In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox) and Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella) go straight at one of the most uncomfortable questions in eCommerce:
Should SaaS companies and agencies really be taking a percentage of your revenue?
This conversation gets opinionated fast. Here’s what they dig into:
If you’ve ever looked at your SaaS stack or agency invoices and thought “this doesn’t feel right anymore”, this episode puts words to that feeling.
_____
Big shoutout to our sponsor who makes this podcast possible!
Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/
Subscribe at https://asompod.com
__
00:00 Teaser Trailer
03:15 Debate on Agency Pricing Models
16:32 Discussion on SaaS Platforms and Pricing
32:17 A True Story from the SaaS World
32:43 Debating Gross Margins in SaaS
33:12 The Cost of Processing and Technology
34:36 The Reality of SaaS Market
35:26 Examples from the Reviews and Loyalty World
36:24 Challenges in SaaS Implementation
37:39 Pricing, Positioning, and Product
47:47 The SaaS Subscription Hack
54:06 The Financial Reality of SaaS Companies
01:00:32 Concluding Thoughts and Final Remarks
___
Follow us on:
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompod
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Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!
#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips
In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) crack open the real recap of 2025 and get painfully honest about how they’re leveling up for 2026.
This one’s not polished. It’s wins, misses, hard lessons, and the kind of goals you only set after getting absolutely humbled by running real businesses in real markets.
Here’s what they dig into:
They also get candid about why business success is wildly unpredictable, why delegation stops being optional as you scale, and why protecting family time eventually becomes a strategic decision, not just a personal one.
_____
Big shoutout to our sponsor who makes this podcast possible!
Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/
Subscribe at https://asompod.com
__
00:00 Teaser Trailer
04:08 Reflecting on Last Year's Goals
05:05 Bryan's Business and Personal Goals
27:06 John's Business and Personal Goals
39:46 The Unpredictable Nature of Business Success
40:49 John's Steady Leadership
41:18 Amer's Business Goals for the Year
41:39 Building a Sales-Led Organization
45:11 Personal Goals and Reflections
49:16 Goals for 2026
59:39 Jimmy's Reflections and Future Plans
01:09:11 Closing Thoughts and Reflections
___
Follow us on:
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasompod/
Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!
#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips
In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) get into what eCommerce actually looks like in 2026, and spoiler: it’s not just “more ads and more AI.”
The crew breaks down how financial modeling, privacy shifts, and AI are changing the way brands operate, while personalization goes from “nice to have” to table stakes. They talk about why websites are turning into loyalty hubs, why more DTC brands are opening retail stores and owning manufacturing, and what big moves (like a potential Chewy acquisition) could signal about where the market is headed.
What you’ll hear:
If you’re building, operating, or investing in eCommerce, this episode is a fast, honest look at what’s coming next and what actually matters.
_____
Big shoutout to our sponsor who makes this podcast possible!
Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/
Subscribe at https://asompod.com
__
00:00 Teaser Trailer
03:49 Reviewing Last Year's Predictions
04:31 TikTok and Social Commerce Insights
09:25 Subscription Models and SaaS Trends
19:06 Meta's Dominance and Social Commerce
28:41 AI's Impact on eCommerce
35:05 Discussing Predictions for 2026
35:29 The Shift in User Experience and AI's Role
37:24 Personalization and Data Privacy Trends
42:50 The Future of Retail and D2C Brands
50:23 The Importance of Brand Assets
01:02:04 The Decline of eCommerce and Rise of Loyalty Channels
01:07:42 Predictions for the Pet Industry
01:10:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
___
Follow us on:
X: https://x.com/TheAsomPod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompod
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Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!
#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips
In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) break down everything that happened across Black Friday and Cyber Monday and what it means for the future of eCommerce. From Shopify’s massive sales spike to unexpected wins in new customer acquisition, the crew digs into the consumer behavior shifts, platform performance issues, and emerging trends shaping the next wave of digital retail.
What you’ll learn:
If you’re trying to understand how AI and consumer behavior will reshape the industry, this episode gives you a sharp, actionable breakdown of what’s happening now and what’s coming.
_____
Big shoutout to our sponsor who makes this podcast possible!
Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/
Subscribe at https://asompod.com
__
00:00 Teaser Trailer
00:24 Welcome to the ASOM Pod
00:53 Discussing Black Friday and Cyber Monday
02:27 Amazon's Strategy and Consumer Behavior
03:57 Black Friday Product Launches and Consumer Trends
12:57 Retail Experiences and Consumer Preferences
18:44 Shopify's Performance and Technical Issues
34:20 Buy Now, Pay Later Trends
36:14 Merchant Fees and Payment Structures
36:40 Buy Now, Pay Later Risks and Benefits
40:07 AI's Impact on eCommerce Traffic
42:50 SEO and AI: The New Frontier
46:46 AppLovin vs. Meta: A Data Comparison
53:56 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Insights
01:04:52 Predictions for the Future of eCommerce
___
Follow us on:
X: https://x.com/TheAsomPod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasompod/
Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!
#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips
In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) dig into one big question: are traditional eCommerce websites on their way out? With AI reshaping how consumers browse, shop, and make decisions, the conversation explores whether AI-driven commerce, mobile apps, and marketplaces like Amazon will eventually replace the classic online storefront.What you’ll learn:- Whether websites are becoming irrelevant in an AI-first world- How AI will transform search, personalization, and customer experience- Why apps, loyalty, and brand ecosystems may win over traditional storefronts- The evolving role of marketplaces like Amazon- How consumer behavior shifts between generations- Why logistics and operations may be the biggest benefactors of AIIf you’re building an eCommerce brand or planning for the next wave of digital retail, this episode gives you a clear, practical look at what’s next._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Particl — the competitive intelligence platform built for eCommerce brands. Track real sales, inventory, and pricing across thousands of products to see what’s selling, who’s winning, and where to move next. Get started at https://www.particl.com/Subscribe at https://asompod.com__00:00 Teaser Trailer02:23 Websites vs. AI Commerce03:55 The Future of eCommerce06:19 Consumer Behavior and Technology10:54 AI and Marketplaces13:38 Mobile Apps and eCommerce16:07 AI's Impact on Search and Shopping26:08 The Evolution of AI and Quantum Computing32:55 The Rise and Fall of Amazon's Shopping Innovations33:57 Target's Strategic Shopping Experience34:44 The Evolution of Online Shopping36:03 AI's Impact on eCommerce38:16 The Future of Websites and AI Integration40:29 AI in Logistics and Customer Experience44:28 The Role of Loyalty in eCommerce58:32 The Changing Landscape of SaaS___Follow us on:X: https://x.com/TheAsomPodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasompod/Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips
In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) break down one of the most debated questions in entrepreneurship: should you build a business based on passion or on skillset? From there, the crew dives into a no-BS analysis of the best and worst eCommerce business models to start in 2025, looking at the real factors that make or break a brand like margins, returns, customer support demands, marketplace competition, paid advertising performance, and evolving consumer spending trends.
What you’ll learn:
If you’re thinking about launching a brand, pivoting your current business, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at the real economics of eCom, this episode is your reality check.
_____
Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!
Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/
Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com
Particl — the competitive intelligence platform built for eCommerce brands. Track real sales, inventory, and pricing across thousands of products to see what’s selling, who’s winning, and where to move next. Get started at https://www.particl.com/
Subscribe at https://asompod.com
___
00:00 Teaser Trailer
00:30 Welcome to the ASOM Pod
01:08 Meet the Hosts
02:08 Game Time: Best and Worst eCommerce Businesses to Start
03:52 High Margin eCommerce Categories
05:45 Low Margin eCommerce Categories
11:59 Marketplace Competition: Best and Worst Businesses
21:45 Paid Advertising: Best and Worst Categories
24:50 The Challenge of Selling Tumblers
25:16 Returns and Customer Support Insights
29:26 Trends in Consumer Spending
33:09 Best and Worst eCommerce Business Models
39:23 The Importance of the Founder in Business Success
41:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
___
Follow us on:
X: https://x.com/TheAsomPod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasompod/
Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!
#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips
In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) sit down with Kevin Tighe, Founder & former CEO of Beachly and now VP of Growth at BUBS Naturals.
Kevin gets real about the transition from founder to employee, what it felt like to sell the company he built, and how he rebuilt his identity on the other side. The crew digs into leadership, delegation, the subscription model, and what today’s e-commerce landscape demands from operators.
What you’ll learn:
If you’re a founder, operator, or just curious what the “after” looks like post-exit, this one hits home.
_____
Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!
Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/
Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com
Particl — the competitive intelligence platform built for eCommerce brands. Track real sales, inventory, and pricing across thousands of products to see what’s selling, who’s winning, and where to move next. Get started at https://www.particl.com/
Subscribe at https://asompod.com
___
00:00 Teaser Trailer
00:39 Welcome to the ASOM Pod
04:25 Kevin Tighe’s Journey: From Founder to Employee
04:53 The Birth and Growth of Beachly Brands
07:46 Challenges and Successes in the Subscription Box Model
16:04 The Acquisition Journey and Transition to Employee
22:15 Discussing the Acquisition Details
22:30 Transitioning to a New Market
22:47 Joining BUBS Naturals
24:44 Reflecting on Entrepreneurial Challenges
28:48 The Importance of Delegation
31:13 The Emotional Side of Selling a Business
34:15 Current Role and Team Dynamics
35:55 Future Plans and Reflections
48:07 Closing Thoughts and Outro
___
Follow us on:
X: https://x.com/TheAsomPod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompod
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasompod/
Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!
#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips
In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) sit down with Pujun Bhatnagar - one of Meta’s first AI engineers and now Co-Founder & CEO of Kintsugi.They unpack where AI is today, where it is headed, and how brands and governments should prepare. Pujun shares his path from Stanford to Meta, how AI moved from experimentation to commercialization, and why we are still only scratching the surface of what data-driven intelligence can do.What you’ll learn:* Why AI is still early and what that means for innovation.* How AI commercialized and where it is going next.* Lessons from building foundational systems at Facebook.* How Kintsugi is reinventing sales tax and compliance.* AGI and robotics timelines and implications.* Why smart policy and critical thinking will guide progress.* Common misconceptions about AI and real-world impacts.* How quantum computing accelerates what is possible.* How AI may transform healthcare, policy, and daily life.* Why R&D investment is critical to a safe future.Whether you are building tech, running a brand, or simply curious where AI is going, this episode delivers a grounded look at the forces shaping our future and the opportunities ahead.
Connect with Pujun
Explore Kintsugi
_____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comParticl — the competitive intelligence platform built for eCommerce brands. Track real sales, inventory, and pricing across thousands of products to see what’s selling, who’s winning, and where to move next. Get started at https://www.particl.com/Subscribe at https://asompod.com___00:00 Teaser Trailer00:48 Meet the Hosts01:02 Special Guest Intro: AI Expert03:30 Guest Background: From Stanford to Facebook09:49 AI in Business: Sales Tax Automation11:09 The Evolution and Impact of AI16:29 The Future of AI and Society29:55 The Infancy of Mankind and Critical Thinking30:45 The Real Users of Facebook32:13 The Future of AGI and Robotics38:53 Quantum Computing and AI Advancements40:12 The Role of AI in Healthcare and Policy Decisions42:01 The Importance of R&D and Intelligent Policies51:57 The Future of Sales Tax and Compliance Infrastructure54:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts___Follow us on:
Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips
In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) dig into the real state of email marketing in 2025 and why it continues to be one of the highest-ROI channels in eCommerce.
Joining the crew is special guest Rytis Lauris, CoFounder and CEO of Omnisend, who breaks down the numbers behind email performance and why, despite the headlines, email is very much alive and driving predictable revenue for brands.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why email marketing still outperforms every “email is dead” narrative.
- The automated flows responsible for 87% of automated email revenue (and how to optimize them).
- How contextual segmentation + personalized journeys improve conversion and retention.
- Where AI meaningfully enhances strategy vs. where humans still win.
- Tactical tips for improving welcome, cart, browse, post-purchase, and subscription flows.
- How brands are weaving SMS + email together for smarter lifecycle marketing.
- Common customer experience pitfalls and how to fix them.
- Small tweaks that lead to big wins in subscription + upsell strategy.
Whether you’re running a brand, agency, or SaaS platform, this episode is your tactical guide to leveling up your lifecycle marketing, unlocking more revenue, and engaging customers in smarter, more automated ways.
_____
Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!
Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/
Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com
Particl — the competitive intelligence platform built for eCommerce brands. Track real sales, inventory, and pricing across thousands of products to see what’s selling, who’s winning, and where to move next. Get started at https://www.particl.com/
Subscribe to the pod at https://asompod.com
___
00:00 Teaser Trailer
02:21 Special Guest Introduction
05:26 Email Marketing Insights
09:07 The Power of Automated Emails
12:21 Advanced Email Strategies
25:06 Early Stage Email Automation Tips
27:42 Customer Experience Issues
28:01 Subscription Email Tweaks
29:42 Upsell Opportunities
30:32 BattlBox Subscription Feedback
31:10 NPS and Customer Engagement
32:10 Marketing Automation Tips
44:11 AI in Marketing Automation
51:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
___
Follow Jimmy Kim at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim
Follow Bryan MacDonald at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad
Follow John Roman at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman
Follow Amer Grozdanic at:a
X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic
Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!
#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetip
In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) dive into how top DTC and SaaS leaders are preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2025 and what strategies actually move the needle when it comes to revenue, retention, and cash flow.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Whether you’re leading a scaling SaaS or growing a DTC brand, this episode is your Black Friday 2025 Playbook, straight from operators who’ve lived it.
_____
Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!
Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/
Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com
Particl — the competitive intelligence platform built for eCommerce brands. Track real sales, inventory, and pricing across thousands of products to see what’s selling, who’s winning, and where to move next. Get started at https://www.particl.com/
Subscribe at https://asompod.com
___
00:00 Teaser Trailer
01:17 Black Friday Cyber Monday Strategies
05:34 Introducing the Bulk Box Idea
09:56 Preparing for Black Friday Launch
11:29 Customer Feedback and Future Plans
21:50 Growth Packages and Subscription Models
25:39 Raw Materials and Paid Campaigns
26:43 BattlBox Black Friday Strategy
28:16 Phase Zero: Early Promotions
29:04 Phase One: Pre-Black Friday Offers
30:57 Phase Two: Black Friday and Cyber Monday
32:51 Phase Three: Holiday Mystery Boxes
38:45 Subscription Models and Customer Loyalty
43:46 Optimizing Cash Flow and Tax Benefits
49:01 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell
___
Follow Jimmy Kim at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim
Follow Bryan MacDonald at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad
Follow John Roman at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman
Follow Amer Grozdanic at:a
X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic
Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!
#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips
In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Commerce Roundtable, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) sit down with Curtis Masco, Founder and CEO of Portland Leather Goods, for one of the most raw and inspiring founder stories you’ll hear.
From living in a Zen monastery to building one of North America’s largest leather manufacturing operations, Curtis shares how continuous reinvention became his blueprint for success.He opens up about overcoming alcoholism, self-funding every stage of growth, and why he believes you have to “kill 90% of what got you to your first million” to reach the next level.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- How to reinvent your business every year to stay ahead.
- The philosophy behind building and rebuilding momentum.
- Lessons from scaling from art festivals to Etsy to Shopify.
- Why self-funding beats chasing investors (and how he did it)
.- How Curtis overcame personal struggles to unlock his potential.
- The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people.
- Why belief, integrity, and confidence matter more than capital.
- The future of craftsmanship, eCommerce, and personal growth.
Whether you’re in the grind of your first startup or looking for the spark to level up again, this episode is proof that reinvention isn’t just possible.. it’s powerful.
Follow Curtis on YouTube → youtube.com/@CurtisMatsko for more unfiltered business lessons, founder stories, and behind-the-scenes of Portland Leather Goods
Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible
Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/
Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com
Subscribe at https://asompod.com
Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com
00:00 Teaser Trailer
00:40 Welcome to the ASOM Pod
02:16 Special Guest Introduction: Curtis Masco of Portland Leather Goods
05:02 Curtis Masco's Early Life and Zen Monastery Experience
08:06 The Dot-Com Crash and Starting Over
10:21 Building Portland Leather Goods: Growth and Sobriety
12:12 The Power of Belief and Manifestation
16:48 Investing in Founders and Giving Back
21:26 The Importance of Self-Belief and Surrounding Yourself with the Right People
35:17 The Importance of Integrity, Motivation, and Intelligence
36:47 Lessons from Business Failures and Successes
37:56 Reinventing Your Business Every Year
39:36 From Art Festivals to eCommerce Success
42:11 Navigating Manufacturing Challenges During COVID
43:25 The Future of Business and Personal Growth
01:02:07 The Power of Networking and Social Media0
1:06:11 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!
#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips
In this live episode from Commerce Roundtable San Diego, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) kick things off with a round of “Hot or Not: eCom Edition” before diving into the biggest debates in DTC.
They tackle owning vs. renting customers, sustainability vs. convenience, and the evolving world of influencers, affiliates, and creator-driven content, and live shopping.
The conversation gets real about profitability, EBITDA, and smart exit strategies, all while keeping the energy high and the laughs coming (yes, including a nod to Bryan MacDonald’s self-made fan club).
If you missed San Diego, this episode captures the energy, insights, and fun of the event, live from the pier.
_____
Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!
Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/
Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com
Subscribe at https://asompod.com
Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com
_____
00:00 Introduction
01:04 Welcome to the ASOM Podcast
01:56 Meet the Hosts
03:41 Hot or Not: Ecom Edition
04:27 Debate: Owning vs. Renting Customers
09:48 Sustainability vs. Convenience
13:14 Future of Influencers vs. Affiliates
13:34 The Evolving Landscape of Influencers and Affiliates
13:51 TikTok Shop: Empowering Creators
14:59 Blurring Lines Between Influencers and Affiliates
15:31 The Rise of Consumer-Generated Content
16:51 The Future of Free Content Creation
20:21 Exit Strategies in D2C
22:58 The Importance of EBITDA and Unit Economics
28:56 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up
___
Follow Jimmy Kim at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim
Follow Bryan MacDonald at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad
Follow John Roman at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman
Follow Amer Grozdanic at:a
X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic
Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!
#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips
In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) take you inside the Commerce Roundtable San Diego, held at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier. From the packed registration line to the speaker’s lounge with ocean views, they take you along for the ride, chatting with founders, operators, and marketers who make this industry tick.
This isn’t your average, dull conference. Think: food trucks on the pier, vacation giveaways, and conversations with heavy-hitters. Along the way, the crew dives into hot topics like AI, live selling, and what’s next in eCommerce growth all while capturing the buzz and camaraderie that make Commerce Roundtable the go-to event for DTC brands.
Whether you missed San Diego or just want a front-row seat to the action, this recap brings the energy, insights, and chaos (the fun kind) of Commerce Roundtable 2025 straight to you.
_____
Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!
Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/
Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com
Subscribe at https://asompod.com
Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com
_____
00:00 Welcome to Commerce Roundtable San Diego
00:48 Exploring the Venue and Food Trucks
01:44 Registration and Initial Impressions
02:53 Behind the Scenes: Speaker's Lounge
04:39 Conversations with Attendees
09:19 Touring the Conference Venue
10:16 Exploring the Lounge Area
10:54 Raffle Excitement and Giveaways
12:20 Outdoor Patio and Networking
13:15 Insights from SubSummit
16:02 Live Selling and AI Innovations
17:26 Founder's Journey and Business Growth
19:10 Event Highlights and Conclusion
___
Follow Jimmy Kim at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim
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Follow Bryan MacDonald at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad
Follow John Roman at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman
Follow Amer Grozdanic at:a
X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic
Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!
#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips
In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), unpack the growing world of live shopping with a spotlight on the Whatnot platform. John (a.k.a. the Android Loving Survival King) shares his real-world playbook for turning Whatnot streams into a profitable and scalable sales channel. From treating live selling as entertainment to building a community that keeps coming back, the conversation blends data, strategy, and war stories from the front lines of live commerce.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Whether you’re already experimenting with TikTok Shop or just curious about Whatnot, this episode offers actionable insights to help eCommerce and DTC brands future proof their sales strategy with live shopping.
_____
Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!
Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/
LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.com
Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com
Subscribe at https://asompod.com
Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com
_____
00:00 Teaser Trailer
02:14 John's Presentation on Live Shopping
04:23 Live Shopping Trends and Data Insights
08:19 Comparing Whatnot and TikTok Shop
12:15 Community Building and Engagement
22:59 Roles and Strategies for Live Selling
28:10 Forecastable Revenue and Show Scheduling
28:49 Gamification and Audience Engagement
28:56 Team Meetings and Scheduling
30:54 Hiring and Team Expansion
32:09 Conservative Growth Strategy
34:19 Leveraging Social Media and Organic Growth
36:04 New Hosts and Show Formats
38:40 Channel Growth Potential
43:25 Gamification Strategies
46:12 Takeaways and Final Thoughts
57:28 Podcast Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks
___
Follow Jimmy Kim at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim
Follow Bryan MacDonald at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad
Follow John Roman at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman
Follow Amer Grozdanic at:a
X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic
Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!
#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips
In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) break down the most expensive mistakes first-time founders make when trying to take their eCommerce dreams from “side hustle” to scalable business. From the messy realities of handling fulfillment yourself (yes, shipping nightmares are real) to the dangers of over-ordering inventory that ends up sitting in your garage, they share the hard-earned lessons most entrepreneurs wish they’d heard sooner.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Whether you’re sketching your first product idea on a napkin or already wrestling with suppliers, this episode is a must listen.
_____
Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!
Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/
LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.com
Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com
Subscribe at https://asompod.com
Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com
_____
00:00 Teaser Trailer
02:43 Intro to The ASOM Pod
06:56 Debating Gary Vee’s Influence and Strategy
16:16 Four Pillars of a Successful eCommerce Business
27:06 Pre-Launch Strategies
27:27 Executing the Launch
28:40 Building Hype and Engagement
29:37 Leveraging Community and Affiliates
32:47 Soft Launch and Testing
42:32 Technical Stack Essentials
48:04 Post-Launch Optimization
51:24 Scaling Your Business
57:00 Final Advice and Conclusion
___
Follow Jimmy Kim at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim
Follow Bryan MacDonald at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad
Follow John Roman at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman
Follow Amer Grozdanic at:a
X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic
Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!
#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips
In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) tackle the four pillars of a successful eCommerce business, but not in the boring, “MBA textbook” way. They dive into the messy, real-life side of launching and scaling a brand: from product differentiation (why your “unique” product probably isn’t unique enough) to launch strategies that actually build hype, not crickets. Along the way, they poke fun at industry tropes, debate Gary Vee’s influence, and share war stories from scaling in the trenches. This episode is packed with plenty of “wish I knew that sooner” insights.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Whether you’re dreaming up your first product or already pulling late nights keeping a store alive, this episode gives you the no-BS playbook for launching strong and scaling smart.
_____
Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!
Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/
LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.com
Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com
Subscribe at https://asompod.com
Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com
_____
00:00 Teaser Trailer
02:43 Intro to The ASOM Pod
06:56 Debating Gary Vee’s Influence and Strategy
16:16 Four Pillars of a Successful eCommerce Business
27:06 Pre-Launch Strategies
27:27 Executing the Launch
28:40 Building Hype and Engagement
29:37 Leveraging Community and Affiliates
32:47 Soft Launch and Testing
42:32 Technical Stack Essentials
48:04 Post-Launch Optimization
51:24 Scaling Your Business
57:00 Final Advice and Conclusion
___
Follow Jimmy Kim at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim
Follow Bryan MacDonald at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad
Follow John Roman at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman
Follow Amer Grozdanic at:a
X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic
Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!
#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips
In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane) and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) sit down with Will Nitze, CEO of IQ Bar, to unpack how he scaled from a scrappy eCommerce start-up to landing on shelves at major retailers. Will gets real about the limits of staying DTC-only, the strategic bets that helped IQ Bar break into brick-and-mortar, and why obsessing over COGS and operations is just as important as marketing. From Harvard neuroscience to entrepreneurship, his journey is packed with insights on product development, retail partnerships, and the messy reality of scaling in food and beverage.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Whether you’re building your first CPG brand or plotting your move from online to in store, this episode gives you the inside scoop on growth, grit, and the real costs of scaling.
_____
Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!
Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/
LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.com
Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com
Subscribe at https://asompod.com
Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com
_____
00:00 Teaser Trailer
02:30 Meet Will Nitze: From Neuroscience to DTC
06:53 The Birth of IQ Bar
10:50 Challenges in Food and Beverage Industry
19:28 Navigating Product Trends and Market Fit
22:13 Funding and Growth Strategies
26:19 Outsourcing and Company Structure
30:53 Early Distribution and Product Strategy
35:14 Securing a Major Retail Deal
36:15 Challenges of Scaling Production
37:03 Lessons from Retail Experience
38:41 eCommerce vs. Retail
41:21 Importance of Cost Optimization
45:21 Innovations in Packaging and Fulfillment
48:01 The Role of Operations in Marketing
51:26 Navigating the Convenience Store Market
54:19 Future Growth and Expansion Plans
01:02:55 Challenges of the Convenience Store Market
01:07:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
___
Follow Jimmy Kim at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim
Follow Bryan MacDonald at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad
Follow John Roman at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman
Follow Amer Grozdanic at:a
X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic
Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!
#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips
In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) get real about what it actually takes to scale in eCommerce and SaaS. Spoiler: it’s not cranking out products. The crew digs into how AI is cutting out busywork, the chaos (and occasional magic) of pulling off huge events, and why keeping investors in the loop builds way stronger partnerships. On top of that, you’ll hear candid updates on team shakeups, business pivots, and the not-so-glamorous restructures that come with chasing big growth.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Whether you’re launching your first brand, reshaping an agency, or chasing the next big investment play, this episode drops battle tested lessons on growth, grit, and why distribution wins every time.
_____
Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!
Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/
LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.com
Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com
Subscribe at https://asompod.com
Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com
_____
00:00 Teaser Trailer
04:59 John's Whatnot Experience
09:14 Bryan's SuperZoo Insights
16:18 Amer's App Development Pivot
20:44 Jimmy's Year in Review
28:02 John's Battle Games Challenge
34:49 Bryan's Media Spend Strategy
40:17 Amer's AI Initiatives
44:13 Autonomous Agents and Their Limitations
47:30 The Misconceptions About AI
50:13 Event Management Insights
01:06:09 Investment Reflections and Lessons
01:14:18 Restructuring for Growth
01:18:11 The Power of Distribution
___
Follow Jimmy Kim at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim
Follow Bryan MacDonald at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad
Follow John Roman at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman
Follow Amer Grozdanic at:a
X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic
Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!
#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips
In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) break down the real playbook for building a content strategy that drives free organic traffic to your eCommerce business without relying on ads. From posting consistently to tapping into the viral potential of short-form video, they share how brands are turning content into their most powerful growth engine.
The conversation gets into the messy balance of organic vs. paid, why founder led content matters, and how to measure ROI without losing your mind. You’ll hear when to pivot if your strategy isn’t working, the dangers of chasing low-intent traffic, and why constant experimentation is the only way forward in today’s content landscape.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Whether you’re a scrappy founder or a growing brand, this episode is packed with tactical advice, real world lessons, and inspiration to build an eCommerce content engine that brings in free traffic while building long term loyalty.
_____
Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!
Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/
LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.com
Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com
Subscribe at https://asompod.com
Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com
_____
00:00 Teaser Trailer
02:19 Intro to The ASOM Pod
05:44 Organic vs Paid Traffic Strategies
09:19 The Power of Content Marketing
12:55 Building a Brand Story
18:00 Content Creation Tips and Strategies
29:46 Leveraging Different Content Forms
31:24 The Pitfalls of Low-Intent Blog Traffic
32:10 SEO Strategy: Focus on Core Pages First
34:05 The Rise of Short-Form Video Content
35:17 Surprising Content Formats and Their Effectiveness
36:09 The Power of Reddit for SEO
37:11 Creating Content That Helps Users
47:33 Measuring ROI and Identifying Effective Content
50:23 Adapting to Social Media Trends
57:04 The Shift to Long-Form Content on TikTok
01:01:04 Common Mistakes in eCommerce Content Strategy
___
Follow Jimmy Kim at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim
Follow Bryan MacDonald at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad
Follow John Roman at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman
Follow Amer Grozdanic at:a
X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic
Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!
In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane) and Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella) chat with Natalie Yung, founder of Doggielawn and Bark Potty to unpack her 15-year rollercoaster from flops to full on success in the pet world. From spotting a quirky pain point and turning it into a subscription business, to scaling without taking a single VC check, Natalie spills the real story behind building a profitable, passion-fueled empire.
You’ll hear about the messy middle like operational headaches, testing ideas on the cheap, and building a workplace people actually love showing up to. Natalie also gets candid about giving back to shelters, creating products that change life for pet owners with special needs, and teaming up with her husband as a strategic partner. This is a real look at the wins, losses, and lessons of staying self funded and mission driven.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur (or just a sucker for a good dog story), this episode is loaded with practical advice, unfiltered founder wisdom, and inspiration to build something that lasts.
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Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!
Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/
LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.com
Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com
Subscribe at https://asompod.com
Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com
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00:00 Teaser Trailer
02:01 Welcome to the ASOM Pod
02:41 Meet Natalie Yung: Serial Entrepreneur
03:18 The Birth of DoggyLawn
06:34 Embracing Failure and Learning from It
12:05 Challenges and Strategies in Entrepreneurship
14:28 Subscription Model Success
17:11 Managing Multiple Ventures
25:58 Customer Feedback and Business Growth
27:53 Team Dynamics and Employee Retention
29:11 Building a Village: Management Style and Trust
30:51 Company Structure and Team Dynamics
32:16 Balancing Multiple Brands and Projects
32:52 Employee Growth and Career Path
35:10 Leadership and Conflict Management
38:22 Partnerships and Personal Dynamics
50:31 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
53:01 Future Plans and Concluding Thought
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Follow Jimmy Kim at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim
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Follow Bryan MacDonald at:
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad
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Follow John Roman at:
X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes
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Follow Amer Grozdanic at:a
X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic
Contact us at hello@asompod.com for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!