Firing The Man

In this episode of Firing the Man, we sit down with Kurt Elster, founder of EtherCycle and host of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast. Kurt shares his journey from flipping Beanie Babies and Furbies on eBay to becoming one of the most trusted Shopify experts. He discusses key strategies for building and scaling a successful Shopify store, including the importance of branding, storytelling, and optimizing your website for conversions. Kurt also highlights the biggest mistakes store owners make—like neglecting their checkout page and cluttering their navigation menu—and offers practical solutions to fix them. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you grow your e-commerce business.We also dive into customer acquisition strategies, including the role of Amazon vs. direct-to-consumer sales, how to drive traffic beyond Facebook and Google ads, and why content marketing is a game-changer. Kurt shares his take on the value of trying things yourself before hiring experts, the importance of understanding your unit economics, and how to build trust with potential customers. Plus, in our signature Fire Round, Kurt talks about his favorite book, his passion for e-biking and restoring vintage cars, and what sets successful entrepreneurs apart from those who struggle. Don't miss this conversation filled with expert advice and behind-the-scenes insights from one of Shopify's top consultants!How to connect with Kurt?Website: https://kurtelster.com/               https://ethercycle.com/Podcast: https://unofficialshopifypodcast.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/kurtincLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtelsterYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ethercycle Support the show

Bill Carlin takes us on a fascinating journey from his early days as an eBay seller to becoming a fulfillment logistics innovator and podcast host. What began as a part-time wholesale business in college evolved into a $10 million Amazon enterprise, eventually leading him to found Shipmate Fulfillment when he spotted critical gaps in the 3PL industry.Through his experiences interviewing disruptive entrepreneurs, Carlin has identified two distinct paths to e-commerce success: the magnetic marketers who captivate customers with compelling messaging, and the innovative product developers who create truly original solutions. Both paths, he notes, share one crucial element – grit in the face of inevitable challenges.Carlin's "digital real estate" concept provides a powerful framework for e-commerce diversification. Just as physical retailers aim to get their products into multiple stores, online entrepreneurs should establish their presence across various platforms rather than relying solely on Amazon. This multi-channel approach creates resilience against platform-specific disruptions while expanding customer reach through marketplaces like Walmart, eBay, TikTok Shop, and Wayfair.For those struggling with analysis paralysis, Carlin offers his "B+ principle" – launch when something is good enough rather than pursuing perfection. This mindset prevents the inertia that kills so many entrepreneurial dreams before they begin. "When you aim for the B+, you can celebrate the A's," he explains, highlighting how lowering the bar for "ready" allows entrepreneurs to start generating real-world feedback.Ready to optimize your fulfillment strategy or explore 3PL options? Check out Racklify, Carlin's free platform dubbed "Zillow for warehouses," where you can explore logistics providers without the commission-based matchmaking that typically drives up costs for sellers. Support the show

What turns a teenage construction worker into a successful architectural entrepreneur? For Lance Cayco, co-founder of F9 Productions, the journey began at age 13 when his first boss taught him the economics of service businesses while roofing houses in North Dakota. That early lesson planted the seeds for a career spanning architecture, construction, business ownership, and community leadership.Lance's path wasn't without significant challenges. After graduating at the top of his architecture class, the Great Recession delivered a devastating blow—layoffs just nine months into his professional career. This setback became the catalyst for founding F9 Productions, built on a revolutionary premise in the architecture world: prioritizing customer service over design ego. As Lance candidly shares, "There's so many architects out there that insist on it being much more of an art than a business." His firm's competitive advantage? Simply answering the phone when potential clients call.The conversation explores how negative role models shaped Lance's business philosophy. Learning from "awful business owners" who laid him off, he built a firm with no layoffs in 15 years by being a "positive reactionary"—deliberately doing the opposite of what caused his former employers to fail. This approach extends to his podcast, Inside the Firm, which transparently shares business lessons to counter the "victimhood rhetoric" discouraging entrepreneurship among younger generations.Beyond business insights, Lance offers a refreshing perspective on integrating professional success with personal fulfillment through his work with Longmont Community Gardens. "Instead of work-life balance, what if we aim for work-life harmony?" he suggests, describing days that seamlessly blend office work with community gardening. For aspiring entrepreneurs questioning when to start their own venture, his advice is counterintuitive yet compelling: "The Great Depression... We started ours in the Great Recession. It put us in a corner of a corner. We were super hungry every day."Practical, inspiring, and refreshingly honest, Lance's story illuminates how entrepreneurship can create both professional success and meaningful community impact when built on discipline and customer-focused foundations. Support the show

Ever wondered what it takes to excel in sales? Join us as Wes Schaefer, the renowned Sales Whisperer, shares his insightful journey from the Air Force to becoming a leading sales strategist. In this episode, we explore the pivotal moments in Wes's life that transformed him from a novice salesperson to an industry expert, including the invaluable role mentorship played in shaping his career.Wes emphasizes the vital distinction between common misconceptions about sales and the underlying science that drives successful interactions. He explains that effective selling hinges on empathy, asking the right questions, and genuinely listening to clients' needs. By redefining the approach to sales, he inspires those who may feel intimidated by the prospect of selling.We also delve into the evolving nature of sales amid the pandemic, discussing how personal interaction and human connection remain paramount in a world increasingly reliant on digital communication. Wes champions the idea of tailoring outreach efforts to be more personal and engaging, reinforcing the need for trust and relationship-building in modern business environments.This captivating conversation doesn’t just provide strategies; it also challenges listeners to reflect on their career paths and consider whether they are ready to embrace their inner entrepreneur. Wes advocates for always blooming where you are planted, and he provides compelling arguments for why stepping into the entrepreneurial world may be a fulfilling and rewarding avenue to explore.Don’t miss this chance to learn life-altering insights about sales and entrepreneurship that can inspire you to reach your goals! Subscribe, share, and leave a review to support the show! Support the show

What if you could unlock the secrets to thriving amidst chaos in the ever-evolving business landscape? We welcome back Neil Twa, a seasoned entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in e-commerce and business growth, who left IBM to launch multiple successful brands. Neil shares his visionary outlook for 2025, offering a refreshing perspective on how economic changes like tariffs and supply chain dynamics present unique opportunities for strategic positioning and partnerships, especially on platforms like Amazon.The episode dives into the complex world of trade and manufacturing strategies. Discover why outsourcing to China was driven by economic opportunities rather than blame, and how tariffs could serve as strategic tools for funding governmental systems instead of burdening citizens. Neil also reveals insightful strategies for avoiding direct competition with low-cost Chinese manufacturers, including negotiating tariffs to unlock profitability and access foreign markets. This conversation promises to enrich your understanding of global trade dynamics and prepare you for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.Neil also explores the transformative potential of AI tools in optimizing business operations. From negotiating with suppliers to creating compelling Amazon listings, AI is revolutionizing how entrepreneurs operate. Learn how tools like Prophecy are optimizing pricing strategies and expanding profit margins by analyzing PPC dynamics. Neil further emphasizes how AI can accelerate decision-making and streamline processes, allowing businesses to stay ahead of the curve. Finally, Neil offers a glimpse into his personal life, sharing his passion for gaming and technology, and the importance of maintaining a balanced mindset to focus on what truly drives revenue and success. Support the show

Join us for a captivating episode featuring Josh Marsden, a military veteran turned e-commerce powerhouse, as he recounts his extraordinary journey from a chaotic college life to establishing himself as a respected leader in the digital marketing sphere. Discover how his decision to join the Army National Guard was the turning point that instilled discipline and focus, setting him on a path to success. Josh reflects on his transition from corporate America, where roles at the University of Phoenix and Infusionsoft shaped his strategic mindset, ultimately guiding him to entrepreneurship. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking in overcoming life's hurdles.Explore the intricacies of e-commerce marketing through Josh's lens as he unveils the secrets behind his thriving digital marketing agency, the RM5 Formula Company. With a passion for differentiation in a saturated market, Josh emphasizes the critical importance of follow-up marketing and building robust organizational leadership. Learn how his agency has become a beacon of performance-driven success, with an emphasis on creating meaningful brand relationships and consistent customer engagement. Josh's insights shed light on the necessity for e-commerce businesses to look beyond front-end acquisition and prioritize sustainable growth strategies.In an enlightening discussion about entrepreneurial opportunities within the US e-commerce landscape, Josh shares his strategic approach to acquiring and scaling e-commerce businesses. Uncover his ideal acquisition criteria, emphasizing collaborations with US-based, direct-to-consumer brands. Delve into Josh's personal pursuits, from his favorite book to hobbies that recharge his entrepreneurial spirit. He shares how faith has been a cornerstone in his journey, fostering perseverance and a relentless work ethic. Stay tuned for Josh’s reflection on the boundless potential of entrepreneurship, and how faith and strategic foresight can guide entrepreneurs through their ventures’ inevitable challenges. Support the show

Curious about how two friends can transform a shared passion into a thriving business? We sit down with Jana Gavin and Jordan Cobb, co-founders of iVitamin, to explore their remarkable journey in the IV therapy wellness industry. With Jana's roots in pharmaceuticals and Jordan's background in medical device sales, they discovered an opportunity to bring innovative IV hydration services to Austin, Texas. This episode promises to reveal the secrets behind their successful venture, from overcoming initial skepticism to embracing the entrepreneurial spirit ingrained in Jana's family history.Our conversation takes us through the dynamic world of wellness entrepreneurship, where Jana and Jordan's dedication to quality and customized care sets iVitamin apart. Listeners will learn how they navigated the challenges of launching their first location and rapidly scaled their business using a fractional franchise model. By adhering to strict safety guidelines and offering tailored IV cocktails, they've built a sustainable business model that resonates with patient wellness and stands the test of time. Tune in to hear their insights into the growing popularity of IV therapy, paving the way for aspiring entrepreneurs in the wellness sector.Beyond business, Jana and Jordan share personal stories of how entrepreneurship has enabled them to pursue their passions, from wake surfing to spending time with their families. Their candid advice emphasizes the importance of building a supportive network and seeking mentorship to combat the often-hidden loneliness of entrepreneurial life. Whether you're an established business owner or just starting out, this episode delivers invaluable lessons on balancing personal freedom with professional success. Join us as we celebrate the power of friendship, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of wellness.How to connect with Jordan and Jana?Website: https://www.ivitamintherapy.comJordan Cobb: jcobb@ivitaminatx.comJana Gavin: jgavin@ivitaminatx.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivitaminatx/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ivitamintherapy Support the show

In this episode of the Firing the Man podcast, hosts welcome Matthew Barnes, founder of Proteus Digital Lab. Matthew shares his inspiring journey from a traditional career in engineering to launching a successful SaaS platform designed to help e-commerce entrepreneurs transition from side gigs to full-scale businesses. He delves into the critical role of understanding customer behavior through data analytics and how Proteus Digital Lab aids entrepreneurs in maximizing their lifetime value of customers for sustained growth and competitive advantage. Matthew discusses the significance of making enterprise-level insights accessible to small businesses and the importance of building durable, relationship-focused brands. He elaborates on how to use data to make strategic business decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and the overall necessity of merging rigorous statistical analysis with practical, action-oriented insights. Matthew emphasizes the need for e-commerce entrepreneurs to understand their economics and customer lifetime value to drive sustainable business growth. Towards the end, Matthew introduces an exciting opportunity for smaller brands to access Proteus Digital Lab’s tools and insights through a new waitlist program. This initiative aims to bring the competitive edge of data-driven decision-making to up-and-coming entrepreneurs, helping them compete effectively with larger, established brands. Listeners are encouraged to sign up and take advantage of this tool to enhance their business strategies and growth.How to connect with Matthew?Website: https://proteusdigitallab.comLinkedIn: [Your LinkedIn Profile Here]Twitter: [Your Twitter Handle Here] Support the show

Ever wondered how to turn a side hustle into a thriving business? Join us as we chat with Ritu Java, the innovative co-founder of PPC Ninja, whose journey from an Etsy venture in 2010 to mastering the art of Amazon advertising is nothing short of inspiring. Discover how Ritu navigated the complexities of Amazon’s PPC landscape, confronting challenges like increased placement saturation and escalating costs per click, all while evolving into a data-driven decision-maker. With her unique insights, Ritu offers invaluable lessons for any e-commerce entrepreneur eager to refine their advertising strategies.As we gaze into the future of Amazon PPC, the conversation uncovers pivotal strategies essential for 2025. Ritu emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach, integrating SEO, PPC, and an awareness of surrounding ads to outshine the competition. Delve into the transformative role of Rufus, Amazon's AI shopping assistant, and learn how to future-proof your listings through enhanced product visibility and strategic use of FAQs and infographics. The discussion also sheds light on the intricate relationship between PPC, conversion rates, and reviews, preparing sellers to avoid common keyword ranking mistakes and create comprehensive PPC campaigns.Our exploration doesn’t stop there. Navigate through the complexities of Amazon advertising success by embracing day partying strategies and branded campaigns. Ritu illustrates how PPC Ninja software helps sellers safeguard budgets by pausing campaigns during low-conversion hours and shares insights into managing budgets during key events like Prime Day. Wrap up the session by understanding the ideal client profile for PPC Ninja Agency and how to connect with Ritu and her team for further collaboration. Whether you're a seasoned seller or just embarking on your e-commerce journey, this episode is packed with strategies to propel your Amazon advertising endeavors forward.Want to connect with Ritu?Website: https://ppcninja.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/RitujavaTwitter: https://twitter.com/ppcninja Support the show

Discover the captivating journey of Chad Rubin, a visionary who transformed his family's vacuum business into a thriving online enterprise and later pioneered innovative software solutions in the e-commerce realm. Chad's path wasn't without challenges; after a change in management led to his firing from Wall Street, he took a leap of faith into the world of e-commerce. His story is a testament to overcoming skepticism and embracing new opportunities, driven by his unwavering belief in the potential of online sales.Explore Chad's fascinating transition from selling physical products to developing Prophecy, a dynamic pricing software designed for Amazon brands. Chad shares the hurdles faced in the tech world, from the arduous development process to recognizing the untapped potential of price adjustments in boosting Amazon sales. Our conversation uncovers the intricate dance between pricing strategies and advertising, demonstrating how synchronizing these elements can significantly enhance profitability. Chad provides insights into how brands can achieve impressive profit margins by aligning price changes with PPC efforts.As we look to the future, Chad sheds light on the transformative role of AI in e-commerce pricing. Early adopters, he predicts, will hold a competitive advantage, and the rise of AI agents in the Amazon space could reshape the industry landscape. Drawing from insights by industry leaders like Sam Altman, Chad envisions a world where AI plays a pivotal role in strategic pricing. We also dive into Chad's personal inspirations, from his favorite book "Buy Back Time" by Dan Martell to the entrepreneurial lessons drawn from Seth Godin's "The Dip" and Horowitz's "WIFIO." Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with forward-thinking ideas and strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs.How to connect with Chad?- Website: https://profasee.com/- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadrubin/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/itschadrubin- Book: https://www.amazon.com/author/chadrubin Support the show