
The Andrew Faris Podcast
Andrew Faris has been growing ecommerce brands since 2014 as everything from a media buyer to the head of strategy at Common Thread Collective to the CEO of 4x400, a DTC aggregator. Join him every week to learn the nuts & bolts of how to grow ecommerce brands, always shared with refreshing candor.
Latest episodes

Jun 27, 2025 • 31min
The AI Ad Creative Opportunity Isn't What You Think It Is
AI is transforming ad creative, but not as expected. The podcast challenges the notion of producing endless content, emphasizing the need for quality over quantity. Smart brands leverage AI to enhance creative thinking rather than abandon strategy. Meta's ad platform struggles with balancing volume and learning, highlighting the growing value of creative thinkers. Discover how brands are turning AI’s speed into strategic advantages without layoffs, paving the way for a new era in advertising.

Jun 23, 2025 • 40min
7 Meta Ads Tactics I've Changed My Mind About
Discover groundbreaking Meta ad strategies that could redefine your approach to advertising in 2025. Learn why having 15-20 ads per ad set can be a game changer, and how to escape the dreaded learning phase. Dive into the secrets of creative testing campaigns, plus insights on manual bidding versus automated budgets. Uncover tips for revitalizing underperforming ads and why iterative creative strategies are becoming obsolete. This discussion is a treasure trove for anyone looking to optimize ad performance and cut wasted spend.

Jun 20, 2025 • 55min
Matt Bertulli: Building A Business Is Spiritual
In this engaging discussion, Matt Bertulli, CEO and Co-Founder of Pela and Lomi, dives into the spiritual dimensions of entrepreneurship. He shares why successful founders often grapple with feelings of emptiness. The conversation highlights the connection between personal and business growth, emphasizing that true fulfillment goes beyond financial success. They reflect on journaling's role in self-discovery and redefine success by valuing purpose and community over profit. It's a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to build a meaningful business.

Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 1min
Why Most 3PLs Fail Brands—and What to Do Instead (With Chad Carelton)
Chad Carelton, CEO of Good Company, leads a 3PL that efficiently ships over 3 million orders yearly for just 20 clients. In this enlightening conversation, they discuss the common pitfalls brands face with 3PLs and how to remedy them. Chad explains the importance of aligning incentives for better logistics and dives into cost structures behind fulfillment. He shares strategies to optimize warehouse operations, manage returns as opportunities, and tackle the decision of in-house fulfillment versus outsourcing, all crucial for profitable e-commerce.

Jun 12, 2025 • 29min
5 Takeaways from Meta’s Performance Summit
Dive into the world of advertising insights from Meta's Performance Marketing Summit. Discover why incrementality is taking the spotlight over traditional ROAS metrics. Learn about the significance of high-quality data as a competitive edge. Explore the creative supply chain's role in boosting ad effectiveness and the importance of variety in content. Plus, get the lowdown on how AI is set to reshape consumer interactions with ads. The future of engaging advertising is here, and it's interactive!

11 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 1min
From $5M Profit to 200K…Then Back Again (With Bear Handlon From Born Primitive)
Bear Handlon, CEO and co-founder of Born Primitive, shares his rollercoaster journey from $5.5M to $200K in profits and back again. He discusses the pitfalls of chasing growth without maintaining margins and the impact of flash sales on customer loyalty. Bear emphasizes the importance of expanding product categories while staying authentic, especially in the tactical gear market. He also highlights the vital role of brand credibility and community engagement in driving growth and stabilizing operations in a volatile market.

10 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 59min
Real P&L Breakdown: The Hidden Costs Destroying Profits
Discover the hidden factors impacting profitability in direct-to-consumer brands. Uncover why stellar product margins can still lead to losses and how in-house manufacturing can backfire. Delve into the financial intricacies of shipping costs and merchant fees that erode profits. Learn effective strategies to optimize operations, cut unnecessary expenses, and leverage paid acquisition for growth. The insights presented are essential for anyone navigating the complexities of e-commerce profitability.

Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 50min
Taylor Holiday Thinks Ecom Is A TERRIBLE Business
In this engaging discussion, Taylor Holiday, Founder and CEO of Common Thread Collective, challenges the viability of e-commerce as a business model. He dives into the pain points facing 7–9 figure brands, like margin compression and customer acquisition costs. The conversation explores how AI, particularly ChatGPT, is altering buyer behavior and the importance of strong storytelling for brands. Taylor also emphasizes the need for strategic innovation and solid fundamentals to navigate today’s saturated market, making for a thought-provoking listen.

May 31, 2025 • 55min
He Built Janji To 8 Figures By Narrowing His Focus (Not Expanding It)
In this engaging discussion, Dave Spandorfer, co-founder and CEO of Janji, shares how his brand skyrocketed to 8 figures by honing in on niche markets rather than broad audiences. He explains the power of a mission-led brand that grows authentically and the strategic advantages of outsourcing to Filipino talent. Listeners will discover innovative cost-saving measures in fulfillment and manufacturing while understanding the critical role of brand identity in sustainable growth. This conversation is packed with insights for entrepreneurs eager to grow smarter and leaner.

May 27, 2025 • 47min
Meta Ads Are NOT Volatile (And Believing They Are Is Costing You Money)
Discover how focusing on fewer things can drive meaningful profit as Sam Mendelsohn shares his journey from plateaued growth to scaling multiple eCommerce brands. He highlights the importance of prioritizing margins over vanity metrics and reveals insights from over 900 brand applications. Learn why the misconception of Meta ads' volatility can lead to costly mistakes, and explore advanced testing methods that enhance business performance. It's all about refining decision-making processes for long-term success in the competitive landscape!