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

Scott Galvao is a co-founder of InterCultural Elements (ICE), a Germany based company with over 50 employees which helps retailers expand e-commerce sales internationally. Before InterCultural Elements, he cut his teeth working on a wide range of international ecommerce businesses. Scott worked for more than 6 years at AuktionMaster and ChannelAdvisor UK as an Implementation Manager. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:05] Jeremy introduces his guest, Scott Galvao. [2:30] Why did Scott major in international communication? [6:00] Lessons Scott learned working with Auctionmaster and Channeladvisor. [9:30] How did Scott come up with the idea to start InterCultural Elements? [13:00] The ways that InterCultural Elements has evolved and changed over time. [17:00] Common avenues that sellers use InterCultural Elements for. [20:00] Mistakes that many businesses make when expanding overseas. [26:00] Scott talks about working with Thorogood Sports. [28:30] The nuances of working with a company like Tartanista.

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] Personal sacrifices Ben has made along the way. [3:30] Ben talks about his team. [6:00] How did Ben and his team develop their process? What are they doing with by-products? [9:00] Managing the logistics of selling a product. [13:00] Ben talks about acquiring a small local honey company. [16:00] Low and high points in the journey so far for Ben and his team. [18:00] The milestone of getting health insurance for the whole team and Ben’s plans for the future. In this episode… How can business leaders like you focus on putting customers first? W

Devin Johnson is the founder of First Mile. They pick up hundreds of thousands of parcels all across the U.S. and internationally. Since they deliver direct to major shipping networks like UPS, FedEx they can provide significant discounts. They have been named the fastest growing company in Utah and within the first 12 months of business, they grew to a multimillion dollar company without investment or debt. They have operations all over the U.S. as well as the United Kingdom, Italy, Hong Kong and many more. They use their proprietary technology to help businesses connect manufacturing, warehousing, fulfillment, and shipping. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:15] Jeremy introduces his guest, Devin Johnson. [2:00] Devin talks about his life as a business leader. [5:00] Lessons from success as a door to door salesman. [13:00] Devin talks about starting First Mile. [18:00] Who uses First Mile? [21:00] How does First Mile work? [26:30] Why First Mile would make a good partner for a business like Uber. [3

Rob Frohwein cofounded Kabbage with the help of Kathryn Petralia and Marc Gorlin. The Kabbage platform has funded more than $2.7 billion in loans. They provide an advanced lending online platform to help small businesses borrow the funds they need. Kabbage has raised $236 million in equity since their formation. They have over 300 employees and 5 offices across the US and internationally. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:10] Jeremy introduces his guest, Rob Frohwein. [3:00] Figuring out your next milestone. [5:30] Where did the name Kabbage come from? And what was the original idea? [10:30] Who is the ideal customer to use Kabbage? [14:00] How Rob and his team decide who to fund. [19:00] What are some of the risk factors that Rob and his team look at? [21:30] Biggest mistakes business leaders make once they receive capital. [24:30] How Rob and his team set interest rates. [28:00] Rob talks about businesses that default on their loans. [31:00] Reasons why businesses fail. [35:00] What is the cost to

Today we have Audrey Darrow who founded Earth Source Organics in 2006. Earth Souce 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] Releasing new products and staying on top of trends. [5:00] What works and doesn’t work with promoting products? [8:30] Audrey talks about co-pac

Today we have Bernie Thompson founder of Efficient Era and Plugable Technologies. Plugable Technologies is a top worldwide brand for USB, Bluetooth, and charging devices. Efficient Era takes the software developed that helped Plugable become one of the larger private label electronics sellers on Amazon to the masses. Bernie has worked as a programmer for IBM, software manager at Microsoft and much more. He is also the author of "FlyWheels and Feedback Loops: A Guide to Success for Amazon Private Label Sellers." Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:00] Jeremy introduces his guest, Bernie Thompson. [2:00] Bernie talks about his early career at IBM and Lynx. [5:00] Strategies of selling globally. [9:30] Where should US based sellers start to branch out internationally? [12:30] The biggest challenges in taking your business internationally. [14:30] What does a product release look like for Bernie and his team? [16:00] Selling as a vendor to Amazon. [18:00] How often Bernie and his team release products &

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. [2:00] Driving traffic to your Amazon listing. [5:30] The most important steps in launching a product. [7:00] Common mistakes ecommerce sellers make. [10:00] Difficulties Ben has faced along the way. [12:00] Navigating business with your spouse. [17:00] One of the proudest moments in business for Ben so far. In this episode… What does it take to create sustained ecommerce success in today’s marketplace? What lessons can you learn from prolific industry leaders? On this episode of Inspired Insider, you’ll hear from business leader and entrepreneur, Benjamin Arneberg. Ben opens up about his success as an ecommerce business leader, the important steps for ecommerce leaders

Mark Daoust founded Quiet Light Brokerage in 2007, they help entrepreneurs with an online business sell their website for maximum value. He started Quiet Light after selling an online publication that he built to over 220,000 subscribers and since has helped thousands of entrepreneurs sell their business. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:05] Jeremy introduces his guest, Mark Daoust. [2:10] Mark talks about his experience selling his first business. [9:30] Lessons Mark learned from selling his business and helping his friend sell his. [12:00] What Mark did after he sold his first business. [15:00] A business acquisition horror story. [19:00] Avoiding bad business acquisition deals. [22:00] Questions sellers need to answer before going forward with a deal. [28:00] What has been the trend with ecommerce businesses? [32:00] The wisdom in paring back business efforts in order to grow. [33:30] A positive businesses acquisition story. [36:30] Tools and software that Mark and his team use. [39:00] Reasons w

Today we have Bedros Keuilian founder of Fit Body Bootcamps, currently the worlds fastest growing fitness chain and listed as one of the Inc. 5000 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' 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. [2:30] Bedros talks about his book, “Man Up.” [5:30] An anxiety attack that changed Bedros’ life. [9:00] What you’ll get out of “Man Up.” [10:30] Bedros talks about his franchise, Fit Body Bootcamp. [13:00] How Bedros vets potential franchise owners. [17:00] Going against the grain. [20:00] Building a successful product ladder. In this episode… What does it mean to “Man Up?” Should you take the term literally or is it getting to a deeper truth about leadership and responsibility? On this episode of Inspired Insider, you’ll hear from Bedros Keuilian

Today we have Jay Lagarde who founded Ecomm Engine back in 2006. They have a suite of software products used by Amazon sellers to increase revenue and get more reviews. Ecomm Engine has a feedback automation tool called FeedbackFive, an inventory management tool called RestockPro and a product research tool called eComSpy. They were the first feedback management tool on Amazon and they have a lot of large sellers that use their tools. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:05] Jeremy introduces his guest, Jay Lagarde. [2:00] Jay talks about the start of Ecomm Engine. [11:30] Mistakes sellers are making on Amazon. [13:00] Moving from custom work to building a platform. [20:00] Jay talks about the changing landscape of the ecommerce industry. [24:00] Creating the first ecommerce product. [29:30] Adapting and changing products over time. [36:30] Jay talks about Feedback Five. [42:30] Addressing negative product reviews. [47:30] Creating good email follow up with Amazon buyers. [55:30] Jay talks about buildin

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] Kara talks about launching her product in the New York marketplace. [8:00] Consumer advocacy and providing a product that connects with cancer patients. In this episode… What comes to mind when you hear the term “Consumer Advocacy?” Is it a term that interests you or does it turn you away? As a business leader, what steps are you taking to ensure your products or services contribute to the

Today we have the founder of The Yes Bar, Abigail Wald. The YES Bar was born in 2012 in their kitchen in California. Her younger son had a lot of food sensitivities and health challenges, and she had to say "no" to most things he wanted to eat. She wanted to create something that she could say YES to every time. People can get a Yes bar on yesbar.com, Amazon, and they are in about 200 stores across the country. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:05] Jeremy introduces his guest, Abigail Wald. [3:00] Abigail talks about her son’s adverse reaction to a vaccination. [14:30] How Abigail created her first snack bar. [25:00] What was it like getting that first product on the shelves? [28:00] Different Yes Bar flavors. [31:00] The next step Abigail took to bring her product to market. [33:00] Wholesale vs. Direct to consumer. [36:00] Bring partners into the business. [44:00] Challenges faced along the way. [48:15] Milestones that Abigail has celebrated. [50:30] What’s next for The Yes Bar? In this episode… W

Michael Anderson is the CoFounder of Etail Solutions, they are a Multi-Channel Commerce Solution for High-Volume Merchants. Etail Solutions’ Platform provides high volume merchants (average starting size of $250k/month) with a toolset including online sales channels automation, order management system, global pricing/repricing controls, supplier integrations, product catalog management and data warehouse reporting. Etail’s focus is to drive efficiency to allow them to scale without having to add staff or increase expenses.  Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:05] Jeremy introduces his guest, Michael Anderson. [2:30] A big obstacle, the ability to scale. [5:30] Michael talks about how he helped a client with automation. [8:30] A story about growing and scaling a business. [12:30] Unique sourcing can make a huge difference! [16:00] Conferences and shows that Michael and his team attend. [19:00] Pushing for customer success. [22:30] Michael talks about navigating work life balance. In this episode… What

Today we have Steve Sims, the founder of BlueFish. Steve started off as a bricklayer and he has created one of the world's most recognized concierge firms, BlueFish Concierge. He is the author of Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen As he describes it, “Bluefish is not a gopher service, an old boy's network or a snobby bunch of party crashing showoffs. Please don't call us to pick up your dry cleaning. Instead, we offer the highest level of personalized travel and entertainment-related services.” Steve has helped people take a submarine to see the remains of the Titanic, get on stage and perform with Journey, attend Elton John's Oscar party, and he even helped someone get married by the Pope at the Vatican and much more. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [0:55] Jeremy introduces his guest, Steve Sims. [2:30] Steve talks about his journey of getting a book deal. [7:00] Why did Steve have to interview to narrate his own audiobook? [9:30] Steve shares his experience parenting. [12:00] How would Ste

Today we have Jay Goldberg, founder of Home Revolution. Home Revolution is driven by the reality that their sellers are on the front lines. They work to ensure that their clients maintain control in the profitable expansion of their business. Home Revolution is a provider, supporting businesses to successfully compete, to sustainably expand their virtual footprint across marketplaces, and to broaden their exposure to consumers globally. They are also guardians, watching the virtual market horizon and carefully managing their client’s exposure. Home Revolution’s aim is to help their clients maintain balanced growth through strong sell-through, above average margins, high quality, and reliable products through their reputable brands. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [0:45] Jeremy introduces his guest, Jay Goldberg. [1:15] Jay talks about his company’s story and their products. [3:30] The co-brand model. [5:00] What is the “Seller’s Choice” offering from Jay and his team? [6:30] Common mistakes made by 

Today we have Shaun Buck, founder of Newsletter Pro. They send out millions of newsletters each year for their customers. Shaun has built a multi-million-dollar business that crafts customized newsletters for his clients which help them increase retention, get more referrals and acquire new clients. This service is hands off for clients because they print and mail it in-house. Newsletter Pro made the Inc 500's 5000 fastest growing companies two years in a row with a growth rate of 2,975%. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:20] Jeremy introduces his guest, Shaun Buck. [2:30] Many business leaders are focusing on the wrong things! [4:30] The importance of culture in a business. [12:00] Shaun talks about growth points. [14:00] People need a good goal to push toward. [18:30] Shaun shares his company’s core values. [21:00] Giving Back. [24:00] Systems and tools that help Shaun and his team. [32:00} Shaun gives ideas that help businesses increase promotions. [38:00] People are ready for your product when th

Today we have Steve Sims, the founder of BlueFish. Steve started off as a bricklayer and he has created one of the world's most recognized concierge firms, BlueFish Concierge. He is the author of Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen As he describes it, “Bluefish is not a gopher service, an old boy's network or a snobby bunch of party crashing showoffs. Please don't call us to pick up your dry cleaning. Instead, we offer the highest level of personalized travel and entertainment-related services.” Steve has helped people take a submarine to see the remains of the Titanic, get on stage and perform with Journey, attend Elton John's Oscar party, and he even helped someone get married by the Pope at the Vatican and much more. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [0:55] Jeremy introduces his guest, Steve Sims. [2:30] Steve talks about surprising his wife. [7:00] Fear causes hesitation. [9:00] The most challenging experience Steve has arranged. [17:00] Steps toward changing your life. In this episode… Di

Today we have Michael Tyrrell, founder of Wholetones. Wholetones differentiates itself from traditional music therapy with its unique use of specific frequencies other than 440 Hertz. Michael is a musician, composer, and producer. He has even won a Grammy Award for his work with Mylon LeFevre. Michael is also the author of the book "Wholetones: The Sound of Healing." Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [0:55] Jeremy introduces his guest, Michael Tyrrell. [2:00] What makes Wholetones music so unique? [6:30] Why 396 hertz? [12:00] Michael talks about his experience with looking at water molecules. [17:30] A life-changing experience in an Orthodox Jewish Coffeehouse. [27:30] Michael opens up about his hypersensitivity. [30:00] How Michael and Joe Barton met. [39:00] Michael talks about the production of Wholetones. [49:00] A low point and a high point in Michael’s life. In this episode… What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, “Healing Tones?” Do you think of calm and soothing music? But where does heal

Robin Smith is the co-founder of Virtual Logistics with Scott Beaver. The company was founded in 1994 and helps businesses take the software they use and allows them to communicate with one another so the company never has to move data manually which prevents errors and ultimately saves money. Virtual Logistics allows Ecommerce business owners to not only focus on running and growing their businesses but to accelerate growth. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:05] Jeremy introduces his guest, Robin Smith. [2:00] How did Robin decide to start his own company? [5:00] Robin talks about a shift in a way people consume products. [11:30] What Ecommerce Business leaders should pay attention to. [14:30] Robin talks about the time he got shot at. In this episode… Does your company have what it takes to succeed in an age where market disruption and innovation is rapidly advancing? How will you and your team stay competitive? On this episode of Inspired Insider, you’ll hear from ecommerce expert Robin Smith. Ro

Today we have Kim Krause Schwalm, one of the top direct response copywriters. She has worked in the industry for more than 25 years creating breakthrough copy for companies like Boardroom, National Geographic, Healthy Directions, Rodale, Soundview, and many more. Kim was integral in launching a nutritional supplement company Healthy Directions that went on to become a multi-million dollar business within the first few years, she was the first female copywriter to have a control at Boardroom. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:05] Jeremy introduces his guest, Kim Krause. [2:30] What did the alternative health space look like when Kim got started? [6:00] Taking risks and getting permission to fail. [15:00] Advice for new copywriters. [17:30] What goes into writing a good renewal? [29:00] A great initial offer. [32:00] Lessons learned from working with legends like Jay Abraham and others. [39:30] How did Healthy Directions come about? What were the lessons learned? [45:00] Kim talks about when she got th