eComFuel
Dedicated to Helping 7-Figure eCommerce Store Owners Build an Incredible Business and Amazing Life.
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The Blessing and Curse of a Hero SKU: Lessons from Building Animalhouse Fitness
11/21/2025
The Blessing and Curse of a Hero SKU: Lessons from Building Animalhouse Fitness
What happens when your entire business is built around one hero product—and it suddenly blows up after a surprise shout-out from Joe Rogan? In this episode, Paul Jackson, co-founder of Animalhouse Fitness and inventor of MonkeyFeet, joins me to share the wild ride of bootstrapping a viral fitness brand. Listen in as Paul breaks down the design and evolution of MonkeyFeet, the unexpected surge that followed Joe Rogan’s mention, and the operational challenges of growing a one-SKU fitness brand. He also shares the realities of navigating tough market conditions, evaluating Amazon strategically, and pushing forward with new product innovation. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Crafting Comp Plans, Building a Network of Manufacturing Partners & Vintage 4x4 Rigs
11/14/2025
Crafting Comp Plans, Building a Network of Manufacturing Partners & Vintage 4x4 Rigs
What does it take to scale a 50-year-old family business built around vintage Ford Broncos? In this episode, I sit down with Walt Wimmer, CEO of TOMS OFFROAD, to talk about transforming a passion project into a thriving eCommerce brand serving classic car enthusiasts around the world. Listen in as Walt shares how he balances heritage and innovation - from managing thousands of SKUs and global manufacturing partners to designing a transparent compensation structure that keeps his 36-person team motivated. We also dive into customer service, marketing in a competitive niche, and how TOMS OFFROAD continues to grow while staying true to its roots. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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The Forgotten Ad Channel Quietly Delivering 4x-10x ROAS
11/07/2025
The Forgotten Ad Channel Quietly Delivering 4x-10x ROAS
Is Pinterest the most overlooked ad platform in eCommerce right now? In this episode, I sit down with Kate Ahl, founder of SimplePinMedia.com, to talk about how Pinterest is quietly delivering strong returns for brands that understand how to use it—and why it’s far more than a place for DIY boards and recipes. Listen in as Kate explains how Pinterest actually works as a search engine for inspiration, what brands often get wrong when running ads, and how to design campaigns that convert. She also shares insights on attribution timelines, AI-powered creative tools, and how eCommerce businesses in visually driven niches can leverage Pinterest for sustainable growth. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Stealing eCom Marketing Playbooks for Short-Term Rentals
10/31/2025
Stealing eCom Marketing Playbooks for Short-Term Rentals
From real estate tax strategies to custom guest books to leaky ice maker lines, this episode covers it all. Today I'm riding solo to share why—despite all the horror stories—I decided to launch my first Airbnb and how I’m approaching it like any other high-performing business owner. Listen in as I break down the full setup process, including sourcing a trustworthy co-host, AI-assisted marketing, home automation tools, and the long-term vision behind the property. You’ll also hear why this project is about more than ROI, as well as why a physical, branded experience can be just as satisfying to build as a digital business. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Prioritizing AI Investments + Sora 2
10/24/2025
Prioritizing AI Investments + Sora 2
Feeling behind on AI? You’re not alone. With new tools launching almost daily, it’s easy to get overwhelmed—or worse, stuck in inaction. But if you’re running a 7- or 8-figure brand, understanding how to integrate AI into your business is no longer optional. So in this solo episode, I’m diving deep into how to effectively leverage AI in your business. Listen in as I share why having a clear roadmap and getting personally involved in your AI journey is essential. You’ll also hear why automation should start with repetitive, back-office tasks and expand into personalized workflows that can scale without sacrificing quality. With the rapid evolution of tools and technologies, this is my honest take on what matters, what’s noise, and where you should be focusing your time. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Top Takeaways from ECF Live 2025
10/17/2025
Top Takeaways from ECF Live 2025
From lessons on leadership and scaling strategies to an incredible talk about vulnerability as an entrepreneur, this year’s ECF Live had it all. In this episode, I’m joined by longtime co-host and community member Bill D’Alessandro to recap our 10th annual event—this time hosted in Bozeman, Montana. Listen in as we share standout talks, reflect on the energy and evolution of the ECF community, and laugh our way through some unexpected moments (including the hardest speaker slot in history). From deeply vulnerable founder stories to breakout sessions on automation, international hiring, and leadership, we unpack the highlights from this year’s ECF Live and look at what’s ahead for 2026. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Rules for Prioritizing Business and Life When You’re Struggling to Fit It All In
10/10/2025
Rules for Prioritizing Business and Life When You’re Struggling to Fit It All In
Ever feel like life keeps throwing curveballs just when you think you’re caught up? In this solo episode, I reflect on the emotional aftermath of ECF Live in Bozeman and share how I’m wrestling with priorities in a world that never seems to slow down. Listen in as I explore how to triage time as a founder, walk through the five core responsibilities of a CEO, and open up about scheduling challenges, mental load, and the tension between aspiration and reality. From honest reflections on burnout to practical tips for intentional planning, this is a vulnerable, tactical look at what it means to lead with clarity, even when life gets chaotic. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Made in America: Growing FilterBuy.com Into a $250 Million Business (Rerun)
10/03/2025
Made in America: Growing FilterBuy.com Into a $250 Million Business (Rerun)
Ever wonder if you can truly compete with overseas manufacturing from right here in the U.S.? In this rerun episode, I sit 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: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Rethinking AI, Ad Spend & Growth Strategy as a Founder
09/26/2025
Rethinking AI, Ad Spend & Growth Strategy as a Founder
Ever wonder how founders are actually using AI in their businesses—and in their lives—without getting lost in the hype? In this episode, I’m joined by Adam Callinan, founder of Pentane, to talk about how he’s thinking differently about AI, growth, and performance in both business and life. Listen in as we dig into how AI is changing the SaaS founder experience, how to approach Q4 ad strategy rationally, and how to identify the invisible relationships in your marketing data. Plus, Adam shares what it’s like working with a coach, how that’s shaping his performance, and how he's balancing AI usage with well-being. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Favorite Business Books, Influencers Ruining the Internet & Wealth Managers
09/19/2025
Favorite Business Books, Influencers Ruining the Internet & Wealth Managers
What do Palm Springs hot tubs, a six-month influencer experiment, and a stack of business books have in common? In this month’s State of Play episode, I sit down with long-time friend and community member Bill D’Alessandro to unpack the latest in founder life, marketing trends, and entrepreneurial insights. Listen in as we reflect on the return of eComm Camp in 2026, share lessons from recent vacations with kids, and debate the state of influencer marketing. We also cover wealth management strategies, social content experiments, and what’s currently on our reading lists. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Building an AI Brain: Lessons from a Failed Attempt and How We’re Building v2.0
09/12/2025
Building an AI Brain: Lessons from a Failed Attempt and How We’re Building v2.0
In this milestone episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of one of our internal projects: building a brand-new AI bot for the ECF community. Two years ago, we dipped our toes into the AI space with our first attempt… and let’s just say it didn’t quite pan out. But a lot has changed since then. Now that AI is not only more powerful but more accessible, we’ve decided to try again—with clearer goals, a sharper focus, and a commitment to enhancing the member experience rather than replacing the human connection ECF is built on. Listen in as we talk about what’s changed in the AI space, how we’re thinking about ethics and privacy, and what this new tool is designed to do. (Spoiler: it’s not just another chatbot.) We’re also sharing real use cases where we’ve already integrated AI into the ECF platform, as well as a few thoughts on where AI is not useful and what it all means for future business strategy. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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ECF Live 2025 Bozeman Teaser + Parenting Reality Check
09/05/2025
ECF Live 2025 Bozeman Teaser + Parenting Reality Check
What do a minimalist fanny pack, the Chicago Cubs, and a powerful moment of self-awareness have in common? In this solo episode, I’m sharing a deeply personal reflection on the end of my gap year, a trip to Chicago with my dad, and what I’m looking forward to as I dive back into work and host the upcoming ECF Live in Bozeman, Montana. Listen in as I preview the ECF Live agenda and speaker lineup, share highlights from my 2,000-mile road trip, and kick off a new season of Forge What Matters with a vulnerable parenting check-in. From testing out the ultra-minimalist Stash Packable Sling to walking the halls of America’s largest homeless mission, this one’s part travel story, part life update, and part honest reflection on what really matters. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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The 30-minute Wholesale Crash Course that Will Free You from Meta, Amazon and Google
08/29/2025
The 30-minute Wholesale Crash Course that Will Free You from Meta, Amazon and Google
What if the key to explosive growth wasn’t a killer ad strategy, but getting out of DTC entirely? In this episode, I’m joined by Jared Mehr, Sales Director at Pura Vida Bracelets, who helped scale the brand’s wholesale channel to over $35 million a year. Now, he's teaching other eCommerce brands how to win big in wholesale without sacrificing their margins or their sanity. Listen in as we talk about how Pura Vida went from zero wholesale revenue to landing major accounts like Nordstrom, what most brands get wrong about wholesale, and why it's not just for “big” companies. Jared also shares his playbook for making your brand irresistible to retail buyers, how to prep for trade shows, and the exact tools he recommends to manage wholesale ops. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Shopify’s Chief Revenue Officer on the Shop Marketplace, How They’re Helping Stores Compete & What Tobi’s Really Like
08/22/2025
Shopify’s Chief Revenue Officer on the Shop Marketplace, How They’re Helping Stores Compete & What Tobi’s Really Like
What happens when one of the most powerful voices in eCommerce sits down for an unfiltered conversation? In this episode, I’m joined by Bobby Morrison, Chief Revenue Officer at Shopify. With decades of experience at the intersection of tech and commerce, he offers a rare inside look at how Shopify is evolving in a world where competition is fierce, margins are tight, and AI is changing everything. Listen in as we cover the rising pressures facing merchants - from macroeconomic shifts to fee hikes from Amazon, Google, and Meta - and how Shopify plans to help entrepreneurs fight back. Bobby shares insights into the future of AI in eCommerce, the vision behind Sidekick and AI-first work culture at Shopify, and how the platform is navigating marketplace dynamics, brand control, and Plus pricing. We also talk Shop Pay, trade-offs in checkout UX, and the company’s stance on being both infrastructure and a branded touchpoint. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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How Mastering Manufacturing Built a Business Requiring Zero Marketing
08/15/2025
How Mastering Manufacturing Built a Business Requiring Zero Marketing
What happens when two car lovers bet on themselves—and win? In this episode, I’m joined by Amy and Dan Snyder of SPE Motorsport, the husband-and-wife team turning heads in the Ford performance world. From building their first parts in a garage to developing carbon fiber manifolds and launching a new classic-meets-modern car sales brand, their journey is one of grit, innovation, and a whole lot of horsepower. Listen in as we talk about the early days of SPE, how Dan taught himself CAD from scratch, and how a risky lease turned into a game-changing move. We also dive into the mindset shifts that helped them scale from $30K to $500K per month, what it took to develop their signature Coyote Carbon Fiber Intake Manifold, and how they're blending iconic cars like the GT40 and Cobra with modern drivability. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning a passion into a thriving business, this episode is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Focusing on Employee Happiness Almost Destroyed Taylor Holiday’s Business
08/08/2025
Focusing on Employee Happiness Almost Destroyed Taylor Holiday’s Business
What happens when your business hits a wall and the people who helped build it are no longer aligned with where it needs to go? In this episode, I’m joined by Taylor Holiday, CEO of Common Thread Collective, who gets candid about one of the most pivotal seasons in his company’s history. Listen in as we talk about the difficult transition from an employee-focused to a customer-centric model, how Taylor updated CTC’s values and mission, and the surprising results of that cultural reset. Taylor also shares how he evaluates performance today, how he stays prolific with content, and what lessons he’s carrying forward as a CEO and father. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Reddit Marketing, Optimizing for LLMs & AI Content Backfiring
08/01/2025
Reddit Marketing, Optimizing for LLMs & AI Content Backfiring
Is Reddit the most overlooked - and potentially most powerful - marketing platform for eCommerce brands today? This week, I’m joined by my friend Danny Kirk, founder of , to explore the high-risk, high-reward nature of Reddit marketing, why it's different from any other platform, and how generative AI is reshaping how people find and trust brands. Listen in as we talk about how to market on Reddit without getting roasted, how LLMs are changing search and discovery (and what you can do about it), and why Danny’s company is betting big on GEO - Generative Engine Optimization. We also dive into Danny’s philosophy on productivity, managing team growth, and choosing the right business size for your goals. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a fulfilling business that doesn’t eat your life, this one’s for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Social Fallout From Success, Embracing AI Avatars (Or Not) and What’s Behind a Booming S&P
07/25/2025
Social Fallout From Success, Embracing AI Avatars (Or Not) and What’s Behind a Booming S&P
After selling the business he built over 12 years, what’s next for Bill D’Alessandro? In this episode, Andrew reconnects with Bill, longtime friend, returning guest, and co-host of Acquisitions Anonymous, to talk about life post-exit, the unexpected challenges of newfound freedom, and how he’s thinking about AI, identity, and investing in today’s wild market. They also chat about the blurred lines between personal and entrepreneurial success, dealing with changing relationships after wealth, and whether using AI versions of yourself is a smart move or just plain creepy. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Reflecting on the Gap Year with My Wife
07/18/2025
Reflecting on the Gap Year with My Wife
What happens when you press pause on business as usual and take a family gap year instead? In this special episode, I’m joined by my wife, Annie, who shares the mic with me for the first time as we reflect on the past 10 months of travel, family time, and life outside the usual grind. From the decision to leave home to what we’ve learned along the way, this conversation is a peek behind the curtain into the most transformational year of our lives. Listen in as we talk about the highs and lows of planning and living a gap year, how we structured our businesses to make it possible, and what it’s been like to work through marriage, parenting, and travel together. We also chat about building a family culture, why we’re rethinking our relationship with “home,” and what we hope to carry forward from this season of intentional living. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Why You Need to Double Down on Marketing Partnerships
07/11/2025
Why You Need to Double Down on Marketing Partnerships
What’s the most effective way to grow your brand when traditional marketing gets harder and harder? This week, I’m sharing one of the most overlooked but highest-ROI strategies in eCommerce: partnerships. Whether you’re launching a product, building a community, or just trying to break through the noise, this episode will help you think differently about how to get attention. Listen in as I share why partnerships are more important than ever, how to identify the best opportunities, and mistakes to avoid. I’ll also talk about lessons from our most fruitful collaborations (like our new partnership with the Operators podcast) and how to build long-term relationships that really move the needle. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Raising & Selling Bison DTC in Montana (Rerun)
07/04/2025
Raising & Selling Bison DTC in Montana (Rerun)
What does it take for a city lawyer to transform into a bison rancher in the heart of the picturesque Bridger Mountains? In this rerun episode, I’m joined by Matt Skoglund of North Bridger Bison, who made that very leap. He shares his remarkable transition from urban legal practice to managing a thriving bison ranch, rooted deeply in sustainable and ethical practices. Listen in as we discuss the intricacies of field harvesting, the economic dynamics of ranch management, and sustainable practices in bison ranching. You'll hear about Matt's personal journey from lawyer to rancher, his deep connection to land conservation, and the impact of environmental stewardship on food quality. We also take a trip into the field to witness the bison harvesting process in action, so don't miss this one-of-a-kind episode! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Reviving a Plateaued Business & USA Manufacturing (Rerun)
06/27/2025
Reviving a Plateaued Business & USA Manufacturing (Rerun)
How do you breathe new life into a stagnant business? In this fan-favorite rerun episode, I’m joined by Chris Rose, President of Gunner.com, to talk about how he helped transform a complacent brand into a thriving, premium business. Specializing in high-quality, American-made dog kennels, Chris shares how understanding customer lifetime value and focusing on high-impact priorities can breathe new energy into a business. Listen in as we dive into the benefits of U.S. manufacturing, the challenges of scaling through paid ads, and why staying selective with retail partnerships is key to long-term brand health. Whether you’re running a legacy brand or just trying to get out of a rut, this conversation is packed with real-world insights on leadership, strategy, and premium positioning. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Planning Epic Team Retreats
06/20/2025
Planning Epic Team Retreats
Have you ever wondered how to pull off a team retreat that’s actually fun, productive, and builds real connection? After years of trial and error, I’ve finally found a rhythm that works. In this episode, I break down exactly how we designed our recent team retreat in Mexico City, what made it a success, and some of the biggest mistakes I’ve made in the past (think: go-karts and back injuries). Listen in as I walk through our retreat schedule—from soaking in cliffside hot springs and taking a taco tour to having deep team conversations about AI and productivity. I talk about why your primary focus should not be productivity (even if that’s tough as a founder), why food tours are criminally underrated, and how one cocktail mixing class turned into the most memorable night of the trip. I’ll also share how I prep both myself and the team before the retreat, who I think should get an invite, and why renting an Airbnb beats hotel conference rooms every time. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Inside the ECF Rebrand: Is Hiring a Fancy Branding Agency Worth the Cost?
06/13/2025
Inside the ECF Rebrand: Is Hiring a Fancy Branding Agency Worth the Cost?
Have you ever wondered what goes into a full rebrand and whether it’s really worth it? In this solo episode, I take you behind the scenes of eCommerceFuel’s rebranding journey, including why we did it, how much we spent, and what I wish I’d known before diving in. If you’ve been considering a brand refresh or are just curious about the ROI of design and messaging work, this one’s for you. Listen in as I walk through the process of selecting a branding agency, navigating feedback and revisions, and rolling out our new visual identity across all touchpoints. I share honest reflections about the emotional and financial costs, how the project stretched our team, and what we’ve seen in terms of impact and engagement. Whether you’re team “never touch the logo” or all in on the power of brand, you’ll get a transparent look at the highs, lows, and learnings from this major milestone. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Save Your Margins: Pricing & Profit Optimization for Tariff-Impacted Businesses
06/06/2025
Save Your Margins: Pricing & Profit Optimization for Tariff-Impacted Businesses
What if your inventory could forecast itself—or your website merchandised itself based on who was browsing? This week, I’m joined by Drew Marconi, CEO and co-founder of Intelligems.io, to explore how AI is unlocking new ways for brands to manage forecasting, pricing, and marketing. If you’ve been curious about how AI can actually improve your margins (not just make cool images), you’ll want to tune in. Listen in as Drew breaks down how AI is reshaping eCommerce, from hyper-personalized site experiences to margin-aware merchandising strategies. We also talk about the difference between forecasting for fashion versus CPG, why most brands are wasting money on acquisition, and how to build an AI foundation that works. Plus, Drew shares practical tips on how to start testing AI in your business—even if you’re skeptical. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Why Burning Down and Rebuilding Their Business Helped Swift Industries Win
05/30/2025
Why Burning Down and Rebuilding Their Business Helped Swift Industries Win
What happens when your business grows too fast and the demand suddenly vanishes? This week, I’m joined by Martina Brimmer, co-founder of Swift Industries, a premium 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: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Bill Sells His Company and Interesting Places to Invest Money
05/23/2025
Bill Sells His Company and Interesting Places to Invest Money
What happens after you sell the business you’ve spent over a decade building? In this episode, I’m joined 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: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Made in America: Growing FilterBuy.com Into a $250 Million Business
05/16/2025
Made in America: Growing FilterBuy.com Into a $250 Million Business
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: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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From Near Death Experience to One of the Coolest Products I’ve Ever Seen
05/09/2025
From Near Death Experience to One of the Coolest Products I’ve Ever Seen
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 joined 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 passion, 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 passion can fuel a business in surprising ways. Plus, Ben opens up about designing 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: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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Can Tariffs Lead to Higher Margins for U.S. Sellers?
05/02/2025
Can Tariffs Lead to Higher Margins for U.S. Sellers?
Could the current wave of tariffs actually help U.S. eCommerce sellers? In this episode, I’m joined 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: Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? . Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?
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