The DTC Insider

In this episode of The DTC Insider, Brian Roisentul sits down with Stacey Feeley, co-founder of GoSili, to talk about the full arc of building a mission-driven brand. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:Founding GoSili to create safe, plastic-free products for kidsEarly days: inventing silicone sleeves and DIY drop testsBreaking into mass distribution after Canada’s plastic banCustomer acquisition before e-commerce and social mediaLessons from trade shows and retail partnershipsThe Target dream and why it didn’t meet expectationsSelling the company to Evenflo and the challenges that followedBuying back the company and rebuilding from the ground upLaunching recycling initiatives for silicone productsExpanding into new markets like hospitality with the DRYNK lineThis episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR Digital, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visit their website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or book a call ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of The DTC Insider, Brian Roisentul sits down Jay Kinney, founder of WhyBars, a superfood snack brand built on ancient nutrition and unstoppable persistence. From sleeping in his car to landing on the shelves of Whole Foods and Kroger, Jay’s story is one of grit, creativity, and relentless optimism. We discussed:The origin story of WhyBars and its roots in ancient nutritionJay’s journey from culinary school and the Army to entrepreneurshipEarly experiments selling homemade bars door-to-doorHow local farmers markets helped build awareness and demandThe transition from kitchen production to large-scale retail distributionBuilding relationships with stores like Kroger, Whole Foods, and Fresh ThymeThe importance of public speaking and storytelling for foundersPersonal growth: overcoming homelessness, trauma, and reclaiming his identityThe difference between building a brand to sell vs. a forever businessStaying positive and resilient in the face of personal and business challengesThis episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR⁠⁠⁠⁠ helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visit their website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or book a call ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of The DTC Insider, Brian Roisentul sits down with Dr. Christine Colamonico, co-founder of Jope (Joy of Pets). Jope is a science-backed pet supplement brand created by two veterinarians on a mission to improve animal health. We discussed:The origin story of Jope and how her dog inspired the brandTransitioning from veterinary practice to entrepreneurshipBuilding a science-backed product in an unregulated supplement marketGrowing a DTC pet brand through Meta ads and customer loyaltyChallenges of scaling in a changing e-commerce landscapeWhy customer experience and education are at the core of Jope's retention strategyThe pros and cons of launching with one hero productExpanding from dogs to cats: product diversification and strategic timingThe power of calling customers and building genuine relationshipsLessons on patience, resilience, and staying authentic as a first-time founderThis episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR⁠⁠⁠ helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visit their website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or book a call ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of The DTC Insider, Brian Roisentul breaks down a simple but powerful way to find your next growth opportunities, by identifying your empty buckets. Instead of chasing the next Meta or Google Ads playbook, he explains how to zoom out and look at your business through a strategic lensWe discusssed:Why 7–8 figure brands hit plateaus and struggle to scaleThe Kodak story and what it teaches about perspectiveThe “four-quadrant” ad matrix: polished vs. lo-fi, image vs. videoHow to identify creative gaps in your ad accountThinking beyond tactics: the importance of zooming outRethinking “customer acquisition” as more than Meta adsBuilding layered growth systems with clear goals and actionsExpanding buckets: acquisition, customers, subscribers, affiliatesSpotting empty buckets to uncover new growth opportunitiesHow strategic structure compounds into recurring growthThis episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR⁠⁠ helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visit their website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or book a call ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of The DTC Insider, Brian Roisentul shares a personal reflection sparked by an interview with a former Disney executive, one that challenged the traditional idea of “being the best”.We discusssed:Lessons from a former Disney executive on vision and successThe difference between being “the best” and being “the happiest”Why your vision doesn’t always have to involve being #1Defining success by your own metrics—not others’The trade-offs of building a massive companyFinding peace in building something sustainableWhy it’s okay to say “I’m fine where I am”How expectations shape our perception of successThe freedom of aligning your business with your lifestyleBuilding your version of success without guilt or comparisonThis episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR⁠ helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visit their website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or book a call ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of The DTC Insider, Brian Roisentul sits down with Clay Banks, co-founder of Glorilight. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:Clay’s entrepreneurial journey through five venturesThe founding story of GloryLite and its fast launchLessons learned from HavenLock and complex manufacturingKey takeaways from Shark Tank and going viralHow to turn failures into lessons for the next ventureCustomer acquisition then vs. now: iOS14, Meta ads, tariffsThe importance of community and brand as a competitive moatCounterfeit competitors and the fight to protect IPBalancing CAC with LTV and the importance of retentionResiliency, uncertainty, and advice for entrepreneurs in 2025This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visit their website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or book a call ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of The DTC Insider, Brian Roisentul sits down with Adam Vernon, founder of Colorado Ski Chairs, a business that’s been transforming old skis and snowboards into handcrafted furniture for nearly 20 years.Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:Adam’s journey from ski racer to founder of Colorado Ski ChairsTurning old skis into furniture and the brand’s early daysHow the product line evolved over 18+ yearsBalancing custom projects with scalable productsShifting from B2C focus to more B2B and corporate clientsMarketing channels: brick-and-mortar, online, and social mediaThe role of video content and behind-the-scenes storytellingSustainability as a brand story vs. actual sales driverBuilding a team of multi-talented employees with no rigid titlesLooking ahead: the future of Colorado Ski Chairs and industry adaptationThis episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR Digital, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visit their website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or book a call ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of The DTC Insider podcast, Brian Roisentul sits down with Madhu Punjabi, co-founder and CEO of Lion Pose. Before building a skincare brand that landed in Sephora, Madhu held key roles at Google, Pinterest, and Meta—experiences that shaped how she builds today.Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:Madhu’s early career at Google, Pinterest, and MetaLessons from launching products at big tech companiesWhy she left to become a founder before having an ideaBuilding and selling her first company in infant formulaCo-founding Lion Pose and targeting Sephora from day oneThe “questions framework” she learned at Meta and still usesThe realities of being a founder vs. corporate lifeDefining passion in business and why it mattersChallenges of today’s DTC environment: rising costs, tougher acquisition, thinner marginsThe importance of retention, customer insights, and knowing your numbersFind more episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.--This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR Digital, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visit their website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or book a call ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of The DTC Insider, Brian Roisentul sits down with Margot Adams, co-founder of Luxeire, a mother-daughter clothing brand blending luxury, comfort, and performance, so you never have to choose between style and function.Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:The mother-daughter founding story of LuxeireEarly struggles turning a passion project into a real businessLaunching the hero product: the Classic Button-UpRunning Meta ads on a shoestring budget and finding product-market fitWhy Margot became the face of the brandCustomer service and the human touch in a lean businessCompeting in a crowded apparel space while manufacturing in NYCBalancing new customer acquisition with customer retentionOperational challenges and the importance of efficiencyWhat’s next for Luxeire: new fabrics, product categories, and pop-upsFind more episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.--This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR Digital, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠visit their website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or book a call ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of The DTC Insider podcast, Brian Roisentul chats with Dinah Chapman, founder of Little Trouble, a fast-growing kidswear brand that’s on track to hit 8 figures. Dinah shares how she built the company from her garage while juggling motherhood and a demanding corporate job, why she resisted shortcuts in customer service, and how she turned customer feedback into a growth engine.Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:Moving abroad while running a U.S.-based businessStarting Little Trouble as a side hustle during corporate burnoutKnowing when a side hustle becomes a full-time businessStanding out in a crowded kids apparel marketChallenges across growth stages: 0–1M, 1–5M, and beyondOperating with a tiny team while scaling bigThe critical role of customer service and human connectionThe pitfalls of over-obsessing about attribution vs. focusing on fundamentalsLeveraging customer insights and zero-party data for growthWhat’s next: brand collaborations, wholesale, and product diversificationFind more episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠our website⁠⁠⁠⁠.--This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠⁠⁠ helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR Digital, ⁠⁠⁠⁠visit their website⁠⁠⁠⁠ or book a call ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of The DTC Insider podcast, Brian Roisentul sits down with Curtis Matsko, founder and CEO of Portland Leather Goods, to unpack how he grew his brand from a garage startup into a $400M+ e-commerce powerhouse. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:The origins of Portland Leather Goods and early growthAuthenticity and personal branding on LinkedInThe mix of factors behind business successStaying optimistic and leading with confidenceEvolving strategies to stay relevant in changing marketsHiring and building a high-performing, like-minded teamMoving manufacturing to Mexico and its challengesMeasuring the right business and marketing metricsThe importance of retention and efficiency in DTCWhy struggling businesses often blame agencies unfairlyFind more episodes on ⁠⁠⁠our website⁠⁠⁠.--This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠⁠ helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR Digital, ⁠⁠⁠visit their website⁠⁠⁠ or book a call ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of The DTC Insider podcast, Brian Roisentul sits down with Victoria Hana, Director of Ecommerce at G FUEL. We dive into how GFuel has built a powerful brand at the intersection of gaming, community, and commerce. From navigating influencer relationships to structuring their marketing calendar, Victoria shares the strategic and tactical moves that have helped G FUEL scale across DTC, retail, and beyond. If you’re a marketer or brand owner looking to blend culture with commerce, this one's a must-listen.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Building a gaming-focused brand with mainstream appealNavigating influencer partnerships at scaleThe evolution of GFuel’s marketing strategyCommunity building through content and cultureDiversifying revenue channels beyond DTCCollaborations with big names in gaming and entertainmentManaging retail expansion while keeping brand integrityPlanning GFuel’s annual and 90-day marketing calendarAdjusting strategies for changing consumer behaviorKey lessons from scaling a multi-channel eCommerce brandFind more episodes on ⁠⁠our website⁠⁠.--This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠.⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠ helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR Digital, ⁠⁠visit their website⁠⁠ or book a call ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

In this episode of The DTC Insider podcast, Brian Roisentul sits down with Leah Marcus and Yasaman Bakhtiar, the founders of Good Girl Snacks, a pickle brand that emphasizes organic ingredients and community engagement. They discuss their journey from college friends to entrepreneurs, the challenges of launching a food product, and the importance of building a brand in public through social media.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: The founding story of Good Girl Snacks and how Leah and Yasaman met.Transitioning from unfulfilling jobs to starting a pickle company.The inspiration behind launching a pickle brand and the market gap they identified.The role of social media in building their brand and community engagement.Challenges and strategies in product development and flavor innovation.The importance of organic content creation and its impact on marketing.Navigating retail and e-commerce channels for product distribution.The significance of building in public and involving the community in business decisions.The impact of having a strong organic presence on retail success.Future plans for Good Girl Snacks, including new flavors and retail expansion.Find more episodes on ⁠our website⁠.--This episode is brought to you by ⁠BSR Digital⁠.⁠BSR Digital⁠ helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR Digital, ⁠visit their website⁠ or book a call ⁠here⁠.

In this episode of The DTC Insider podcast, Brian Roisentul sits down with Sarah Vilenskiy, founder of Blossom Essentials. She has taken her skincare brand from direct-to-consumer roots to the shelves of major retailers like Walmart. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: From marketing to skincare: Sarah’s founder journeyLearning from agency experiences: good and badNavigating the impact of iOS 14 on Meta AdsTransitioning from DTC to retailAdapting to economic uncertainty and changing consumer behaviorRetail profitability vs. digital acquisition costsBuilding brand trust through education and transparencyLeveraging direct mail and retention strategiesFinding and owning your niche in a crowded marketThe importance of aligning brand voice with founder authenticityFind more episodes on our website.--This episode is brought to you by BSR Digital.BSR Digital helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR Digital, visit their website or book a call here.

In this episode of The DTC Insider podcast, Brian Roisentul sits down with Jordan Lunetta, founder of Odin Golf. They discuss the mission of Odin Golf as a brand for everyday golfers, Jordan's transition from tech to the golf industry, and the cultural differences between the US and Europe. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Jordan's Background in Tech and Transition to GolfCultural Differences: US vs. EuropeExploring the Importance of Travel and PerspectiveNavigating Business in Europe: Insights for American BrandsLocalization Challenges in European MarketsIdentifying Key Markets in Europe for BusinessBuilding Community Beyond ProductsCreating Unique Experiences for CustomersEngaging Customers Through EventsFor more episodes of The DTC Insider podcast, head on over to http://www.thedtcinsider.com/--This episode is brought to you by ⁠BSR Digital⁠.BSR Digital helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR Digital:👉 Visit their website: https://www.bsrdigital.com/👉 Book a call: https://calendly.com/brianroisentul/discovery-call-30min

In this episode of The DTC Insider podcast, Brian Roisentul sits down with Donny Jensen, the CMO of Black Rifle Coffee, a veteran-founded company that has grown into a $400M powerhouse. Donny shares his journey, the brand's evolution from DTC to retail, and the innovative strategies driving their success.Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:Balancing Brand Building and Performance MarketingContent Creation at Scale: Black Rifle’s Internal StudioBuilding a $400M Brand with DTC FoundationsTurning a Coffee Company into an Entertainment BrandSubscription Strategy: Exclusive Products and ExperienceDay Trading Retail Media: The New Growth PlaybookThe Role of Community in Retail ExpansionLeveraging AI to Speed Up Content ProductionTikTok Shop & YouTube Shop: Lessons from Early AdoptionFrom Agency Life to Brand Leadership: Key LearningsFor more episodes of The DTC Insider podcast, head on over to http://www.thedtcinsider.com/--This episode is brought to you by BSR Digital.BSR Digital helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR Digital:👉 Visit their website: https://www.bsrdigital.com/👉 Book a call: https://calendly.com/brianroisentul/discovery-call-30min

In this episode of The DTC Insider podcast, Brian Roisentul sits down with Shraysi Tandon, founder and CEO of Kidsy. Shraysi shares her unique journey from being a business journalist to leading a startup focused on sustainability and e-commerce.Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:Shraysi's journey from journalism to entrepreneurshipStorytelling for effective leadership and communicationLessons from high-stakes journalismThe origin of Kidsy from personal parenting experiencesImportance of market validationFinancial fundamentals for sustainable growthEvolving marketing strategies with consumer behaviorUsing AI tools for productivity and efficiencyBuilding and leading a remote teamSustainability’s impact on consumer decisions--This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠⁠⁠ helps e-commerce brands grow by aligning their paid ads and email marketing strategies with their broader business goals, so every campaign drives profitable, strategic growth.To learn more about BSR Digital, ⁠⁠⁠⁠visit their website⁠⁠⁠⁠ or book a call ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of The DTC Insider podcast, Brian Roisentul sits down with Tanner Larsson to discuss the evolution of e-commerce, emphasizing the importance of fundamentals amidst the rise of AI technologies. They explore how brands can optimize their operations, understand customer lifetime value, and leverage data for better decision-making. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:Introduction to E-commerce EvolutionThe Importance of Fundamentals in E-commerceUnderstanding Customer Lifetime Value and RetentionThe Shift Towards AI in E-commerceAI Commerce: The Future of Online ShoppingThe Role of Websites in AI CommerceThe Importance of Structured Data in AI CommerceUnderstanding AI Visibility and Its ImpactCompetitive Advantage in AI CommerceStrategies for Brands to Stand OutImplementing Smart Data Points for Success--This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠⁠ helps e-commerce brands grow by aligning their paid ads and email marketing strategies with their broader business goals, so every campaign drives profitable, strategic growth.To learn more about BSR Digital, ⁠⁠⁠visit their website⁠⁠⁠ or book a call ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of The DTC Insider podcast, Brian Roisentul interviews Jamie Norwood, co-founder of Winx Health, a company focused on women's vaginal and sexual health. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:Winx Health mission to support women's healthNavigating startup challenges during the pandemicBuilding a brand that truly resonates with womenThe importance of structure and mentorship for first-time foundersHow word of mouth became a key growth driverInvesting in organic growth for long-term successExploring the opportunities and risks of retail expansionEngaging the community to boost customer retentionUsing rebranding to refresh market presenceCreating social impact to strengthen brand loyalty--This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠.⁠⁠BSR Digital⁠⁠ helps e-commerce brands grow by aligning their paid ads and email marketing strategies with their broader business goals, so every campaign drives profitable, strategic growth.To learn more about BSR Digital, ⁠⁠visit their website⁠⁠ or book a call ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

In this video, Brian Roisentul emphasizes the importance of creating unforgettable customer experiences rather than just focusing on conversions. He shares insights on how brands can transform mundane touchpoints into magical moments, engage customers through personalization and education, and implement innovative strategies for customer retention and feedback. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:Focus on creating unforgettable customer experiences, not just conversionsMap out all customer touchpoints to find areas for improvementSurprise customers in unexpected ways to spark word-of-mouthEducate customers on their purchases to increase usage and salesMake small, thoughtful changes...no big budget required--This episode is brought to you by ⁠BSR Digital⁠.⁠BSR Digital⁠ helps e-commerce brands that want to scale their business to the next level through paid ads & email marketing.To learn more about BSR Digital, ⁠visit their website⁠ or book a call ⁠here⁠.