

Make a Friend Before a Sale: Brent emphasizes that smiling and making a genuine connection with customers is the most overlooked yet powerful sales technique. It’s simple, but most people don’t do it—start now!

The Power of Bundling: Why sell one item when you can bundle five? Brent explains how bundling a full sleep system (mattress, pillows, protectors, and more) can simplify the sales process and boost your bottom line.

Leadership Secrets Unveiled: At Sleep Summit, Brent will reveal his secret sauce for mentoring and coaching teams effectively. (P.S. It’s only four minutes long, but it’ll change how you lead!)

Strap in, folks! We’re taking a wild ride from the sunny shores of Nassau to the frosty plains of North Dakota with none other than Sheldon King, the Territory Sales Manager at Mattress Firm North Dakota. This isn’t just a story of selling beds—it’s a masterclass in embracing challenges, finding purpose in every corner of life, and speaking life into every moment.

Why is Mark Kinsley soaking up the sun in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico?

In this episode, Mark Kinsley broadcasts from the stunning Grand Solmar Resort in Cabo San Lucas, where he’s enjoying the fruits of his victory bid at the Dreams for All Foundation event. But this episode isn’t just about vacation vibes—Mark reveals exciting news about Sleep Summit 2024. Attendees can look forward to a star-studded lineup featuring industry heavyweights like Colin Lawlor of Sleep Score Labs, Eugene Aletto from Bedgear, and many more.

If you haven’t secured your tickets yet, now’s the time!Mark also shares a compelling story of a lost purse in Las Vegas, highlighting the stark contrast between two hotel experiences. This story serves as a reminder of how crucial customer service is to a business’s success. Mark challenges business owners to revisit their values and ensure their teams are truly delighting customers, not just going through the motions.

"When your customer service is more complicated than a Vegas security detail, it’s time to rethink your process. And by the way, late-night eats in Vegas? Not optional!"

Don’t miss out on Sleep Summit 2024! Head to sleepsummit.thefam.com to secure your spot before the hotel blocks disappear faster than a winning hand at blackjack. And share this episode with your team—let’s make those customer service stories something worth bragging about.

Are you struggling with sleep and looking for practical, science-backed tips to get better rest?

You’re in luck!

In our latest podcast episode, we welcomed Dr. Elie Gottlieb, a leading neuroscientist and the Head of Applied Sleep Science at SleepScore Labs, to shed light on how you can truly optimize your sleep without the fluff.

Dr. Gottlieb breaks down the complexity of sleep into actionable advice, touching on everything from the importance of consistent sleep schedules to the science of light exposure.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Power of Light: Start your day with 10-15 minutes of sunlight exposure to set your internal clock. While blue light before bedtime gets a bad rap, it’s crucial during the day to boost alertness and mood.

Caffeine Curfew: If you’re a coffee lover, be sure to have your last cup at least 6 hours before bedtime. This simple rule can help you avoid disrupting your sleep cycle.

Consistency is Key: While everyone’s sleep needs are different, maintaining a consistent sleep and wake time, even on weekends, is essential to avoid the negative effects of “social jetlag.”

Dr. Gottlieb also dives into the exciting future of personalized sleep solutions, hinting at a time when buying a mattress might involve data-driven, customized recommendations rather than guesswork. Don’t miss this insightful episode!