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In this final episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) sit down together one last time to say goodbye. After almost two years of recording, debating, and laughing the guys talk candidly about the decision to end the pod. They get real about the time, money, and energy it takes to produce a show at this level, how it started to compete with their businesses and personal lives, and why it felt like the right moment to step away. There’s a lot of reflection in this episode. The fun moments. The unexpected lessons. The friendships that came out of doing this week after week.  This isn’t a dramatic goodbye. It’s an honest one. A conversation about seasons, priorities, and knowing when to close a chapter, even when it’s been a good one. Thank you for being part of the ASOM Pod. This is the final send, and it meant a lot. And this isn’t the last time you’ll see us. We’re still very much a part of Commerce Roundtable. We’ll see you in Austin & San Diego!Get your tickets at www.commerceroundtable.com _____ Big shoutout to our sponsor who has supported us along the way and made this pod possible! Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/ __ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 01:30 Introducing the Hosts One Last Time 04:00 Reflecting on the Journey and Challenges 06:15 The Realities of Podcasting 13:16 Lessons Learned and Future Insights 15:04 The Financial and Time Costs of Podcasting 15:42 The Importance of Niche and Audience 18:26 Final Thoughts and Reflections 19:56 Difficult Decisions and Different Paths 22:02 Reflecting on Personal and Professional Growth 23:06 Acknowledging Contributions and Changes 25:14 Final Thoughts and Farewells 27:53 Gratitude and Future Endeavors 31:59 Closing Remarks and Memories ___ #asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox) and Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella) go straight at one of the most uncomfortable questions in eCommerce: Should SaaS companies and agencies really be taking a percentage of your revenue? This conversation gets opinionated fast. Here’s what they dig into: Why percentage-based SaaS pricing feels great early and painful laterWhether agencies should earn upside or stick to flat feesWhen “we grow when you grow” turns into misaligned incentivesThe hidden costs of SaaS taking a cut without taking any downsideWhy cancel threats, discounts, and churn games are becoming normalizedHow brands should actually think about value, pricing, and long-term sustainabilityIf you’ve ever looked at your SaaS stack or agency invoices and thought “this doesn’t feel right anymore”, this episode puts words to that feeling. _____ Big shoutout to our sponsor who makes this podcast possible! Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/ Subscribe at https://asompod.com __ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 03:15 Debate on Agency Pricing Models 16:32 Discussion on SaaS Platforms and Pricing 32:17 A True Story from the SaaS World 32:43 Debating Gross Margins in SaaS 33:12 The Cost of Processing and Technology 34:36 The Reality of SaaS Market 35:26 Examples from the Reviews and Loyalty World 36:24 Challenges in SaaS Implementation 37:39 Pricing, Positioning, and Product 47:47 The SaaS Subscription Hack 54:06 The Financial Reality of SaaS Companies 01:00:32 Concluding Thoughts and Final Remarks ___ Follow us on: X: https://x.com/TheAsomPod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasompod/ Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information! #asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) crack open the real recap of 2025 and get painfully honest about how they’re leveling up for 2026. This one’s not polished. It’s wins, misses, hard lessons, and the kind of goals you only set after getting absolutely humbled by running real businesses in real markets. Here’s what they dig into: Setting aggressive but actually achievable revenue and EBITDA targets (no delusion, just focus)Building stable teams and strong leadership without slowing momentumMoving toward sales-led organizations and using AI as a real service, not just a buzzword for decksLaunching and scaling new businesses with $1M+ ARR potentialPrioritizing health, family, and delegation without blowing up growth They also get candid about why business success is wildly unpredictable, why delegation stops being optional as you scale, and why protecting family time eventually becomes a strategic decision, not just a personal one. _____ Big shoutout to our sponsor who makes this podcast possible! Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/ Subscribe at https://asompod.com __ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 04:08 Reflecting on Last Year's Goals 05:05 Bryan's Business and Personal Goals 27:06 John's Business and Personal Goals 39:46 The Unpredictable Nature of Business Success 40:49 John's Steady Leadership 41:18 Amer's Business Goals for the Year 41:39 Building a Sales-Led Organization 45:11 Personal Goals and Reflections 49:16 Goals for 2026 59:39 Jimmy's Reflections and Future Plans 01:09:11 Closing Thoughts and Reflections ___ Follow us on: X: https://x.com/TheAsomPod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasompod/ Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information! #asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) get into what eCommerce actually looks like in 2026, and spoiler: it’s not just “more ads and more AI.” The crew breaks down how financial modeling, privacy shifts, and AI are changing the way brands operate, while personalization goes from “nice to have” to table stakes. They talk about why websites are turning into loyalty hubs, why more DTC brands are opening retail stores and owning manufacturing, and what big moves (like a potential Chewy acquisition) could signal about where the market is headed. What you’ll hear: Why personalization is about to explode (and what powers it)How AI is reshaping both customer behavior and internal teamsThe future of DTC retail and why physical assets matter againWhy websites are becoming loyalty channels, not just storefrontsThe business model shifts brands need to be ready for by 2026If you’re building, operating, or investing in eCommerce, this episode is a fast, honest look at what’s coming next and what actually matters. _____ Big shoutout to our sponsor who makes this podcast possible! Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/ Subscribe at https://asompod.com __ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 03:49 Reviewing Last Year's Predictions 04:31 TikTok and Social Commerce Insights 09:25 Subscription Models and SaaS Trends 19:06 Meta's Dominance and Social Commerce 28:41 AI's Impact on eCommerce 35:05 Discussing Predictions for 2026 35:29 The Shift in User Experience and AI's Role 37:24 Personalization and Data Privacy Trends 42:50 The Future of Retail and D2C Brands 50:23 The Importance of Brand Assets 01:02:04 The Decline of eCommerce and Rise of Loyalty Channels 01:07:42 Predictions for the Pet Industry 01:10:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ___ Follow us on: X: https://x.com/TheAsomPod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasompod/ Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information! #asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) break down everything that happened across Black Friday and Cyber Monday and what it means for the future of eCommerce. From Shopify’s massive sales spike to unexpected wins in new customer acquisition, the crew digs into the consumer behavior shifts, platform performance issues, and emerging trends shaping the next wave of digital retail. What you’ll learn: How Shopify handled BFCM including the sales surge and the technical issues merchants feltWhy buy now, pay later continues to influence conversions (and the hidden risks most brands ignore)How AI is changing product research, shopping behaviors, and traffic qualityWhy AppLovin is quietly becoming a serious challenger to Meta for customer acquisitionHow retail expectations differ by channel and why brands must innovate fasterWhat AI means for SEO, marketplaces, and the future barriers to entry in eCommerceThe team’s predictions for where digital commerce is headed nextIf you’re trying to understand how AI and consumer behavior will reshape the industry, this episode gives you a sharp, actionable breakdown of what’s happening now and what’s coming. _____ Big shoutout to our sponsor who makes this podcast possible! Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/ Subscribe at https://asompod.com __ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 00:24 Welcome to the ASOM Pod 00:53 Discussing Black Friday and Cyber Monday 02:27 Amazon's Strategy and Consumer Behavior 03:57 Black Friday Product Launches and Consumer Trends 12:57 Retail Experiences and Consumer Preferences 18:44 Shopify's Performance and Technical Issues 34:20 Buy Now, Pay Later Trends 36:14 Merchant Fees and Payment Structures 36:40 Buy Now, Pay Later Risks and Benefits 40:07 AI's Impact on eCommerce Traffic 42:50 SEO and AI: The New Frontier 46:46 AppLovin vs. Meta: A Data Comparison 53:56 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Insights 01:04:52 Predictions for the Future of eCommerce ___ Follow us on: X: https://x.com/TheAsomPod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasompod/ Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information! #asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) dig into one big question: are traditional eCommerce websites on their way out? With AI reshaping how consumers browse, shop, and make decisions, the conversation explores whether AI-driven commerce, mobile apps, and marketplaces like Amazon will eventually replace the classic online storefront.What you’ll learn:- Whether websites are becoming irrelevant in an AI-first world- How AI will transform search, personalization, and customer experience- Why apps, loyalty, and brand ecosystems may win over traditional storefronts- The evolving role of marketplaces like Amazon- How consumer behavior shifts between generations- Why logistics and operations may be the biggest benefactors of AIIf you’re building an eCommerce brand or planning for the next wave of digital retail, this episode gives you a clear, practical look at what’s next._____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Particl — the competitive intelligence platform built for eCommerce brands. Track real sales, inventory, and pricing across thousands of products to see what’s selling, who’s winning, and where to move next. Get started at https://www.particl.com/Subscribe at https://asompod.com__00:00 Teaser Trailer02:23 Websites vs. AI Commerce03:55 The Future of eCommerce06:19 Consumer Behavior and Technology10:54 AI and Marketplaces13:38 Mobile Apps and eCommerce16:07 AI's Impact on Search and Shopping26:08 The Evolution of AI and Quantum Computing32:55 The Rise and Fall of Amazon's Shopping Innovations33:57 Target's Strategic Shopping Experience34:44 The Evolution of Online Shopping36:03 AI's Impact on eCommerce38:16 The Future of Websites and AI Integration40:29 AI in Logistics and Customer Experience44:28 The Role of Loyalty in eCommerce58:32 The Changing Landscape of SaaS___Follow us on:X: https://x.com/TheAsomPodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasompod/Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) break down one of the most debated questions in entrepreneurship: should you build a business based on passion or on skillset? From there, the crew dives into a no-BS analysis of the best and worst eCommerce business models to start in 2025, looking at the real factors that make or break a brand like margins, returns, customer support demands, marketplace competition, paid advertising performance, and evolving consumer spending trends. What you’ll learn: The difference between building from passion vs. building from your actual skillsetThe best and worst eCommerce businesses to start in 2025Which categories have the strongest margins and repeat potentialWhy some “trendy” product types are a financial and logistical nightmareHow returns, support, and ad costs are quietly killing certain industriesWhy the founder’s mindset, adaptability, and execution matter more than the idea itself If you’re thinking about launching a brand, pivoting your current business, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at the real economics of eCom, this episode is your reality check. _____ Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible! Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/ Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com Particl — the competitive intelligence platform built for eCommerce brands. Track real sales, inventory, and pricing across thousands of products to see what’s selling, who’s winning, and where to move next. Get started at https://www.particl.com/ Subscribe at https://asompod.com ___ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 00:30 Welcome to the ASOM Pod 01:08 Meet the Hosts 02:08 Game Time: Best and Worst eCommerce Businesses to Start 03:52 High Margin eCommerce Categories 05:45 Low Margin eCommerce Categories 11:59 Marketplace Competition: Best and Worst Businesses 21:45 Paid Advertising: Best and Worst Categories 24:50 The Challenge of Selling Tumblers 25:16 Returns and Customer Support Insights 29:26 Trends in Consumer Spending 33:09 Best and Worst eCommerce Business Models 39:23 The Importance of the Founder in Business Success 41:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ___ Follow us on: X: https://x.com/TheAsomPod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasompod/ Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information! #asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) sit down with Kevin Tighe, Founder & former CEO of Beachly and now VP of Growth at BUBS Naturals. Kevin gets real about the transition from founder to employee, what it felt like to sell the company he built, and how he rebuilt his identity on the other side. The crew digs into leadership, delegation, the subscription model, and what today’s e-commerce landscape demands from operators. What you’ll learn: How Kevin built and scaled Beachly and what led to its acquisition.The emotional + operational realities of selling your business.How to transition from CEO to employee without losing your edge.Why delegation and team empowerment unlock real growth.The current state of subscription eCommerce (and what’s changing fast).How Kevin is driving growth today at BUBS Naturals.If you’re a founder, operator, or just curious what the “after” looks like post-exit, this one hits home. _____ Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible! Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/ Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com Particl — the competitive intelligence platform built for eCommerce brands. Track real sales, inventory, and pricing across thousands of products to see what’s selling, who’s winning, and where to move next. Get started at https://www.particl.com/ Subscribe at https://asompod.com___ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 00:39 Welcome to the ASOM Pod 04:25 Kevin Tighe’s Journey: From Founder to Employee 04:53 The Birth and Growth of Beachly Brands 07:46 Challenges and Successes in the Subscription Box Model 16:04 The Acquisition Journey and Transition to Employee 22:15 Discussing the Acquisition Details 22:30 Transitioning to a New Market 22:47 Joining BUBS Naturals 24:44 Reflecting on Entrepreneurial Challenges 28:48 The Importance of Delegation 31:13 The Emotional Side of Selling a Business 34:15 Current Role and Team Dynamics 35:55 Future Plans and Reflections 48:07 Closing Thoughts and Outro ___ Follow us on: X: https://x.com/TheAsomPod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasompod/ Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information! #asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) sit down with Pujun Bhatnagar - one of Meta’s first AI engineers and now Co-Founder & CEO of Kintsugi.They unpack where AI is today, where it is headed, and how brands and governments should prepare. Pujun shares his path from Stanford to Meta, how AI moved from experimentation to commercialization, and why we are still only scratching the surface of what data-driven intelligence can do.What you’ll learn:* Why AI is still early and what that means for innovation.* How AI commercialized and where it is going next.* Lessons from building foundational systems at Facebook.* How Kintsugi is reinventing sales tax and compliance.* AGI and robotics timelines and implications.* Why smart policy and critical thinking will guide progress.* Common misconceptions about AI and real-world impacts.* How quantum computing accelerates what is possible.* How AI may transform healthcare, policy, and daily life.* Why R&D investment is critical to a safe future.Whether you are building tech, running a brand, or simply curious where AI is going, this episode delivers a grounded look at the forces shaping our future and the opportunities ahead. Connect with Pujun LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pujun/X: https://x.com/pujun_ai Explore Kintsugi https://www.TryKintsugi.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kintsugi-ai/X: https://x.com/kintsugifi _____Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible!Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comParticl — the competitive intelligence platform built for eCommerce brands. Track real sales, inventory, and pricing across thousands of products to see what’s selling, who’s winning, and where to move next. Get started at https://www.particl.com/Subscribe at https://asompod.com___00:00 Teaser Trailer00:48 Meet the Hosts01:02 Special Guest Intro: AI Expert03:30 Guest Background: From Stanford to Facebook09:49 AI in Business: Sales Tax Automation11:09 The Evolution and Impact of AI16:29 The Future of AI and Society29:55 The Infancy of Mankind and Critical Thinking30:45 The Real Users of Facebook32:13 The Future of AGI and Robotics38:53 Quantum Computing and AI Advancements40:12 The Role of AI in Healthcare and Policy Decisions42:01 The Importance of R&D and Intelligent Policies51:57 The Future of Sales Tax and Compliance Infrastructure54:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts___Follow us on: X: https://x.com/TheAsomPodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theasompodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theasompodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theasompod/Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information!#asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) dig into the real state of email marketing in 2025 and why it continues to be one of the highest-ROI channels in eCommerce. Joining the crew is special guest Rytis Lauris, CoFounder and CEO of Omnisend, who breaks down the numbers behind email performance and why, despite the headlines, email is very much alive and driving predictable revenue for brands. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why email marketing still outperforms every “email is dead” narrative. - The automated flows responsible for 87% of automated email revenue (and how to optimize them). - How contextual segmentation + personalized journeys improve conversion and retention. - Where AI meaningfully enhances strategy vs. where humans still win. - Tactical tips for improving welcome, cart, browse, post-purchase, and subscription flows. - How brands are weaving SMS + email together for smarter lifecycle marketing. - Common customer experience pitfalls and how to fix them. - Small tweaks that lead to big wins in subscription + upsell strategy. Whether you’re running a brand, agency, or SaaS platform, this episode is your tactical guide to leveling up your lifecycle marketing, unlocking more revenue, and engaging customers in smarter, more automated ways. _____ Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible! Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/ Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com Particl — the competitive intelligence platform built for eCommerce brands. Track real sales, inventory, and pricing across thousands of products to see what’s selling, who’s winning, and where to move next. Get started at https://www.particl.com/ Subscribe to the pod at https://asompod.com ___ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 02:21 Special Guest Introduction 05:26 Email Marketing Insights 09:07 The Power of Automated Emails 12:21 Advanced Email Strategies 25:06 Early Stage Email Automation Tips 27:42 Customer Experience Issues 28:01 Subscription Email Tweaks 29:42 Upsell Opportunities 30:32 BattlBox Subscription Feedback 31:10 NPS and Customer Engagement 32:10 Marketing Automation Tips 44:11 AI in Marketing Automation 51:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ___ Follow Jimmy Kim at: X: https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim Follow Bryan MacDonald at: X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad Follow John Roman at: X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman Follow Amer Grozdanic at:a X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information! #asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetip

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Director of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) dive into how top DTC and SaaS leaders are preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2025 and what strategies actually move the needle when it comes to revenue, retention, and cash flow. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to maximize customer lifetime value (LTV) during BFCM.Why customizable bundles and bulk box builders drive repeat purchases.The phased approach to running smooth and profitable promotions.When and how to convert monthly subscribers to annual plans for better cash flow.The psychology behind doorbusters, free shipping, and curated holiday boxes.How leading eCommerce teams are preparing their operations, messaging, and offers for 2025.Whether you’re leading a scaling SaaS or growing a DTC brand, this episode is your Black Friday 2025 Playbook, straight from operators who’ve lived it. _____ Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible! Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/ Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.comParticl — the competitive intelligence platform built for eCommerce brands. Track real sales, inventory, and pricing across thousands of products to see what’s selling, who’s winning, and where to move next. Get started at https://www.particl.com/ Subscribe at https://asompod.com___ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 01:17 Black Friday Cyber Monday Strategies 05:34 Introducing the Bulk Box Idea 09:56 Preparing for Black Friday Launch 11:29 Customer Feedback and Future Plans 21:50 Growth Packages and Subscription Models 25:39 Raw Materials and Paid Campaigns 26:43 BattlBox Black Friday Strategy 28:16 Phase Zero: Early Promotions 29:04 Phase One: Pre-Black Friday Offers 30:57 Phase Two: Black Friday and Cyber Monday 32:51 Phase Three: Holiday Mystery Boxes 38:45 Subscription Models and Customer Loyalty 43:46 Optimizing Cash Flow and Tax Benefits 49:01 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell ___ Follow Jimmy Kim at:  X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim Follow Bryan MacDonald at: X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad Follow John Roman at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman Follow Amer Grozdanic at:a  X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information! #asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer & Commerce Roundtable, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) sit down with Curtis Masco, Founder and CEO of Portland Leather Goods, for one of the most raw and inspiring founder stories you’ll hear. From living in a Zen monastery to building one of North America’s largest leather manufacturing operations, Curtis shares how continuous reinvention became his blueprint for success.He opens up about overcoming alcoholism, self-funding every stage of growth, and why he believes you have to “kill 90% of what got you to your first million” to reach the next level. What you’ll learn in this episode: - How to reinvent your business every year to stay ahead. - The philosophy behind building and rebuilding momentum. - Lessons from scaling from art festivals to Etsy to Shopify. - Why self-funding beats chasing investors (and how he did it) .- How Curtis overcame personal struggles to unlock his potential. - The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. - Why belief, integrity, and confidence matter more than capital. - The future of craftsmanship, eCommerce, and personal growth. Whether you’re in the grind of your first startup or looking for the spark to level up again, this episode is proof that reinvention isn’t just possible.. it’s powerful. Follow Curtis on YouTube → youtube.com/@CurtisMatsko for more unfiltered business lessons, founder stories, and behind-the-scenes of Portland Leather Goods Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/ Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com Subscribe at https://asompod.com Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com 00:00 Teaser Trailer 00:40 Welcome to the ASOM Pod 02:16 Special Guest Introduction: Curtis Masco of Portland Leather Goods 05:02 Curtis Masco's Early Life and Zen Monastery Experience 08:06 The Dot-Com Crash and Starting Over 10:21 Building Portland Leather Goods: Growth and Sobriety 12:12 The Power of Belief and Manifestation 16:48 Investing in Founders and Giving Back 21:26 The Importance of Self-Belief and Surrounding Yourself with the Right People 35:17 The Importance of Integrity, Motivation, and Intelligence 36:47 Lessons from Business Failures and Successes 37:56 Reinventing Your Business Every Year 39:36 From Art Festivals to eCommerce Success 42:11 Navigating Manufacturing Challenges During COVID 43:25 The Future of Business and Personal Growth 01:02:07 The Power of Networking and Social Media0 1:06:11 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information! #asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this live episode from Commerce Roundtable San Diego, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) kick things off with a round of “Hot or Not: eCom Edition” before diving into the biggest debates in DTC.  They tackle owning vs. renting customers, sustainability vs. convenience, and the evolving world of influencers, affiliates, and creator-driven content, and live shopping. The conversation gets real about profitability, EBITDA, and smart exit strategies, all while keeping the energy high and the laughs coming (yes, including a nod to Bryan MacDonald’s self-made fan club). If you missed San Diego, this episode captures the energy, insights, and fun of the event, live from the pier. _____ Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible! Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/ Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com Subscribe at https://asompod.com Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com _____ 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Welcome to the ASOM Podcast 01:56 Meet the Hosts 03:41 Hot or Not: Ecom Edition 04:27 Debate: Owning vs. Renting Customers 09:48 Sustainability vs. Convenience 13:14 Future of Influencers vs. Affiliates 13:34 The Evolving Landscape of Influencers and Affiliates 13:51 TikTok Shop: Empowering Creators 14:59 Blurring Lines Between Influencers and Affiliates 15:31 The Rise of Consumer-Generated Content 16:51 The Future of Free Content Creation 20:21 Exit Strategies in D2C 22:58 The Importance of EBITDA and Unit Economics 28:56 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up ___ Follow Jimmy Kim at:  X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim Follow Bryan MacDonald at: X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad Follow John Roman at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman Follow Amer Grozdanic at:a  X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information! #asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), and Bryan MacDonald (Direct of eCommerce at Oma’s Pride) take you inside the Commerce Roundtable San Diego, held at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier. From the packed registration line to the speaker’s lounge with ocean views, they take you along for the ride, chatting with founders, operators, and marketers who make this industry tick. This isn’t your average, dull conference. Think: food trucks on the pier, vacation giveaways, and conversations with heavy-hitters. Along the way, the crew dives into hot topics like AI, live selling, and what’s next in eCommerce growth all while capturing the buzz and camaraderie that make Commerce Roundtable the go-to event for DTC brands. Whether you missed San Diego or just want a front-row seat to the action, this recap brings the energy, insights, and chaos (the fun kind) of Commerce Roundtable 2025 straight to you. _____ Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible! Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/ Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com Subscribe at https://asompod.com Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com _____ 00:00 Welcome to Commerce Roundtable San Diego 00:48 Exploring the Venue and Food Trucks 01:44 Registration and Initial Impressions 02:53 Behind the Scenes: Speaker's Lounge 04:39 Conversations with Attendees 09:19 Touring the Conference Venue 10:16 Exploring the Lounge Area 10:54 Raffle Excitement and Giveaways 12:20 Outdoor Patio and Networking 13:15 Insights from SubSummit 16:02 Live Selling and AI Innovations 17:26 Founder's Journey and Business Growth 19:10 Event Highlights and Conclusion ___ Follow Jimmy Kim at:  X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim Follow Bryan MacDonald at: X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad Follow John Roman at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman Follow Amer Grozdanic at:a  X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information! #asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips

In this episode of the ASOM Pod, hosts Jimmy Kim (CEO of eCom Email Marketer, formally Founder of Sendlane), John Roman (CEO of BattlBox), Amer Grozdanic (CEO of Praella), unpack the growing world of live shopping with a spotlight on the Whatnot platform. John (a.k.a. the Android Loving Survival King) shares his real-world playbook for turning Whatnot streams into a profitable and scalable sales channel. From treating live selling as entertainment to building a community that keeps coming back, the conversation blends data, strategy, and war stories from the front lines of live commerce. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why live shopping is more than sales it’s entertainment.The key operational roles every live selling team needs.How consistency and scheduling make revenue more predictable.Gamification tactics that keep audiences engaged (and spending).Lessons from testing different show formats and hiring dedicated team members.Why Whatnot can outperform TikTok Shop in both engagement and growth.The importance of leveraging existing communities while expanding to new ones.How to scale live shopping sustainably without burning out your team.Whether you’re already experimenting with TikTok Shop or just curious about Whatnot, this episode offers actionable insights to help eCommerce and DTC brands future proof their sales strategy with live shopping. _____ Big shoutout to our sponsors who make this podcast possible! Omnisend — With 125,000+ eCommerce merchants, Omnisend is the all-in-one email & SMS marketing platform built to deliver seamless, personalized experiences via email and sms with ease. Learn more at https://www.omnisend.com/ LiveRecover — Live Agents for eCommerce — Get more out of your revenue strategy with real-time SMS engagement and sales recovery for higher ROI. Learn more at https://www.LiveRecover.com Kintsugi — AI that monitors, files, and optimizes sales tax for you. Eliminate your tax headaches forever. Mention ASOM for 3 months free at https://www.TryKintsugi.com Subscribe at https://asompod.com Come hang out with us IRL - https://commerceroundtable.com _____ 00:00 Teaser Trailer 02:14 John's Presentation on Live Shopping 04:23 Live Shopping Trends and Data Insights 08:19 Comparing Whatnot and TikTok Shop 12:15 Community Building and Engagement 22:59 Roles and Strategies for Live Selling 28:10 Forecastable Revenue and Show Scheduling 28:49 Gamification and Audience Engagement 28:56 Team Meetings and Scheduling 30:54 Hiring and Team Expansion 32:09 Conservative Growth Strategy 34:19 Leveraging Social Media and Organic Growth 36:04 New Hosts and Show Formats 38:40 Channel Growth Potential 43:25 Gamification Strategies 46:12 Takeaways and Final Thoughts 57:28 Podcast Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks ___ Follow Jimmy Kim at:  X:  https://www.twitter.com/yojimmykim  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/yojimmykim IG: https://www.instagram.com/@yojimmykim  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yojimmykim Follow Bryan MacDonald at: X: https://www.twitter.com/bryanomaspride LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-macdonald-ct IG: https://www.instagram.com/@anythingbutasalad Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anythingbutasalad Follow John Roman at:  X: https://www.twitter.com/@JohnMRoman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-roman/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/@johnnyromes Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnmroman Follow Amer Grozdanic at:a  X: https://www.twitter.com/@AmerGrozdanic Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amer-grozdanic IG: https://www.instagram.com/@amergrozdanic Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amergrozdanic Contact us at [email protected] for sponsorships, appearance requests, interviews, or general information! #asompod #businesspodcast #businessinsider #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #ecommercepodcast #ecommerce #ecommercebusiness #ecom #dtc #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips