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 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

Curtis Matsko, Founder and CEO of Portland Leather Goods, shares his compelling journey from a Zen monastery to a thriving leather business. He discusses the importance of continuous reinvention, self-funding, and overcoming personal struggles with sobriety. Curtis emphasizes the value of belief over capital and the need to let go of past successes to innovate. He reveals how owning production has allowed for rapid iterations and scaling, and why staying authentic online fosters meaningful connections. His insights inspire anyone looking to transform their entrepreneurial path.

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