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Ecommerce on Tap by Sourcify and Izba Consulting
Ecommerce on Tap by Sourcify and Izba Consulting
Author: Ecommerce on Tap by Sourcify and Izba Consulting
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Ecommerce on Tap is a world where Supply Chain meets storytelling. Join Nathan Resnick and Aaron Alpeter each week as they offer insights into the backend of succesful businesses. Brought to you by Sourcify and Izba Consulting!
121 Episodes
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In this episode, Aaron and Nathan dive deep into the fascinating world of supplements, spotlighting a true disruptor in the probiotic space: Seed. Known for its research-driven approach, Seed has transformed a crowded wellness category by prioritizing science over hype, building its brand on education and clinical validation rather than marketing gimmicks.
In this episode, hosts Nathan and Aaron dive deep into the rise of Gruns—the supplement brand shaking up the greens category with their innovative gummy format. You'll hear how founder Chad Janis blended his experience in venture capital with cutting-edge supply chain know-how to transform a simple insight (everyone prefers gummies over powders or pills) into a $100 million powerhouse in record time. From the evolution of gummy manufacturing and the hurdles of bringing a high-active, low-sugar supplement to market, to the challenges of rapid retail expansion and fierce industry competition, this episode is packed with lessons for aspiring founders and product innovators. Plus, you’ll get some fun background on the German roots of the brand’s name, the cultural evolution of gummies, and predictions for what’s next in the supplement world. Get ready for candid insights, actionable takeaways, and a fresh perspective on what it takes to build—and disrupt—an industry.
Aaron and Nathan reveal how Bloom Nutrition went from a niche pre-workout brand founded by Mari Llewellyn and Greg LaVacchia to Amazon’s best-selling greens powder, all by tapping into untapped audiences and making strategic moves that AG1 missed. You’ll hear how Bloom leveraged social media influence, taste innovation, and multi-channel growth to win over wellness consumers, landing partnerships with big-box retailers like Target and Walmart, and securing a minority stake sale to Nutrabolt at an impressive valuation.
From pioneering candy-flavored protein and pre-workout supplements through collaborations with household names like Warheads and Mondelez, to expanding into energy drinks, cereals, and snacks, Ghost has become more than just a supplement company—it’s a lifestyle brand that captures the spirit of an entire community.
Aaron and Nathan dove into the fascinating growth story of Nutrafol, the supplement brand that’s redefining hair wellness. We explored how three founders, each with their own hair loss journey, built trust through clinical trials and strategic partnerships with dermatologists, then scaled to a massive Unilever acquisition. We unpacked lessons on positioning, subscription business models, and how to expand your brand by leaning into science-backed results. If you’re building in ecommerce or supplements, Nutrafol’s journey is packed with actionable insights.
Ecommerce On Tap
Episode 2, Season 6
October 14, 2025
★ Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/2102a763
We’re kicking off an exciting new category—supplements! We dive deep into the origins, evolution, and explosive growth of the supplement industry in America, taking you from its roots in traditional medicine and early 20th century vitamin discovery, through the postwar boom of multivitamins, the bodybuilding and counterculture movements, and all the way to the modern era of influencer-led brands and trend-driven innovation.
Vacation was founded by a pair of beach-loving creatives who teamed up with the mastermind behind PoolSuite FM, an internet radio station obsessed with retro leisure vibes. Together, they built a brand that’s as much about playful escapism as it is about serious sun protection. From recreating the iconic Orange Gelee tanning gel to launching Instagram-worthy whipped sunscreen, Vacation’s journey is a masterclass on community-driven branding, product innovation, and leveraging cultural nostalgia for explosive growth.
Nathan and Aaron break down the science behind sunscreen, the regulatory hurdles for global expansion, and how Vacation has gone from a DTC darling to the #1 sunscreen in Target. With $40 million in revenue and serious acquisition buzz, this episode peels back the layers on what it takes to disrupt a legacy category—and why the future of sunscreen just might look like the past.
https://poolsuite.net/
Vacation ad: https://www.tiktok.com/@vacationinc/video/7132998444548885802
Nathan and Aaron dissect Medik8’s unique “CSA” framework (Vitamin C in the morning, Sunscreen by day, Vitamin A at night), explaining how clear, habit-forming routines became a cornerstone for consumer loyalty and retention. The episode unpacks Medik8’s growth strategy, including their unconventional start through professional channels like medispas and dermatologists, the transition to retail and D2C, and their eventual partnership with private equity for rapid expansion into the US.
In this episode of Ecommerce On Tap, hosts Aaron Alpeter and Nathan Resnick take you through the incredible journey of Curology—the team that managed to build a $200 million brand not once, but twice. 🎉
We dive deep into:
The founding story of Curology and its breakthrough in prescription teledermatology
The complex regulatory and compliance hurdles of launching in the healthcare industry
How Curology scaled from a niche telemedicine offering to a DTC powerhouse, and eventually, to major retail shelves like Target, CVS, Walmart, and Amazon
The company’s remarkable post-pandemic pivot: how they navigated the decline in telehealth demand and reinvented themselves with OTC (over-the-counter) skincare products
Behind-the-scenes insights into their supply chain, fundraising rounds, growth challenges, operational pivots, and leadership transitions
Lessons for founders on spotting exit windows, adapting to market shifts, and whether personalization is a competitive moat—or a margin trap
Plus: Hot takes on celebrity economy trends (Sydney Sweeney’s brand impact!), presidential executive orders shaking up e-commerce, and why Curology’s story is a rare case study in business reinvention and resilience.
Starting from a college dorm room, Topicals quickly evolved into Sephora's fastest-growing skincare line, selling a product every minute at its peak. This isn't just a story of impressive growth—it's about challenging the historic blind spots of the beauty industry, championing cultural representation, and the tenacity of two founders determined to serve overlooked communities.
Nathan and Aaron walk us through Topicals' rapid journey: their unique approach to brand-building, the grit required to raise funds, how they cracked the code to a coveted Sephora partnership, and what happens when hypergrowth meets the realities of scale. Beyond Topicals, they also unpack broader trends in ecommerce, recent acquisitions shaking up the space, and the future of culture-driven holding companies.
Dr Squatch Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-alpha-why-dr-squatch-unilevers-next-flagship-mens-aaron-alpeter-nt5re
Kellogg Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/quiet-candy-empire-thats-eating-your-breakfast-aaron-alpeter-isuse
On this episode of Ecommerce On Tap, we broke down how Hailey Bieber’s skincare brand, Rhode, achieved a billion-dollar valuation in just three years—with less than ten products, no paid celebrity endorsements, and a viral waitlist strategy. We looked at why authenticity and hands-on founder involvement mattered more than just lending a celebrity name, how tactical storytelling and minimalism fueled insane demand, and what founders can learn about operational excellence, keeping product lines focused, and preparing for a massive exit.
Welcome to a new season of Ecommerce On Tap, brought to you by Sourcify! In this exciting category kickoff episode, hosts Nathan Resnick and Aaron Alpeter dive deep into the world of skincare—a market that’s grown from ancient rituals and status symbols into a multi-billion dollar industry shaped by science, social media, and a global consumer base.
Nathan and Aaron trace the fascinating evolution of skincare, from Cleopatra’s milk baths and rice water in ancient China to today’s biotech formulations and viral TikTok routines. They explore how skincare’s meaning has shifted through history—from spiritual purity to social status, and now to self-expression and personalization—and reveal surprising differences in routines and values across cultures.
Whether you’re dreaming of launching your own skincare brand, curious about how products are sourced and manufactured, or just want to know why the products on your shelf look and work the way they do, this episode will give you insider access and expert perspectives. Plus, the hosts break down the industry’s vast supply chain, modern regulatory challenges, white-label versus custom formulations, the global landscape, and why M&A is booming in this category.
Did you know the athleisure supply chain is still almost entirely Asia-based, and moving production elsewhere is insanely tough due to the complexity of technical fabrics? (Shoutout Beyond Yoga for doing it in LA!) Plus, just a decade ago, wearing your gym clothes to dinner was unthinkable. Now, multi-billion dollar brands like Lululemon and Gymshark have made “sporty chic” the new normal.
On this episode of Ecommerce On Tap, we unpacked the inspiring story behind Beyond Yoga—a DTC athleisure brand that bootstrapped their way from humble beginnings to a massive $400 million acquisition by Levi’s. We broke down how founders Michelle and Jodi championed body positivity, inclusive sizing, and buttery-soft fabrics, all while manufacturing locally in L.A. Their secret? Resisting industry norms, building real community, and letting their product fanbase fuel organic growth.
In this episode, Nathan and Aaron take us inside the journey of Adanola, the quietly confident UK-based athleisure brand making serious waves after years of flying under the radar. It’s a tale that starts with failure: two brothers, Hyrum and Josh Cook, first launched Zeven Media, an ambitious photo booth startup that ultimately collapsed despite a high-profile run on the UK’s Dragons' Den. But instead of calling it quits, Hyrum dusted himself off, doubled down on a side passion project, and spent years in the trenches perfecting what would become Adanola’s signature product—its Ultimate Leggings.
We’ll explore how Adanola went from nearly five years of flatlining sales to a multimillion-pound empire, thriving during the COVID-19 lockdowns through a mix of product obsession, carefully crafted influencer partnerships, and the discipline to scale slowly and profitably. The story is packed with lessons on bouncing back from failure, building a brand on your own terms, and knowing when to step aside to let your company reach the next level.
Today on Ecommerce On Tap, we dove deep into the story of Rhone—a premium activewear brand redefining men’s athleisure by blending high-tech fabrics with a real commitment to mental health and authentic values. We broke down their unique approach to supply chain innovation, how they built a dedicated community before spending a single dollar on ads, and their bold move to buy back shares from their PE investor to preserve their mission. Rhone proves you can scale a brand with integrity, staying true to your purpose every step of the way.
This episode is all about Gymshark—one of the fastest-growing athleisure brands on the planet. Kicking off with breaking industry news and trends, Nathan and Aaron lay the groundwork for an exploration of what makes Gymshark a standout story: a college student, Ben Francis, who turned a passion for lifting and coding into a multi-billion dollar global powerhouse.
We unpack Gymshark’s humble beginnings, its explosive early growth, and how a clever pivot from dropshipping supplements to creating apparel changed everything. You’ll hear about Ben’s bold decision to step back as CEO—a move rarely seen in fast-growing startups—and what that meant for the company’s trajectory. The episode also covers the nuts and bolts of Gymshark’s supply chain, the role of influencer-driven marketing, navigating international expansion (including a $200 million market entry in the US before even having a local staff!), and what the future might hold as IPO rumors swirl.
Dye Ban Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/color-change-why-fdas-dye-ban-just-beginning-aaron-alpeter-cfuae
Journey through the dynamic world of athleisure as we deep dive into the story of Alo Yoga, a brand that's reshaped how we think about activewear.
Here are 3 key takeaways:
Resilient Growth: Alo Yoga experienced a staggering 200% growth during the pandemic, exemplifying the power of adaptation and meeting market demands. Their pivot to digital platforms with Alo Moves was a strategic win that engaged their community in innovative ways.
Bold Branding: From proprietary fabrics to fashion-focused initiatives like New York Fashion Week partnerships and a luxury skiwear collection, Alo isn't just selling clothes; they're crafting a lifestyle. Their strategy of combining athleisure with high fashion demonstrates the importance of brand differentiation.
Supply Chain Savvy: Leveraging a vertically integrated supply chain, Alo benefits from extensive manufacturing networks in Asia, ensuring they meet the technical demands of their products. Meanwhile, Bella + Canvas's U.S.-based operations showcase a strategic mix of onshore and offshore production capabilities.
Catch the full episode for deeper insights into Alo's remarkable journey and learn how they're positioning themselves against giants like Lululemon.
t’s Nathan and Aaron, hosts of E-commerce on Tap, here to talk tariffs and their rollercoaster impact on businesses. In this emergency pod, we dive into the whirlwind of recent tariff changes and how they shook the market. We break down why moving production isn't as easy as throwing a switch, what strategies can shield you from trade uncertainties, and why staying nimble is key during volatile times. If tariffs are on your mind, this episode is your compass through the chaos.
Whether you're deep into the world of athleisure or just curious about its explosive growth, this episode is a must-listen. Check out these key takeaways:
🔹 Athleisure's Market Growth: The athleisure industry could become a trillion-dollar market by the early 2030s, driven by a compound annual growth rate of nearly 10%. It's a booming sector with vast potential!
🔹 Sustainability Challenges & Innovations: While athleisure is popular, it faces scrutiny for synthetic materials' environmental impact. Brands like Patagonia and Girlfriend Collective are leading the charge in sustainability with recycled materials and eco-friendly initiatives.
🔹 Opportunities for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: The sector's growth presents a golden opportunity for new brands. By honing in on a niche and embracing innovative, sustainable practices, startups can carve out their space and thrive.























