This is Up Arrow Podcast where we feature successful people in the venture capital, B2B, and e-commerce industries as they discuss how entrepreneurs can improve their business and drive their profits to the next level.
Anthony Ciavirella is the Co-founder of Manmade, a boxer briefs brand. He manages the brand’s online community and works with content creators to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Before co-founding Manmade, Anthony worked in the finance industry as the Co-founder and Director of Business Development at RIISK, the Senior Relationship Manager at B2Billing Payments Inc., and a Financial Advisor at TD. In this episode… If you’ve plateaued at the $10 million mark, you may have become complacent in your growth. Yet you’re limiting yourself by not striving for that next level. You must identify and align your “why” to achieve results for your business. What growth strategies can you harness to elevate your brand? Having built a brand by identifying a market need, two-time entrepreneur Anthony Ciavirella emphasizes remaining dedicated to your mission and consistent in your efforts to reach your goals. This requires aligning your team with your “why” and disciplining yourself to reach your maximum potential. Anthony also notes the role of Meta Ads in his growth, explaining that creating consistent content in-house allows you to communicate your brand’s story and generate value for the customer. You must also measure campaign performance by identifying key costs and metrics like AOV, LTV, CPA, and COGS. In this week’s episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris chats with Anthony Ciavirella, the Co-founder of Manmade, about building and scaling a purpose-driven brand. Anthony shares his company’s early days and how he acquired his first customers, how to produce content in-house, and the innovative stunt that kick-started his brand’s awareness.
10/8/24 • 85:13
Justin Mares is the Co-founder and CEO of Truemed, a payment tool that allows health and wellness brands and providers to harness consumer tax-free funds. He is also the Founder of Kettle & Fire, the Co-founder of Surely and Perfect Keto, and an investor at Long Journey Ventures. Justin strives to make health accessible and sustainable and create a food system that heals rather than harms. In this episode… Nearly 90% of the US population is at risk of chronic disease. While health accounts like HSAs and FSAs give consumers access to tax-free healthcare, they can only use them to cover qualified medical expenses. DTC wellness brands can offer the option to pay for products with these funds. How can these brands optimize this payment method to drive conversions and growth? Health and wellness serial entrepreneur Justin Mares capitalized on a market need for affordable chronic disease prevention. Health, wellness, and supplement brands can integrate one-click HSA and FSA payment options into their Shopify sites. Consumer drop-off rates between add-to-cart and check-out are 30-50%, so when provided with alternative payment methods, consumers can save 30-40% a year on wellness products, increasing brands’ AOV, LTV, and conversion rates. Consumers can even make interest-free monthly payments on more expensive products. Join William Harris in today’s episode of the Up Arrow Podcast as he interviews Justin Mares, the Co-founder and CEO of Truemed, about his tax-free solution for consumers with chronic illness. Justin also talks about his experience bootstrapping a brand, including transitioning from DTC to retail, his methods for scaling and gaining brand awareness, and how he became a serial entrepreneur in the health and wellness space.
10/1/24 • 71:18
Dr. Christine B. Whelan is an author, professor, speaker, and thought leader guiding organizations like the DeBruce Foundation and AARP’s Life Reimagined on self-improvement strategies. She is the best-selling author of the ten-lesson series Finding Your Purpose and five additional books, including The Big Picture and Generation WTF. As a Clinical Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Human Ecology, Dr. Whelan teaches classes on happiness, finance, and family and directs the MORE: Money, Relationships & Equality program. In this episode… We’re often told that money can’t buy happiness, yet companies market products to target our basic needs and desires. This consumption-driven economy teaches us that we can choose how to expend our resources to fulfill our innate purpose. How can business owners identify their purpose to allocate resources toward a meaningful outcome? When surveyed on happiness levels, Americans often rank themselves lower than people from other countries, holding themselves to an unrealistic standard of happiness based on the false perception of others. Human ecology researcher Dr. Christine B. Whelan maintains that your journey to happiness and fulfillment should depend solely on your personal and professional core values, which determine your ultimate purpose. To identify these values, you can engage in a purpose statement exercise that involves identifying your unique strengths and leveraging them to make a positive impact personally and professionally. Accordingly, each action and decision should align with your core values and propel you toward your ultimate goal. Tune in to this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast as William Harris chats with Dr. Christine B. Whelan about harnessing your purpose to achieve authentic happiness in a consumption-driven economy. Dr. Whelan talks about the etymology of thrifting, the benefits of purposeful living, and how to balance your personal and professional endeavors.
9/24/24 • 79:52
Eric Bandholz is the Founder and CEO of Beardbrand, a men’s beard care company. He started Beardbrand after leaving a corporate role to pursue his passion for men’s grooming and beard care. Eric is also the host of Practical Ecommerce’s podcast Ecommerce Conversations, in which he interviews startup founders and founders of brands valued at $100 million. In this episode… What does it take to be recognized by strangers on the street for your brand? You don’t have to compete with big-name brands to get widespread recognition; you just have to relate to your customers. How can you scale your brand’s reach while honing your entrepreneurial skills? While traveling, Eric Bandholz is often recognized as the charismatic face of his brand. He attributes this acknowledgment to his natural storytelling abilities and maintains that this factor sets independent brands apart from large retailers like Amazon, which doesn’t connect with consumers authentically. Eric doesn’t invest in paid ads and instead recommends creating organic content that showcases a distinctive brand personality. Developing this personality may also involve giving your products unique and memorable names that capture consumers’ attention and entice them to purchase from you. In the latest episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, Eric Bandholz, the Founder and CEO of Beardbrand, joins William Harris for a discussion about charismatic leadership and brand storytelling. Eric explains the importance of persevering during tough times, how to identify a work-life balance that aligns with your core values, and his presence on DTCX.
9/17/24 • 78:10
Dayne Hepner is the Founder and CEO of Candeeze, a freeze-dried candy company. He is also an Advertisement Specialist at TikTok, where he works with over 4,000 companies and produces 120 weekly ads. Dayne began as a content creator on TikTok before launching Candeeze on TikTok Shop. In this episode… TikTok is the Wild West of e-commerce, with its selling platform still underway. Many brands have found success selling their products on live streams. How can you optimize TikTok Shop to build your brand? At just 22 years old, Dayne Hepner has become the #1 food and beverage seller on TikTok, and it all began with a broken cell phone camera lens. He discovered that the keys to engaging, high-performing live streams are energy and storytelling. You can measure performance and engagement by analyzing your enter-room rate (ERR) and sell-through rates, which can be increased through creative set designs and offers like free giveaways and discounts. Dayne suggests promoting your live streams through video content to boost viewership, build your brand, and drive sales. Tune in to this week’s episode of the Up Arrow Podcast as William Harris invites Dayne Hepner, the Founder and CEO of Candeeze, to talk about building a brand through TikTok live-stream sales. Dayne shares the importance of consistency, how to leverage ads to promote live streams, and how to create unique content to boost sales. He also delves into his personal life, including touring with faith-based bands, growing up in Serbia, and being expelled from school.
9/10/24 • 66:47
Sabri Suby is the Founder and Head of Growth at King Kong, Australia’s fastest-growing direct-response digital marketing agency. The company has generated over $7.8 billion in sales in over 1,000 industries. As an author and thought leader, Sabri wrote the international best-selling book Sell Like Crazy and has been featured in publications, including Forbes and Entrepreneur, where he contributes articles on entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and business growth strategies. He was one of five investors on the 2023 season of Shark Tank Australia. In this episode… The secret to brand growth isn’t experimenting with various popular hacks and hoping something works. In reality, many brands focus on the wrong metrics. For instance, 80% of people spend 80% of their time reducing customer acquisition costs and 20% of their time increasing AOV and customer LTV. These numbers should be reversed, as nurturing your existing customers leads to lower acquisition costs. How can you uplevel the customer experience to scale your brand beyond $100 million in revenue? With experience generating over $7 billion in revenue for various e-commerce brands, Sabri Suby maintains that you can’t scale sustainably without generating value for your customers and creating exceptional experiences. This requires garnering their attention and convincing them to purchase from you through compelling brand stories and messaging. However, you can’t just distribute a catchy slogan and logo across various social channels and expect to build your brand and audience. You must identify your target customer, market and develop messaging around their central problem, and determine a product differentiator to craft a brand story. Join William Harris for another episode of the Up Arrow Podcast as he interviews Sabri Suby, the Founder and Head of Growth at King Kong, about his $7.8 billion growth strategies. Sabri shares what DTC brands can learn about luxury brands’ customer experience strategies, the worst pitch he’s ever witnessed on Shark Tank Australia, and how he built a $500 million sales machine for MrBeast.
8/27/24 • 77:33
Ross Simmonds is the Founder and CEO of Foundation Marketing, a content marketing agency that strategizes, distributes, and optimizes content. Foundation has worked with some of the most successful SaaS and publicly traded cloud companies in the world. Ross has been named one of the most influential marketers in the world by multiple marketing publications and firms like BuzzSumo and Semrush. He is also a sought-after public speaker, an angel investor, and the author of Create Once, Distribute Forever. In this episode… In today’s fast-paced and content-rich online landscape, simply sharing links to a piece of content on various platforms is not enough. This approach is outdated; instead, you must repurpose engaging content to build your brand. What content distribution strategies can you leverage, and how can you maximize value in your campaigns? Many entrepreneurs fear judgment and don’t want to seem overly promotional, especially if they don’t recognize the value in their content. As a shy kid who spoke an average of five words a day, renowned content creator Ross Simmonds understands the fear of judgment, rejection, and public presentations. To overcome this fear, he recommends shifting your mindset to recognize how your content benefits your audience, allowing you to promote it on as many channels as possible. Widespread content distribution and amplification requires creating a pillar asset like an informative and engaging YouTube video or podcast that you can repurpose into highlights, reels, or moments. Tune in to the latest episode of the Up Arrow Podcast as William Harris welcomes Ross Simmonds, the Founder and CEO of Foundation Marketing, to discuss content amplification and distribution strategies. Ross talks about evaluating content engagement, his book Create Once, Distribute Forever, and how to use AI to accelerate content creation.
8/13/24 • 79:01
Jay Myers is the Co-founder of Bold Commerce, which builds flexible and customizable e-commerce apps for online stores. Since its launch in 2012, over 780,000 merchants have installed Bold apps on their Shopify stores. Jay has managed online stores since 1998 and has won awards like EY Entrepreneur of the Year and Deloitte Fast 50. In this episode… Ten years ago, brands that integrated subscription apps into their online stores were considered revolutionary and far ahead of the competition. With customer acquisition costs rising rapidly, nearly every brand selling household products offers subscription models since an existing customer is five times more likely to purchase an offer. How can you optimize your in-app subscriptions to turn every customer into a loyal subscriber? As a pioneer of in-app Shopify subscriptions, e-commerce innovator Jay Myers understands how to increase brand valuation through subscription models. With these models, members save more yearly yet spend more than non-members, making them an asset for brands. Jay maintains that every customer has the potential to become a subscriber, so positioning your product as a beneficial part of their daily routine can influence purchasing decisions. You can segment your customers into subscribers and first-time customers to personalize incentives, like offering free first-month orders for new subscribers and discounts for loyal customers. Tune in to the latest episode of the Up Arrow Podcast as William Harris welcomes Jay Myers, Co-founder of Bold Commerce, to discuss the subscription e-commerce model. Jay talks about the brands that benefit from this model, how subscriptions influence purchasing behavior, and the benefits of partnering with other subscription platforms.
8/6/24 • 86:48
Neville Medhora is the Owner of the Copywriting Course, a community that helps businesses improve their copy and conversion rates through blogs, videos, tutorials, and copywriting sessions. As an Advisor for Sumo Group, his copywriting skills helped propel the rapid growth of AppSumo. Neville is also the best-selling author of This Book Will Teach You How to Write Better. In this episode… In a world where consumers are bombarded with content and spammed with emails and other marketing messages, brands must ensure their targeting efforts capture audiences’ attention. Compelling copywriting can make or break your messaging and secure conversions. How can you differentiate your copywriting in the market to influence purchasing decisions? Copywriting master Neville Medhora says consumers often gloss over complex concepts or long, drawn-out topics, so your messaging should be concise and straightforward. How you leverage words in your storytelling influences each aspect of the customer journey. Neville recommends employing the AIDA formula in your copywriting, which captures consumers’ attention, interest, and desire, influencing them to take action. This involves demonstrating various use cases, educating the consumer on practical benefits, and positioning your brand as an attractive option through precise branding and design. Tune in to a new episode of the Up Arrow Podcast as William Harris speaks with Neville Medhora, the Owner of Copywriting Course, about driving conversions through compelling copywriting. Neville shares his view on the sales process as educational, how the copywriting medium can sway consumers, and his approach to mentoring emerging copywriters.
7/30/24 • 84:25
Tiffany Wilburn is the Fractional CMO at Clever Disruption, where she helps food and beverage brands, agencies, and tech companies scale. She is also a Business Mentor and Coach at The DEC Network, which pairs entrepreneurs with business veterans who can identify emerging opportunities. With over two decades of global marketing leadership, Tiffany has transformed CPG and hospitality businesses through her expertise in brand management and strategy, product innovation, retail merchandising, and consumer insights. In this episode… In a crowded market overflowing with identical products, brands must tailor their product marketing strategies to various consumer demographics. Some of the world’s most iconic brands have fully repositioned themselves while maintaining customer loyalty. What can e-commerce brands learn from their efforts? CPG brand marketer Tiffany Wilburn has driven revolutionary brand repositioning and product launch strategies for renowned companies like TGI Fridays, Fresh Direct, and Southern Comfort. These approaches included refining marketing messages for new consumer demographics, launching unparalleled bespoke products, and optimizing operations for sale. Tiffany emphasizes conducting ethnographic research to observe consumer behavior for insights into purchasing decisions, enhancing targeting and marketing efforts. You should also allocate funds across both brand and performance marketing to foster a lifelong relationship with consumers. In this week’s episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris chats with Tiffany Wilburn, Fractional CMO at Clever Disruption, about creatively disrupting and elevating brands for the modern consumer. Tiffany shares how to balance the marketing flywheel, how she identifies optimal positioning in a crowded market, and her advice and philosophies on presence and non-attachment.
7/23/24 • 75:13
Braxton Manley is the Co-founder of Braxley Bands, which makes comfortable Apple Watch bands using an innovative elastic material. He is also the Co-founder of Mystic Gum and the CEO of Peace Love Hormones. His entrepreneurial journey began as a college project and became Braxley Bands, which he has since scaled to over $6 million in revenue. Braxton's creative and strategic approach to business has led him to successfully manage three unique brands simultaneously. With a deep understanding of e-commerce and a drive for continuous learning, Braxton excels in marketing innovation and product development. His journey showcases a blend of creativity, managerial excellence, and adaptability in the fast-paced world of digital commerce. In this episode… How can one adapt to the shifting tides of e-commerce, find joy in the journey, and still achieve remarkable success? Could economies of scale be the secret sauce for a successful e-commerce empire? Having scaled a college project to a multimillion-dollar empire, DTC expert Braxton Manley reveals his strategies for thriving in the e-commerce sector. He shares lessons from starting his longest-running business while managing two other DTC businesses under a single brand umbrella. By focusing on each brand’s strengths and scaling them individually, entrepreneurs can navigate the challenges and opportunities of managing multiple brands. He dives into his strategic approach toward business, adopting a Profit First mentality, leveraging motion product pictures, tackling leaked discount codes, and his novel approach to first-purchase subscriptions. Tune in to this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast as William Harris chats with Braxton Manley, Co-founder of Braxley Bands, about scaling DTC brands beyond traditional growth metrics. Braxton explores the resilience and ingenuity required in business, the essence of staying true to one’s goals, and the value of preparation, creativity, and flexibility. Braxton's story is a testament to the modern entrepreneur's journey.
7/16/24 • 56:11
Tyson Drake is a fractional CMO for eight- to nine-figure DTC brands, helping them scale profitably. As a self-taught affiliate marketer, he became the CMO of The Oodie, where he trained an in-house team of over 25 people across performance marketing, creative, and e-commerce, scaling the company to nine figures across eight markets. In this episode… As an e-commerce brand, expanding into international markets can skyrocket profitable growth in multiple areas, and a robust marketing strategy is crucial to this expansion. What strategies can you harness to penetrate new markets for exponential growth? Global marketing powerhouse Tyson Drake scaled to $200 million in yearly revenue by diversifying in multiple international markets. He attributes this achievement to his progressive internalization strategy, which involved having complete visibility into his business operations and regional trends to allocate budgets effectively across channels. This omnichannel distribution is essential in targeting your total addressable market and identifying growth opportunities. When measuring ROI for your efforts, focus on contribution dollars rather than profit margins for a more accurate growth measurement. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris chats with fractional CMO Tyson Drake about allocating your marketing budget to scale into international markets. Tyson talks about targeting new demographics, how to launch into new channels and promote new products during global expansion, and how to navigate a saturated market.
7/9/24 • 82:54
Will Leach is the Founder of Mindstate Group, a behavioral research and brand consultancy that specializes in identifying the unconscious factors driving consumer behavior. As the world’s leading expert on subconscious mindstate research, he works with innovative brands to uncover actionable consumer insights. Will is also the best-selling author of Marketing to Mindstates and is a Behavioral Design Instructor at the Texas A&M Human Behavior Lab. In this episode… Have you ever been captivated by an ad that seemed to read your mind or wondered why certain products make their way into your shopping cart almost without thought? Behavioral psychology plays a huge role in consumer purchasing decisions. So how can you leverage psychological mindstates in your marketing? According to passionate behavioral marketer Will Leach, mindstates are emotional motivations that make consumers susceptible to influence. In these moments, they’re more likely to make rash, subconscious decisions that satisfy demands. Marketers can leverage these mindstates to influence purchasing decisions and drive brand awareness. Behavioral marketing techniques include employing visual cues to increase your ads’ stopping rate and developing a frame of reference to give your product a competitive edge. However, these strategies only capture short-term attention. To sustain brand loyalty, you must shift from emotional allure to demonstrating your products’ rational benefits. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris converses with Will Leach, the Founder of Mindstate Group, about the practical applications of behavioral marketing. Will talks about the influence of the environment on purchasing decisions, how brands can harness psychological cues to create persuasive marketing campaigns, and why brands struggle with rapid growth.
7/2/24 • 83:38
Phillip Jackson is the Co-founder of Future Commerce, a media company helping retailers and e-commerce companies understand the future of commerce and culture. With an engaged global audience of over 100,000 executives, his reach spans seven retail and digital commerce-focused content realms. As a writer, speaker, and marketer, Phillip has spent decades shaping brands and e-commerce businesses, guiding them from $10 million to $100 million and beyond. In this episode… Brands are vying for consumer attention online, but trends have become relative to specific audiences. As consumers are overwhelmed by purchasing choices and brands seek differentiation, holidays and other cultural events have become perpetual marketing campaigns. How does this relentless pursuit of relevance impact culture and commerce, and how can brands contribute to this discourse? With diverse cultural experiences under his belt, Phillip Jackson recognizes the relationship between culture and commerce, maintaining that e-commerce brands shape societal culture and consumer behaviors. He says to embrace this fusion by incorporating cultural motifs into your branding strategy to resonate with consumers and foster a stronger connection. You can also leverage archetypes to craft engaging brand narratives. Since culture has become commoditized, structuring marketing campaigns to align with societal changes and cultural movements is crucial to expanding your influence. In the latest edition of the Up Arrow Podcast, Phillip Jackson, the Co-founder of Future Commerce, joins William Harris to discuss the dynamics of commerce as an integral part of culture. Phillip shares how to maintain relevance in a trend-driven market, how e-commerce can reignite the humanities discipline, and how Buy Nothing groups impact consumerism.
6/25/24 • 81:22
Phil Rosen is an award-winning journalist, author, and the Co-founder and Editor of Opening Bell Daily, an independent news and research outlet. As the former Senior Reporter at Business Insider, he has a passion for finance, market trends, content creation, and community building. Phil is also the Founder of the Creative Journalists Club, where he hosts dinners and events for media professionals in New York City. Additionally, he is a prolific blogger who focuses on personal growth and career guidance. In this episode… What does it take to stand out in a society bombarded by content and fleeting attention? With the media landscape shifting, strategies that once helped professionals gain media acclaim are no longer viable. How can you maximize your influence in your sector? Having left a corporate news outlet to launch an independent media venture, Phil Rosen is knowledgeable about the changing landscape of media and content creation. He notes that leveraging industry insights and market trends in your discipline enables you to adapt and capture emerging opportunities in your business. To maximize your presence and gain visibility, it's crucial to regularly create and share content, interact with your audience, implement their feedback, and establish connections with media professionals to make the most impact in today's attention economy. In this week’s Up Arrow Podcast episode, William Harris chats with Phil Rosen, the Co-founder and Editor of Opening Bell Daily, about the art of corporate storytelling and influence. Phil shares editorial strategies, the importance of media relationships, and the essential elements of personal branding.
6/18/24 • 63:18
Michael Markesbery is the Co-founder and CEO of OROS Labs, a game-changing material technology company. His leadership and drive for innovation have propelled OROS Labs to create some of the most advanced thermal materials on the planet. Recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 winner, Michael developed Solarcore®, a technology leveraging aerogel's properties to transform insulation in multiple industries. In this episode… Many industries struggle to maintain optimal heating and cooling. Poor insulation in everything from coats to industrial buildings has created a need for more advanced technology. What does it take to become a cross-industry leader in revolutionary technology and innovation? When climbing the Swiss Alps during a college backpacking trip in Europe, Michael Markesbery found he couldn’t stay warm without layering coats. Realizing the insufficiency of insulation in the apparel industry, he set out to develop versatile technology using aerogel to provide insulation for clothing, buildings, and vehicles. Michael demonstrated the technology’s use by creating a jacket that could withstand the below-freezing temperatures of liquid nitrogen, allowing him to demonstrate the product’s unique value in a memorable way for consumers. By differentiating his products from the mass market, Michael cultivated a strong company and transformed the industry. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris invites Michael Markesbery, the Co-founder and CEO of OROS Labs, to speak about turning a multi-industry problem into cutting-edge solutions. Michael shares how he recruited materials engineer Jeff Nash, his journey from a zoologist to a materials scientist, and how he obtained his pilot’s license.
6/11/24 • 50:45
Linda Bustos is the Founder and Content Creator at Ecom Ideas, a platform dedicated to unveiling the latest UX and technical trends in the e-commerce industry. In her role, she sources and publishes in-depth insights for digital marketers, product managers, and designers, including a comprehensive weekly newsletter. Having served as the Director of Digital Content Strategy at Elastic Path, the VP of eCommerce at CorporateGift.com, and the Founder and eCommerce Consultant at Edgacent, Linda has a wealth of experience in creating compelling online shopping environments. In this episode… eCommerce businesses must juggle multiple trends, new technology integrations, and sales strategies alongside evolving consumer demands and preferences. How can you elevate your online store with creative approaches to drive sales? With deep involvement in various facets of content creation, Linda Bustos understands how to curate shopping experiences for diverse customers. You can leverage interactive digital shopping to allow consumers to view products in multiple settings. For instance, some apparel brands allow customers to select product models based on their unique body types, simulating in-store fitting experiences. Similarly, implementing visual searches to provide alternatives to out-of-stock items mitigates lost sales opportunities and increases customer retention while offering product finder quizzes personalizes the user experience and increases conversion rates. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris meets with Linda Bustos, the Founder and Content Creator at Ecom Ideas, to talk about e-commerce innovation through strategic website integrations. Linda breaks down the importance of detailed product data, the integration of UX design practices, and the constant evolution required to keep up with industry trends.
6/4/24 • 77:28
Jessica Curdi is the Vice President of Digital Marketing at The Beauty Bank, an innovative beauty brand holder leading digital marketing strategy across a portfolio of emerging brands. As a seasoned digital marketer, she has over 15 years of experience in the fashion and beauty industry, having worked with consumer brands, including StriVectin, L’Oreal, and Warp + Weft. Jessica specializes in brand awareness, customer acquisition, and fostering retention and loyalty. In this episode… Are revenue plateaus in your e-commerce business holding you back? Implementing foundational digital marketing strategies may be the key to unlocking explosive growth. With iOS 14.5 altering the way companies collect consumer data, digital marketing remains a top challenge for many brands. Digital marketer and e-commerce maven Jessica Curdi insists on returning to the basics of marketing, stating that structuring your strategies around profitable growth areas can help you scale effectively. Once you’ve established a stable foundation, you can begin integrating brand storytelling with performance marketing to communicate your brand’s and product’s benefits to your customers. Throughout each growth phase, retain customers by tracking their journey through multi-touch attribution. No matter which marketing strategy you employ, Jessica advises continuously testing and analyzing marketing campaigns to refine your strategies. In today’s episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris chats with Jessica Curdi, the VP of Digital Marketing at The Beauty Bank, about the role of digital marketing in brand growth. Jessica explains the necessity of a solid analytical approach in marketing, foundational work on marketing strategies, the significance of customer retention, choosing an ideal marketing agency, and the evolution of digital marketing post-iOS 14.5.
5/28/24 • 53:01
Tim Calise is the Managing Member of Acote Consulting, where he helps growth-minded business owners drive value. He is also the President of Coaching at Wealth Without Wall Street, an online community reeducating individuals and entrepreneurs about money and wealth. As Alex Hormozi’s former “number two” at Gym Launch and the Co-creator of the AI-driven SaaS platform ALAN, Tim has a track record of driving rapid growth. With over 20 years of experience helping entrepreneurs achieve financial freedom and business acumen, he hosts the Leveling The Field podcast. In this episode… What strategies propel businesses from mediocrity to industry domination? The key often lies in how the strategies are executed. Could a shift in approach be as transformative as the tactics themselves? Having worked alongside business mastermind Alex Hormozi to build growth-minded enterprises, Tim Calise has developed calculated processes for growth and profitability. His proprietary “Product Profit” framework involves reassessing your product’s offerings to align with customer preferences and market demands, shifting your focus from immediate profit to lifetime value considerations. Additionally, Tim recommends making small, strategic decisions to foster innovation, adaptability, and efficiency. By evaluating and streamlining each operation, goal, and approach, you can drive long-term growth and sustainability. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris invites Tim Calise, the President of Coaching at Wealth Without Wall Street, to speak about building robust, service-based businesses. He explains the importance of financial freedom, his characteristics of success, and how to leverage offers to boost customer acquisition and retention.
5/21/24 • 65:01
Robb Akridge (Dr. Robb) is the Founder and CEO of REA Innovations, Inc., the creator of the skin care brand OPULUS Beauty Labs. The brand has been recognized by TIME as one of the top 100 inventions of 2021. As a multifaceted scientist with expertise spanning botany, HIV/AIDS research, and skincare technology, Dr. Robb began his entrepreneurial journey with Sonicare toothbrushes and later co-founded Clarisonic, a brand that transformed the beauty industry. In this episode… Consumers have become increasingly savvy about their purchases, demanding product transparency and authenticity. Yet too much information can be overwhelming, especially with science-based products. In this case, the science behind the products should be communicated simply and effectively. Does simplification compromise the products’ integrity? Scientist, innovator, and business executive Robb Akridge understands how to transform complicated scientific concepts into compelling, consumer-friendly narratives that educate and captivate customers. When distilling complex information into easily digestible material, he emphasizes clear communication, visual storytelling, and tapping into shared human experiences to resonate with consumers and increase product appeal. You can also leverage influencers to introduce products when the market is primed and convey benefits that shape consumer perspectives. Tune in to this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast as William Harris chats with Robb Akridge, the Founder and CEO of REA Innovations, Inc., about bridging scientific complexity and consumer appeal. Dr. Robb sheds light on the intricacies of marketing, the effectiveness of influencers, and the critical role of timing in product popularity.
5/14/24 • 69:17
David Wachs is the CEO and Founder of Handwrytten, a company bringing a modern twist to traditional communication through automated handwritten notes. As a seasoned entrepreneur, he founded Cellit, a text messaging company providing innovative communications solutions to leading brands. David is also a frequent speaker on messaging technology and has presented for the Direct Marketing Association, the Advertising Research Foundation, and other notable organizations. In this episode… What does it take to make your customers lifelong fans of your brand? Sometimes, going back to the basics is all you need to win over your customers in a digitalized market. David Wachs, a communication brand builder, emphasizes the value of personalized communication, like handwritten notes, to stand out in the digital age. This demonstrates appreciation and lets your customers know they’re top of mind. Additionally, owning up to your mistakes and going above and beyond for the customer can turn negative experiences into positive ones and improve lifetime value. Producing valuable content, creating a cadence for communication, giving consumers choices, and providing a channel for feedback allows customers to feel in control and valued. In this Up Arrow Podcast episode, William Harris welcomes David Wachs, the Founder and CEO of Handwrytten, to discuss personalized customer communication. David explains how augmented reality impacts the buyer’s journey, his journey to entrepreneurial success, and why he utilizes meditation and hypnosis for stress management.
5/7/24 • 56:06
Amanda Brinkman is the CEO of Sunshine Studios, which focuses on transformative brand storytelling. She is a seasoned producer, filmmaker, branding expert, and keynote speaker. Amanda has served in C-level roles in major corporations and has been the driving force behind the successful Hulu series Small Business Revolution, which ran for six seasons and garnered multiple Emmy nominations. A champion of women's achievements in business, Amanda has won numerous awards and is passionate about guiding others to identify their superpowers to create a positive change in the world. In this episode… Many are caught in the pursuit of a purpose so grand that it impedes their daily objectives. Aligning your personal purpose with your career can lead to feelings of confusion and uncertainty. How can you combine your professional ambitions with your desire to create a positive impact? Amanda Brinkman addresses this struggle, having integrated meaningful work into the brand space and built a business around impactful storytelling. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing your core strengths and superpowers and aligning them with your career for a fulfilling and purpose-led life. Genuinely connecting with an audience requires translating your purpose into actionable brand storytelling by leading with authenticity. You can then employ metrics to track the engagement and reach of your efforts. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast with William Harris, Amanda Brinkman, the CEO of Sunshine Studios, talks about translating personal purpose into professional excellence. Amanda also touches on overcoming purpose paralysis, integrating service into life, and building a career that harmonizes achievement with altruism.
4/30/24 • 65:15
Katie Richardson founded Puj, an internationally successful multimillion-dollar company with distribution across thousands of stores and numerous countries. Her innovative work has graced popular shows like The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the Today Show, and the Rachael Ray Show and has landed her on the cover of Entrepreneur magazine. As an executive business coach, Katie empowers founders and CEOs by teaching essential mindsets, skills, and tools for robust business operations and purposeful living. A highly creative individual, she shares tactics for business growth, effective branding, and the importance of personal development for comprehensive success. In this episode… Have you ever tried to fulfill your potential while being pulled in different directions? You can turn this dilemma into a compelling brand narrative that connects with people worldwide. Today’s guest’s story demonstrates how balancing life's dimensions with strategic thinking opens doors to unexpected opportunities. So how did she pull this off? After her company experienced explosive growth and became featured in national television shows, design and leadership expert Katie Richardson struggled to be all things to all people. To solve her multifaceted entrepreneurial dilemma and meet customers’ needs, she created products that resonated with consumers emotionally. She maintains that infusing human values into every aspect of your company personalizes your brand, fosters customer loyalty, and leads to organic PR opportunities. Additionally, Katie says to shift your business model to prioritize personal development and wellness, ensuring you can sustain the demands of entrepreneurship. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris talks with Katie Richardson, the Founder of Puj, about weaving resilience and savvy branding into business growth. Katie illustrates the profound impact of storytelling through product experiences, the courage needed to reinvent oneself, and the empowering shift from a single-goal focus to a multifaceted approach to life and business.
4/23/24 • 56:55
Matt Bertulli is the Co-founder and CEO of Pela Case, which makes iPhone cases out of waste, and Lomi, a certified B-corp on a mission to eliminate food waste. The company is backed by Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Projects and has been named the Top 10 in the Canada Business Growth 500 ranking and #1 in Deloitte’s Fast 50. Alongside his entrepreneurial success, Matt hosts the Nine Figure Operators podcast and is involved in angel investing, sharing and gaining further insights into the world of entrepreneurship. In this episode… When managing a DTC brand, success is more than just sales; it involves strong leadership, competitive strategies, inventory control, and compelling advertising. How can you scale your DTC brand to new heights? Matt Bertulli, a two-time entrepreneur and e-commerce leader, maintains that curiosity and communication are the fundamental characteristics of any CEO or leader. These core competencies build valuable relationships with your employees, stakeholders, and clients and allow you to experiment with new strategies. Leaders must also recognize their company’s vulnerabilities to surpass the competition by focusing on their specialties. A scalable DTC strategy includes assessing and managing your inventory and diversifying your advertising channels to target consumers effectively. In today’s Up Arrow Podcast episode, Matt Bertulli, the Co-founder and CEO of Lomi and Pela Case, joins William Harris to talk about sustainable growth for DTC businesses. He shares why building trust is foundational for high-performance teams and what it takes to scale effectively in the e-commerce world.
4/16/24 • 82:59
Shani Bocian is the Co-founder and CEO of Allermi, a personalized DTC allergy medicine. She founded the company with her father, an Allergy and Immunology Professor at Stanford University, who had been developing a comprehensive allergy medication. Since Allermi’s launch, Shani has raised over $4.7 million and grew the company over 1,000% in 2023. In this episode… Millions of people suffer from allergies, yet many medications only target one symptom, and consumers must browse an open market to determine the most effective treatment for their symptoms. Personalized DTC medicine has emerged as an alternative to traditional treatments, allowing consumers more autonomy over their healthcare journeys. How can DTC healthcare companies target customers with precision? After suffering from chronic allergies for years, DTC entrepreneur Shani Bocian recognized a more effective way to treat symptoms and achieve long-term relief. By developing a single formula that incorporates multiple medications, companies can target customers with diverse needs. When building a consumer base, Shani says to differentiate yourself from mass-market brands by showcasing credibility and emphasizing customization. Customer retention and loyalty are integral to sustaining a DTC medicine brand, so you can offer free trials and employ subscription models and referral programs to drive sales and growth. In today’s Up Arrow Podcast episode, William Harris hosts Shani Bocian, the Co-founder and CEO of Allermi, to talk about the rise of DTC medicine. Shani explains how she built a nine-figure e-commerce store, how Allermi provides personalized and accessible healthcare, and the obstacles she faced scaling her brand.
4/9/24 • 54:10
Josh Behr is the Founder and CEO of AMB Interactive, a leading email and SMS marketing agency enabling e-commerce businesses to grow their revenue and customer loyalty. With over nine years of digital marketing experience, he has worked with the world’s most renowned apparel brands managing email lists, launching viral campaigns, and generating millions of dollars in sales. Josh is a Klaviyo elite partner and a speaker at various industry events, sharing the latest trends and best practices in email and SMS marketing. In this episode… If your email list has more than a few hundred thousand contacts, you should probably consider segmenting it. Many of these users have never engaged beyond merely visiting your website and are hurting your profitability. How can you personalize your emails to target repeat customers? Josh Behr, an email marketing thought leader, segmented his email list from two million after receiving thousands of customer service complaints with each email sent. He recommends segmenting lists based on viewing and purchasing habits and personalizing emails by mentioning recently viewed products in the subject lines. You can also collect customer profile information based on their purchases, including size and color, further curating the experience. Rather than focusing exclusively on open and click rates, export your email campaigns periodically to assess viewed product and checkout rates. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris joins Josh Behr, the Founder and CEO of AMB Interactive, who shares email personalization tactics. Josh explains why you shouldn’t rely on anonymous user tracking, contact enrichment for B2C companies, and the significance of email designs.
4/2/24 • 65:11
Jonathan Sorkenn is the Senior Vice President of Evergreen Trading, a media investment agency powered by trade. In his role, he originates, executes, and manages corporate trade partnerships and oversees the company’s real estate practice. With over 10 years of corporate trading transactional experience, Jonathan has been involved in numerous pioneering trade transactions, creating innovative structures for the corporate trade industry. As a licensed real estate broker, he has more than 25 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, having served as the Director of Real Estate Capital Markets and Investment Banking at PricewatershouseCoopers Securities LLC. In this episode… Inflation and other economic pressures are building up, and e-commerce brands are facing supply chain disruptions, forcing them to liquidate excess inventory and other assets. Rather than relinquishing merchandise and confronting major financial losses, brands can trade their assets for media. So what’s involved in this process, and how can brands maximize asset value? Media trading and investing involves selling unusable assets to media buyers who exchange additional ad spend for a discounted cost. Through this method, brands receive media credits of equal value to their unused inventory, eliminating the loss that occurs from wholesaling those assets. While this seems like a straightforward option, many brands are hesitant since they often outsource media buying to an ad agency. Yet this presents a greater risk and yields less of a return, so trade partnership facilitator Jonathan Sorkenn recommends partnering with independent trade agencies to optimize your supply chain and save money on media ads. These corporations collaborate with marketing and finance departments to enhance value. In this Up Arrow Podcast episode, William Harris sits down with Jonathan Sorkenn, the Senior Vice President of Evergreen Trading, to talk about how to convert your assets to media. Jonathan discusses the ideal candidates for media trading, how he facilitated a triple-win for a customer, and how to buy and sell media effectively.
3/26/24 • 56:23
Chase Mohseni is the Chief Marketing Officer at Heatmap.com, which provides revenue attribution and AI insights. In his role, he constructs innovative CRO software. Chase has built various B2B SaaS companies, including Creative OS and Pencil, where he was the Head of Marketing and Growth. In this episode… If you’re trying to increase conversions, there are a few statistics you should know. 70% of your traffic will leave your website in under three seconds, and 75% of these people don’t scroll past 30% of the first page. Given these staggering facts, it’s crucial to develop engagement tactics above the fold of your website. How can you optimize conversion rates without your consumers having to scroll? Above-the-fold engagement efforts incentivize users to take action beyond the first page. Conversion attribution frontrunner Chase Mohseni has determined seven fundamental standards for above-the-fold conversion rate optimization. 80% of website traffic originates from mobile devices, so he suggests designing your website for these first to ensure a seamless user experience. You should also include a CTA that provides value for your consumers and facilitates the next step of their journey. Similarly, any announcement pop-ups should include a hyperlinked offer, and they must appear on the page long enough to capture the user. While text blocks should never exceed three lines, the font should be at least 14 px to accommodate mobile users. Your above-the-fold page can also include social proof or testimonials, encouraging consumers to make an eventual purchase. Join William Harris in today’s episode of the Up Arrow Podcast as he welcomes Chase Mohseni, the CMO of Heatmap.com, to talk about above-the-fold CRO. He shares the CRO metrics brands should track, why building software is like baking a cake, how nostalgia drives conversions, and the most detrimental CRO mistakes.
3/19/24 • 71:10
Nicholas Weiksner is the CEO and Founding Partner of South Col, an accelerator fund partnering with e-commerce brands to maximize sale value. With experience in venture capital and private equity, his skills include finance, negotiation, business planning, and mergers and acquisitions. Before South Col, Nicholas served as the CFO for SellersFunding, a global fintech company, and worked as an Investment Banker for Thomas Weisel Partners and Bear Stearns. He also held operational roles at fast-growing tech companies and for the San Francisco 49ers, where he managed sales for their $1.2 billion stadium. In this episode… Many people with eCommerce companies that reach the $10-30 million mark consider selling or exiting. This can be a valuable opportunity for founders looking to kickstart their next endeavors. What should you know about getting acquired, and how can you position your business as an attractive option to potential buyers? eCommerce M&A facilitator Nicholas Weiksner maintains that your numbers are the most valuable aspect of your business. While finances and accounting aren’t sexy, you must gain visibility into each transaction and expense to identify inconsistencies and modify your processes. Eliminating products, services, or processes that stunt growth optimizes profitability for a sale. Additionally, potential buyers evaluate your multiples, so by aligning your metrics with current market trends, you can increase them. This may involve accelerating customer engagement tactics to drive additional sales, developing models like subscriptions to generate recurring revenue, or expanding your top-line products. Aside from knowing your numbers, Nicholas encourages founders to establish a few objectives and focus solely on accomplishing them to advance acquisition prospects. Join William Harris in today’s episode of the Up Arrow Podcast as he invites Nicholas Weiksner, the CEO and Founding Partner of South Col, to speak about preparing your e-commerce brand for an acquisition. Nicholas talks about forecasting your brand’s future, his market projections for 2024, and how his friend happened to date Jerry Seinfeld.
3/12/24 • 75:48
Kristian Hansen is the Founder and CEO of the sl∅ fashion company, which produces sustainable, functional, and handcrafted made-to-order denim. Having generated a $360,000 precede, a 100,000-person waitlist, and $10 million of projected revenue, Kristian and his team have redefined building companies through community. He grew the company from a single TikTok post to a community igniting the slow fashion revolution. In this episode… In recent decades, the fashion industry has relied on mass production, with thousands of garments manufactured daily, leading to massive amounts of waste and environmental deterioration. Additionally, the fast fashion model only allows for standardized sizes, limiting consumers’ choices. Slow fashion has emerged to counteract this trend, addressing sustainability and availability concerns. How can fashion brands leverage this model to expand their customer base and grow their businesses? Fast fashion companies aim to fit as many consumers as possible into a single sizing set. By allowing customers to select their ideal size, fit, and fabric, fashion brands can offer made-to-order, tailored garments that expand accessibility while reducing potential waste from unworn products. While this model is more expensive and takes time, the products are of higher quality and last longer, saving consumers money in the long run. As an early pioneer of slow fashion, Kristian Hansen has built a loyal community and generated widespread engagement through organic TikTok content. He notes that remaining transparent and authentic about the unethical practices of traditional fashion is imperative in facilitating education and gaining valuable feedback to scale. In today’s Up Arrow Podcast episode, William Harris chats with Kristian Hansen, the Founder and CEO of the sl∅ fashion company, about revolutionizing slow and sustainable fashion. Kristian describes how he generates a consistent feedback loop, the challenges he faced launching his brand, and the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry.
3/5/24 • 52:02
