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), Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) come in hot—unpacking what’s actually working in eCommerce right now… and what’s just noise.We’re talking community-building, live shopping wins (and fails), the death of boring product posts, and why chasing top-line growth without real profit is the fastest way to implode your brand.Content > Catalog: Why showing your product isn’t enough—and how entertaining, valuable content is what actually drives conversion.Community = Currency: How brands are ditching transactional mindsets and using loyal communities to power sustainable, long-term growth.Live Shopping Breakdown: What’s working, what’s not, and how to stand out in an increasingly crowded space.Beyond the Vanity Metrics: Why chasing top-line revenue can put your brand at risk—and how to build a healthier bottom line instead.Organic Growth Playbook: Real strategies from brands winning without paid ads (yes, it’s possible—and profitable).Retail Isn’t Dead… But It’s Evolving: A no-BS look at how retail fits into today’s DTC world—and where it still wins.If you’re building an eCommerce brand and want the playbook for community, content, and conversion in today’s landscape—you’ll want to hit play on this one._____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/Alia -  An app that is revolutionizing how brands turn website visitors into loyal customers. With some of the highest performing pop ups in eCommerce, Alia is helping brands ditch traditional webforms and double down on education, personalization and conversion. We highly recommend you check out :https://www.alialearn.com/Subscribe 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 Trailer00:23 The Importance of Community in Branding00:54 TikTok Shop and Other Sales Channels01:49 Podcast Introduction and Host Introductions04:15 Retail Discussion14:01 Community and Organic Growth21:47 The Power of Community in B2B22:17 The Importance of Organic Conversations24:31 Live Shopping: The Next Big Thing25:45 Success Stories and Strategies in Live Shopping36:19 Top Line Growth vs. Bottom Line Optimization44:21 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: 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

John Roman (CEO of BattlBox) and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) take you on a boots-on-the-ground tour of SubSummit 2025 in Dallas—no boring recap slides here. From immersive booths and epic entrance setups to hosted buyer programs and jam-packed breakout sessions, they explore how the subscription industry is leveling up. Along the way, they highlight standout keynotes, behind-the-scenes convos, and some truly creative brand experiences. Whether you missed the event or just want the insider scoop, this episode captures the energy, innovation, and connections that make SubSummit the go-to for subscription-based businesses._____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/Alia -  An app that is revolutionizing how brands turn website visitors into loyal customers. With some of the highest performing pop ups in eCommerce, Alia is helping brands ditch traditional webforms and double down on education, personalization and conversion. We highly recommend you check out :https://www.alialearn.com/Subscribe 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 Introduction00:28 Exploring the SubSummit Venue02:08 Hosted Buyer Program Overview03:00 Walking Through the Booths and Activities04:23 Special Guests and Interviews06:02 Conference Enhancements and Experiences09:34 Final Walkthrough and Observations12:03 Exploring the Event Venue12:35 Diving into the Speaker Tracks13:48 Enjoying the Event's Delicacies16:08 Checking Out the Podcast Studio19:44 A Peek into the Main Stage23:17 Wrapping Up the Event Tour_____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

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), Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) unpack how eCommerce brands can stay strong during shaky economic times. From rising acquisition costs to unpredictable consumer behavior, the crew tackles the tough conversations about what it really takes to build a resilient brand when the market turns—and what not to do, using cautionary tales.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:War Chest Wisdom: Why building financial buffers is non-negotiable—and how to start now.Knee-Jerk Reactions = Death: Why slowing down and thinking strategically will save your brand.Customer Love Is the Moat: How community and loyalty become your unfair advantage.Cut Costs, Not Corners: Smart ways to optimize without hurting long-term growth.Real Talk Book Club: The team reviews The Hard Thing About Hard Things and what it teaches about navigating hard decisions.Vendor Negotiation Playbook: Tips for renegotiating contracts and improving cash flow without burning bridges.This episode is your tactical survival guide for leading through uncertainty. If you want to future-proof your business, make smarter decisions, and turn downturns into opportunity—don’t miss this one._____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/Alia -  An app that is revolutionizing how brands turn website visitors into loyal customers. With some of the highest performing pop ups in eCommerce, Alia is helping brands ditch traditional webforms and double down on education, personalization and conversion. We highly recommend you check out :https://www.alialearn.com/Subscribe 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 Trailer02:06 Intro to The ASOM Pod04:43 Economic Downturn Strategies13:16 Consumer Sentiment and Business Adjustments27:44 Cautionary Tales: Learning from Mistakes31:20 Debunking the Quickster Story31:37 The Downfall of J. Crew33:42 Omas Pride and the Missed Opportunity37:24 Understanding the Mandela Effect38:49 Biggest Mistakes Business Owners Make44:10 Strategies for Business Resilience51:26 Book Review: The Hard Thing About Hard Things59:28 Conclusion 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: 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

Discover the secret sauce of storytelling in marketing! The hosts delve into how emotional connections propel brand loyalty and why real, behind-the-scenes content triumphs over polished perfection. Explore the specific strategies that work across TikTok and Instagram, and debate the benefits of in-house creators versus agencies. Unearth standout storytelling campaigns and learn to balance immediate sales with long-term brand engagement. This insightful discussion also highlights the importance of understanding your audience and investing in talent for content creation.

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), Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) and special guest Rytis Lauris (Co-Founder & CEO of Omnisend) come together for a candid and tactical conversation on what it really takes to bootstrap a successful business. This episode pulls back the curtain on scaling without VC dollars, customer-funded growth, and the grit it takes to build from the ground up.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Bootstrap vs. VC: The pros, cons, and cultural impact of building without outside capital.Customer-Funded Growth: How to grow by listening to the people paying your bills—not investors.Inventory & Hiring Challenges: How bootstrapped brands juggle lean resources and talent needs.Transparency as a Superpower: Why honesty with your team builds long-term loyalty.Creative Constraints: How limited resources can spark your most innovative ideas.Bootstrapped Hall of Fame: A fun segment spotlighting legendary brands built without fundraising.From managing cash flow and customer expectations to building a scrappy culture that thrives, this episode is full of real talk and raw strategy for anyone navigating the bootstrap life._____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/Alia -  An app that is revolutionizing how brands turn website visitors into loyal customers. With some of the highest performing pop ups in eCommerce, Alia is helping brands ditch traditional webforms and double down on education, personalization and conversion. We highly recommend you check out :https://www.alialearn.com/Subscribe 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 Trailer01:00 Navigating the Film Industry: A Cultural Perspective03:00 Welcome to the ASOM Pod03:38 Introducing the Hosts and Special Guests05:58 Bootstrapping Success: Building a Business Without Fundraising16:53 Challenges and Strategies in Bootstrapping32:39 Backhanded Compliments and Marketing Strategies33:20 Transition to Shopify and SKU Rationalization35:08 Software Feature Review and Customer Impact37:53 Inventory Management Challenges43:55 Bootstrap Companies and Talent Acquisition59:19 Advice for Bootstrap Founders01:07:24 Guess That Business Game_____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

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) come together for a dynamic, live discussion recorded at Commerce Roundtable Miami. They tackle some of the biggest challenges and opportunities in eCommerce today in a game of tinder swiping—from the rise of live shopping platforms to the ethical gray areas of tariffs. This is an unfiltered, insight-packed conversation loaded with actionable takeaways.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Price of Indecision: Why making faster decisions can be your brand’s secret weapon.Live Shopping Evolution: How TikTok Shop and Whatnot are changing how consumers buy.Mastering Organic Traffic: Proven strategies to drive growth without relying on paid ads.Tariffs and Transparency: The ethical implications of passing costs to customers.AI in eCommerce: How to use AI for efficiency without losing your brand’s authenticity.From live shopping game-changers to the controversial topic of tariffs, this episode has it all—raw insights, real-world stories, and a dash of debate._____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/Alia -  An app that is revolutionizing how brands turn website visitors into loyal customers. With some of the highest performing pop ups in eCommerce, Alia is helping brands ditch traditional webforms and double down on education, personalization and conversion. We highly recommend you check out :https://www.alialearn.com/Subscribe 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 Trailer00:47 Introduction to the ASOM Pod03:50 eCommerce Tinder: Swipe Right or Left04:29 Exploring Social Commerce05:23 The Rise of Live Shopping07:25 TikTok Shop and Whatnot: A New Frontier08:23 The Changing Demographics of TikTok12:20 The Evolution of Live Shopping15:06 Tariff Checkouts: A Controversial Topic16:23 The Ethics of Tariffs in Business16:49 Navigating Tariffs and Business Resilience18:01 The Impact of Tariffs on Business Models19:43 Raising Prices and Consumer Reactions21:34 The Power of Organic Traffic22:11 Strategies for Organic Growth29:47 The Role of AI in Modern Business30:19 Embracing AI for Efficiency35:02 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: 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 special guest: Greg Dalby (SVP eCommerce at The Woobles) dive deep into one of the most important strategies for driving retention and customer loyalty: building community-driven brands. They explore how the shift from transactional sales to relationship-based commerce is reshaping the landscape of eCommerce.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:– Why community-driven brands are more successful in building lasting loyalty– How authenticity and clear brand values can set you apart in the market– The economic benefits of fostering a dedicated customer base– Practical tips for nurturing your early customers into passionate brand advocates– Case studies from Yeti, Patagonia, LEGO, and more to inspire your brand's community-building effortsIf you’re ready to build a brand that people don’t just buy from—but belong to—hit play and get ready for some serious community-building inspiration!_____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/Alia -  An app that is revolutionizing how brands turn website visitors into loyal customers. With some of the highest performing pop ups in eCommerce, Alia is helping brands ditch traditional webforms and double down on education, personalization and conversion. We highly recommend you check out :https://www.alialearn.com/Subscribe 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 Trailer01:07 Bryan's Unexpected Absence02:55 Introduction to the ASOM Pod04:52 The Importance of Community in eCommerce13:34 Building Brand Loyalty Through Community15:46 Challenges and Strategies in Community Building24:11 The Success Story of BLEs32:23 Exploring the Intricacies of Crochet33:05 From Hobbies to Businesses: The Etsy Journey34:21 The Power of Organic Growth Channels35:07 Lego: Building a Community Around Creativity41:22 Yeti: Creating a Lifestyle Brand45:00 Patagonia: A Commitment to Sustainability54:57 Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire 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: 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 engaging discussion, Greg Dalby, SVP eCommerce at The Woobles and a seasoned expert in the field, sheds light on the psychology of pricing. He explores why pricing strategies are rooted in consumer perception rather than just profit margins, and how premium brands like Fender balance quality and customer feedback. Anecdotes about brands like Hyundai reveal the evolution of brand perception over time. Dalby emphasizes the emotional connections consumers form with products and the necessity of smart pricing to build brand loyalty.

In this discussion, Anthony Combs, CEO of Splendies, shares insights on customer retention beyond loyalty programs. He highlights the vital differences between DTC brands and subscription models, emphasizing innovative strategies like surprise gifts and personalized experiences. The conversation also covers the importance of building emotional connections with customers and unique onboarding approaches. Additionally, the team reflects on the financial pitfalls of flashy projects, using Vegas’ Sphere as a cautionary tale. It's an engaging look at retaining customers in today's competitive market.

In this engaging discussion, Anthony Combs, CEO and Founder of Splendies, shares insights on navigating the challenging waters between scale and profitability. The conversation dives into real-world examples like MoviePass and Nasty Gal, revealing the pitfalls of unsustainable growth strategies. Combs emphasizes the significance of understanding customer acquisition costs and adapting to market demands. They also tackle the rise and fall of subscription services, offering valuable lessons on maintaining quality while expanding into new channels.