Episode Summary

This week on the Free to Grow CFO podcast, host Jon Blair is joined by Matt Ezyk, Director of eCommerce at Pet Supermarket. They delve into hybrid physical and digital retail strategies, focusing on AI integration to optimize profits for DTC brands. Matt shares insights from his extensive experience, including successful strategies like Buy Online Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS) and ship-from-store models. The conversation also explores valuable AI tools for smaller DTC brands, emphasizing the importance of personalization, ad optimization, and leveraging customer data. Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with practical tips and strategies to help you scale your DTC brand with a profit-focused mindset. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimize your existing operations, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Meet Matt Ezyk

Matt Ezyk has decades of experience building, scaling and leading digital commerce product, operations and strategy at some of the most innovative companies in the world. Prior to joining Pet Supermarket, he served as Director of Functional Architecture and Director of PMO at RafterOne (f/k/a PixelMedia) with operational oversight of teams working with iconic brands like Skechers and LL Bean. Matt also served in progressive leadership roles at Accenture, Merkle (f/k/a LiveArea) and several startups working with hundreds of global brands like Uniqlo, Disney, Revlon, Tapestry and many more. Matt brings to Pet Supermarket a deep expertise in developing and implementing diverse end-to-end commerce strategies.

Episode Links

Jon Blair - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/

Matt Ezyk - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mezyk/

Free to Grow CFO - https://freetogrowcfo.com/

Pet Supermarket - https://www.petsupermarket.com/

~~~

00:00 Welcome to the Free to Grow CFO Podcast

00:28 Guest Introduction: Matt Ezyk’s Background and Role at Pet Supermarket

04:22 Strategies for Hybrid Physical and Digital Retail

05:06 Implementing BOPIS and Ship-from-Store Tactics

07:03 Challenges and Solutions in Inventory Management

16:51 Expanding Geographical Reach Through E-commerce

19:29 Leveraging AI for DTC Brands

26:33 Challenges in Implementing AI

30:13 Overcoming AI Implementation Hurdles

35:02 Generative AI: A Continuous Journey

42:04 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

47:12 Final Thoughts

#396 Squiggly Careers Live x Gremlins