eCommerceFuel: Build, Launch and Grow a 6 Figure P j2i3i

What happens when your business grows too fast and the demand suddenly vanishes? This week, I’m ed by Martina Brimmer, co-founder of Swift Industries, a bikepacking brand known for its exceptional design and creative culture. Martina shares how she dismantled her team, restructured operations, and found her creative spark again after the post-COVID contraction in the cycling industry. Listen in as she talks through the high-stakes decision to downsize, the systems that made it possible, and how she rebuilt the business around brand, joy, and simplicity. We also explore the behind-the-scenes of running a two-person operation, the strategic shift to international manufacturing, and how community-building efforts like Swift Campout are fueling both loyalty and growth—even when the ROI isn’t easy to track. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4mmUQwB Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

What happens after you sell the business you’ve spent over a decade building? In this episode, I’m ed by my longtime friend and returning guest Bill D’Alessandro, fresh off the sale of Natural Dog Company. Bill shares what it was like to finally exit after 12 years, how he’s thinking about investing his earnings, and why his next chapter might be his best one yet. Listen in as we unpack Bill’s decision to divest a portfolio of brands and go all-in on one, how the acquisition unfolded, and why he’s now leading corporate development for a private equity-backed pet brand platform. We also dive into the psychological and strategic side of navigating a big liquidity event - from what he’s (not) spending money on to how he's thinking about investing, BDCs, real estate, and personal finance. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/43jiMtj Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

Ever wonder if you can truly compete with overseas manufacturing from right here in the U.S.? This week, I’m kicking off a two-part series on American manufacturing by sitting down with David Heacock, CEO of Filterbuy.com. David shares how he grew a family business into a $250M powerhouse, all while keeping production entirely on U.S. soil. Listen in as David walks us through how he reverse-engineered a product line that could thrive domestically, why logistics are his real competitive advantage, and how he scaled from a rough startup phase to a massive manufacturing and distribution network. We also dive into his early bets on Amazon, his thoughtful approach to leadership, and what building a sustainable legacy looks like in today’s shifting economy. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4j0WwIW Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

Have you ever wondered what happens when you completely walk away from a successful business, and build something even more meaningful? This week, I’m ed by Ben Katzaman, founder of Sculpted Peaks, who shares how a near-death experience led him to rethink his life, sell his first company, and start fresh with a business built around ion, craft, and awe-inspiring moments. Listen in as Ben shares how he went from burnout to sabbatical to founding a unique business that crafts hand-carved stone sculptures of iconic mountains. We talk about the importance of fair trade, the joy of creating heirloom-quality products, and why personal ion can fuel a business in surprising ways. Plus, Ben opens up about deg a life that balances travel, freedom, and meaningful work, all sparked by a moment at 30,000 feet that changed everything. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/4jOKkMl Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

Could the current wave of tariffs actually help U.S. eCommerce sellers? In this episode, I’m ed by longtime ECF member Aaron Rubin, founder of ShipHero, to explore a counterintuitive take on how recent tariff changes might level the playing field for American brands. Aaron shares his insights on de minimis reform, market dynamics, and why he believes stronger margins could be on the horizon for domestic sellers. Listen in as we break down how fraud, loopholes, and uneven enforcement have hurt U.S. businesses - and how the new regulations might shift the balance. Aaron also shares the fascinating backstory of building ShipHero into a major player in warehouse management software, leadership lessons from scaling to 600+ employees, and why resilience (and jiu-jitsu!) matter now more than ever. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4cS6M4S Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

Are you feeling the weight of rising tariffs and wondering how to adapt your business? In this "State of Play" episode, I’m ed by my good friend Steve Chou to unpack the latest challenges shaking up the eCommerce world, from geopolitical tensions to the rapid pace of AI and automation. We dive into how these shifts are reshaping manufacturing and margins, as well as what the future might hold for sellers like us. Listen in as we explore how tariffs are driving supply chain shifts, the potential of AI to replace roles in your business, and why manufacturing might return to the U.S.—but not in the way you expect. We also chat about the changing landscape at Amazon, why more sellers are fed up, and how we’re personally navigating this turbulent time. Plus, we share our thoughts on adapting with agility and finding opportunity amidst the chaos. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4cKClxv Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

Do you ever feel like hiring a marketing agency is more hassle than help? You’re not alone - agencies are a hot topic in the ECF community, and not always in a good way. In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Simonson, longtime agency founder and ad expert, to talk candidly about what makes agencies so tricky, how to spot the good ones, and what eCommerce owners can do to get the most out of these relationships. Listen in as we discuss Kevin’s wild background (you won’t believe the stories behind his “Two Truths and a Lie”), his experience scaling top-tier DTC brands like Vuori, and his honest thoughts on how agency fee structures should work. We also cover how to vet an agency, why most are bad, how to set expectations, and how AI is radically transforming the paid ad game behind the scenes. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3EjOxZq Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

Ever made a leadership call that totally backfired - or waited too long to make a tough team decision? In this episode, I’m ed by my good friend and repeat guest Bill D’Alessandro to swap stories and lessons from our biggest leadership failures. We get honest about the missteps we’ve made building teams, managing people, and growing businesses over the years. Listen in as we dive into topics like ownership mindset, team dynamics, and the delicate balance of motivation through pay versus purpose. We also talk about over-communication, customizing leadership styles to your team, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is pull the trigger on a change everyone else saw coming. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/43YNBnA Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

What if your marketing team never slept and could execute flawlessly 24/7? In this episode, I geek out with Jacob Posel (until recently, Director of AI at Common Thread Collective), who’s building AI agents that act like your own go-to-market team. If you’ve been curious about how to leverage AI to run parts of your business more efficiently, you’re going to love this one. Listen in as we talk through what an AI “agent” really is, how to train your team to use AI tools effectively, and how Jacob’s playbook can help make your entire company more productive. We also get into prompting best practices, the most exciting new protocols and tools in the AI space, and how Gemini and deep research agents are changing the game. This episode leans geeky (no apologies!), but it’s a fun ride with a ton of practical insight you won't want to miss. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3XA9Yfh Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a long-lasting, high-quality apparel brand in today’s fast-moving eCommerce world? In this episode, I sit down with Mac Bishop, the founder of Wool&Prince, to talk about how he built a business rooted in materials, timeless design, and a long-term approach to success. Listen in as Mac reveals how he established a niche in the Merino wool market by prioritizing quality and long-term strategy over short-term wins. We explore the importance of strong brand positioning, the impact of supply chain shifts—including tariffs and evolving manufacturing trends—and why a commitment to craftsmanship pays off. Plus, Mac shares his insights on work-life balance, hiring with culture in mind, and how over-communication can be a game-changer for business success. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4kLL5Hw Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

Are you feeling burnt out by social media but still trying to grow your brand? In this episode, I chat with Sonia Roselli, founder of Sonia Roselli Beauty, about navigating the ever-changing world of digital marketing, branding, and eCommerce. Sonia shares her journey building a successful beauty brand, the challenges of personal branding, and why she’s rebranding her business while stepping back from social media’s exhausting demands. Listen in as we dive into the power of platforms like Substack and Bluesky, why traditional social media feels like a losing game, and how Sonia is shifting her marketing to focus on deeper connections with customers. We also talk about working with Japanese suppliers, building a team, and the realities of running a beauty brand in today’s digital landscape. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4iT6Pzt Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

Have you ever thought about building your own AI tool to boost your business? In this episode, I'm thrilled to share the incredible story of Zac Plansky, owner of AT3Tactical.com. Zac transformed his business by developing a custom AI tool for inventory management, saving substantial costs and enhancing operational efficiency—all without prior programming experience. Listen in as we dive into Zac's journey from identifying the need for better inventory management to the creation and implementation of his AI-driven solution. We also explore the practical steps he took, the technologies he used, and the significant impact this project has had on his business. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4hbz0Io Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

Are you ready to catch up on the state of play in the eCommerce world? This week, I’m bringing back our most popular co-host, Bill D’Alessandro, for this month’s deep dive into current trends and strategies. us as we unpack everything from the latest in AI advancements to the nuances of seasonal business dynamics.  Listen in as we break down what every eCommerce entrepreneur should be aware of, including the strategic use of AI tools in business, the complexities of managing a diverse product inventory, and the real-world applications of new technologies in improving business operations. Bill also shares his insights on seasonal business dynamics, how external factors like weather can impact sales and marketing strategies, and more. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/43s7WRQ Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

Are you curious about how Amazon is reshaping the landscape of digital advertising? In this episode, I sit down with Joe Shelerud, co-founder of AdAdvance.com, who shares his journey from scaling an eCommerce business to creating a technology-enabled advertising company. We dive deep into how Amazon is becoming a formidable competitor against giants like Meta and Google, leveraging its vast data to revolutionize off-platform advertising. Listen in as we discuss the strategic use of Amazon's advertising capabilities—both on and off the platform—and look at how businesses can utilize Amazon's data-rich environment to enhance their advertising strategies. We also explore the nuances and complexities of advertising that extend beyond conventional digital platforms, revealing how these strategies can significantly impact your business's visibility and success. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3D7CTjO Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

Should you be buying bonds or real estate? And what’s the real path to financial freedom? In this episode, I'm breaking down the investment strategies that have worked for me over the last five years, from stock selection to wealth-building habits. I’ll share why buying individual stocks can be a great move—if done correctly—and why I believe angel investing and bonds aren’t the best options for most people. Listen in as I dive into the importance of knowing your financial numbers, how to build a personal balance sheet alongside your business, and why the traditional 4% retirement rule may be too conservative. Plus, I explain whether real estate is really the goldmine people think it is and what to consider doing instead. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4k1YGtK 

Have you ever wished for a copywriter who truly understands your brand and can effortlessly produce high-quality content? In this episode, I’m discussing the exciting world of AI-powered copywriting and sharing my journey of creating two AI "personas" to help me generate compelling marketing materials. I'll guide you through the process of building a robust knowledge base that empowers AI to write in your voice, understand your audience, and achieve your marketing goals. Listen in to discover the tools and techniques I used, including dictation, transcript refinement, and incorporating insights from expert communicators. Plus, I'll share my plans for further enhancing my AI copywriters by developing style guides, integrating lessons from expert communicators, and exploring automation for and improvement suggestions. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/419JjrP 

Are you navigating the current state of eCommerce and wondering how global events will impact your business? In this episode, I’m ed by one of my favorite people and seasoned entrepreneurs, Bill D'Alessandro. We dive into everything from offbeat life experiences—such as exotic ski trips—to the nitty-gritty of eCommerce dynamics in 2025. Listen in as we banter about the world of outsourcing eCommerce teams to Latin America, the nuances of international hiring, and the real deal about managing costs while maximizing efficiency. Bill and I also touch on lifestyle choices that influence our business decisions and share personal anecdotes that might just inspire your next big adventure or business strategy! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/412c0qn

Interested in what a gap year with family looks like? About six months ago, I shared that my family and I were dialing back to embrace a year of intentional living and travel, focusing on creating lasting memories. Now, I'm back to give you a mid-year update on our adventures and learnings from this life-changing experience. Listen in as I dive into the joys and challenges of our travels—from surfing in Hawaii to navigating the crowded streets of Tokyo. I'll share the profound impact this time has had on our family dynamics, our perspective on life, and even my own business strategies. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3DXEMPW Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

Are you ready for a fresh take on eCommerceFuel? We’re mixing things up with the podcast and rolling out some new changes that mark a significant shift, from a new soundtrack to a revamped content strategy that dives deeper into not just the how-tos of eCommerce, but also the whys and the broader implications for entrepreneurs. Listen in as I discuss my reasoning for these changes, as well as why I'm strategically scaling back on interviews to share more personal insights and adventures in business and life. I also dive into my new approach to quarterly reviews, what I'm prioritizing in 2025, and more. You can expect to hear more on topics that spark ion, drive purpose, and align with creating an amazing life. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3PCCtEr Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

How do you breathe new life into a stagnant business? Today we have Chris Rose, President of Gunner.com, here to share his approach to doing just that. Specializing in high-quality, American-made dog kennels, Chris reveals how to revitalize your business by understanding customer lifetime value and strategically prioritizing initiatives that maximize impact. Tune in to hear about the advantages of manufacturing in the USA, from enhancing quality control to improving supply chain efficiencies. Chris also shares his expertise on building a brand, the challenges of scaling using paid ads, and the critical role of selective partnerships in fostering sustainable growth. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4f1rD5s Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.