Serious Sellers Podcast: Learn How To Sell On Amazon FBA & Walmart

#693 - Ezra Firestone talks Shopify, Sumo, Amazon, & More!

Aug 20, 2025

Join e-commerce expert Ezra Firestone in a captivating conversation blending sumo wrestling with business insights. Ezra shares his fond memories of Hawaiian champions and explores the rise of Ukrainian sumo wrestlers. The dialogue shifts to the impact of AI on job security and e-commerce growth, highlighting the importance of resilience. Ezra dives into effective email and SMS marketing strategies that cut through competition, while emphasizing the balance of personal health and entrepreneurship. It's a lively mix of culture, business, and motivation!

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ANECDOTE

Hawaii Roots Sparked A Sumo Lifelong Passion

Ezra grew up in Hawaii surrounded by sumo champions like Akebono and Konishiki, which shaped his lifelong love of the sport.
He now trains judo, built a small home dojo, and plans to open a judo club in upstate New York.

ANECDOTE

Business Ties Built A Personal Connection To Ukraine

Ezra has deep ties to Ukraine through business, including a Ukrainian Zipify co-founder and dozens of employees there.
That connection explains his strong emotional interest when a Ukrainian sumo wrestler rose to prominence.

ADVICE

Balance Amazon As A Brand Channel, Not The Whole Business

Treat Amazon as an extension of your brand and allocate resources proportionally, not as your only channel.
Aim for Amazon to be around 20–40% of revenue while maintaining Shopify and other channels where strategic.

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Dive into a unique chat on sumo wrestling, Shopify, Amazon, AI, and scaling e-commerce. Legendary seller insights and heavyweight strategies every serious seller needs.

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Join us for an engaging episode as we sit down with E-commerce legend Ezra Firestone, where our shared passion for sumo wrestling takes center stage. We explore the fascinating journey of sumo wrestlers like Koto Shoho and Anishiki, highlighting the surprising rise of Ukrainian athletes in this traditionally Japanese sport. Ezra shares his personal connection to Ukraine, influenced by his business ties and extensive work with Ukrainian professionals. Listen in as we reminisce about the Hawaiian sumo champions who inspired Ezra during his childhood in Hawaii, where Japanese culture played a significant role in shaping his interests and career path.

This conversation then transitions into the dynamic world of e-commerce, focusing on the importance of resilience and adaptation. Ezra and Bradley discuss the parallels between maintaining physical well-being and thriving in a competitive business environment. Drawing from personal experiences, we discuss the journey from being sedentary to embracing a healthier lifestyle and how this transformation mirrors our strategic decisions in e-commerce. The shift from Shopify expertise to embracing Amazon's dominance showcases the necessity of staying agile in an ever-evolving market landscape.

Finally, we explore the transformative role of AI in e-commerce and the strategies for maximizing growth. AI-powered tools like Zipify are revolutionizing Shopify store performance, but not without raising concerns about the impact on traditional job roles. Our discussion touches on the strategic expansion from Amazon to Shopify, emphasizing the importance of adapting to technological advancements while considering their broader implications. We also dive into effective marketing strategies, highlighting the power of email and SMS in engaging audiences and the importance of balancing business success with personal fulfillment. Join us for a thoughtful conversation that bridges the worlds of sumo and e-commerce, offering insights and inspiration for sellers at any stage.

In episode 693 of the Serious Sellers Podcast, Bradley and Ezra discuss:

02:03 - Sumo Fans Discuss Wrestlers From Ukraine and Japan
04:30 - Rediscovering Judo in Upstate New York
06:57 - Resilience and Adaptation in eCommerce
12:00 - Amazon as an Extension of Brand
16:40 - E-Commerce Strategy and Amazon Growth
16:50 - AI-Powered Shopify Store Optimization Strategy
27:24 - Marketing Strategies for E-Commerce Growth
29:33 - E-Commerce Marketing Strategies and Goals
35:03 - Rock Star Mentality and Enjoying Life