Inspired Insider With Dr. Jeremy Weisz | Ecommerce Interviews | Entrepreneurship | Inspirational Stories | Business Lessons

Today we have Jeff Moore President of International Pacific Seafoods, which is a Specialty Importer of Premium Quality, Chef Ready Frozen Seafood to the foodservice and retail segments. Jeff has led the company expansion from $11MM to over $30MM in the past few decades. They have customers such as Cheesecake Factory, BJ’s Restaurants, House of Blues, and many others.  Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:10] Jeremy introduces his guest, Jeff Moore. [2:30] The five questions that Jeff asks his clients. [10:30] Jeff talks about successful products. [15:30] Asking the right questions. [20:30] Lessons learned from Jay Abraham. [25:00] How mentors can improve your mindset. [31:30] Jeff talks about family life and entrepreneurship. [45:30] Having fun with the business to consumer side. [51:00] Jeff shares wisdom that he learned from the founder of Claim Jumpers. [54:00] Why context is so important. [57:00] Jeff talks about how influential his mother was on his writing. [58:30] Taking away the jargon and writi

Today we have Erika Szychowski, founder of Good Zebra which is a protein-packed animal cracker set out to challenge the snack food industry. Good Zebra has 12 grams of protein per 2-ounce servings, NO refined sugar – it is sweetened with only organic honey and coconut sugar and has no artificial ingredients or preservatives. The 11 unique spirit animals found in Good Zebra are inspired by street and tattoo art, the flavors include vanilla, lemon, and chai with peanut butter and chocolate not far behind. Good Zebra can be found in Peet's Coffee & Tea across the nation, select retailers, on Amazon and on the Good Zebra website. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:20] Jeremy introduces his guest, Erika Szychowski. [3:00] Erika talks about connecting with Peet’s Coffee. [6:00] Considering how consumers shop in grocery stores. [9:30] Where is Erika trying to locate her product? [12:30] Erika talks about working with the Rolling Stones. [16:30] How to connect with Erika and Good Zebra. In this episode…

Today we have Randi Brill founder of Quaracore and Teacher Peach. QuaraCORE is a full-service creative agency that helps companies dream up the right products, solutions, and strategies. In 2012, she started her own e-commerce company, TeacherPeach.com. The part-time experiment is now a top seller of teacher gift totes and classroom products on Amazon. She is the author of "99 Creative WOWs - Words of Wisdom for Business". Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:10] Jeremy introduces his guest, Randi Brill. [2:15] Randi talks about writing her first sales order. [4:10] Lessons that Randi learned from her father. [7:00] Randi opens up about her book, “99 Creative WOWs.” [12:30] The role of listening in the creative process. [17:30] Keeping clients open to suggestions and new ideas. [20:00] She who names it, owns it. [26:00] Getting clarity and embracing creative problem solving. [33:00] Randi talks about getting perspective and working on something she loves. [38:30] Going big! [40:30] What are some popular

Today we have Sarah Chalos co-founder of I Heart Keenwah with Ravi Jolly. I Heart Keenwah makes "superfoods" accessible to consumers with a range of tasty food products, including quinoa based snacks such as Himalayan pink salt chocolate quinoa puffs, peanut butter chocolate quinoa puffs and many more. They can be found in thousands of stores across the U.S. and globally in places like Whole Foods, CVS, 7-11 and of course on Amazon and their website. Before I Heart Keenwah, Sarah studied engineering at MIT, worked in R&D, manufacturing at Abbott Laboratories, earned her MBA at Chicago Booth and consulted for big corporate clients at Bain & Company. The most impressive part is that Sarah does all this while raising 2 kids. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:10] Jeremy introduces his guest, Sarah Chalos. [3:00] Sarah talks about getting different labels and certifications for her product. [4:00] Why is Bolivian quinoa a superior crop? [7:30] Sarah’s go to quinoa recipe. [8:30] What is on the hor

Today we have Audrey Darrow who founded Earth Source Organics in 2006. Earth Source Organics manufactures Righteously Raw Chocolate. Audrey has been on a mission to make certified organic, vegan, kosher, gluten-free, allergen and nut free, raw, Non-GMO, no refined sugar chocolates more affordable for everyone. A raw chocolate bar was $14.00 when she started and she could not afford that even with the discount so she set out to build her own certified facility. Her products are in over a thousand stores across the country and can be found in Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, and many others. She is a 2003 breast cancer survivor and had to undergo radical surgeries, long-term radiation, and chemotherapy. Audrey feels that eating healthy is a major key to her improved health. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:20] Jeremy introduces his guest, Audrey Darrow. [3:00] Why did Audrey get involved with health foods? [6:30] What was the first health food Audrey produced? [9:00] Audrey talks about the health benefit

Franz Jordan is the Co-Founder of Sellics which is a powerful all-in-one tool that combines everything sellers need to be successful on Amazon. Sellics evolved from Franz’s first company Marketplace Analytics, a German data analytics company that was the first of its kind to focus on Amazon SEO back in 2014. You can manage and optimize your Sponsored Product campaigns entirely in the Sellics PPC Manager. Other features include a profit dashboard, keyword ranking optimizer, competitor monitoring, and much more. Companies such as Bosch appliances, Lego, and Brita are some of the businesses that use Sellics.  Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:10] Jeremy introduces his guest, Franz Jordan. [3:00] Franz talks about using negative keywords. [5:50] The three options to consider when your ecommerce product isn’t selling. [7:50] Franz explains several ecommerce strategies. [11:30] What is Sonar? Why is available for free? [14:30] Pushback Franz and his team have received to using Sellics. In this episode… Wi

Today we have Kara Goldin, founder of San Francisco based Hint Inc. Hint products can be found at places like Whole Foods, Starbucks, and many more locations because they produce one of the leading brands of unsweetened flavored waters and their products include Hint Water, Hint Fizz, Hint Kick and even Hint Sunscreen. Hint Water is flavored only with natural fruit, without unnecessary additives and sweeteners and even has zero calories. Since its launch in April 2005, Hint has grown to an estimated $90 million beverage company. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:10] Jeremy introduces his guest, Kara Goldin. [2:30] What caused Kara to go on the journey of changing the beverages she drinks? [10:00] Early attempts to create Hint Water. [12:30] Impossible challenges that Kara overcame. [15:30] How did Kara get her product into Whole Foods? [27:00] Kara talks about developing Hint Sunscreen. [35:00] Launching Hint Water in the New York marketplace. [41:00] Consumer advocacy and providing a product that co

Today we have Nathan Hirsch Co-Founder of FreeeUp which is a marketplace connecting business owners with the top 1% of freelancers in ecommerce, digital marketing, web development, and much more. They have helped companies like Payability, Sharkk and many ecommerce companies with staffing needs. Over the past 15 years, Nathan has built several successful multi-million dollar businesses. In 2006, he founded his first online venture out of a college dorm room, selling and buying student textbooks and he was able to scale his ecommerce business, bootstrapping from a $20 investment to over $30 million of sales on Amazon across a 6 year period while serving over 10,000 customers. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:10] Jeremy introduces his guest, Nathan Hirsch. [2:30] Why it’s tough to hire web developers. [3:30] Nathan talks about his working relationship with his business partner. [7:00] How do you build a work culture with remote contractors. [9:30] A low point in the business so far. [12:00] A proud mo

Today we have David Sasson who founded overstockArt.com and Artistbe.com. Since founding overstockArt.com in 2002, David has grown the company from its modest start to an international organization with offices located in two countries. They sell hand-painted reproductions of famous paintings and have sold millions of oil paintings from its inception.  Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:30] Jeremy introduces his guest, David Sasson. [2:30] Why does David’s company create hand-painted reproductions? [7:30] Surprising best selling paintings. [9:30] What does David do to drive online marketing? [12:00] David talks about why his email strategy works so well. [14:00] What is David’s view of business growth? [18:00] David talks about what it takes for a business to be more profitable. [22:00] Why hiring the best people can make all the difference. [24:00] David talks about leveraging innovation in his business. [28:00] The differences between US and Israeli cultures. [31:00] What was growing up in Israel li

Today we have Justin Christianson, he went from bull rider and electrician to eventually co-founding Conversion Fanatics which helps companies double customer sales and profits with A B testing...not in all cases of course..they are a full-service conversion rate optimization company and have worked with companies like Hertz, Paypal, Investors.com, BlueJeans.com and MORE!  Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:20] Jeremy introduces his guest, Justin Christianson. [3:00] One of the lowest moments in business for Justin. [5:30] What it takes to get “Unstuck.” [9:00] A huge milestone in business. [11:30] Justin talks about bull riding. In this episode… What does it take to get unstuck when life deals you a tough or impossible hand to play? Is there a way out or do you just have to hit reset? What strategies have worked well for you or other leaders you know? On this episode of Inspired Insider, you’ll hear from entrepreneur and innovator, Justin Christianson. Justin opens up and reveals one of the lowest p

Today we have Ben Arneberg who Co-Founded two quickly growing 7 figure ecommerce companies, Willow & Everett and CubeFit. He did all of this while working full time in the United States Air Force helping to develop cutting-edge space technology. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:20] Jeremy introduces his guest, Benjamin Arneberg. [2:30] How did Benjamin get started in the ecommerce industry? [4:30] Benjamin talks about his experience with his first startup. [10:00] Getting two startups off the ground while working in the Air Force. [13:00] How does Benjamin systemize processes? [15:00] Benjamin talks about working with Virtual Assistants. [18:30] Time saving tips from Benjamin. [27:00] Benjamin talks about his Kickstarter campaign and lessons learned. [34:30] How Benjamin and his team adapted their product. [37:30] The game plan for after a Kickstarter campaign. [42:30] Driving traffic to your Amazon listing. [45:30] The most important steps in launching a product. [47:30] Common mistakes ecommer

Albert Swantner is an award-winning maker. With a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and a software background, he is able to create products bridging these disciplines. Albert has led projects with companies like Adidas, FOX, Charity Miles, Moxxly, Socrative, and his own angel-funded startup Sway Water, among others. His work has earned companies like Charity Miles a Webby and a SXSW Interactive award, and his work has been covered by Wired UK, The Today Show, Forbes and Fast Company. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:10] Jeremy introduces his guest, Albert Swantner. [2:30] Albert talks about giving back and his partnership with Big Brother, Big Sister. [5:30] What was it like working in a food pantry? [7:30] Albert talks about how he got involved with “Latinitas,” a nonprofit magazine. [8:30] The lowest point in business for Albert. [10:00] How did Albert get the entrepreneurial bug? Albert’s proudest business moment. In this episode… What drives thriving business leaders to start giving ba

Ben Jacobsen founded Jacobsen Salt Co. in 2011. They are the first company to harvest salt in the Pacific Northwest since Lewis & Clark. The company has transformed from a local small business to a nationally recognized brand and one of America’s leading premium salt makers. Their products can be found at such retailers such as William-Sonoma, Whole Foods, and many more. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:25] Jeremy introduces his guest, Ben Jacobsen. [2:30] Ben talks about the start of his small business. [4:30] Unexpected uses of their salt and how they come up with flavors. [10:00] From a hobby to a business. [13:30] Ben talks about hauling salt water by hand. [15:00] What type of salts do Ben and his team create? [18:00] Ben talks about business milestones. [20:00] Personal sacrifices Ben has made along the way. [21:00] Ben talks about his team. [23:30] How did Ben and his team develop their process? What are they doing with byproducts? [26:00] Managing the logistics of selling a product. [30:

Today we have Greg Smith co-founder of Thinkific which is a platform that has everything you need to create and launch courses on your own site. Greg is a recovering lawyer and for the past 10 years he has taught thousands of students online with his own course and now with Thinkific has helped many others create their own online courses. He's worked with companies like Intuit and Hootsuite, including service professionals like accountants, lawyers, doctors, and many more.  Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:15] Jeremy introduces his guest, Greg Smith. [2:30] Popular topics on Thinkific. [5:30] Who should be using Thinkific? [7:00] The lowest point in business for Greg. [9:30] The proudest moment in business. [11:00] Book recommendations from Greg. In this episode… Have you ever considered expanding your brand’s presence and depth by utilizing course creation services? Imagine being able to market and provide rich content to your new and existing customers that wow them. On this episode of Inspired I

Today we have Bedros Keuilian founder of Fit Body Boot Camps, currently the world's fastest growing fitness chain and listed as one of the Inc. 5000’s fastest growing businesses. He is one of the go-to people in the fitness industry and I know top people in many industries that seek Bedros’s advice because he has helped so many business owners go from 6 to 7 figures and beyond.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:05] Jeremy introduces his guest, Bedros Keuilian. [2:20] Bedros talks about his childhood and how he came to America. [7:00] What brought Bedros to living out of his pickup truck? [9:30] A scary moment from Bedros’ childhood. [13:30] Starting off the day with appreciation. [17:00] Bedros talks about Man Up. [23:30] How does Bedros plan to get the Man Up message out there? [25:00] Bedros talks about the Fit Body Boot Camp. [32:00] How Tony Robbins’ teachings helped Bedros expand his business. [34:30] Creating a solid product ladder to customers at multiple entry points.  In this episode… Wha

Today we have David Sasson who founded overstockArt.com and Artistbe.com. Since founding overstockArt.com in 2002, David has grown the company from its modest start to an international organization with offices located in two countries. They sell hand-painted reproductions of famous paintings and have sold millions of oil paintings from its inception. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:30] Jeremy introduces his guest, David Sasson. [2:30] Challenging moments in business for David. [7:30] David talks about losing over $40,000. [9:30] Why it’s important resist the urge to react quickly to bad situations in business. [13:00] David shares some proud moments in business. In this episode… What does it take to build a resilient company that can endure even the most harrowing challenges? How do you prepare yourself as a leader and empower those in your business to weather the toughest storms? On this episode of Inspired Insider, you’ll hear from entrepreneur and business leader David Sasson. David opens up a

Today we have someone who people whisper about behind closed doors in high-level entrepreneur groups because they want his advice. Roland Frasier founded, scaled or sold almost two dozen different businesses ranging from consumer products to industrial machine manufacturing companies with adjusted sales ranging from $3 million to $337 million. He has completed infomercial deals with Guthy-Renker and K-Tel Direct, publishing deals with Simon & Schuster and Random House, negotiated shows with major hotels on the Las Vegas strip, he's been involved in over 100 private and public offerings, and much more. Roland currently is a principal in Idea Incubator which owns both DigitalMarketer.com and NativeCommerce.com and works in marketing businesses with Ryan Deiss, Perry Belcher, Frank Kern and many other digital marketing thought leaders.     Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:10] Jeremy introduces his guest, Roland Frasier. [3:00] Roland talks about his childhood and family. [6:30] Why is it so importa

Today we have Andrew Johnson and Michael Fleming from the CPA firm, Peisner and Johnson. Peisner Johnson & Company is the largest registered CPA firm that focuses exclusively on state and local tax issues. They have a proven track record of experience and an extensive knowledge of state tax law. They have consulted with thousands of companies doing business across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Their client list reads like a "who's who" of companies in just about every industry.  Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [0:45] Andrew and Michael share how their CPA firm can help sellers. [2:00] Why Andrew and Michael love educating their clients. [2:40] Success stories from clients. [4:00] Horror stories from clients that Andrew and Michael work with. [8:30] Celebrating 25 years in businesses, a huge milestone! In this episode… Let’s face it, most ecommerce business leaders dread having to deal with the complexities of sales taxes. Where do you have to pay it? When do you have to pay it? How

Today we have Brent Ohlendorf. Brent helped to co-found and launch the shipping, customs-clearing, and freight-forwarding firm, FBA Forward, aimed towards supporting the growing Amazon FBA-sellers and entrepreneurs community. He has supported the growth of the firm to 25+ employees and dedicated licensed customs broker team in San Diego and has worked closely with shipping agents located in every major port city in China and elsewhere to support their mission. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [0:45] Brent talks about what FBA Forward does and why he started it. [1:45] Who is the ideal customer for FBA Forward? [2:10] Customer success stories. [2:40] Milestones along the way. [3:00] What was it like starting the business out of a garage? In this episode… What does it take to build a thriving business that specifically addresses an issue many ecommerce leaders dread? That issue, of course, is shipping! So many ecommerce businesses dread having to work out all the ins and outs of this laborious aspect of

Today we have Brent Bellm, CEO of Big Commerce. BigCommerce is the world’s leading cloud ecommerce platform for established and rapidly-growing businesses. Combining enterprise functionality, an open architecture and app ecosystem, and market-leading performance, BigCommerce enables businesses to grow online sales with 80% less cost, time and complexity than on-premise software. BigCommerce powers B2B and B2C ecommerce for more than 50,000 SMBs, 2,000+ mid-market businesses, more than 25 Fortune 1000 companies, and industry-leading brands including Assurant, Ben & Jerry’s, Gibson, Paul Mitchell, and Toyota.    Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [0:45] What does Big Commerce do? [1:45] The importance of diversification. [2:30] Customer success stories. [3:30] Brent talks about his background as an ecommerce leader. In this episode… What can leaders like you learn from a massive organization that is built on creating innovative and productive market solution? How is an ecommerce platform using brande