In this episode of The Unstoppable Marketer, hosts Trevor Crump and Mark Goldhardt sit down with Curtis Matsko, founder of Portland Leather Goods, the fastest-growing leather bag company in North America. Curtis shares his incredible journey—from selling journals at art festivals to building a $100M+ e-commerce empire. He dives into the challenges of scaling a business, the power of customer insights, and why being adaptable in marketing is key to long-term success.

Curtis explains how focusing on hero products, refining processes, and making bold decisions propelled his company to the top. Whether you’re a small business owner, marketer, or e-commerce entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you level up your business.

Guest Bio:
Curtis Matsko is the founder and CEO of Portland Leather Goods, the largest leather bag manufacturer in North America. Starting in 2015 with handmade journals, Curtis quickly transitioned to scaling his business by focusing on marketing strategies and operational efficiency. With a background rooted in direct-to-consumer marketing, Curtis grew his company into a $150M powerhouse and continues to share his insights to inspire entrepreneurs worldwide.

Key Timestamps:

• [3:25] – How Curtis’s authentic marketing approach skyrocketed growth.
• [7:23] – What selling in-person taught him about online marketing.
• [15:08] – The transition from journals to hero products and scaling up.
• [34:09] – Why knowing your numbers is critical for problem-solving.
• [48:14] – The importance of tackling big problems immediately.

#UnstoppableMarketer #CurtisMatsko #EcommerceTips #SmallBusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategy #ScalingBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BrandBuilding #PortlandLeatherGoods #DirectMarketing #MarketingMindset

Please connect with Trevor on social media. You can find him anywhere @thetrevorcrump

What if the key to unlocking your brand's potential lies in the unexpected performance of Meta's ads? Discover how brands are navigating the digital marketing maze amidst rising costs and perceived underperformance, yet finding surprising success through improved conversion rates on Meta. We delve into the shifting landscape where organic reach is declining, urging brands to rethink their audience engagement strategies. In this episode, we explore essential tactics for maintaining a robust organic presence, drawing inspiration from successful brands that have mastered this art.

We highlight the importance of adapting advertising strategies to align with evolving user behaviors and platform trends. Our insights suggest innovative ways to experiment with ad placements and budget allocations, ensuring that brands remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment. The conversation underscores the need for a nuanced approach to media buying and ad management, emphasizing that while paid ads remain vital, understanding the shifting digital terrain is key to sustaining growth.

Prepare to transform your e-commerce strategy by embracing the power of word-of-mouth and diverse marketing approaches. We discuss the importance of organic growth as a long-term strategy, akin to a consistent vitamin regimen, and its pivotal role in customer journey mapping. The episode also touches on the complexities of programmatic advertising and how brands can balance efficiency with volume to maintain profitability. By focusing on the right audience and leveraging both organic and paid traffic, brands can effectively navigate the challenges of declining organic reach and fluctuating ad costs. Join us for a deep dive into these strategies and how they can revolutionize your approach to digital marketing.

Please connect with Trevor on social media. You can find him anywhere @thetrevorcrump

Unlock the secrets to brand success in a saturated market with our latest episode of the Unstoppable Marketer Podcast. What if exclusivity could be the game-changer your brand needs? We're diving into the world of athleisure, and discussing how Vuori has managed to shake things up with an impressive $800 million fundraising milestone. With the return of in-person community activities, we also explore why traditional social media tactics might not be enough to build lasting brand loyalty.

Join us as we dissect the dynamic strategies of athleisure brands like Vuori and Alo, who are capturing market share from giants like Lululemon. Discover how these brands leverage direct-to-consumer sales and strategic retail partnerships, and why brand equity is pivotal even for companies experiencing financial losses. We also spotlight the importance of crafting your brand's niche, using examples like True Classic T's, to understand the power of targeted messaging and exclusive offerings.

Ready to optimize your Black Friday strategies? Our episode is packed with actionable insights and tips to ensure your sales campaigns are seamless across all platforms. From preparing your Shopify store to syncing discounts with social media channels, we've got you covered with strategies to maximize your holiday sales. Whether it's through pricing exclusivity or community-building efforts, learn how to effectively target and capture your market to stand out in the crowded landscape of modern marketing.

Please connect with Trevor on social media. You can find him anywhere @thetrevorcrump

What if the future of elections lies in the hands of podcasts and Instagram Live? Discover how this could transform political marketing as we explore the 2028 elections landscape, diving into how new-age platforms may outshine traditional media. Step into Salt Lake City winter vibes with us, and hear tales of ski passes, snowblowers, and the eternal struggle of winter driving – complete with the heart-pounding tale of a 360-degree spin on icy roads.

Join our conversation dissecting the recent election where Donald Trump's unconventional media strategy led to his presidency, while Kamala Harris's traditional tactics fell short. We examine the power of authenticity that figures like AOC wield over platforms such as the Joe Rogan podcast, and how these tactics altered public perception and mobilized voter support. This episode unfolds the changing terrain of political marketing and its undeniable influence on the ballot box.

Uncover the secrets behind turning adversity into opportunity, where political campaigns and brands alike flip negative perceptions into marketing gold. From the clever campaigns of Snowbird to the missteps of trick shot influencers, we shed light on the art of targeting the right audience with the right message. Experience insights into Millennial and Gen Z media habits, influencer alignment, and the evolving role of social media, pointing to a future where strategic media placement might be the key to campaign success.

Please connect with Trevor on social media. You can find him anywhere @thetrevorcrump

Ever wondered why some video content hooks you instantly, while others pass by unnoticed? We’ve cracked the code on crafting engaging videos by testing different hooks, using quirky observations like our everyday habit of asking questions just for the sake of politeness. From personal updates such as embarking on a multivitamin regimen to brace for colder weather, our conversation naturally shifts towards the festive season, revealing our Halloween plans. While my enthusiasm for Halloween shines through, Mark’s nonchalance adds a hilarious contrast, especially as we recount our plans to transform into characters from "Hocus Pocus"—and yes, we’ve got a fun plot rundown for those not yet bewitched by the film.

Politics and media are in the spotlight as we tackle the election cycle's final phase, spotlighting significant figures like Trump and Kamala Harris. Their interactions, especially with decentralized media outlets like Joe Rogan's podcast, reflect a major shift in how news is consumed. We dissect the symbiotic relationship between new age media and political engagement, including Kamala's rejected attempt to connect with Barstool Sports. This narrative underscores the evolving landscape where Gen Z and millennials opt for platforms like X and TikTok over traditional media, shaping a new era of political discourse.

We lighten the mood with a humorous analysis of Dwayne Wade’s statue unveiling, which inadvertently sparked a marketing lesson due to its amusing lack of resemblance. We liken this process to fishing—where finding the right bait ensures success—and dive into the dynamics of crafting emotional contrasts in advertising. With insights on fear vs. aspiration and the power of social proof, we explore creative ways to engage audiences in a fast-paced media environment.

Please connect with Trevor on social media. You can find him anywhere @thetrevorcrump

Ever wondered how skyrocketing CPMs on Meta's platform could reshape your marketing strategies? Join us as Mark Goldhart and I dissect the nuances of today's advertising climate amid the chaos of an election year and the looming Black Friday rush. Learn how fluctuating costs and declining organic reach are rewriting the rules of engagement in the digital ad space. We'll dive into why metrics like cost per click and conversion rates are more telling than ever, providing insights to help you navigate these turbulent times.

In our quest to decode effective brand communication, we explore innovative strategies to enhance your market presence. As consumer expectations evolve, so must your messaging. Discover the key messages that truly resonate and the core principles that can bolster your brand's authenticity and effectiveness. We uncover practical advice for marketers eager to thrive, offering strategies that connect meaningfully with audiences in a rapidly shifting landscape. Whether you're grappling with the rising costs of advertising on Meta or seeking to refine your brand's voice, this episode promises valuable insights that can propel your marketing efforts forward.

Please connect with Trevor on social media. You can find him anywhere @thetrevorcrump

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Russ Hannig, VP of Growth Marketing at Gabb Wireless, as we explore the intricate relationship between social media and children's mental health. Russ shares his personal journey of aligning his professional role with his values as a parent, highlighting Gabb Wireless's mission to provide safe communication technology for kids. You'll gain valuable insights into how this innovative company is tackling the challenge of harmful online content and learn from Russ's experience in becoming a more mindful marketer and parent.

Our discussion branches into the sophisticated world of marketing attribution and measurement. With examples from industry leaders like Gabb and Ancestry, we unravel the shift from third-party data to first-party cookies and the importance of a centralized data warehouse. We'll guide you through advanced tools like multi-touch attribution and Marketing Mix Models (MMM), offering a roadmap for e-commerce businesses to balance sales and brand-building efforts. The conversation underscores the necessity of creativity and a deep understanding of your audience, especially when traditional metrics fall short.

We also navigate the strategic landscape of marketing methods and analytics, uncovering how to optimize advertising across geographic regions with match market tests and holdout tests. Discover the nuances of marketing for political campaigns and the importance of maintaining a consistent brand presence. From leveraging platforms like Meta to adapting strategies for television and digital media, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Whether you're aiming to boost brand visibility or seeking to build strong team relationships, the focus remains on aligning marketing efforts with core business goals and brand identity.

Please connect with Trevor on social media. You can find him anywhere @thetrevorcrump

Unlock the secrets of brand growth with powerful collaborations and partnerships. Ever wondered how a small collaboration could lead to a tenfold increase in sales? We've got the story for you! Join us as we explore the strategic importance of these partnerships, sharing insights from a recent consulting call where a company faced unexpected challenges, and how innovative strategies can help navigate them.

 Discover how targeting specific audiences can yield unexpected opportunities and why serving a dedicated niche might just be more impactful than chasing mass appeal. Through our stories and listener feedback, we illustrate how meaningful engagement with the right audience can lead to genuine business growth.

Round out this episode with a look at evolving strategies in both politics and business, from the media approaches of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris to innovative brand collaborations. We highlight successful partnerships, such as Fawn Design's influencer collaborations and KITH's buzz worthy campaigns, showcasing how they capture new audiences and enhance visibility. Hear an inspiring success story of a small brand collaboration that resulted in remarkable sales growth, and learn why you should never hesitate to explore these powerful strategies for your own brand’s success.

Please connect with Trevor on social media. You can find him anywhere @thetrevorcrump

Is fear or hope the ultimate tool in marketing? We reflect on our own experience of dropping a podcast episode, spotlighting the crucial lesson of recognizing and steering clear of sunk cost bias. Then, we shift gears to the rollercoaster world of reality TV. Our conversation turns to Hulu's "Secret Life of Mormon Wives," a show that smartly piggybacked on a viral TikTok scandal to draw in viewers.

Despite Hulu's challenges as a streaming service, they struck gold with this show by leveraging key influencers to drive record-breaking viewership. While opinions on the show's quality and moral values are mixed, its widespread appeal is undeniable.

Finally, we examine reality TV’s captivating mechanics and how they parallel election campaign strategies. We transition to discuss the distinct media strategies of the Harris and Trump campaigns, revealing how they utilize different platforms to target their key demographics. By drawing parallels between political campaigns and business strategies, we emphasize the critical importance of advertising spend and the power of going viral.

Please connect with Trevor on social media. You can find him anywhere @thetrevorcrump

Ever wondered how to break free from the monotony of routine marketing? Join us as we celebrate a monumental milestone—our 100th episode! Thank you to all of those who have been here every step of the way, and to those who are now just joining us for the first time. In this episode, we are taking a nostalgic trip back to November 2021, reflecting on our growth and the invaluable lessons we've learned along the way. Listen as we highlight marketing powerhouses like Sarah Ebert of Press Floral and Thomas Higgum of Lola Blankets, who remind us that customer satisfaction and product excellence should always be at the forefront. This episode offers a treasure trove of timeless strategies to ensure your brand’s success, accentuating the importance of evolving with feedback and breaking marketing norms.

We then shift gears to uncover the magic of organic storytelling in brand building. Ever wanted to stand out in a saturated market? Learn from the likes of Jake Karls of Mid-day Squares, whose authentic narratives go beyond mere products to create genuine connections with customers. We reflect on influencers like JT Barnett that weighs in on why staying true to your narrative trumps chasing fleeting trends. Plus, we discuss how the election season could affect media costs and what that means for your advertising strategies. Get ready for a masterclass on creating engaging hooks that capture organic attention.

Finally, we dive into the nuances of niche marketing and effective content strategies. Discover how Kizik shoes found success by targeting specific groups before broadening their audience. We emphasize the principle of "sales follow search," helping brands understand organic reach and measure incrementally over time. As the digital landscape evolves, we explore the rising trends in platforms like TikTok and how they can be leveraged for better engagement. With practical advice on transitioning from organic growth to paid ads and navigating increased media costs, this episode is packed with actionable insights to keep your marketing strategy robust and forward-thinking.

Please connect with Trevor on social media. You can find him anywhere @thetrevorcrump