ASOM Pod

Join industry leaders as they recap the thrilling ShopTalk event in Las Vegas. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and discover innovative booth activations that reshaped marketing strategies. Hear about the dynamic interactions between large retailers and smaller merchants, and the shift towards engaging demonstrations at trade shows. Learn how unique networking events, even those with massages, foster genuine connections. Plus, gain insights into the importance of planning and engagement for future success in the e-commerce landscape.

Visionary or Operator? Unpacking the Mindset of Successful E-Commerce FoundersIn this episode of The ASOM Pod, hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan McDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride), and Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane) engages in a dynamic discussion about what defines successful e-commerce founders - are they visionaries or operators? They explore the characteristics and importance of visionaries who create revolutionary products and operators who excel at executing and scaling ideas. The episode also covers various well-known brands, dissecting whether their success stemmed from visionary ideas or operational brilliance. Additionally, listeners get insights into the culture and practices of renowned companies like Ritz-Carlton through a book review segment. The team wraps up with practical advice for aspiring founders, stressing the balance between vision and execution. Tune in to find out whether growth is driven by groundbreaking ideas or methodical operations!****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 with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Nacelle — Transform your eCommerce store with AI-powered product recommendations that understand your customers’ actual behaviors, not just their purchases. Learn more at https://www.nacelle.comWorkspace6 — The best community for 7, 8 & 9 figure+ eCommerce operators. Why struggle alone? Other founders have already solved your biggest challenges. Learn more at https://www.workspace6.io 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 Introduction to D2C Founders and Market Challenges01:09 Final Episode in Atlanta: Casual Conversations02:16 Welcome to the ASOM Pod05:04 E-commerce Founders: Visionaries or Operators?09:21 Debating Visionary vs. Operator Roles18:50 Analyzing Popular D2C Brands25:19 The Evolution of the 'Founder' Title26:57 The Role of Founders in Tech27:40 The Evolution of the Founder Label29:24 Visionaries vs. Opportunists31:40 The Balance Between Vision and Execution42:56 The Importance of Customer Experience52:22 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes_____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, the hosts dive deep into the challenges and issues facing modern marketers. They discuss why many marketers today copy others without critical thinking, the role of creativity in marketing, and the impact of AI tools and agencies on marketing practices. The episode features a lively debate on topics like whether TikTok is making marketers lazy, if modern CEOs force short-term wins, and if true marketers need to be involved in product design. The hosts also share practical advice on how to break out of marketing ruts and emphasize the importance of specialization. Tune in to hear these spicy takes and more!_____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 with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Nacelle — Transform your eCommerce store with AI-powered product recommendations that understand your customers’ actual behaviors, not just their purchases. Learn more at https://www.nacelle.comWorkspace6 — The best community for 7, 8 & 9 figure+ eCommerce operators. Why struggle alone? Other founders have already solved your biggest challenges. Learn more at https://www.workspace6.io 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 Introduction: The Pitfalls of Copying Marketing Strategies00:56 Fun Banter: Movie Roles and Office Humor03:04 Podcast Kickoff: Welcome to The Awesome Pod05:57 Discussion: Why Modern Marketers Suck06:10 Debate: Are Marketers Out of Fresh Ideas?08:16 Critical Thinking in Marketing: A Lost Art?13:39 The Role of Creativity in Marketing21:12 The Impact of AI and Automation on Marketing23:33 The Importance of Proper Education and Training26:18 The Smartest Marketers Go Solo27:50 Content Farms and Mediocre Content32:24 Listener Feedback and Video Breakdowns33:03 E-commerce Brands and Differentiation35:17 The Importance of Copywriting37:25 AI in Marketing40:05 Hot Takes on Modern Marketing46:17 Solutions for Modern Marketers54:11 Buy or Sell: Marketing Insights58:35 Conclusion and Next Episode TeaserFollow 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 John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan McDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride), and Jimmy Kim (CEO dig into the ever-changing world of DTC businesses. Is the DTC model on life support, or is it just shedding its old skin and evolving? The crew doesn’t hold back as they unpack the biggest mistakes DTC brands keep making—like betting everything on paid ads, failing to diversify, and ignoring what customers actually want.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- The real reasons DTC brands are struggling (spoiler: it’s not just rising ad costs)- The danger of treating performance marketing like a religion- Why jumping into retail just because can backfire—hard- How to spot the “Know-It-All Founder” syndrome before it tanks your company- Lessons from brands that flopped (and how to avoid their fate)If you’re running a DTC brand (or thinking about starting one), 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 with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Nacelle — Transform your eCommerce store with AI-powered product recommendations that understand your customers’ actual behaviors, not just their purchases. Learn more at https://www.nacelle.comWorkspace6 — The best community for 7, 8 & 9 figure+ eCommerce operators. Why struggle alone? Other founders have already solved your biggest challenges. Learn more at https://www.workspace6.io  Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at https://asompod.com_____00:00 Teaser Trailer02:11 Welcome to the ASOM Pod04:54 DTC: Is It Dying?15:30 The Rise and Fall of Smile Direct Club22:08 Casper: The Mattress Revolution27:36 Falling Asleep in Public28:19 13 Sins That Killed the DTC Business30:44 Overconfidence in Branding31:28 The Illusion of Customer Centricity32:36 Data Company Pitfalls33:36 Digital Media Addiction34:23 Discount Addiction34:34 Performance Marketing Religion36:30 Retail FOMO39:08 Tech Company Trap42:32 Jumping Around Syndrome43:06 Missed Financial Projections45:31 Ignoring Parental Advice46:38 The Know-It-All Founder48:50 Guess That Business Game51:54 Wrapping Up and Next Episode Teaser_____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!

In this episode of The ASOM Pod, hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan McDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride), and Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane) break down the messy, unpredictable, and sometimes chaotic world of running a business in today’s economy. From layoffs to leadership challenges, they get real about what it takes to keep a company afloat—and thriving—when the game keeps changing.The crew dives into the rise of freelancers, fractional execs, and overseas talent—are they the secret to scaling smarter, or just a band-aid solution? They also tackle the ever-controversial remote work vs. in-office debate (spoiler: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer).What You’ll Learn:How to future-proof your business so it doesn’t crash and burnThe real impact of layoffs, restructuring, and automation on team moraleWhy remote vs. in-person work is not a simple yes/no debateHow to be a leader (not just a taskmaster) when times get roughKey lessons from The Culture Code on creating a culture people actually want to be part ofWhether you’re running an agency, leading a team, or just trying to survive corporate chaos, this episode is packed with insights, hard truths, and practical strategies to help you build a lean, efficient, and thriving business._____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 with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Nacelle — Transform your eCommerce store with AI-powered product recommendations that understand your customers’ actual behaviors, not just their purchases. Learn more at https://www.nacelle.comWorkspace6 — The best community for 7, 8 & 9 figure+ eCommerce operators. Why struggle alone? Other founders have already solved your biggest challenges. Learn more at https://www.workspace6.io  Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at https://asompod.com_____00:00 Teaser Trailer02:29 Welcome to the ASOM Pod04:45 The Changing Landscape of Team Structures05:16 The Role of AI in Productivity05:48 The Impact of Layoffs and Reorganizations22:49 Hiring Trends: Freelancers and Overseas Talent31:14 Pricing Risks and Business Model Changes32:00 Challenges of U.S. Manufacturing32:44 Automation and Overseas Efficiency36:18 Impact of Layoffs on Company Culture37:21 Remote Work vs. In-Person Culture44:47 Leadership and Team Efficiency50:48 Book Review: The Culture Code57:50 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview_____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!

In this episode of The ASOM Pod, hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan McDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride), and Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane) dive deep into the evolution of subscription-based business models in e-commerce. From viral success stories to spectacular failures, they analyze what makes—or breaks—a subscription brand.The conversation explores major players like HelloFresh, BarkBox, Dollar Shave Club, and FabFitFun, breaking down key factors such as customer retention, churn management, and the importance of transparency in building long-term loyalty. They also discuss the operational and logistical hurdles of running a subscription business, from supply chain complexities to evolving consumer expectations.What You’ll Learn:- The key challenges subscription brands face and how to overcome them- How community building and transparency drive customer retention- Why some brands (like Dollar Shave Club) scaled successfully while others (like Juicero) failed- What the future holds for subscription models in a changing e-commerce landscapeWhether you’re an eCommerce founder, marketer, or just a subscription box enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights and lessons._____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 with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Nacelle — Transform your eCommerce store with AI-powered product recommendations that understand your customers’ actual behaviors, not just their purchases. Learn more at https://www.nacelle.comWorkspace6 — The best community for 7, 8 & 9 figure+ eCommerce operators. Why struggle alone? Other founders have already solved your biggest challenges. Learn more at https://www.workspace6.io  Subscribe to our newsletter! We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at https://asompod.com_____00:00 Teaser Trailer00:55 The Vegan Food Debate03:00 Welcome to The ASOM Pod05:39 Subscription Trends and Challenges11:04 The Rise and Fall of Subscription Brands20:56 HelloFresh: Adapting to Market Changes26:16 BarkBox: Expanding Through Treats30:22 Dollar Shave Club: From Viral Success to Corporate33:42 Shaving Habits and Preferences34:58 The Juicero Debacle39:10 FabFitFun's Rise and Challenges43:50 The Importance of Customer Retention56:12 Future of Subscription Models58:22 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

The hosts dive into the Great Discount Debate, weighing whether discounts harm brand value or are a necessary evil. They discuss real-world examples of brands thriving without deep discounts, like bulk box offers during Black Friday. The conversation highlights the pitfalls of discounting, such as eroding consumer trust and brand equity. Creative alternatives, including influencer collaborations and community engagement, emerge as sustainable strategies. Listeners gain valuable insights into maintaining profitability while fostering long-term customer loyalty.

Discover the evolving landscape of the creator economy, where follower count takes a backseat to genuine connections. Explore the vital differences between creators, influencers, and affiliates, and hear how micro-influencers often drive greater ROI. Real-world examples, like Mr. Beast and Domino's Pizza's bold marketing tactics, illustrate the importance of authenticity. The hosts share insights on building long-term partnerships and the challenges creators face as they transition into brand owners. Tune in for valuable strategies to elevate your influencer marketing game!

In this episode of the ASOM Pod hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), Bryan McDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma's Pride), and Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Founder of Sendlane) dive into the fast-evolving world ofsocial commerce and how it’s reshaping e-commerce and retail. They break down howTikTok, Facebook, and YouTube are weaving shopping into their platforms and debate whether a U.S. tech giant (cough Metacough) will take over.The crew also gets real aboutlive shopping—is it the next big thing, or just another fleeting trend? They discuss the differences betweeninfluencer vs. creator marketing, whytesting across multiple sales channels is a must, and the brands that are already cashing in. Plus, there’s some spicy convo around whether TikTok should be acquired by a U.S. company (cue the drama).What You’ll Learn:Why social commerce is blowing up (and how to get in on it)The future oflive shopping and whether it’s a goldmine or a gimmickHowMeta, YouTube, and TikTok stack up in the social commerce raceThe secret sauce to makingreloadable products a revenue machineThe biggest challenges brands face when jumping into social commerceThis episode is packed with hot takes, industry insights, and real talk foreCommerce pros, marketers, and brand builders who want to stay ahead of the curve._______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 with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Nacelle— Transform your eCommerce store with AI-powered product recommendations that understand your customers’ actual behaviors, not just their purchases. Learn more at https://www.nacelle.comWorkspace6— The best community for 7, 8 & 9 figure+ eCommerce operators. Why struggle alone? Other founders have already solved your biggest challenges. Learn more at https://www.workspace6.io  Subscribe to our newsletter!We drop weekly hot takes, totally unfiltered. Join us at https://asompod.com_______00:00 Teaser Trailer01:06 Introducing the Hosts02:28 Event Announcements and Promotions03:05 Deep Dive into Social Commerce04:27 Exploring Social Commerce Channels10:38 Live Shopping and Consumer Behavior16:23 The Future of Social Commerce27:10 The Power of Live Shopping27:45 Building an Audience from Scratch29:07 Choosing the Right Platform30:49 Challenges and Solutions in Live Shopping34:15 Generational Shifts in Commerce37:00 Reloadable Products: The Future of Social Commerce39:23 The Evolution of Social Commerce43:24 Buy or Sell: Predictions and Debates50:19 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Next Episode Preview_____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 

The discussion dives into how AI is revolutionizing eCommerce, from enhancing personalization to streamlining customer service with chatbots. The hosts highlight tools like ChatGPT and Claude, while also addressing risks like over-reliance on automation and the need for creativity. They explore the generational differences in embracing AI and offer strategies for brands to maintain their identity amidst technological changes. The importance of human touch in a digital age is emphasized, showcasing the challenge of balancing automation with authentic engagement.