Ecommercefuel: Build, Launch And Grow A 6 Figure Plus Ecommerce Business | Ecommerce Fuel

What if the key to explosive growth wasn’t a killer ad strategy, but getting out of DTC entirely? In this episode, I’m joined by Jared Mehr, Sales Director at Pura Vida Bracelets, who helped scale the brand’s wholesale channel to over $35 million a year. Now, he's teaching other eCommerce brands how to win big in wholesale without sacrificing their margins or their sanity. Listen in as we talk about how Pura Vida went from zero wholesale revenue to landing major accounts like Nordstrom, what most brands get wrong about wholesale, and why it's not just for “big” companies. Jared also shares his playbook for making your brand irresistible to retail buyers, how to prep for trade shows, and the exact tools he recommends to manage wholesale ops. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4oCsDmu Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

What happens when one of the most powerful voices in eCommerce sits down for an unfiltered conversation? In this episode, I’m joined by Bobby Morrison, Chief Revenue Officer at Shopify. With decades of experience at the intersection of tech and commerce, he offers a rare inside look at how Shopify is evolving in a world where competition is fierce, margins are tight, and AI is changing everything. Listen in as we cover the rising pressures facing merchants - from macroeconomic shifts to fee hikes from Amazon, Google, and Meta - and how Shopify plans to help entrepreneurs fight back. Bobby shares insights into the future of AI in eCommerce, the vision behind Sidekick and AI-first work culture at Shopify, and how the platform is navigating marketplace dynamics, brand control, and Plus pricing. We also talk Shop Pay, trade-offs in checkout UX, and the company’s stance on being both infrastructure and a branded touchpoint. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4mruUzt Inter

What happens when two car lovers bet on themselves—and win? In this episode, I’m joined by Amy and Dan Snyder of SPE Motorsport, the husband-and-wife team turning heads in the Ford performance world. From building their first parts in a garage to developing carbon fiber manifolds and launching a new classic-meets-modern car sales brand, their journey is one of grit, innovation, and a whole lot of horsepower. Listen in as we talk about the early days of SPE, how Dan taught himself CAD from scratch, and how a risky lease turned into a game-changing move. We also dive into the mindset shifts that helped them scale from $30K to $500K per month, what it took to develop their signature Coyote Carbon Fiber Intake Manifold, and how they're blending iconic cars like the GT40 and Cobra with modern drivability. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning a passion into a thriving business, this episode is for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4lgmnxG Interested in our Private Commu

What happens when your business hits a wall and the people who helped build it are no longer aligned with where it needs to go? In this episode, I’m joined by Taylor Holiday, CEO of Common Thread Collective, who gets candid about one of the most pivotal seasons in his company’s history.  Listen in as we talk about the difficult transition from an employee-focused to a customer-centric model, how Taylor updated CTC’s values and mission, and the surprising results of that cultural reset. Taylor also shares how he evaluates performance today, how he stays prolific with content, and what lessons he’s carrying forward as a CEO and father. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/45u6mP8 Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

Is Reddit the most overlooked - and potentially most powerful - marketing platform for eCommerce brands today? This week, I’m joined by my friend Danny Kirk, founder of ReddiReach, to explore the high-risk, high-reward nature of Reddit marketing, why it's different from any other platform, and how generative AI is reshaping how people find and trust brands.  Listen in as we talk about how to market on Reddit without getting roasted, how LLMs are changing search and discovery (and what you can do about it), and why Danny’s company is betting big on GEO - Generative Engine Optimization. We also dive into Danny’s philosophy on productivity, managing team growth, and choosing the right business size for your goals. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a fulfilling business that doesn’t eat your life, this one’s for you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4fbdgwS Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new epis

After selling the business he built over 12 years, what’s next for Bill D’Alessandro? In this episode, Andrew reconnects with Bill, longtime friend, returning guest, and co-host of Acquisitions Anonymous, to talk about life post-exit, the unexpected challenges of newfound freedom, and how he’s thinking about AI, identity, and investing in today’s wild market. They also chat about the blurred lines between personal and entrepreneurial success, dealing with changing relationships after wealth, and whether using AI versions of yourself is a smart move or just plain creepy. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3TTVAfB Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here. Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

What happens when you press pause on business as usual and take a family gap year instead? In this special episode, I’m joined by my wife, Annie, who shares the mic with me for the first time as we reflect on the past 10 months of travel, family time, and life outside the usual grind. From the decision to leave home to what we’ve learned along the way, this conversation is a peek behind the curtain into the most transformational year of our lives. Listen in as we talk about the highs and lows of planning and living a gap year, how we structured our businesses to make it possible, and what it’s been like to work through marriage, parenting, and travel together. We also chat about building a family culture, why we’re rethinking our relationship with “home,” and what we hope to carry forward from this season of intentional living. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4nSYgYy Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear ab

What’s the most effective way to grow your brand when traditional marketing gets harder and harder? This week, I’m sharing one of the most overlooked but highest-ROI strategies in eCommerce: partnerships. Whether you’re launching a product, building a community, or just trying to break through the noise, this episode will help you think differently about how to get attention. Listen in as I share why partnerships are more important than ever, how to identify the best opportunities, and mistakes to avoid. I’ll also talk about lessons from our most fruitful collaborations (like our new partnership with the Operators podcast) and how to build long-term relationships that really move the needle. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/44RX8fh Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

What does it take for a city lawyer to transform into a bison rancher in the heart of the picturesque Bridger Mountains? In this rerun episode, I’m joined by Matt Skoglund of North Bridger Bison, who made that very leap. He shares his remarkable transition from urban legal practice to managing a thriving bison ranch, rooted deeply in sustainable and ethical practices. Listen in as we discuss the intricacies of field harvesting, the economic dynamics of ranch management, and sustainable practices in bison ranching. You'll hear about Matt's personal journey from lawyer to rancher, his deep connection to land conservation, and the impact of environmental stewardship on food quality. We also take a trip into the field to witness the bison harvesting process in action, so don't miss this one-of-a-kind episode! You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/443cOgv Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eC

How do you breathe new life into a stagnant business? In this fan-favorite rerun episode, I’m joined by Chris Rose, President of Gunner.com, to talk about how he helped transform a complacent brand into a thriving, premium business. Specializing in high-quality, American-made dog kennels, Chris shares how understanding customer lifetime value and focusing on high-impact priorities can breathe new energy into a business. Listen in as we dive into the benefits of U.S. manufacturing, the challenges of scaling through paid ads, and why staying selective with retail partnerships is key to long-term brand health. Whether you’re running a legacy brand or just trying to get out of a rut, this conversation is packed with real-world insights on leadership, strategy, and premium positioning. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/44xlo79 Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups? 

Have you ever wondered how to pull off a team retreat that’s actually fun, productive, and builds real connection? After years of trial and error, I’ve finally found a rhythm that works. In this episode, I break down exactly how we designed our recent team retreat in Mexico City, what made it a success, and some of the biggest mistakes I’ve made in the past (think: go-karts and back injuries). Listen in as I walk through our retreat schedule—from soaking in cliffside hot springs and taking a taco tour to having deep team conversations about AI and productivity. I talk about why your primary focus should not be productivity (even if that’s tough as a founder), why food tours are criminally underrated, and how one cocktail mixing class turned into the most memorable night of the trip. I’ll also share how I prep both myself and the team before the retreat, who I think should get an invite, and why renting an Airbnb beats hotel conference rooms every time. You can find show notes and more information by clicking

Have you ever wondered what goes into a full rebrand and whether it’s really worth it? In this solo episode, I take you behind the scenes of eCommerceFuel’s rebranding journey, including why we did it, how much we spent, and what I wish I’d known before diving in. If you’ve been considering a brand refresh or are just curious about the ROI of design and messaging work, this one’s for you. Listen in as I walk through the process of selecting a branding agency, navigating feedback and revisions, and rolling out our new visual identity across all touchpoints. I share honest reflections about the emotional and financial costs, how the project stretched our team, and what we’ve seen in terms of impact and engagement. Whether you’re team “never touch the logo” or all in on the power of brand, you’ll get a transparent look at the highs, lows, and learnings from this major milestone. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3HrTmBc Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure

What if your inventory could forecast itself—or your website merchandised itself based on who was browsing? This week, I’m joined by Drew Marconi, CEO and co-founder of Intelligems.io, to explore how AI is unlocking new ways for brands to manage forecasting, pricing, and marketing. If you’ve been curious about how AI can actually improve your margins (not just make cool images), you’ll want to tune in. Listen in as Drew breaks down how AI is reshaping eCommerce, from hyper-personalized site experiences to margin-aware merchandising strategies. We also talk about the difference between forecasting for fashion versus CPG, why most brands are wasting money on acquisition, and how to build an AI foundation that works. Plus, Drew shares practical tips on how to start testing AI in your business—even if you’re skeptical. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4kPYBZO Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episo

What happens when your business grows too fast and the demand suddenly vanishes? This week, I’m joined by Martina Brimmer, co-founder of Swift Industries, a premium bikepacking brand known for its exceptional design and creative culture. Martina shares how she dismantled her team, restructured operations, and found her creative spark again after the post-COVID contraction in the cycling industry. Listen in as she talks through the high-stakes decision to downsize, the systems that made it possible, and how she rebuilt the business around brand, joy, and simplicity. We also explore the behind-the-scenes of running a two-person operation, the strategic shift to international manufacturing, and how community-building efforts like Swift Campout are fueling both loyalty and growth—even when the ROI isn’t easy to track. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4mmUQwB Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episod

What happens after you sell the business you’ve spent over a decade building? In this episode, I’m joined by my longtime friend and returning guest Bill D’Alessandro, fresh off the sale of Natural Dog Company. Bill shares what it was like to finally exit after 12 years, how he’s thinking about investing his earnings, and why his next chapter might be his best one yet. Listen in as we unpack Bill’s decision to divest a portfolio of brands and go all-in on one, how the acquisition unfolded, and why he’s now leading corporate development for a private equity-backed pet brand platform. We also dive into the psychological and strategic side of navigating a big liquidity event - from what he’s (not) spending money on to how he's thinking about investing, BDCs, real estate, and personal finance. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/43jiMtj Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news roun

Ever wonder if you can truly compete with overseas manufacturing from right here in the U.S.? This week, I’m kicking off a two-part series on American manufacturing by sitting down with David Heacock, CEO of Filterbuy.com. David shares how he grew a family business into a $250M powerhouse, all while keeping production entirely on U.S. soil. Listen in as David walks us through how he reverse-engineered a product line that could thrive domestically, why logistics are his real competitive advantage, and how he scaled from a rough startup phase to a massive manufacturing and distribution network. We also dive into his early bets on Amazon, his thoughtful approach to leadership, and what building a sustainable legacy looks like in today’s shifting economy. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4j0WwIW Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.

Have you ever wondered what happens when you completely walk away from a successful business, and build something even more meaningful? This week, I’m joined by Ben Katzaman, founder of Sculpted Peaks, who shares how a near-death experience led him to rethink his life, sell his first company, and start fresh with a business built around passion, craft, and awe-inspiring moments. Listen in as Ben shares how he went from burnout to sabbatical to founding a unique business that crafts hand-carved stone sculptures of iconic mountains. We talk about the importance of fair trade, the joy of creating heirloom-quality products, and why personal passion can fuel a business in surprising ways. Plus, Ben opens up about designing a life that balances travel, freedom, and meaningful work, all sparked by a moment at 30,000 feet that changed everything. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/4jOKkMl Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want

Could the current wave of tariffs actually help U.S. eCommerce sellers? In this episode, I’m joined by longtime ECF member Aaron Rubin, founder of ShipHero, to explore a counterintuitive take on how recent tariff changes might level the playing field for American brands. Aaron shares his insights on de minimis reform, market dynamics, and why he believes stronger margins could be on the horizon for domestic sellers. Listen in as we break down how fraud, loopholes, and uneven enforcement have hurt U.S. businesses - and how the new regulations might shift the balance. Aaron also shares the fascinating backstory of building ShipHero into a major player in warehouse management software, leadership lessons from scaling to 600+ employees, and why resilience (and jiu-jitsu!) matter now more than ever. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4cS6M4S Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce new

Are you feeling the weight of rising tariffs and wondering how to adapt your business? In this "State of Play" episode, I’m joined by my good friend Steve Chou to unpack the latest challenges shaking up the eCommerce world, from geopolitical tensions to the rapid pace of AI and automation. We dive into how these shifts are reshaping manufacturing and margins, as well as what the future might hold for sellers like us. Listen in as we explore how tariffs are driving supply chain shifts, the potential of AI to replace roles in your business, and why manufacturing might return to the U.S.—but not in the way you expect. We also chat about the changing landscape at Amazon, why more sellers are fed up, and how we’re personally navigating this turbulent time. Plus, we share our thoughts on adapting with agility and finding opportunity amidst the chaos. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4cKClxv Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here. 

Do you ever feel like hiring a marketing agency is more hassle than help? You’re not alone - agencies are a hot topic in the ECF community, and not always in a good way. In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Simonson, longtime agency founder and ad expert, to talk candidly about what makes agencies so tricky, how to spot the good ones, and what eCommerce owners can do to get the most out of these relationships. Listen in as we discuss Kevin’s wild background (you won’t believe the stories behind his “Two Truths and a Lie”), his experience scaling top-tier DTC brands like Vuori, and his honest thoughts on how agency fee structures should work. We also cover how to vet an agency, why most are bad, how to set expectations, and how AI is radically transforming the paid ad game behind the scenes. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3EjOxZq Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.   Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news