ASOM Pod

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) dig into one big question: are traditional eCommerce websites on their way out? With AI reshaping how consumers browse, shop, and make decisions, the conversation explores whether AI-driven commerce, mobile apps, and marketplaces like Amazon will eventually replace the classic online storefront.What you’ll learn:- Whether websites are becoming irrelevant in an AI-first world- How AI will transform search, personalization, and customer experience- Why apps, loyalty, and brand ecosystems may win over traditional storefronts- The evolving role of marketplaces like Amazon- How consumer behavior shifts between generations- Why logistics and operations may be the biggest benefactors of AIIf you’re building an eCommerce brand or planning for the next wave of digital retail, this episode gives you a clear, practical look at what’s next._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Particl — the competitive intelligence platform built for eCommerce brands. Track real sales, inventory, and pricing across thousands of products to see what’s selling, who’s winning, and where to move next. Get started at https://www.particl.com/Subscribe at https://asompod.com__00:00 Teaser Trailer02:23 Websites vs. AI Commerce03:55 The Future of eCommerce06:19 Consumer Behavior and Technology10:54 AI and Marketplaces13:38 Mobile Apps and eCommerce16:07 AI's Impact on Search and Shopping26:08 The Evolution of AI and Quantum Computing32:55 The Rise and Fall of Amazon's Shopping Innovations33:57 Target's Strategic Shopping Experience34:44 The Evolution of Online Shopping36:03 AI's Impact on eCommerce38:16 The Future of Websites and AI Integration40:29 AI in Logistics and Customer Experience44:28 The Role of Loyalty in eCommerce58:32 The Changing Landscape of SaaS___Follow us on:X: https://x.com/TheAsomPodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasompod/Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) break down one of the most debated questions in entrepreneurship: should you build a business based on passion or on skillset? From there, the crew dives into a no-BS analysis of the best and worst eCommerce business models to start in 2025, looking at the real factors that make or break a brand like margins, returns, customer support demands, marketplace competition, paid advertising performance, and evolving consumer spending trends.What you’ll learn:The difference between building from passion vs. building from your actual skillsetThe best and worst eCommerce businesses to start in 2025Which categories have the strongest margins and repeat potentialWhy some “trendy” product types are a financial and logistical nightmareHow returns, support, and ad costs are quietly killing certain industriesWhy the founder’s mindset, adaptability, and execution matter more than the idea itselfIf you’re thinking about launching a brand, pivoting your current business, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at the real economics of eCom, this episode is your reality check._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comParticl — the competitive intelligence platform built for eCommerce brands. Track real sales, inventory, and pricing across thousands of products to see what’s selling, who’s winning, and where to move next. Get started at https://www.particl.com/Subscribe at https://asompod.com___00:00 Teaser Trailer00:30 Welcome to the ASOM Pod01:08 Meet the Hosts02:08 Game Time: Best and Worst eCommerce Businesses to Start03:52 High Margin eCommerce Categories05:45 Low Margin eCommerce Categories11:59 Marketplace Competition: Best and Worst Businesses21:45 Paid Advertising: Best and Worst Categories24:50 The Challenge of Selling Tumblers25:16 Returns and Customer Support Insights29:26 Trends in Consumer Spending33:09 Best and Worst eCommerce Business Models39:23 The Importance of the Founder in Business Success41:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts___Follow us on:X: https://x.com/TheAsomPodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasompod/Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) sit down with Kevin Tighe, Founder & former CEO of Beachly and now VP of Growth at BUBS Naturals.Kevin gets real about the transition from founder to employee, what it felt like to sell the company he built, and how he rebuilt his identity on the other side. The crew digs into leadership, delegation, the subscription model, and what today’s e-commerce landscape demands from operators.What you’ll learn:How Kevin built and scaled Beachly and what led to its acquisition.The emotional + operational realities of selling your business.How to transition from CEO to employee without losing your edge.Why delegation and team empowerment unlock real growth.The current state of subscription eCommerce (and what’s changing fast).How Kevin is driving growth today at BUBS Naturals.If you’re a founder, operator, or just curious what the “after” looks like post-exit, this one hits home._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comParticl — the competitive intelligence platform built for eCommerce brands. Track real sales, inventory, and pricing across thousands of products to see what’s selling, who’s winning, and where to move next. Get started at https://www.particl.com/Subscribe at https://asompod.com___00:00 Teaser Trailer00:39 Welcome to the ASOM Pod04:25 Kevin Tighe’s Journey: From Founder to Employee04:53 The Birth and Growth of Beachly Brands07:46 Challenges and Successes in the Subscription Box Model16:04 The Acquisition Journey and Transition to Employee22:15 Discussing the Acquisition Details22:30 Transitioning to a New Market22:47 Joining BUBS Naturals24:44 Reflecting on Entrepreneurial Challenges28:48 The Importance of Delegation31:13 The Emotional Side of Selling a Business34:15 Current Role and Team Dynamics35:55 Future Plans and Reflections48:07 Closing Thoughts and Outro___Follow us on:X: https://x.com/TheAsomPodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasompod/Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) sit down with Pujun Bhatnagar - one of Meta’s first AI engineers and now Co-Founder & CEO of Kintsugi.They unpack where AI is today, where it is headed, and how brands and governments should prepare. Pujun shares his path from Stanford to Meta, how AI moved from experimentation to commercialization, and why we are still only scratching the surface of what data-driven intelligence can do.What you’ll learn:* Why AI is still early and what that means for innovation.* How AI commercialized and where it is going next.* Lessons from building foundational systems at Facebook.* How Kintsugi is reinventing sales tax and compliance.* AGI and robotics timelines and implications.* Why smart policy and critical thinking will guide progress.* Common misconceptions about AI and real-world impacts.* How quantum computing accelerates what is possible.* How AI may transform healthcare, policy, and daily life.* Why R&D investment is critical to a safe future.Whether you are building tech, running a brand, or simply curious where AI is going, this episode delivers a grounded look at the forces shaping our future and the opportunities ahead.Connect with PujunLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pujun/X: https://x.com/pujun_aiExplore Kintsugihttps://www.TryKintsugi.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kintsugi-ai/X: https://x.com/kintsugifi_____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comParticl — the competitive intelligence platform built for eCommerce brands. Track real sales, inventory, and pricing across thousands of products to see what’s selling, who’s winning, and where to move next. Get started at https://www.particl.com/Subscribe at https://asompod.com___00:00 Teaser Trailer00:48 Meet the Hosts01:02 Special Guest Intro: AI Expert03:30 Guest Background: From Stanford to Facebook09:49 AI in Business: Sales Tax Automation11:09 The Evolution and Impact of AI16:29 The Future of AI and Society29:55 The Infancy of Mankind and Critical Thinking30:45 The Real Users of Facebook32:13 The Future of AGI and Robotics38:53 Quantum Computing and AI Advancements40:12 The Role of AI in Healthcare and Policy Decisions42:01 The Importance of R&D and Intelligent Policies51:57 The Future of Sales Tax and Compliance Infrastructure54:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts___Follow us on:X: https://x.com/TheAsomPodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasompod/Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) dig into the real state of email marketing in 2025 and why it continues to be one of the highest-ROI channels in eCommerce.Joining the crew is special guest Rytis Lauris, CoFounder and CEO of Omnisend, who breaks down the numbers behind email performance and why, despite the headlines, email is very much alive and driving predictable revenue for brands.What you’ll learn in this episode:- Why email marketing still outperforms every “email is dead” narrative.- The automated flows responsible for 87% of automated email revenue (and how to optimize them).- How contextual segmentation + personalized journeys improve conversion and retention.- Where AI meaningfully enhances strategy vs. where humans still win.- Tactical tips for improving welcome, cart, browse, post-purchase, and subscription flows.- How brands are weaving SMS + email together for smarter lifecycle marketing.- Common customer experience pitfalls and how to fix them.- Small tweaks that lead to big wins in subscription + upsell strategy.Whether you’re running a brand, agency, or SaaS platform, this episode is your tactical guide to leveling up your lifecycle marketing, unlocking more revenue, and engaging customers in smarter, more automated ways._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comParticl — the competitive intelligence platform built for eCommerce brands. Track real sales, inventory, and pricing across thousands of products to see what’s selling, who’s winning, and where to move next. Get started at https://www.particl.com/Subscribe to the pod at https://asompod.com___00:00 Teaser Trailer02:21 Special Guest Introduction05:26 Email Marketing Insights09:07 The Power of Automated Emails12:21 Advanced Email Strategies25:06 Early Stage Email Automation Tips27:42 Customer Experience Issues28:01 Subscription Email Tweaks29:42 Upsell Opportunities30:32 BattlBox Subscription Feedback31:10 NPS and Customer Engagement32:10 Marketing Automation Tips44:11 AI in Marketing Automation51:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts___Follow Jimmy Kim at:X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykimLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykimIG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykimTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykimFollow Bryan MacDonald at:X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomasprideLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ctIG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasaladTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasaladFollow John Roman at:X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRomanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromesTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmromanFollow Amer Grozdanic at:aX: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanicLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanicIG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanicTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanicContact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetip

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) dive into how top DTC and SaaS leaders are preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2025 and what strategies actually move the needle when it comes to revenue, retention, and cash flow.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to maximize customer lifetime value (LTV) during BFCM.Why customizable bundles and bulk box builders drive repeat purchases.The phased approach to running smooth and profitable promotions.When and how to convert monthly subscribers to annual plans for better cash flow.The psychology behind doorbusters, free shipping, and curated holiday boxes.How leading eCommerce teams are preparing their operations, messaging, and offers for 2025.Whether you’re leading a scaling SaaS or growing a DTC brand, this episode is your Black Friday 2025 Playbook, straight from operators who’ve lived it._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comParticl — the competitive intelligence platform built for eCommerce brands. Track real sales, inventory, and pricing across thousands of products to see what’s selling, who’s winning, and where to move next. Get started at https://www.particl.com/Subscribe at https://asompod.com___00:00 Teaser Trailer01:17 Black Friday Cyber Monday Strategies05:34 Introducing the Bulk Box Idea09:56 Preparing for Black Friday Launch11:29 Customer Feedback and Future Plans21:50 Growth Packages and Subscription Models25:39 Raw Materials and Paid Campaigns26:43 BattlBox Black Friday Strategy28:16 Phase Zero: Early Promotions29:04 Phase One: Pre-Black Friday Offers30:57 Phase Two: Black Friday and Cyber Monday32:51 Phase Three: Holiday Mystery Boxes38:45 Subscription Models and Customer Loyalty43:46 Optimizing Cash Flow and Tax Benefits49:01 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell___Follow Jimmy Kim at: X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykimIG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykimFollow Bryan MacDonald at:X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomasprideLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ctIG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasaladTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasaladFollow John Roman at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRomanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromesTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmromanFollow Amer Grozdanic at:a X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanicLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanicIG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanicTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanicContact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Commerce Roundtable, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) sit down with Curtis Masco, Founder and CEO of Portland Leather Goods, for one of the most raw and inspiring founder stories you’ll hear. From living in a Zen monastery to building one of North America’s largest leather manufacturing operations, Curtis shares how continuous reinvention became his blueprint for success.He opens up about overcoming alcoholism, self-funding every stage of growth, and why he believes you have to “kill 90% of what got you to your first million” to reach the next level.What you’ll learn in this episode:- How to reinvent your business every year to stay ahead.- The philosophy behind building and rebuilding momentum.- Lessons from scaling from art festivals to Etsy to Shopify.- Why self-funding beats chasing investors (and how he did it).- How Curtis overcame personal struggles to unlock his potential.- The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people.- Why belief, integrity, and confidence matter more than capital.- The future of craftsmanship, eCommerce, and personal growth.Whether you’re in the grind of your first startup or looking for the spark to level up again, this episode is proof that reinvention isn’t just possible.. it’s powerful.Follow Curtis on YouTube → youtube.com/@CurtisMatsko for more unfiltered business lessons, founder stories, and behind-the-scenes of Portland Leather GoodsBig shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possibleOmnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comSubscribe at https://asompod.comCome hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com00:00 Teaser Trailer00:40 Welcome to the ASOM Pod02:16 Special Guest Introduction: Curtis Masco of Portland Leather Goods05:02 Curtis Masco's Early Life and Zen Monastery Experience08:06 The Dot-Com Crash and Starting Over10:21 Building Portland Leather Goods: Growth and Sobriety12:12 The Power of Belief and Manifestation16:48 Investing in Founders and Giving Back21:26 The Importance of Self-Belief and Surrounding Yourself with the Right People35:17 The Importance of Integrity, Motivation, and Intelligence36:47 Lessons from Business Failures and Successes37:56 Reinventing Your Business Every Year39:36 From Art Festivals to eCommerce Success42:11 Navigating Manufacturing Challenges During COVID43:25 The Future of Business and Personal Growth01:02:07 The Power of Networking and Social Media01:06:11 Closing Remarks and Final ThoughtsContact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this live episode from Commerce Roundtable San Diego, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) kick things off with a round of “Hot or Not: eCom Edition” before diving into the biggest debates in DTC. They tackle owning vs. renting customers, sustainability vs. convenience, and the evolving world of influencers, affiliates, and creator-driven content, and live shopping.The conversation gets real about profitability, EBITDA, and smart exit strategies, all while keeping the energy high and the laughs coming (yes, including a nod to Bryan MacDonald’s self-made fan club).If you missed San Diego, this episode captures the energy, insights, and fun of the event, live from the pier._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comSubscribe at https://asompod.comCome hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com_____00:00 Introduction01:04 Welcome to the ASOM Podcast01:56 Meet the Hosts03:41 Hot or Not: Ecom Edition04:27 Debate: Owning vs. Renting Customers09:48 Sustainability vs. Convenience13:14 Future of Influencers vs. Affiliates13:34 The Evolving Landscape of Influencers and Affiliates13:51 TikTok Shop: Empowering Creators14:59 Blurring Lines Between Influencers and Affiliates15:31 The Rise of Consumer-Generated Content16:51 The Future of Free Content Creation20:21 Exit Strategies in D2C22:58 The Importance of EBITDA and Unit Economics28:56 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up___Follow Jimmy Kim at: X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykimIG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykimFollow Bryan MacDonald at:X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomasprideLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ctIG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasaladTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasaladFollow John Roman at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRomanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromesTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmromanFollow Amer Grozdanic at:a X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanicLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanicIG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanicTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanicContact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) take you inside the Commerce Roundtable San Diego, held at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier. From the packed registration line to the speaker’s lounge with ocean views, they take you along for the ride, chatting with founders, operators, and marketers who make this industry tick.This isn’t your average, dull conference. Think: food trucks on the pier, vacation giveaways, and conversations with heavy-hitters. Along the way, the crew dives into hot topics like AI, live selling, and what’s next in eCommerce growth all while capturing the buzz and camaraderie that make Commerce Roundtable the go-to event for DTC brands.Whether you missed San Diego or just want a front-row seat to the action, this recap brings the energy, insights, and chaos (the fun kind) of Commerce Roundtable 2025 straight to you._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comSubscribe at https://asompod.comCome hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com_____00:00 Welcome to Commerce Roundtable San Diego00:48 Exploring the Venue and Food Trucks01:44 Registration and Initial Impressions02:53 Behind the Scenes: Speaker's Lounge04:39 Conversations with Attendees09:19 Touring the Conference Venue10:16 Exploring the Lounge Area10:54 Raffle Excitement and Giveaways12:20 Outdoor Patio and Networking13:15 Insights from SubSummit16:02 Live Selling and AI Innovations17:26 Founder's Journey and Business Growth19:10 Event Highlights and Conclusion___Follow Jimmy Kim at: X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykimIG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykimFollow Bryan MacDonald at:X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomasprideLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ctIG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasaladTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasaladFollow John Roman at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRomanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromesTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmromanFollow Amer Grozdanic at:a X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanicLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanicIG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanicTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanicContact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), unpack the growing world of live shopping with a spotlight on the Whatnot platform. John (a.k.a. the Android Loving Survival King) shares his real-world playbook for turning Whatnot streams into a profitable and scalable sales channel. From treating live selling as entertainment to building a community that keeps coming back, the conversation blends data, strategy, and war stories from the front lines of live commerce.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why live shopping is more than sales it’s entertainment.The key operational roles every live selling team needs.How consistency and scheduling make revenue more predictable.Gamification tactics that keep audiences engaged (and spending).Lessons from testing different show formats and hiring dedicated team members.Why Whatnot can outperform TikTok Shop in both engagement and growth.The importance of leveraging existing communities while expanding to new ones.How to scale live shopping sustainably without burning out your team.Whether you’re already experimenting with TikTok Shop or just curious about Whatnot, this episode offers actionable insights to help eCommerce and DTC brands future proof their sales strategy with live shopping._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.comKintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comSubscribe at https://asompod.comCome hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com_____00:00 Teaser Trailer02:14 John's Presentation on Live Shopping04:23 Live Shopping Trends and Data Insights08:19 Comparing Whatnot and TikTok Shop12:15 Community Building and Engagement22:59 Roles and Strategies for Live Selling28:10 Forecastable Revenue and Show Scheduling28:49 Gamification and Audience Engagement28:56 Team Meetings and Scheduling30:54 Hiring and Team Expansion32:09 Conservative Growth Strategy34:19 Leveraging Social Media and Organic Growth36:04 New Hosts and Show Formats38:40 Channel Growth Potential43:25 Gamification Strategies46:12 Takeaways and Final Thoughts57:28 Podcast Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks___Follow Jimmy Kim at: X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykimIG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykimFollow Bryan MacDonald at:X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomasprideLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ctIG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasaladTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasaladFollow John Roman at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRomanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromesTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmromanFollow Amer Grozdanic at:a X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanicLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanicIG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanicTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanicContact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) break down the most expensive mistakes first-time founders make when trying to take their eCommerce dreams from “side hustle” to scalable business. From the messy realities of handling fulfillment yourself (yes, shipping nightmares are real) to the dangers of over-ordering inventory that ends up sitting in your garage, they share the hard-earned lessons most entrepreneurs wish they’d heard sooner.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why handling fulfillment wrong is the fastest way to stall growth.How to avoid the cash-flow killer of over-ordering inventory.When (and when not) to think about retail.The numbers you must know before you scale.The hiring mistakes that drain time, money, and morale.Why compliance and legal issues can’t be an afterthought.The value of a strong network and mentors to keep you sane.How to stay resilient when resistance is at its highest.Whether you’re sketching your first product idea on a napkin or already wrestling with suppliers, this episode is a must listen._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.comKintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comSubscribe at https://asompod.comCome hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com_____00:00 Teaser Trailer02:43 Intro to The ASOM Pod06:56 Debating Gary Vee’s Influence and Strategy16:16 Four Pillars of a Successful eCommerce Business27:06 Pre-Launch Strategies27:27 Executing the Launch28:40 Building Hype and Engagement29:37 Leveraging Community and Affiliates32:47 Soft Launch and Testing42:32 Technical Stack Essentials48:04 Post-Launch Optimization51:24 Scaling Your Business57:00 Final Advice and Conclusion___Follow Jimmy Kim at: X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykimIG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykimFollow Bryan MacDonald at:X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomasprideLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ctIG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasaladTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasaladFollow John Roman at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRomanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromesTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmromanFollow Amer Grozdanic at:a X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanicLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanicIG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanicTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanicContact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) tackle the four pillars of a successful eCommerce business, but not in the boring, “MBA textbook” way. They dive into the messy, real-life side of launching and scaling a brand: from product differentiation (why your “unique” product probably isn’t unique enough) to launch strategies that actually build hype, not crickets. Along the way, they poke fun at industry tropes, debate Gary Vee’s influence, and share war stories from scaling in the trenches. This episode is packed with plenty of “wish I knew that sooner” insights.What you’ll learn in this episode:The Four Pillars that separate thriving eCom brands from forgettable ones.How to prep for launch without overthinking yourself into paralysis.Why community and affiliates are your unfair advantage.The non-negotiables for your first tech stack (and what can wait).How to spot when it’s time to optimize, scale, or pivot.Why over communication beats silence every time during challenges.Whether you’re dreaming up your first product or already pulling late nights keeping a store alive, this episode gives you the no-BS playbook for launching strong and scaling smart._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.comKintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comSubscribe at https://asompod.comCome hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com_____00:00 Teaser Trailer02:43 Intro to The ASOM Pod06:56 Debating Gary Vee’s Influence and Strategy16:16 Four Pillars of a Successful eCommerce Business27:06 Pre-Launch Strategies27:27 Executing the Launch28:40 Building Hype and Engagement29:37 Leveraging Community and Affiliates32:47 Soft Launch and Testing42:32 Technical Stack Essentials48:04 Post-Launch Optimization51:24 Scaling Your Business57:00 Final Advice and Conclusion___Follow Jimmy Kim at: X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykimIG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykimFollow Bryan MacDonald at:X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomasprideLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ctIG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasaladTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasaladFollow John Roman at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRomanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromesTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmromanFollow Amer Grozdanic at:a X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanicLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanicIG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanicTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanicContact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane) and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) sit down with Will Nitze, CEO of IQ Bar, to unpack how he scaled from a scrappy eCommerce start-up to landing on shelves at major retailers. Will gets real about the limits of staying DTC-only, the strategic bets that helped IQ Bar break into brick-and-mortar, and why obsessing over COGS and operations is just as important as marketing. From Harvard neuroscience to entrepreneurship, his journey is packed with insights on product development, retail partnerships, and the messy reality of scaling in food and beverage.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why DTC is powerful but not always enough to scale.How Amazon can be a stepping stone to retail deals.The critical role of COGS and operational efficiency in growth.Lessons from landing CVS and navigating retail complexities.The future of IQ Bar with new product lines in hydration and coffee.Whether you’re building your first CPG brand or plotting your move from online to in store, this episode gives you the inside scoop on growth, grit, and the real costs of scaling._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.comKintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comSubscribe at https://asompod.comCome hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com_____00:00 Teaser Trailer02:30 Meet Will Nitze: From Neuroscience to DTC06:53 The Birth of IQ Bar10:50 Challenges in Food and Beverage Industry19:28 Navigating Product Trends and Market Fit22:13 Funding and Growth Strategies26:19 Outsourcing and Company Structure30:53 Early Distribution and Product Strategy35:14 Securing a Major Retail Deal36:15 Challenges of Scaling Production37:03 Lessons from Retail Experience38:41 eCommerce vs. Retail41:21 Importance of Cost Optimization45:21 Innovations in Packaging and Fulfillment48:01 The Role of Operations in Marketing51:26 Navigating the Convenience Store Market54:19 Future Growth and Expansion Plans01:02:55 Challenges of the Convenience Store Market01:07:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts___Follow Jimmy Kim at: X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykimIG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykimFollow Bryan MacDonald at:X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomasprideLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ctIG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasaladTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasaladFollow John Roman at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRomanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromesTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmromanFollow Amer Grozdanic at:a X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanicLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanicIG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanicTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanicContact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) get real about what it actually takes to scale in eCommerce and SaaS. Spoiler: it’s not cranking out products. The crew digs into how AI is cutting out busywork, the chaos (and occasional magic) of pulling off huge events, and why keeping investors in the loop builds way stronger partnerships. On top of that, you’ll hear candid updates on team shakeups, business pivots, and the not-so-glamorous restructures that come with chasing big growth.What you’ll learn in this episode:How AI is reshaping agency workflows, productivity, and customer engagement.The hidden complexities (and lessons) of event management at scale.Key takeaways from navigating investment relationships and restructures.How personal business pivots translate into broader market lessons.Why communication, transparency, and adaptability matter more than ever when scaling.Whether you’re launching your first brand, reshaping an agency, or chasing the next big investment play, this episode drops battle tested lessons on growth, grit, and why distribution wins every time._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.comKintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comSubscribe at https://asompod.comCome hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com_____00:00 Teaser Trailer04:59 John's Whatnot Experience09:14 Bryan's SuperZoo Insights16:18 Amer's App Development Pivot20:44 Jimmy's Year in Review28:02 John's Battle Games Challenge34:49 Bryan's Media Spend Strategy40:17 Amer's AI Initiatives44:13 Autonomous Agents and Their Limitations47:30 The Misconceptions About AI50:13 Event Management Insights01:06:09 Investment Reflections and Lessons01:14:18 Restructuring for Growth01:18:11 The Power of Distribution___Follow Jimmy Kim at: X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykimIG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykimFollow Bryan MacDonald at:X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomasprideLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ctIG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasaladTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasaladFollow John Roman at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRomanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromesTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmromanFollow Amer Grozdanic at:a X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanicLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanicIG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanicTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanicContact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) break down the real playbook for building a content strategy that drives free organic traffic to your eCommerce business without relying on ads. From posting consistently to tapping into the viral potential of short-form video, they share how brands are turning content into their most powerful growth engine.The conversation gets into the messy balance of organic vs. paid, why founder led content matters, and how to measure ROI without losing your mind. You’ll hear when to pivot if your strategy isn’t working, the dangers of chasing low-intent traffic, and why constant experimentation is the only way forward in today’s content landscape.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why storytelling is the secret sauce to building a brand people actually care about.How to balance organic and paid traffic for long-term growth.The rise of short-form video (and when long-form makes a comeback).Tips to create a repeatable content workflow that doesn’t burn you out.How to measure ROI and know when your content strategy isn’t working.Common mistakes eCommerce brands make with content (and how to avoid them).Whether you’re a scrappy founder or a growing brand, this episode is packed with tactical advice, real world lessons, and inspiration to build an eCommerce content engine that brings in free traffic while building long term loyalty._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.comKintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comSubscribe at https://asompod.comCome hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com_____00:00 Teaser Trailer02:19 Intro to The ASOM Pod05:44 Organic vs Paid Traffic Strategies09:19 The Power of Content Marketing12:55 Building a Brand Story18:00 Content Creation Tips and Strategies29:46 Leveraging Different Content Forms31:24 The Pitfalls of Low-Intent Blog Traffic32:10 SEO Strategy: Focus on Core Pages First34:05 The Rise of Short-Form Video Content35:17 Surprising Content Formats and Their Effectiveness36:09 The Power of Reddit for SEO37:11 Creating Content That Helps Users47:33 Measuring ROI and Identifying Effective Content50:23 Adapting to Social Media Trends57:04 The Shift to Long-Form Content on TikTok01:01:04 Common Mistakes in eCommerce Content Strategy___Follow Jimmy Kim at: X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykimIG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykimFollow Bryan MacDonald at:X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomasprideLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ctIG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasaladTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasaladFollow John Roman at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRomanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromesTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmromanFollow Amer Grozdanic at:a X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanicLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanicIG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanicTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanicContact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane) and Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella) chat with Natalie Yung, founder of Doggielawn and Bark Potty to unpack her 15-year rollercoaster from flops to full on success in the pet world. From spotting a quirky pain point and turning it into a subscription business, to scaling without taking a single VC check, Natalie spills the real story behind building a profitable, passion-fueled empire.You’ll hear about the messy middle like operational headaches, testing ideas on the cheap, and building a workplace people actually love showing up to. Natalie also gets candid about giving back to shelters, creating products that change life for pet owners with special needs, and teaming up with her husband as a strategic partner. This is a real look at the wins, losses, and lessons of staying self funded and mission driven.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why keeping your day job while testing ideas might be your smartest early move.Strategies to manage multiple brands without losing focus.How to build a supportive team culture that boosts retention and growth.Ways to balance passion projects with profitability and scalability.How self-funding can mean more freedom and far fewer headaches than chasing VC money.If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur (or just a sucker for a good dog story), this episode is loaded with practical advice, unfiltered founder wisdom, and inspiration to build something that lasts._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.comKintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comSubscribe at https://asompod.comCome hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com_____00:00 Teaser Trailer02:01 Welcome to the ASOM Pod02:41 Meet Natalie Yung: Serial Entrepreneur03:18 The Birth of DoggyLawn06:34 Embracing Failure and Learning from It12:05 Challenges and Strategies in Entrepreneurship14:28 Subscription Model Success17:11 Managing Multiple Ventures25:58 Customer Feedback and Business Growth27:53 Team Dynamics and Employee Retention29:11 Building a Village: Management Style and Trust30:51 Company Structure and Team Dynamics32:16 Balancing Multiple Brands and Projects32:52 Employee Growth and Career Path35:10 Leadership and Conflict Management38:22 Partnerships and Personal Dynamics50:31 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs53:01 Future Plans and Concluding Thought___Follow Jimmy Kim at: X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykimIG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykimFollow Bryan MacDonald at:X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomasprideLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ctIG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasaladTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasaladFollow John Roman at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRomanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromesTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmromanFollow Amer Grozdanic at:a X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanicLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanicIG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanicTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanicContact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), formally Founder of Sendlane) and Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella) chat with Jordan, a seasoned eCommerce entrepreneur and advisor behind brands like KitNipBox, Paint Plot, and Salvit Advisors.  From resisting shiny objects to choosing the right channels, this convo is packed with real talk on what it actually takes to scale profitably without losing your mind (or your margins). Forget vanity plays—this is a crash course in clarity, focus, and founder resilience.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why focusing on one or two marketing channels is key before scaling.How to make smarter decisions by understanding CPA, contribution margin, and engagement rates.What most founders get wrong about incrementality and testing.How to use AI and human intuition to drive growth.The role of mission-driven decision making in long term success.Insights into a Reddit partnership and strategic brand plays.Why having a trustworthy team might be your best growth lever.If you're building, scaling, or advising in eCommerce, this episode is loaded with takeaways to help you do it better and with a lot more clarity._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.comKintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comSubscribe at https://asompod.comCome hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com_____00:00 Teaser Trailer02:14 Welcome to the ASOM Pod04:13 The Journey of KitNipBox10:46 The Reddit Partnership14:27 Managing Multiple Businesses22:12 The Mission-Driven Approach26:42 Understanding Data in eCommerce34:24 Understanding Incrementality35:08 AB Testing and Media Spend40:41 Customer Engagement and Repurchase Rates43:44 Scaling and Contribution Margin51:52 Leveraging AI and Automation55:25 Omnichannel Strategies and Profitability01:01:05 Final Thoughts and Takeaways_____Follow Jimmy Kim at: X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykimIG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykimFollow Bryan MacDonald at:X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomasprideLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ctIG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasaladTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasaladFollow John Roman at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRomanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromesTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmromanFollow Amer Grozdanic at:a X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanicLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanicIG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanicTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanicContact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane) and Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella)sit down down with Sheldon Zitzmann from TigerTough, a Minnesota–based company that makes ultra-durable seat covers for hard-working vehicles and even harder-working people. From humble beginnings in 1993 to a full-on brand transformation in 2016, Sheldon shares how Tiger Tough went from sewing custom interiors to going all-in on rugged, U.S.-made seat protection.Forget chasing trends, this is a story about choosing focus, building in the U.S., and showing up for the blue-collar customer with killer products and content.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why TigerTough ditched custom work to go all-in on branded products.The real challenges of keeping manufacturing in the U.S.How they’ve built trust with fleets and direct-to-consumer buyers.The power of niche content (torture tests, anyone?) in driving sales.How a small-town mindset fuels smart decisions and big moves.Why marketing to blue-collar America takes authenticity, not fluff.The value of resilience, speed, and customer obsession in brand building.If you’re into building niche, no nonsense products that people rely on every day this one’s for you._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.comKintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comSubscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at https://asompod.comCome hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com_____00:00 Teaser Trailer00:50 Intro to The ASOM Pod 01:24 Small Town Life in Vesta, Minnesota 04:38 The Origin of TigerTough 06:11 The Evolution of the Business 13:23 Challenges and Innovations in Manufacturing 20:54 Marketing and Sales Strategies 28:43 Exploring Product Durability and Expansion 29:12 Venturing Beyond Seat Covers 32:16 Manufacturing in the USA 36:14 Challenges and Rewards of Domestic Production 38:26 Sales Strategies and Market Penetration 48:25 Marketing and Content Creation 48:54 Reflections and Future Plans 58:15 Final Thoughts and Advice_____Follow Jimmy Kim at: X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykimIG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykimFollow Bryan MacDonald at:X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomasprideLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ctIG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasaladTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasaladFollow John Roman at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRomanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromesTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmromanFollow Amer Grozdanic at:a X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanicLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanicIG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanicTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanicContact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox) and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) sit down with Ryan Hogan, founder of Hunt A Killer and CEO of Talent Harbor for a no BS conversation about what it really takes to build a community-first DTC brand. From failed mud runs to million-dollar subscription boxes, Hogan breaks down the wins, pivots, and painful lessons that shaped his journey.What you’ll learn in this episode:How a failed race sparked a subscription box empire.Why Hunt A Killer turned checkout into a community moment.The brand-building strategy that drove exponential growth.Navigating rising CAC and adapting to a post-tracking world.Why multiple sales channels saved the business.Behind the scenes of raising capital and choosing the right partners.How to restructure leadership and scale without burning out.This one’s packed with real stories and tactical gems for anyone building a brand people rally behind. _____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.comKintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comSubscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at https://asompod.comCome hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) get into how today’s best founders validate ideas fast and effectively without relying on biased feedback from friends or family. Whether you're pre-launch or post-launch, this episode will help you stay sharp, curious, and customer-first.What you’ll learn in this episode:Validate or Vaporize: Why skipping validation is the fastest route to building a product no one buys.Google Knows Best: How to use Google Trends, search volume, and keyword data to back up your gut feeling.Talk to Strangers: Why your inner circle isn’t the best place to source honest feedback (and who is).Smoke 'Em if You Got 'Em: How to run smoke tests and pre-sell to gauge real market demand.Social Listening 101: The underrated art of eavesdropping on the internet to spot pain points and product gaps.Validation Never Ends: How to keep testing, learning, and iterating, even after launch.This episode is packed with practical advice, real-life examples, and a few spicy takes on the myths of overnight success. If you’ve ever said “I think people want this,” this one’s for you._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.comKintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comSubscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at https://asompod.comCome hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com_____00:00 Teaser Trailer03:06 Intro to the ASOM Pod06:30 Deep Dive into Product Validation15:49 Competitive Research and Market Analysis24:57 Leveraging Social Media for Product Research26:09 Distinguishing Trends from Sustainable Markets27:31 The Rise and Fall of Trend-Based Businesses29:01 Using Data and Tools for Market Analysis32:49 The Importance of Social Listening40:45 Pre-Selling and Validating New Products51:10 Common Mistakes in Product Validation52:42 Final Thoughts _____Follow Jimmy Kim at: X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykimIG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykimFollow Bryan MacDonald at:X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomasprideLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ctIG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasaladTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasaladFollow John Roman at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRomanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromesTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmromanFollow Amer Grozdanic at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanicLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanicIG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanicTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanicContact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips