Minds of Ecommerce

Latif Hamilton is the Founder and CEO of SpiritHoods, a leading fashion brand known for its festival-inspired faux fur products. Under his leadership, SpiritHoods has generated over $50 million in revenue and achieved top-three search rankings across major product categories by strategically aligning product development with SEO. A creative entrepreneur at heart and fractional CMO, Latif specializes in bridging operations and design to drive exponential growth. He is also the Founder of The Growth Operative, a consultancy focused on brand growth and business development. In this episode… Many ecommerce brands rely heavily on intuition and creativity when deciding what products to launch. While this approach can work, it often overlooks a valuable source of insight — how customers are actually searching online. Could aligning product decisions with search behavior lead to more consistent growth? Latif Hamilton's answer comes from his experience as a creative entrepreneur and fractional CMO, where he connects product development with marketing strategy. He explains that instead of guessing what customers want, brands should use tools like Semrush or Ahrefs to identify high-volume, low-competition keywords — and then design products specifically to match that demand. He emphasizes focusing on depth within a single category to build authority, aligning product naming with actual search behavior, and prioritizing long-tail keywords to capture niche opportunities. Latif also cautions against overreliance on agencies, encouraging founders to develop a working understanding of SEO so they can guide strategy effectively. Ultimately, growth comes from intentionally combining creative direction with validated demand signals. In this episode of Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle talks with Latif Hamilton, Founder and CEO of SpiritHoods and Founder of The Growth Operative, to discuss SEO-driven product development. Latif discusses strategies for aligning product design with search behavior, how to build authority by dominating a niche, and avoiding common SEO mistakes like agency overreliance.

4/8/26 • 23:01

Heather Roach is the Director of Marketing at Original Footwear Company, a leading manufacturer of tactical footwear for military personnel, first responders, and outdoor enthusiasts. In her role, Heather has worked to evolve the company's approach to SMS from a basic, automated setup to a more hands-on, test-driven strategy centered on personalization and audience segmentation. Her approach emphasizes balancing promotional messaging with meaningful, human communication to strengthen customer relationships and drive performance. In this episode… SMS marketing has often been treated as an afterthought, with many brands plugging in basic flows and hoping for the best. But what happens when a company decides to truly invest in SMS as a core growth channel, making it a personalized, hands-on tool for customer engagement? Could a more thoughtful approach to SMS be the key to unlocking exponential returns for ecommerce businesses? Heather Roach, an ecommerce growth strategist, explains that success with SMS entails intentional, hands-on optimization. Heather emphasizes A/B testing messaging tone, timing, and format to understand what resonates. She highlights the importance of building diverse flows, including abandoned carts, product recommendations, and review requests, while balancing promotional texts with meaningful, human communication. By segmenting audiences, personalizing outreach, and actively managing responses (instead of relying solely on automation), brands can increase ROI, loyalty, and long-term engagement. In this episode of Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Heather Roach, Director of Marketing at Original Footwear Company, about leveraging SMS for ecommerce growth. Heather unpacks segmentation strategies, balancing promotions with brand voice, and optimizing automated flows for higher conversions.

4/1/26 • 20:16

Jessica Kalichman is the Marketing Director at ASTR the Label, a Los Angeles–based fashion brand known for its contemporary, trend-driven designs. She brings over 12 years of experience in brand development and digital marketing, having previously driven high-impact campaigns in the toy and entertainment industries. Known for blending pop culture insights with data-driven marketing, Jessica has led the creation of over 160 commercials and digital campaigns, helping brands achieve global visibility through innovative storytelling and strategic partnerships. In this episode… Your biggest growth strategy may not be ads, but partnerships you're underutilizing. Many ecommerce brands invest heavily in paid media while overlooking the compounding power of affiliates, creators, and strategic visibility. How can brands actually turn affiliates into a scalable, revenue-driving engine instead of a flailing side tactic? Marketing leader Jessica Kalichman draws from her extensive expertise in performance marketing and influencer strategy. She explains that successful affiliate programs are built across three key pillars: traditional platforms, media-driven affiliate PR, and performance-based creators — with the latter offering the most growth potential. By shifting from vanity metrics toward trackable affiliate links, brands can clearly see which creators drive the most revenue. Jessica also highlights the importance of aligning product selection with the right creators, planning gifting inventory, and leveraging emerging channels like AI-driven search visibility to stay competitive. Ultimately, it's about building a measurable, diversified system that prioritizes conversion without the guesswork. In this episode of Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle talks with Jessica Kalichman, Marketing Director at ASTR the Label, to discuss affiliate-driven growth strategies. Jessica discusses structuring affiliate channels, leveraging influencers for measurable conversions, and using AI search visibility to drive revenue.

3/25/26 • 21:11

Luke Schneider is the Founder and CEO of Fire Department Coffee, a veteran-owned coffee company he launched in 2016 in Rockford, Illinois. A US Navy veteran and former firefighter-paramedic, Luke built the brand to combine his passion for high-quality coffee with a mission to support firefighters and first responders. Under his leadership, the company has grown from a small roasting operation into a nationally distributed brand. Luke also founded the Fire Department Coffee Charitable Foundation, which provides aid and resources to sick or injured firefighters and first responders. In this episode… Building a successful brand takes more than a great product — it requires a mission that resonates with both your team and your customers. When a company's purpose goes beyond profits, it can inspire loyalty, strengthen culture, and create a powerful brand identity. But what does it actually look like to build a purpose-driven business that fuels real growth? Luke Schneider's answer begins with clarity of mission. As a former firefighter-paramedic turned entrepreneur, he explains how aligning a company's purpose with a real community need can create deep authenticity and long-term motivation for teams. Rather than treating purpose as a marketing tactic, he emphasizes embedding it into daily operations, from hiring people aligned with the mission to creating content that reflects the community being served. Luke also highlights the importance of consistency: setting clear impact goals, integrating charitable initiatives into the company's budget, and staying intentional about how every initiative ties back to the mission. Ultimately, he explains that a purpose-driven brand works best when it's genuine, deeply rooted in the founder's values, and supported by a team aligned around the same goal. In this episode of Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle sits down with Luke Schneider, Founder and CEO of Fire Department Coffee, to discuss building a purpose-driven ecommerce brand. Luke discusses defining a mission-driven brand, embedding purpose into company culture and hiring, and setting measurable goals for charitable impact while scaling a growing business.

3/18/26 • 17:03

Greg Rollett is the Head of Growth at Grommet, a product discovery platform that helps makers, inventors, and ecommerce brands showcase new and unique products to millions of shoppers. As an Emmy Award-winning producer, Greg has helped Grommet launch over 2,000 products in the past two years to a customer base of more than 2.5 million shoppers. Beyond his role in driving Grommet's growth, he focuses on helping ecommerce brands with actionable strategies, particularly in partnership and affiliate marketing.  In this episode… Affiliate marketing is often treated like a side project by ecommerce brands — an affiliate link in the footer and a hope that sales will magically appear. But while many companies invest heavily in paid ads, they overlook one of the most powerful performance-based growth channels available. Why do so many affiliate and partner programs fail to gain traction? Greg Rollet's answer starts with a mindset shift: treat partnerships like a real marketing channel. As a growth strategist specializing in affiliate and partnership marketing, he explains that many brands make three critical mistakes: lack of focus, weak incentives, and poor support for partners. Brands often offer commissions that are too low to motivate creators and publishers, even though they spend far more acquiring customers through paid ads. Greg also emphasizes equipping affiliates with the tools they need to succeed, such as product samples, creative assets, landing pages, and ready-to-use marketing copy. When brands align incentives and make it easy for partners to promote their products, affiliate programs can become a scalable and high-impact revenue channel. In this episode of Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle talks with Greg Rollett, Head of Growth at Grommet, to discuss the mistakes brands make with affiliate and partner programs. They explore why many affiliate programs fail, how to structure payouts using allowable CPA, and how brands can build strong affiliate relationships through proactive outreach and partnerships.

3/11/26 • 21:49

Jay Steinfeld is the Founder and former CEO of Blinds.com, the world's largest online retailer of window coverings, which was acquired by The Home Depot in 2014. Under his leadership, Blinds.com grew from a bootstrapped startup in his home to a billion-dollar enterprise, earning a reputation for innovation in ecommerce and technology-driven growth. Jay is also a Wall Street Journal best-selling author of Lead from the Core: The 4 Principles for Profit and Prosperity and the Entrepreneur in Residence at Rice University's Graduate School of Business, where he shares business insights.  In this episode… Scaling your ecommerce business doesn't always require more ad spend or tighter funnels — it can come from forming the right strategic partnerships. Rather than battling industry giants for market share, there's an opportunity to grow by leveraging their reach and infrastructure. How can you turn major players into powerful growth engines for your brand? Jay Steinfeld's answer is the Big Brother Little Brother strategy, a partnership model where a smaller company integrates with a larger one to accelerate growth. As a seasoned ecommerce founder and technology-driven operator, he explains how building product-agnostic software creates leverage far beyond a single category. By making integration seamless and delivering unique value that larger companies lacked, he reduced customer acquisition costs and unlocked rapid distribution. He also emphasizes creating "stickiness" through private-label strategies and focusing on asymmetric risk — low downside, massive upside. The key takeaway: identify what only you can offer and make it irresistible for larger partners to say yes. In this episode of Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle chats with Jay Steinfeld, Founder and former CEO of Blinds.com, about the Big Brother Little Brother growth strategy. They delve into the brand's 90-day Sears integration, expanding partnerships to Wayfair and The Home Depot, and the risks of empowering competitors while creating long-term "stickiness."

3/4/26 • 22:22

Chad Massure is the Founder and CEO of Rosy Soil, a company creating peat-free, carbon-negative potting soils designed to nurture both plants and the planet. He grew up gardening with his grandmother, a background that sparked his passion for sustainable horticulture and inspired him to reimagine what soil could be. Before founding Rosy Soil in 2022, he worked in the impact and food space, helping build ventures focused on sustainable food access and social good. Since then, Chad has guided the brand from a small startup to a rapidly scaling company while maintaining a strong commitment to research, innovation, and environmental stewardship. In this episode… The rapid expansion of online and offline channels can create confusion around where to focus, especially when early retail opportunities reshape expectations and timelines. Brands often face challenges balancing product readiness, packaging clarity, and consistent pricing while simultaneously building demand across DTC, Amazon, and brick-and-mortar shelves. How do you maintain momentum while keeping every channel aligned? For Chad Massura, an expert in omnichannel growth, success lies in prioritizing strong packaging fundamentals to ensure performance across retail, Amazon, and DTC. He highlights the importance of launching Amazon earlier to capture high-intent demand, maintaining pricing consistency across partners, and leveraging retail presence to amplify awareness in other channels. Chad also encourages brands to embrace cross-channel customer behavior rather than resist it, noting how shoppers move naturally between retail, Amazon, and DTC. In this episode of the Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Chad Massura, Founder and CEO of Rosy Soil, about building an omnichannel brand from day one. Chad discusses how early retail adoption shaped his team's go-to-market strategy, the value of packaging optimization, launching at the right time on Amazon, and navigating cross-channel customer behavior.

12/3/25 • 21:45

Nicky Cutler is the B2B Marketing Manager at Goorin Bros., a premium hat and apparel company known for its cult-favorite line of trucker hats featuring embroidered animal patches. A seasoned marketer, Nicky led Goorin's to over $1 million in affiliate revenue in two years by building and scaling Goorin's ambassador and influencer programs. He previously worked across sales and retail leadership at Goorin and also launched his fashion brand earlier in his career. Blending brand building, community storytelling, and retail insight, he's become known for driving culture-first marketing strategies that resonate in the fashion world. In this episode… Many brands try to launch ambassador programs only to discover that discount-driven strategies attract the wrong participants, fail to generate new customers, and create tension among community members. With rising competition for attention and the growing need for authentic social proof, the challenge becomes clear — how do you build an ambassador engine that converts, sustains engagement, and avoids turning into a chaotic or unprofitable program? For Nicky Cutler, a specialist in B2B marketing and community-driven brand building, success lies in leaning into genuine customer enthusiasm rather than follower counts. Nicky shares how he initially tapped into an eager fan base, leveraged referral codes, and later recognized pitfalls such as repeat purchasers misusing discounts and ambassadors competing against one another. He outlines practical strategies for structuring guidelines, limiting code usage, and transitioning toward a reward-based system that motivates creators through exclusive products and achievable milestones. Nicky's approach prioritizes testing multiple program designs and focusing on authentic customers who truly represent the brand. In this episode of Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Nicky Cutler, B2B Marketing Manager at Goorin Bros., about building a high-converting ambassador program through relatable content. Nicky discusses the power of fan-led recruiting, the risks of discount dependency, and why reward-based content systems uncover authentic creators. He also explores program design, community management, and strategies for long-term scalability.

11/26/25 • 20:14

Cherie Hoeger is the Co-Founder and CEO of Saalt, a woman-owned period care brand known for its sustainable, reusable cups, discs, and leakproof underwear. With expertise in leveraging education-driven customer engagement and innovative sales channels, Cherie has led the company to become the #1 period care brand on TikTok Shop. Before Saalt, she worked as a technical writer for over a decade and launched multiple ecommerce ventures. As a social entrepreneur, she has steered Saalt's mission to donate tens of thousands of cups and underwear globally to fight period poverty.  In this episode… Turning prospects into buyers is a challenge for many ecommerce brands — especially for products that need extra explanation before customers commit. How can brands build trust quickly and address FAQs in real time? Learn how a sustainable period care company engaged both loyal fans and first-time shoppers by employing live events. What strategies, team dynamics, and content secrets contributed to its rapid increase in sales? Cherie Hoeger, an expert in sustainable period care products and live social selling, illustrates how live commerce can cut long buying journeys from months to minutes. Cherie shares how her team at Saalt used TikTok LIVE sessions to answer questions on the spot, educate new audiences, and drive over $100,000 in sales in just 90 days. She delves into the ideal product price point for success, how to find and train team members to host live events, and why pairing hero products into a branded routine increases customer lifetime value. In this episode of Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Cherie Hoeger, Co-founder and CEO of Saalt, about leveraging TikTok LIVE selling to fuel rapid ecommerce growth. Cherie discusses gathering customer feedback during live sessions, how to combine daily organic content with live events, and strategies for creating complementary products that boost average order value and build long-term brand loyalty.

10/1/25 • 20:25

Michael Houlihan was the Co‑founder, President, and CEO of Barefoot Wine, an iconic brand that he and his partner Bonnie Harvey launched in a laundry room in 1986 with no money and no knowledge of the wine industry, and built one of the top wine brands in the US and in 28 countries. It was eventually acquired by E. & J. Gallo. A renowned writer, speaker, and consultant, Michael co-authored the New York Times best-selling book The Barefoot Spirit: How Hardship, Hustle, and Heart Built America's #1 Wine Brand. He currently divides his time between mentoring entrepreneurs and working on media projects, including Business Audio Theatre. In this episode… Many businesses face the challenge of building awareness without massive advertising budgets. How do you create genuine customer loyalty when traditional advertising channels are out of reach? Learn how one entrepreneur transformed an unknown product into one of America's most beloved brands using unconventional marketing strategies.  Michael Houlihan, marketing innovator, built brand awareness by leveraging what he calls "worthy-cause marketing." Instead of relying on big ad budgets, he donated wine to community fundraisers, giving people a social reason to choose his product over competitors and building loyalty in the process. This targeted approach created advocates, not just customers, as people felt emotionally connected to the brand's support of causes they cared about. Michael explains how this method isn't just a badge of charity for public image, but a strategic way to leverage existing networks and communication channels within communities. He also details how to apply the same principles to ecommerce businesses by aligning with organizations whose members are likely customers, which creates a scalable and loyal fanbase. In this episode of Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Michael Houlihan, Co-founder of Barefoot Wine and Business Audio Theater, about how unorthodox marketing can scale a brand. Michael discusses the origins of "worthy-cause marketing," how to scale the approach from startup to enterprise, and why businesses should focus on building advocates rather than customers. He also discusses how to choose nonprofits strategically and lessons learned from scaling and selling his company.

9/24/25 • 22:46

Aaron Zagha is the Chief Marketing Officer at Newton Baby, a company specializing in innovative, science-backed sleep products for babies and families. With a professional background in corporate finance and a data-driven marketing approach, Aaron oversees the brand's marketing strategy, branding, and growth. He previously led international ecommerce operations for Teleflora. Under his leadership, Newton Baby collected over two million pounds of ocean-bound plastic and grew the brand through impactful influencer marketing. In this episode… Influencer marketing is one of the fastest-growing channels for ecommerce brands, but too often it leaves marketers questioning what truly drives results. Should success be measured by likes, reach, or sales? And how can companies ensure their investments in creators generate sustainable growth instead of vanity metrics? According to Aaron Zagha, a seasoned marketing leader with a background in finance and analytics, the answer lies in tracking every possible data point and treating influencer marketing like a performance channel. He highlights the use of unique codes, post-purchase surveys, and custom signups to attribute revenue back to specific creators. This level of tracking ensures brands can identify which partnerships drive actual conversions and which don't. Aaron also stresses the importance of frequency aligned with customer journeys, diversifying influencer portfolios, and vetting for brand safety. These practices not only optimize budgets but also protect credibility and drive long-term results. In this episode of the Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Aaron Zagha, CMO at Newton, about building measurable and scalable influencer marketing programs. Aaron shares why tracking attribution is critical, how to balance micro and macro creators, and the role of frequency in customer journeys. He also explores agency partnerships, brand safety vetting, and why credibility outshines influencer categories.

9/17/25 • 18:41

Wade Brown is the Vice President of Marketing at cbdMD, a publicly traded company known for its CBD and cannabis product lines. He is a seasoned executive with expertise across ecommerce, B2B and B2C channels, digital advertising, and strategic partnerships. Wade has led marketing for restricted product categories, including CBD, THC beverages, firearms, and tactical gear, with leadership roles at SupplyKick, Inc Authority, NatureWise, among others. At cbdMD, he drives customer acquisition and creative ad strategies, spearheading the launch of the Herbal Oasis infused beverage line and securing distribution with major retailers like Total Wine. In this episode… When the usual ad channels become crowded, expensive, or off-limits, many brands can get stuck with limited growth options. For companies in restricted categories, the challenge is even greater: How do you reach high-quality customers while staying compliant and profitable? Could a lesser-known platform like AppLovin be the untapped opportunity these brands need? According to Wade Brown, a seasoned marketing leader with deep expertise in restricted product categories, AppLovin has become one of the most reliable top-of-funnel acquisition channels. He highlights that the platform delivers trackable, high-quality traffic, often outperforming Meta and TikTok. The key, Wade explains, is repurposing proven creatives like UGC videos while also testing interactive HTML ads that offer richer engagement. By treating AppLovin as a funnel starter rather than expecting immediate conversions, brands can nurture audiences more effectively and expand reach into new markets. This strategic approach helps restricted brands capture authentic traffic and build sustainable campaigns. In this episode of the Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Wade Brown, VP of Marketing at cbdMD, about how AppLovin helps restricted brands scale customer acquisition. Wade discusses the advantages of HTML ads, how to repurpose winning creatives, and the importance of patience in testing. He also shares insights into funnel measurement, traffic quality, and common mistakes marketers make when evaluating new platforms.

9/12/25 • 19:23

Hassan Alireza is the Founder and CEO of The Daily Crave, a California-based snack company that crafts better‑for‑you, non‑GMO, wholesome snacks sold worldwide. He launched the business in May 2012 with Veggie Chips and Sticks, which quickly gained traction in national retail chains. Under his leadership, the brand has expanded its lineup to include award-winning quinoa chips and, more recently, Crunchy Fries To-Go, which are made from high-quality non-GMO potatoes and are both gluten-free and kosher. Hassan's vision focuses on delivering snacks that are delicious, crunchy, flavorful, and made with clean ingredients that offer nutritional value. In this episode… Many brands assume that direct-to-consumer sales is the only way to scale in today's digital-first marketplace. But can leaning too heavily on DTC actually weaken your growth and profitability? Could retail partnerships and smart channel strategy be the real key to building a sustainable brand? According to Hassan Alireza, a retail and food distribution veteran, retail has always been the most reliable engine for long-term growth. He highlights that snacks are expensive to ship directly, often eroding margins and forcing smaller brands to burn cash. By leveraging established distributors and platforms like Amazon Vendor Central, he maintains efficiency and avoids costly logistics pitfalls. The result is steady expansion without sacrificing financial health. He emphasizes that scaling should be about playing to your strengths, using ecommerce as a marketing tool, and protecting profitability through balancing channel strategies. In this episode of Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Hassan Alireza, Founder and CEO of The Daily Crave, about why retail still wins over DTC. They discuss the challenges of shipping snacks directly to consumers, the importance of leveraging Amazon without losing control of pricing, and how innovative product launches help attract new customers. Hassan also shares insights on relaunching with Amazon Seller Central and other fresh marketing strategies.

8/27/25 • 21:18

Raphael Paulin-Daigle is the Founder and CEO of SplitBase, a conversion optimization agency specializing in luxury, lifestyle, and fashion ecommerce brands. Since 2015, he has helped companies like Dr. Squatch, Hyperice, Amika, Kiehl's, NYX Cosmetics, and YSL Beauty generate millions in additional revenue while preserving brand integrity. Known for creating the 3P's methodology and the Testing Trifecta, Raphael combines analytics, qualitative research, and A/B testing to align growth with brand value. A TEDx speaker and the host of the Minds of Ecommerce podcast, he shares strategies that challenge traditional CRO best practices and fuel sustainable growth. In this episode… Ecommerce brands often face a tough dilemma: Increase conversions quickly or protect brand equity for the long term. Traditional CRO tactics, such as countdown timers, fake scarcity, and aggressive pop-ups, may drive short-term sales but can erode trust and tarnish a premium brand. How can companies grow revenue without sacrificing their identity and customer perception? Raphael Paulin-Daigle, a conversion optimization expert, shares his 3P's methodology — Patterns, Perception, and Proof — as a framework for driving growth while strengthening brand value. Raphael explains how to analyze behavioral and voice patterns, build trust through clear positioning and compelling narratives, and validate strategies through smart testing. By approaching optimization holistically, he shows how brands can increase conversions and revenue while maintaining the premium appeal their customers expect. In this episode of Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle, Founder and CEO of SplitBase, breaks down how to scale conversions without weakening brand equity. Raphael discusses the flaws of traditional CRO tactics, why positioning and trust drive long-term growth and the importance of testing offers, pathways, and customer experiences. He also shares a case study on Hyperice's $900K monthly revenue increase while preserving brand integrity.

8/22/25 • 28:04

Judd Pratt-Heaney is the VP of Marketing and Ecommerce at recteq, a leading pellet grill and barbecue lifestyle brand known for its innovative, durable wood pellet grills and strong community focus. With over two decades of experience in marketing leadership, Judd held senior roles at Reckitt Benckiser, HARMAN International, and WWE, working across brand management, global communications, sponsorship strategy, and integrated marketing. At recteq, Judd directs both content and performance marketing, using storytelling to build community and drive ecommerce across the grill and outdoor lifestyle space.  In this episode… Many brands aim to build community and authenticity, but end up relying on buzzwords and performative content that fail to resonate. In the crowded ecommerce space, how can companies foster a genuine connection with their audience — one that scales, drives loyalty, and still sells products? Judd Pratt-Heaney, a marketing and ecommerce leader, breaks down how brands can build real communities through content that feels personal, messy, and true to the customer experience. Judd emphasizes the importance of user-generated content, live video, and direct engagement with fans as key drivers of trust and growth. He advises marketers to favor function over polish, listen to their community for content cues, and embrace a three-pronged approach: reflecting the customer's voice, jumping on trending moments, and creating unique ideas that push the brand forward. In this episode of the Minds of Ecommerce podcast, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Judd Pratt-Heaney, VP of Marketing and Ecommerce at recteq, about scaling community through authentic storytelling. Judd shares how messy, unslick content builds stronger engagement, how to balance product and promotion, and why direct feedback loops with customers create lasting brand value.

8/6/25 • 18:41

Shane Heath is the Co-founder and CEO of MUD/WTR, which produces coffee alternative beverages designed to provide natural energy and focus. Under Shane's leadership, MUD/WTR has gained significant recognition for its unique branding, evolving into a popular choice among consumers seeking healthier alternatives to traditional caffeinated drinks. Shane's background in design and his ability to create a compelling brand narrative have been pivotal in MUD/WTR's success. In this episode… Most brands don't fail because they're bad — they fail because no one cares. In a saturated ecommerce landscape, it's not enough to be liked; you need to evoke a strong reaction. How do you build a brand that cuts through indifference and resonates with people? Shane Heath, a designer and entrepreneur, explains how to use branding and positioning to eliminate consumer indifference. Shane emphasizes the importance of building a brand with a clear voice, personality, and worldview. He suggests treating every customer touchpoint — from packaging to transactional emails — as an opportunity to express your brand's identity. Rather than striving to appeal to everyone, Shane recommends creating something unique, even polarizing, to spark curiosity and emotional connection. In this episode of Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Shane Heath, Co-founder and CEO of MUD/WTR, about building brands that demand attention. Shane shares how authenticity drives emotional resonance, how to use brand voice as a filter for every decision, and why world-building is more important than flashy tactics.

7/9/25 • 19:58

Ryan Groh is the Associate Director of Ecommerce at BYLT Basics, a California-based premium apparel brand. With over seven years of experience in ecommerce and digital merchandising, Ryan has led initiatives that have significantly increased online revenue and improved customer experience through personalization and streamlined checkout processes. He played a pivotal role in BYLT's migration to Shopify's Hydrogen framework, enhancing site performance and enabling seamless omnichannel operations. Before his current role, Ryan was the Ecommerce Manager at Absolute Merch Inc. In this episode… Brands often wonder whether building a mobile app is worth the investment when a responsive mobile site already exists. The decision is particularly tricky for ecommerce companies trying to boost loyalty, retention, and customer lifetime value without overwhelming their tech teams. How can businesses know if an app will genuinely enhance the customer journey and deliver measurable ROI? Ryan Groh, an expert in ecommerce and digital merchandising, shares how his team approached the mobile app question by focusing on their most loyal customers. Ryan explains that an app can provide a more curated, frictionless experience for high-value buyers — especially those already engaged via SMS or email. He recommends identifying segments with high purchase frequency or cart value, using exclusive in-app promotions, and ensuring tech integrations support a seamless UX. For Ryan, app-driven ecommerce growth hinges on choosing the right platform vendor, personalizing content, and building app-based features that align with the brand's LTV strategy. In this episode of the Minds of Ecommerce podcast, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Ryan Groh, Associate Director of Ecommerce at BYLT Basics, about scaling loyalty and retention through mobile apps. Ryan dives into how push notifications outperform traditional channels, how to evaluate whether your brand is a good fit for an app, and the value of a headless CMS in crafting seamless user experiences.

7/2/25 • 19:35

Adam Gillman is the Co‑founder and President of Hiya Health, a children's wellness company that reimagines kids' vitamins by delivering sugar‑free, transparency‑focused nutrition through clean, science‑backed products. A seasoned entrepreneur, Adam has built and scaled consumer‑facing businesses in health and fitness, including CycleHouse. Motivated by his experience as a father, he teamed up with Darren Litt to disrupt the gummy vitamin market, creating Hiya's signature chewables using real food ingredients and recycling‑minded packaging. Under his leadership, Hiya has grown into a fast‑scaling, subscription‑based brand that drew the attention of USANA, which acquired a controlling stake in late 2024.  In this episode… Many brands invest heavily in influencer marketing, yet few see consistent, scalable growth. Despite having access to creators and content, campaigns may fall short due to misaligned messaging, lack of authenticity, or a focus on short-term wins. How do you build a long-term influencer strategy that converts and drives sustainable revenue? Adam Gillman, an expert in DTC growth strategy, shares how his team scaled a wellness brand by rejecting surface-level influencer tactics and instead focusing on creator relationships rooted in trust, relevance, and storytelling. Adam emphasizes selecting influencers not by follower count but by credibility with niche audiences, especially in sensitive markets like children's wellness. He advises brands to set clear creative guardrails while allowing influencers freedom in tone and delivery and to always tie campaigns to measurable, ROI-driven offers. By prioritizing authentic partnerships over ad placements and building a strong subscription model, Adam reveals a playbook for long-term customer retention and predictable growth. In this episode of the Minds of Ecommerce podcast, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Adam Gillman, Co-Founder and President of Hiya Health, about scaling with influencer-led marketing. Adam shares how authenticity outperforms reach, why UGC isn't always effective on-site, and how a subscription-only model lessened Hiya's market risk. Other highlights include creator compliance strategies, performance-focused partnerships, and long-term brand loyalty.

6/25/25 • 19:35

Abby Fallacaro is the Senior Manager of Ecommerce at Edie Parker and Flower by Edie Parker, leading female-founded and operated lifestyle brands. With extensive experience in ecommerce management, she leads digital strategy and ecommerce operations for both brands, overseeing online sales, customer experience, and digital marketing initiatives. Abby has been instrumental in integrating lifestyle branding with product offerings, ensuring cohesive brand experiences across digital platforms. Before Edie Parker, she held various roles at Lewis, including Operations Manager, Ecommerce Manager, and Head of Ecommerce.  In this episode… Marketing in regulated industries often presents unique challenges. With limited avenues for digital promotion, brands can struggle to maintain visibility and connect with their target audience. How can companies grow and scale their presence while working within these constraints? Ecommerce expert Abby Fallacaro has helped build a lifestyle brand that resonates with its audience. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and nurturing a community that aligns with the brand's values. Abby also recommends focusing on authentic marketing tactics such as activation events and leveraging organic word-of-mouth marketing, even in a space with strict advertising regulations. Combining customer bases across various product lines can help bolster growth, and leveraging content strategies like blogging and social media can increase engagement and drive sales. In this episode of Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Abby Fallacaro, Senior Manager of Ecommerce at Edie Parker and Flower by Edie Parker, about growing a brand in a highly regulated space. Abby discusses the importance of building a lifestyle brand, the challenge of cross-promoting various product lines, and how activation events can drive community engagement.

6/18/25 • 20:05

Mark X. Cronin is the Co-founder of John's Crazy Socks, a social enterprise he launched in 2016 with his son, John, who has Down syndrome, to spread happiness and champion inclusive employment. With a background in public service and healthcare innovation, Mark previously served as Director of Medicaid Health Services in New York City and held executive roles in healthcare management firms. He advocates for people with differing abilities, frequently speaking at organizations like the United Nations and the US Congress. Under Mark and John's leadership, John's Crazy Socks has fulfilled over two million orders, employs a diverse workforce, and has donated over $800,000 to charities supporting disability inclusion. John Cronin is the Co-founder and Chief Happiness Officer of John's Crazy Socks, a social enterprise that spreads joy through colorful socks. Born in 1996 and diagnosed with Down syndrome, John has become a prominent advocate for people with differing abilities, delivering TEDx talks and speaking at the United Nations and US Congress. He made history in 2019 as the first person with Down syndrome to win the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. In this episode… Many ecommerce brands struggle to differentiate themselves in a crowded market where products alone rarely inspire customer loyalty. While some attempt to use charitable initiatives or mission statements, these often come off as superficial or gimmicky. How can a brand authentically integrate purpose into its business model in a way that drives growth and builds genuine connections? Social entrepreneur Mark X. Cronin and his co-founder son, John Cronin, share how building a mission-driven company rooted in inclusion and authenticity can create deep customer loyalty and sustainable impact. Mark, an advocate for people with differing abilities, and John, a passionate co-founder with Down syndrome, explain how their values inform every aspect of the business — from customer service to charitable giving. They advise business owners to start by uncovering their "why," embed values into daily operations, and involve their team and customers in the mission. Mark also emphasizes the importance of making personal touches and staying true to your identity, even when facing criticism. In this episode of Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Mark X. Cronin and John Cronin, Co-founders of John's Crazy Socks, about building a purpose-first ecommerce brand. Mark and John delve into how personal touches drive customer loyalty, how purpose attracts like-minded employees, and why consistency is key to authentic branding. They also provide insights into social enterprise structures, inclusive hiring, and evolving company values.

6/11/25 • 22:02

Joe Carr is the Co-founder and President of Serenity Kids, an Austin-based baby food company dedicated to providing nutrient-dense, ethically sourced products for children. Alongside his wife and co-founder, Serenity Carr, Joe launched Serenity Kids in 2018 to revolutionize children's nutrition and empower future generations. With a background in youth services, nonprofit leadership, and life coaching, Joe brings a passion for child development and social impact to his role. He is also an autism advocate serving on the Advisory Board for the Autism Hope Alliance and is active in men's personal development through the ManKind Project.  In this episode… Many DTC brands struggle to stand out in crowded markets while keeping customer acquisition costs under control. Traditional paid ads are expensive and short-lived, while organic strategies often take too long to show results. How can founders create authentic connections with customers and drive scalable growth without burning through the budget? Joe Carr, a founder with deep expertise in e-commerce and early childhood nutrition, shares how leveraging guest podcast appearances can create evergreen traffic and boost conversions. Joe explains how being a subject matter expert, identifying niche white space in podcast content, and offering compelling affiliate incentives helped lower CAC and build lasting credibility. He also highlights the importance of understanding the customer journey and offers tips for crafting messaging that educates and connects, not just sells. In this episode of Minds of Ecommerce podcast, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Joe Carr, Co-founder and President of Serenity Kids, about how guest podcasting fuels long-term DTC growth. Joe discusses why unpaid promotions outperform traditional ads, how his team crafts affiliate offers, and how authenticity builds trust with parents. He also shares insights on launching his podcast, identifying topic white space, and positioning non-founder voices as brand advocates.

6/4/25 • 24:06

Dylan Kim is the Co-founder and Head of Marketing at Brevitē, a DTC backpack brand for creators, photographers, and commuters. Founded in 2014 by Dylan and his brothers, Brevitē creates premium everyday bags that fit both camera gear and daily essentials. Under Dylan's marketing leadership, the brand has cultivated a substantial social media following, notably achieving over 2.5 million followers across platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Dylan has also been recognized on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in the retail and ecommerce category. In this episode… Despite the promise of social media virality, sustaining growth through unpaid content remains elusive for many ecommerce brands. Brevitē, a DTC backpack brand, has cracked the code, amassing a staggering 2.5 million followers across various platforms. What unique strategies did they employ to harness the power of organic social media and navigate challenges like rising acquisition costs? The Co-founder of Brevitē, Dylan Kim, a seasoned marketing strategist with a proven track record in scaling consumer brands, outlines how his team leveraged short-form video to scale a DTC brand's social audience to over 2.5 million. Dylan emphasizes starting with a brand-led strategy rather than delegating social media to entry-level staff, ensuring content reflects the company's core message. He recommends consistent experimentation with a learning mindset, using tools like GA4 and post-purchase surveys to evaluate performance. Balancing content variety with purposeful iteration — rather than chasing trends or volume for its own sake — can help you engage your target audience.  In this episode of the Minds of Ecommerce podcast, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Dylan Kim, Co-founder and Head of Marketing for Brevitē, about building a massive organic social presence. Dylan discusses using TikTok to spark viral growth, creating data-backed video strategies, and integrating brand storytelling into short-form content. He also explores attribution tools, platform-specific insights, and the importance of learning from every post.

5/28/25 • 21:49

John Ibbetson is the CEO of trueCABLE, a company specializing in low-voltage and fiber optic products. Under his leadership, trueCABLE has developed a comprehensive end-to-end solution, emphasizing reliability and customer support. With a background in business development, John previously held sales and account management roles at Distributor Wire & Cable, Bortek Industries, Inc., and Omni Cable.  In this episode… Managing growth while keeping operations lean is one of the toughest challenges for scaling ecommerce companies. As teams expand, so do inefficiencies, repetitive tasks, and customer support burdens. How can brands streamline their operations without compromising customer experience or team agility? John Ibbetson, an ecommerce automation expert, shares how he tackled these issues by prioritizing intelligent automation from the beginning. John automated order entry through ERP integrations, which allowed his team to stay small and focus on strategic growth initiatives. He emphasizes using customer feedback to guide automation decisions, especially in areas like returns and content support. John also discusses how building a rich library of educational content not only reduces support tickets but also strengthens brand trust. He warns, however, that automation must be balanced with accuracy and authenticity — particularly when content is technical and customer-facing. In this episode of Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews John Ibbetson, CEO of trueCABLE, about leveraging automation for strategic growth. John explains why automation is a business multiplier, reflects on failed automation experiments, and shares insights on building educational content, optimizing the customer journey, and staying lean.

5/21/25 • 18:57

Sean Agatep is the Co‑founder and Chief Operating Officer at Vincero Collective, a men's accessories brand specializing in premium watches and jewelry that blend style with personalization. Drawing on an early experience in manufacturing and sourcing in China, Sean leads Vincero's operations, including product development, logistics, and customer experience. Under his leadership, the company has emphasized personalized craftsmanship while building strong repeat-purchase loyalty and serving nearly 700,000 customers since 2014. In this episode… Ecommerce brands face the challenge of adding personalization without compromising operational efficiency or brand integrity. While customization can increase emotional connection and repeat purchases, it often introduces logistical and cost challenges that are difficult to justify without a clear ROI. How can a brand offer personalization in a scalable, meaningful way without compromising product experience or profitability? Sean Agatep, an expert in ecommerce operations and product development, shares how his team validated demand for engraving through attachment rates on gift add-ons before making significant investments. Sean emphasizes starting small and testing personalization in-house before scaling with the right third-party logistics partner to handle fulfillment complexity. He also highlights the importance of sentimentality in product design, citing examples like birthstone pendants for new dads and custom messaging to elevate the gifting experience. For Sean, successful personalization is rooted not in gimmicks, but in thoughtful customer signals, lean testing, and long-term brand alignment. In this episode of the Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Sean Agatep, Co-founder and COO at Vincero Collective, about building a scalable personalization strategy. Sean discusses validating demand with low-risk tests, building custom infrastructure for engraving, and designing meaningful gift experiences. He also touches on branding pitfalls, key logistics challenges, and how personalization impacts packaging and messaging.

5/21/25 • 21:15

Eric del Valle is the Director of Ecommerce at Onewheel, a self-balancing electric skateboard brand developed by Future Motion. With a background that includes experience at Google and various DTC startups, Eric leverages behavioral psychology to enhance customer acquisition and user experience strategies. Under his leadership, Onewheel has grown significantly by transitioning marketing efforts from mere awareness to deeper customer consideration.  In this episode… Many brands struggle when their once-thriving marketing tactics hit a wall, leaving them wondering how to sustain growth in a shifting market. How do you take customers beyond simple awareness and move them into true consideration — especially when your product comes with a high price tag and a niche appeal? The challenge lies in breaking through audience assumptions and reshaping brand perceptions to tap into a wider, more willing customer base. Eric del Valle, an expert in ecommerce and behavioral psychology, shares how his team overcame these hurdles by focusing on authentic user stories and deep customer research. Eric highlights how Onewheel identified an unexpected core demographic, leveraged emotional testimonials, and restructured marketing to focus on relatability over features. By employing strategies like reducing product price points, simplifying purchase bundles, and removing unnecessary micro-decisions in the funnel, niche brands can make it easier for hesitant buyers to commit. In this episode of the Minds of Ecommerce podcast, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Eric del Valle, Director of Ecommerce at Onewheel, about transforming marketing strategies for lasting growth. Eric discusses customer-driven marketing, price point adjustments, and optimizing the buyer journey. He also delves into overcoming audience misconceptions, leveraging authentic stories, and removing decision fatigue to boost conversions.

5/14/25 • 21:37

Mike Lewis is the Vice President of Bison Coolers, a family-owned outdoor gear company based in Fort Worth, Texas. Since joining the company in 2022, he has spearheaded initiatives emphasizing American craftsmanship and innovation, including launching the Bison Trax Wheel System for enhanced cooler mobility. With a background in ecommerce and DTC strategies, Mike has been instrumental in driving the brand's growth and expanding its market presence. His leadership continues to shape Bison Coolers' commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. In this episode… In the crowded and competitive world of ecommerce, how can brands stand out, keep customers engaged, and acquire new buyers without burning through massive ad budgets? Many businesses struggle to balance product innovation with operational risks, often hesitating to launch new products for fear they won't sell. Learn the strategy that enabled a brand to test, adapt, and scale without jeopardizing core operations. Mike Lewis, an expert in ecommerce growth and DTC strategy, shares how his team uses limited edition product drops and seasonal releases to drive customer acquisition and retention. Mike explains the importance of testing small product batches, using data and customer reactions to identify winners, and continuously iterating based on performance. He emphasizes the need to "fail fast," leverage emotional buying triggers, align cross-functional teams, and stay nimble with ad budgets to maximize return and lifetime value. In this episode of the Minds of Ecommerce podcast, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Mike Lewis, Vice President of Bison Coolers, about using limited edition products to fuel growth. Mike shares insights on leveraging Facebook ads, managing inventory challenges, and educating leadership teams on marketing metrics. Tune in for insights on balancing corporate sales, navigating algorithm changes, and building long-term customer value.

5/7/25 • 21:21

Alec Avedissian is the Co-founder and CEO of RAREFORM, an innovative brand that recycles vinyl billboards into one-of-a-kind bags, backpacks, and accessories. With over a decade of experience in entrepreneurship, Alec has led RAREFORM from its roots as a surf bag company to a thriving eight-figure ecommerce business, recycling 80% of billboard materials in the US. He is passionate about sustainability, creative product design, and building purpose-driven brands that adapt to market needs.  In this episode… Pivoting too late can be fatal, and moving too fast can derail a growing brand. For ecommerce founders, knowing when and how to shift product lines or business models is a constant challenge — especially at scale. How can established brands embrace strategic pivots without alienating customers or sacrificing momentum? For Alec Avedissian, an expert in sustainable product development and vertical brand growth, tuning into market signals helped RAREFORM drive major strategic decisions. Alec explains that rather than forcing underperforming products to work, brands must lean into data, customer behavior, and gut instinct to identify scalable opportunities. He also reveals how building multiple business segments — including B2C, B2B, and recycling services — enabled the brand's diversification and resilience. Product iterations, he emphasizes, should be informed by timeless design trends while remaining flexible to let go of what doesn't work. In this episode of the Minds of Ecommerce podcast, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Alec Avedissian, Co-founder and CEO of RAREFORM, about the art of timely pivots in ecommerce. Alec discusses how diversifying revenue streams sustains growth, the importance of knowing when to abandon a product, and why timeless design outweighs trend-chasing. He also delves into gut instinct in leadership, business evolution over revolution, and the lessons he'd apply if starting over.

4/30/25 • 18:48

Liza Roeser is the Founder and CEO of FiftyFlowers, an innovative online floral retailer that delivers farm-fresh flowers directly to customers across the US. Her journey began in the early 1990s with the Peace Corps in Ecuador, where she developed a passion for the floral industry and later spent over a decade building relationships with sustainable farms worldwide. Under her leadership, FiftyFlowers has grown into a multimillion-dollar business with over a million orders delivered. A serial entrepreneur, Liza also founded Flower Fix, Farm Exports, Inc., and The Flower CEO, where she shares insights on entrepreneurship, ecommerce, and the floral industry. In this episode… Hiring the right people is hard — keeping them in the right roles as your company scales is even harder. When a business evolves from startup to eight and nine figures, the team that got you there might not be the team to take you further. How do you reassess your structure without disrupting momentum or compromising your culture? Liza Roeser, a leader in the floral ecommerce space, offers hard-won lessons on navigating team restructuring during rapid growth. Liza emphasizes the power of the "right people, right seats" philosophy from Jim Collins and how using tools like the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) framework and the GWC analysis can help leaders make data-backed decisions about personnel. She also highlights the importance of onboarding rigor, cultural alignment, and frequent evaluations to catch misalignments early. Through constant, value-driven contact across all stages of the customer journey, brands can improve customer engagement, especially when the product experience is deeply emotional or tied to milestone events. In this episode of the Minds of Ecommerce, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Liza Roeser, Founder and CEO of FiftyFlowers, about building high-performing teams while scaling. Liza shares how she uses EOS to evaluate team alignment, why founder-led marketing builds deeper trust, and how expectation management creates lifelong customer advocates.

4/23/25 • 19:31

Kareem Elgendy is the Chief Executive Officer of Veiled, an eight-figure fashion brand for Muslim women. Under his leadership, Veiled has achieved impressive growth, with consistent revenue increases and a strong emphasis on analytics to optimize the company's ecommerce strategy. Kareem previously served as a Senior Marketing Strategist at Baked Bouquet and held project management roles at Frank Seta & Associates. His multifaceted background, including roles as a sustainability expert, software engineer, and unit manager in banking, adds a unique perspective to his approach in the fashion industry.   In this episode… Ecommerce founders often face mounting pressure to make quick decisions without clear data, leading to stalled growth and missed opportunities. From inconsistent revenues to underperforming SKUs, using analytics to guide merchandising and marketing plans can make a huge impact on profitability. What if you could cut through the noise and confidently steer your brand using data-driven insights tailored to your business? Kareem Elgendy, an expert in ecommerce analytics and merchandising, shares how a strategic focus on data dashboards and inventory insights has helped his brand grow consistently — surpassing 70% year-over-year growth. Kareem emphasizes the importance of understanding every metric inside and out, using internal scripts, Google Cloud tools, and custom dashboards to analyze traffic, stock velocity, and product demand. He outlines a practical merchandising framework that breaks down collections by category, style, color, and size, ensuring supply aligns with proven demand. Kareem's approach emphasizes the importance of founders remaining curious and optimistic about what their numbers reveal. In this episode of the Minds of Ecommerce podcast, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Kareem Elgendy, CEO of Veiled, about leveraging analytics to drive fashion ecommerce growth. Kareem shares how data-informed merchandising decisions lead to more consistent revenue and dives into daily performance tracking, marketing efficiency, and forecasting demand using internal algorithms.

4/16/25 • 20:11

Justin Soleimani is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Tumble, a Los Angeles-based company specializing in machine-washable, spillproof rugs designed for modern living. Before establishing Tumble in 2021, he worked as a consultant at Bain & Company, advising clients across various industries. Justin holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BA in Economics from Emory University, where he met his Co-founder, Zach Dannett. Under their leadership, Tumble has grown significantly, scaling to high eight-figures in revenue within four years. Zach Dannett is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Tumble. Before Tumble, he served as the General Merchandise Manager and Buyer & Merchandiser for Outdoor Furniture at Noble House Home Furnishings, LLC and as an Investment Management Associate at BBR Partners. Zach earned his BBA in Finance from Emory University's Goizueta Business School in 2011, where he met his Co-founder, Justin Soleimani. In this episode… Breaking into the ecommerce ecosystem with a physical product — especially a large one like rugs — comes with unique logistical and financial hurdles. From expensive shipping costs to supply chain inefficiencies, many startups fail to develop a sustainable model. How did a product-focused, bootstrapped brand scale successfully without sacrificing profitability? Justin Soleimani and Zach Dannett, experts in DTC product development and operations, tackled this challenge head-on by designing a modular, collapsible rug that's easier and less expensive to ship. Justin and Zach spent over 15 months perfecting their design before launching, focusing on optimizing everything from the product's dimensions to its warehousing footprint. They emphasize the value of focusing on profitability from day one by cutting out unnecessary SKUs, refining your supply chain, and tailoring offerings to fit consumer needs and carrier constraints. In this episode of the Minds of Ecommerce podcast, Raphael Paulin-Daigle interviews Justin Soleimani and Zach Dannett, Co-founders and Co-CEOs of Tumble, about building a nearly nine-figure DTC brand. They share how product-first thinking drove early success using the value of modular design, shipping optimization, and bootstrapping strategies. Tune in for insights on crowdfunding, curated product assortments, and manufacturing challenges.

4/9/25 • 17:04