eCommerceFuel: Build, Launch and Grow a 6 Figure P

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: https://bit.ly/4nSYgYy 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’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: https://bit.ly/44RX8fh 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 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: https://bit.ly/443cOgv 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? 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: https://bit.ly/44xlo79 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 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: https://bit.ly/4ldEMfg 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 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: https://bit.ly/3HrTmBc 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 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: https://bit.ly/4kPYBZO 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 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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 joined 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 joined 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 premium 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. Join 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.