Josh Hadley

Ecomm Breakthrough

A Entrepreneurship , Business and Management podcast

#22 in Entrepreneurship · 🇵🇰 #87 in Business · 🇵🇰

About the show

Unlock the full potential and growth in your business. Join Josh Hadley, a successful 8-figure e-com business owner and investor as he interviews highly successful CEOs and business owners who share specific actions you can take today to help your business reach its full potential and leave a lasting impact on the world. Whether you sell on Amazon FBA, Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Walmart, ClickFunnels, or Etsy you'll learn what is working for the most successful business leaders in eCommerce. Each eCom breakthrough episode is filled with strategies you can implement to help you scale to 8 figures and beyond. Here's a small list of the topics we will cover: - How to find new products to sell - How to find good manufacturers - How to manage cash flow - Inventory management (shipping & logistics) - Optimizing sales pages for conversion - How to successfully launch a new product on Amazon.com - Product ranking & optimization - Amazon PPC management - Implementing business operating systems - Driving external traffic to Amazon - Preparing to exit - How to hire and build a team with A-Level talent - Leadership skills

Newest episodes

5 Leading Indicators Every Business Owner Must Track

Nov 12, 2026 11 min

Josh Hadley noticed a costly contradiction: his supply-chain team’s leading indicators were all green, yet inventory was growing faster than sales. In this episode, he explains how tracking the wrong “green” metrics can hide trouble until it shows up in revenue and profit and how comparing weekly actions with monthly financial results helped expose the problem before it got worse. He shares practical examples from ad production, including targets for new concepts, AI videos, static images, and winning ads, then shows how to test whether those activities actually predict results. He also explains why inventory can become an e-commerce brand’s Kryptonite and why revenue and profit may reflect decisions made six months earlier. Bullet Points: The difference between leading indicators and lagging metrics in businessHow daily actions can predict longer-term outcomes, illustrated through a weight-management exampleSelecting and tracking weekly leading indicators for areas such as media buying and creative productionUsing hypotheses and AI to identify and validate useful leading indicatorsComparing leading indicators with financial results to spot performance gapsResponding to market and platform changes with specific actions rather than relying on external explanationsMonitoring inventory growth against sales growth as an early warning of supply-chain problemsReviewing monthly profit-and-loss statements alongside operational metricsImproving inventory management processes to prevent excess stock and protect profitabilityTimestamps: 00:00:00 Leading Indicators vs. Lagging MetricsIntroduces why businesses should track leading indicators to predict revenue and profit. 00:01:01 A Weight-Loss Example of Leading IndicatorsUses calories, food choices, and steps to show how actions can predict changes in weight. 00:03:05 Revenue and Profit as Lagging IndicatorsExplains why financial results can take months to reflect business decisions and introduces the weekly High Five tracker....

Throwback: The Greatest Strategies for Exiting and Scaling E-Commerce Brands Revealed

Nov 11, 2026 11 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Adam Runquist (Adam Heist), an e-commerce entrepreneur who exited multiple Amazon brands. Adam shares insights from his five-week global travel adventure attending Amazon seller events, before diving into key strategies for e-commerce success: prioritizing product development, consistently A/B testing Amazon listings, and building external traffic sources. He also discusses personal productivity through his "three things" philosophy and recommends Michael Singer's The Untethered Soul for personal growth. The episode delivers actionable advice for sellers looking to scale their brands to eight figures and beyond. Bullet Points: Experiences and lessons learned from exiting multiple e-commerce brands.New strategies for current e-commerce ventures, particularly in Amazon and cycling niches.Importance of product development and understanding the target audience.Techniques for Amazon listing optimization, including A/B testing and PPC strategies.The significance of driving external traffic to e-commerce listings.Insights from extensive travel related to Amazon seller events.Transitioning from corporate life to e-commerce entrepreneurship.The role of personal productivity philosophies in business success.Key takeaways for scaling e-commerce brands to eight figures and beyond.The impact of influential books on personal and professional growth.Links and Mentions: Tools and Websites "Ecomm Breakthrough Consulting": "00:00:58" "YouTube Channel: Adam Heist, FBA Masterclass": "00:02:04" Actionable Takeaways "Product Development": "00:05:11" "Listing Optimization": "00:06:09" "Driving External Traffic": "00:08:22" Books "The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer": "00:09:51" Additional Notes "Three Things Philosophy": "00:10:20" Transcript: Josh Hadley 00:00:00 Welcome to the Econ Breakthrough Podcast. I'm your host, Josh Hadley, where I interview the top business leaders in e-commerce. Previ...

Amazon’s AI Is Making Your Negative Reviews More Dangerous

Nov 9, 2026 55 min

Shane Barker, the founder and CEO of TraceFuse, a reputation management company that helps Amazon sellers identify and remove policy-violating negative reviews. As a veteran digital marketing strategist, entrepreneur, author, and international speaker, Shane has spent more than two decades helping brands strengthen their online presence and grow profitably. Under his leadership, TraceFuse has helped more than 850 brands remove over 27,000 negative reviews from their Amazon listings. He is passionate about helping e-commerce businesses turn reputation into a measurable growth advantage. Ecomm Breakthrough listeners please use this link to bring TraceFuse's onboarding fee from $250 to just $1. Highlight Bullets: Importance of monitoring and managing Amazon reviews for sellers.Types of reviews that violate Amazon’s guidelines, including competitor mentions and profanity.The role of proprietary AI and human review in identifying and removing non-compliant reviews.Challenges and realities of the review removal process, including success rates and timeframes.Compliance and risk management in review removal efforts to avoid penalties from Amazon.Value proposition of using professional services for review management and potential ROI.Pricing structures and volume discounts for sellers with large catalogs.Prevalence of malicious review attacks, particularly in competitive product categories.Strategies for detecting and responding to suspicious review patterns.Future trends in Amazon review management and the impact of AI on moderation.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley speaks with Shane Barker, founder of TraceFuse, about managing Amazon reviews. Shane explains how his company uses proprietary AI combined with human expertise to identify and remove policy-violating negative reviews, maintaining a 25% removal rate. They discuss common violations, including competitor mentions, pricing disclosures, and fraudulent competitor attacks. Shane emp...

Similar podcasts

Founders David Senra

The Game with Alex Hormozi Alex Hormozi

My First Million Hubspot Media

High Performance Business High Performance

AM/PM Podcast Helium 10

Bulletproof Dental Practice Dr. Peter Boulden & Dr. Craig Spodak

Disruptors Rob Moore

The Tim Ferriss Show Tim Ferriss: Bestselling Author, Human Guinea Pig

All episodes

The newest 50 of 326 episodes

5 Leading Indicators Every Business Owner Must Track

Nov 12, 2026 11 min

Throwback: The Greatest Strategies for Exiting and Scaling E-Commerce Brands Revealed

Nov 11, 2026 11 min

Amazon’s AI Is Making Your Negative Reviews More Dangerous

Nov 9, 2026 55 min

The AI Strategy I'm Using to Build My $20M Ecommerce Business

Nov 5, 2026 33 min

Josh Hadley once argued that ecommerce businesses shouldn’t waste time building software. Now he believes the best use of AI may be building a custom ERP and has reassigned a longtime employee to lead the effort. In this episode, he explains why he’s changing his mind, what Domino’s digital ordering reveals about competing with technology, and how his team is approaching a 12–18-month AI rollout. Get his five-step framework, problem, owner, prototype, proof and scale for choosing automations that improve profits or save meaningful time, rather than producing another shiny dashboard. Bullet Points: Why businesses selling physical products increasingly need software capabilities.Using AI to improve competitiveness, speed, and decision-making.Developing existing employees’ AI skills instead of immediately hiring outside specialists.Building custom systems, including ERP capabilities, when they better fit a company’s needs.Reducing operational friction by connecting systems and automating information gathering.Choosing AI projects based on clear business problems, such as cost reduction or increased sales.A five-step approach to AI implementation: identify a problem, assign an owner, prototype, prove the impact, and scale.Keeping humans responsible for reviewing AI outputs, making decisions, and maintaining systems.Establishing accountability for data quality, testing, integration, and ongoing maintenance.Rolling out AI incrementally, focusing on one useful automation at a time.Timestamps: 00:00:00 Why Every Business Must Become AI-FirstAI is changing competition; businesses must build software capabilities alongside their physical products. 00:01:06 Lessons from an AI ConferenceJosh reflects on companies embracing AI and the risks of businesses delaying adoption. 00:02:11 Why Internal AI Talent Beats Outside ConsultantsThe strongest AI results come from developing curious, capable people already on the team. 00:03:27 From Physical Products to Technology-Enabled Busines...

Throwback: From Garage Hustle to Nine Figures: The Untold Amazon Scaling Playbook

Nov 4, 2026 17 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Jamie Davidson, co-founder of AMZ Insiders and nine-figure Amazon seller. Jamie shares his journey from selling cell phone accessories in 2012 to surpassing $100 million in revenue. He discusses breaking through a $50 million plateau by focusing on two key strategies: building a strong team, including expanding overseas to China, and maintaining a laser-focused product strategy. The conversation also covers actionable takeaways on team building, product development, and inventory management, along with book recommendations and favorite tools for scaling an Amazon business. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction to the Ecomm Breakthrough PodcastHost Josh Hadley introduces the podcast, his consulting service, and this episode's special guest, nine-figure Amazon seller Jamie Davidson. 00:01:38 Introducing Jamie DavidsonJosh formally introduces Jamie Davidson, co-founder of AMZ Insiders, highlighting his nine-figure Amazon FBA success and coaching background. 00:02:16 The Journey to Nine FiguresJamie discusses his journey, starting with cell phone accessories in 2012 and the plateaus faced at $40M and $60M. 00:04:47 Systems for Scaling Past $50 MillionJamie explains the strategic changes and systems implemented to break through the $50-$60 million plateau and reach nine figures. 00:07:00 Building a Team and Product DevelopmentJamie details the two key changes for growth: building a 200+ person team in China and expanding product categories. 00:09:08 Three Actionable TakeawaysJosh summarizes the episode's key lessons: systematically build your team, focus on innovative product development, and manage profit margins. 00:12:35 Most Influential BookJamie recommends "Blue Ocean Strategy," a book about finding uncontested market space to make the competition irrelevant. 00:13:52 Favorite Productivity ToolJamie shares his appreciation for GoHighLevel, an all-in-one marketing and sales platform for managi...

Your Ecommerce Brand Is Invisible to AI. Here’s How to Fix It.

Nov 2, 2026 46 min

Get your free masterclass here:www.gloriachoupr.com/masterclass Message Gloria on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gloriachoupr/?hl=en and send the word "Josh" to get additional freebies! Gloria Chou is the #1 small business PR expert and is the host of the top rated Small Business PR podcast. Making traditional PR finally accessible to solo founders, entrepreneurs and biz owners with her award winning pitchwriting method now built into AI workflows, she has helped hundreds of founders get featured in top tier magazines, podcasts, tv and radio without pay to play or needing prior PR experience. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. How public relations can help small businesses build credibility and reach customers without costly agency retainersHow earned media coverage may influence AI recommendations and brand visibilityChoosing relevant products, trends, and seasonal angles for media pitchesUsing AI tools to research editorial opportunities and draft pitchesWriting concise outreach emails that make journalists’ jobs easierFinding journalists and publications beyond media-request platformsDistinguishing unpaid editorial coverage from pay-to-play placementsManaging product photos, samples, affiliate links, and sales destinations for media featuresTracking media mentions and evaluating PR’s role in traffic, sales, and search visibilityBuilding a consistent, time-efficient PR process for small and growing brandsAI-referred shoppers can convert at up to four times the rate of organic traffic, but how do small brands earn AI’s trust? PR expert Gloria Chou explains how consistent editorial mentions, from niche blogs and gift guides to major publications, can help brands get recommended. She shares a practical AI-assisted pitching workflow, including how to use Perplexity to spot timely angles and write concise pitches that give journalists what they need. Plus: why one founder’s custom LEGO figures now get three to four sales a week through...

My Team Was Hitting Every KPI. So Why Were Profits Falling?

Oct 29, 2026 27 min

Josh Hadley’s Amazon team was busy, every leading indicator was green and the business still missed its back-to-school forecast. He realized his own steady stream of ideas, from new AI tools to dashboards and ad placements, had helped distract the team from profit and sales velocity. In this episode, Hadley shares a five-question framework for getting clear on who owns which outcome, what’s blocking it, how to measure progress, and what work to stop. He also draws on Alan Mulally’s turnaround at Ford, where leaders learned to surface red flags instead of presenting a wall of green. The takeaway: sometimes growth comes from subtraction. Bullet Points: Focusing teams on outcomes that drive sales, profitability, and distributable cashHow too many priorities and new initiatives can distract teams from important workThe CEO’s role in setting priorities and avoiding unnecessary distractionsUsing lagging business results to assess whether leading indicators are meaningfulIdentifying the main constraint limiting business performanceCreating a transparent review process where teams can surface problems and ask for helpApplying the 80/20 principle to identify high-impact activitiesA five-question framework for clarifying ownership, obstacles, priorities, measurements, and trade-offsBalancing accountability and guidance with team autonomyGrowing through subtraction by simplifying, stopping, or deprioritizing work that competes for attentionTimestamps: 00:00:00 Why Busy Teams Still Miss Results Josh introduces a five-question framework for focusing teams on work that grows the business. 00:01:00 The CEO’s Responsibility: Focus Busy teams can complete tasks without increasing sales, profitability, or distributable cash; leaders must clarify outcomes. 00:03:42 When Leaders Create Distractions New ideas can crowd out existing priorities, leaving teams busy but unable to deliver important results. 00:04:54 A Back-to-School Season Miss Green leading indicators masked underperform...

Throwback: How Can Multi-Channel Distribution Propel Your E-Commerce Brand to Nine Figures?

Oct 28, 2026 16 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Jamin, co-founder of AI Commerce, about the importance of multi-channel distribution strategies for e-commerce brands. Drawing from over 20 years of experience, Jamin explains why relying solely on Amazon poses significant risks and how diversifying across multiple channels drives growth and increases brand valuation. The conversation covers practical steps for expanding distribution, including evaluating new marketplaces, starting with best-selling products, and partnering with experts. Jamin also recommends Traction and Scaling Up as essential business frameworks and highlights AI tools as key productivity drivers. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction to the Ecomm Breakthrough PodcastHost Josh Hadley introduces the podcast, his consulting services, and a special offer for a free business strategy audit. 00:01:38 Introducing Jamin from AI CommerceJosh Hadley introduces the guest, Jamin, co-founder of AI Commerce, and highlights his extensive 20-year experience in e-commerce. 00:03:14 Jamin's E-commerce JourneyJamin explains how he started in e-commerce over 20 years ago, leading to the creation of his multi-channel service companies. 00:05:20 The Importance of a Multi-Channel StrategyJamin discusses why a multi-channel strategy is crucial for growth, as individual channels become more saturated and expensive over time. 00:07:26 The Future of Amazon-Only BrandsJamin explains the risks for brands focusing solely on Amazon, including knockoffs, and why diversification is key for long-term success. 00:09:55 Three Actionable TakeawaysJosh summarizes three key actions: list and prioritize new channels, start with best-selling products, and partner with experienced experts. 00:12:45 Jamin's Offer and Contact InformationJamin offers a free audit for listeners and explains how his team's expertise and relationships can help brands grow. 00:14:11 Most Influential BookJamin recommends "Traction" and "...

How to Build an In-House Amazon PPC Team That Actually Performs

Oct 26, 2026 48 min

Stefano leads a team of more than 40 people focused on driving growth for 7 and 8 figure e-commerce brands on Amazon. They've worked with over 100 brands, including some of the top 100 sellers on Amazon.com, and they do it in one of two ways. They either build and coach your in-house Amazon PPC team so you own the system and never need an agency again, or they manage the ads themselves and apply advanced strategies to scale you profitably. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Building and managing in-house Amazon PPC teams for e-commerce brands.Common challenges and mistakes in hiring and managing PPC managers.Importance of setting clear expectations and defining KPIs.Differences between using agencies versus in-house teams for PPC management.Evaluating candidates for PPC roles based on cultural fit, technical capability, and track record.Team structure considerations based on ad spend and product complexity.Accountability and management practices for PPC teams.The evolving competitive landscape of Amazon and its impact on advertising strategies.Establishing a structured management system with regular meetings and feedback loops.Strategies for sourcing and attracting top talent in PPC management.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley reunites with Stefano Pretto, founder of Trainadz, to discuss building effective in-house Amazon PPC teams. They explore common hiring mistakes, the importance of clear KPIs, and structured management systems. Stefano emphasizes finding candidates with an ownership mindset, while Josh outlines a three-step hiring filter covering cultural fit, technical capability, and track record. Both agree that consistent accountability through regular meetings and performance reviews is essential. The episode concludes with actionable strategies for e-commerce brands ready to scale beyond seven figures through stronger advertising team management. Here are a few action items that Josh identifie...

How to Use AI to Get 10X More From Your Team

Oct 22, 2026 45 min

After recording hundreds of product-research decisions, Josh Hadley turned his instincts into a 273-rule playbook—and handed it to AI to help train his team. In this episode, he shows how he’s using AI to help his executive assistant take ownership of email, travel, and recurring workflows, while freeing Josh to focus on growth. You’ll hear how short daily check-ins capture his decision-making, how Loom videos become practical SOPs, and how one automated coaching workflow prepares follow-up emails and notes before the next call. The key isn’t asking AI to replace people; it’s giving a trusted teammate the context and judgment to use it well. Bullet Points: Using AI to increase an executive assistant’s impact and free up a business owner’s time.Delegating ownership of email, calendars, travel, follow-ups, reporting, and other administrative responsibilities.Building trust by giving team members context, autonomy, and decision-making authority.Capturing decision-making rationale through recorded conversations and voice notes.Connecting AI tools to business systems, including email, calendars, documents, project management, and meeting transcripts.Creating judgment libraries and detailed SOPs from recorded examples of real work and decisions.Using an assistant as a human review layer to evaluate and refine AI-generated results.Automating recurring tasks and workflows with AI tools.Developing team members’ judgment over time through onboarding, feedback, and calibration.Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction and Episode OverviewJosh introduces how he uses AI with his executive assistant to multiply productivity and free up the CEO’s time. 00:02:22 What the Executive Assistant OwnsHe describes the assistant’s responsibilities, including inbox triage, calendar, travel, sports schedules, follow-ups, coaching administration, and financial coordination. 00:06:40 The Goal: Own and Delete WorkDelegation should remove responsibilities from the CEO’s mind, not create more approvals,...

Throwback: How Can Influencer Partnerships and AI Revolutionize Your Amazon Sales?

Oct 21, 2026 18 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Ehud Segev, known as The Mentalist, an Amazon marketing expert and co-creator of Logie AI. Ehud shares his journey from performing as a mentalist worldwide to becoming a successful Amazon seller. He emphasizes the importance of building a genuine brand, understanding your audience through customer reviews, and leveraging influencer partnerships. The conversation highlights how Logi AI is revolutionizing e-commerce by connecting sellers with content creators. Ehud also recommends key books, productivity tools like Make and Airtable, and praises James Thompson for his contributions to the e-commerce community. Timestamps: Introduction to Ehud Segev and Logie AI (00:00:00)Host Josh Hadley introduces guest Ehud Segev, the brain behind Logi AI, and the episode's focus on influencer marketing. Ehud Segev's Background and Entry into Amazon (00:02:26)Ehud shares his journey from being a world-renowned mentalist to discovering Amazon selling through an online course ten years ago. Early Success and the Importance of Branding (00:06:11)Ehud discusses his initial, magical success on Amazon and how he immediately focused on building a brand, unlike other sellers. Three Actionable Takeaways for Sellers (00:08:58)Josh summarizes three key steps: understand your brand, analyze one-star reviews to find your audience, and partner with content creators. Most Influential Book Recommendation (00:12:07)Ehud recommends "Fall in Love with the Problem, Not the Solution" by Uri Levine, the creator of Waze. Favorite Productivity Tool (00:13:44)Ehud suggests using no-code automation tools like Make (formerly Integromat) and Airtable to streamline business processes and save time. Most Admired Person in E-commerce (00:15:28)Ehud names James Thompson, co-founder of the Prosper Show, as someone he admires for his willingness to help others. How to Connect with Ehud Segev (00:16:54)Ehud shares how listeners can learn m...

Most Amazon Sellers Aren’t Ready for Shopify, Here's Why

Oct 19, 2026 48 min

Sarah Carusona has spent 10 years in DTC growth behind brands you already know and love. She's managed over $250M in media and pulled just about every lever in the consumer journey, from loyalty and returns to CRO, data, and inventory. Now she runs BA Commerce, where she embeds senior operators into DTC brands to drive profitable growth that goes way beyond button-pushing on Meta. And she does it all from Buenos Aires! Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Transitioning from Amazon to Shopify for eCommerce brandsImportance of a compelling brand story and identityStrategies for optimizing the consumer journey, including acquisition and retentionFinancial modeling based on customer lifetime value (LTV) and customer acquisition cost (CAC)Role of content strategies and authentic storytelling in marketingUtilizing influencers and creators for brand promotionTeam structure and roles focused on acquisition, retention, and conversionBalancing lean operations with growth needs in team scalingLeveraging AI for data analysis, strategy development, and content creationKey takeaways for brand owners considering eCommerce growth strategiesIn this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley speaks with DTC eCommerce expert Sarah Carusona about transitioning brands from Amazon to Shopify. Sarah shares her journey from dance to digital marketing, and her experience managing nine-figure brands. She explains that successful transitions require a compelling brand story, repeat purchase potential, and a clear financial model based on LTV and CAC. Sarah also discusses her agency B.A. Commerce, which embeds growth operators directly into brands, and highlights the importance of authentic content, integrated team structures covering acquisition, retention, and conversion, and leveraging AI for smarter decision-making. Here are three action items that Josh identified from this episode: Define Your Money Model and Customer JourneyTest Creative Extens...

90% of My Business Breakthroughs Came From Doing This

Oct 15, 2026 15 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley shares how to maximize ROI from conferences through intentional networking. Using Amazon Accelerate as a case study, Josh explains how pre-planning meetings with key attendees—rather than randomly networking—led to valuable connections with high-level Amazon executives, directly benefiting his business. He emphasizes researching attendees in advance, setting clear goals, and scheduling meetings before the event begins. Josh encourages entrepreneurs to stop treating conferences as content-focused events and instead approach them strategically, turning every interaction into a purposeful opportunity for meaningful business growth. Bullet Points: Importance of intentional networking at conferences and eventsCommon mistakes people make when networkingStrategies for maximizing the value of attending conferencesPreparing in advance by researching attendees and setting up meetingsThe significance of having clear goals for networking outcomesCase study of attending Amazon Accelerate and its impact on businessBuilding valuable connections with high-level executivesThe difference between content value and networking value at eventsThe role of strategic planning in successful networkingUtilizing resources like attendee lists and AI tools for effective networking preparationTimestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction to NetworkingMost people are terrible at networking. The host, Josh Hadley, introduces himself and the topic of maximizing conference ROI. 00:01:14 Maximizing Time at EventsA travel hack for conferences: take the first flight out and the last flight back to maximize your valuable time. 00:02:22 The Power of Pre-Planned MeetingsJosh shares his successful experience at Amazon Accelerate, where he pre-scheduled meetings with high-level executives and key contacts. 00:04:42 The Old Mindset: Conferences are for ContentThe initial belief that the value of conferences lies in the content, taking notes, and listenin...

Throwback: How Can E-Commerce Entrepreneurs Scale to Eight Figures Using Proven Growth Strategies?

Oct 14, 2026 16 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Mitch Russo, CEO of MindfulGuidance, about scaling e-commerce businesses to eight figures and beyond. Mitch shares three core growth strategies: increasing customers, transaction value, and purchase frequency. He emphasizes free publicity methods like podcast guesting, PR, and joint ventures as cost-effective customer acquisition tools. Mitch also highlights the CEO's role in continuously creating new products and maintaining customer communication to prevent product burnout. The episode concludes with book recommendations, including The Alchemist and The Most Important Number, and productivity tools like ChatGPT and Notion. Timestamps: Introduction to Mitch Russo (00:01:02)Host Josh Hadley introduces Mitch Russo, his background in software, work with Tony Robbins, and his multiple published books. The Three Ways to Grow a Business (00:03:14)Mitch explains the three fundamental ways to scale any company: increasing customers, transaction value, and purchase frequency. Attracting Customers for Free (00:05:25)Mitch discusses using free or low-cost publicity methods like PR and podcast guesting to attract more customers without advertising. Avoiding Product Burnout (00:09:01)The importance of creating new, complementary products for your existing customer base to maintain engagement and sales is discussed. Actionable Takeaways (00:10:10)Josh summarizes three key takeaways: using free PR, the CEO's role in creating and communicating, and leveraging your email list. Most Influential Book (00:12:47)Mitch shares his most influential books: "The Alchemist" for personal insight and "Your Most Important Number" for business operations. Favorite Productivity Tools (00:13:53)Mitch recommends ChatGPT for its comprehensive capabilities, Notion for its versatility, and his own tool, Client Folio, for coaching. Most Admired Person in E-commerce (00:15:25)Mitch names Jeff Bezos as the person he most admir...

64% of Amazon AI’s Product Recommendations Aren’t The Top 10 Organic Rankings

Oct 12, 2026 55 min

Christian Umbach is the Co-Founder and CEO of AutopilotBrand.com, an AI brand operations platform that helps Amazon and Shopify brands manage their catalogs, optimize listings, and win in AI discovery - on & beyond Amazon. Before Autopilot, he co-founded an enterprise a data orchestration platform, built products at Uber's API Platform, co-created the Lufthansa Innovation Hub, and earned his Master's in System Engineering from MIT. He also writes The Order (theorder.press), a weekly newsletter read by 5,000+ eCommerce operators and marketplace sellers. Chris splits his time between Portugal and the US and has spoken at various Amazon industry events and the World Economic Forum. He loves to work at the forefront of what's possible with data. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. The transformation of product discovery on Amazon due to AI-powered tools.The emergence of a "third shelf" in product discovery, alongside organic and paid rankings.The limitations of traditional rank tracking for brands and the shift towards market share-based tracking.The influence of AI assistants like Alexa on product recommendations and consumer behavior.The importance of optimizing product listings for AI-driven discovery, including titles and descriptions.The need for brands to understand customer personas and seasonal buying intents.Strategies for adapting product content to align with AI interpretation and shopper intent.The significance of creating AI-friendly web presences to enhance visibility outside of Amazon.The role of structured content in improving discoverability by AI tools like ChatGPT.Actionable takeaways for brand owners to navigate the evolving e-commerce landscape.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast, host Josh Hadley speaks with Christian Umbach, CEO of Autopilot Brand, about the changing landscape of Amazon product discovery. Christian introduces the concept of a "third shelf" driven by AI tools like Alexa for shopping, which...

Why Your Business Gets Harder at $1M, $5M, $10M and $20M

Oct 8, 2026 21 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley reframes friction in business as a catalyst for growth rather than an obstacle to avoid. Drawing from his e-commerce experience, Josh contrasts entrepreneurs who flee challenges with those who embrace them, arguing that leaning into difficulty builds judgment, leadership, and resilience. Using analogies like video game levels and weightlifting, he illustrates how overcoming friction unlocks new capabilities at each business stage. Josh encourages listeners to identify their biggest constraints, focus their energy accordingly, and view every challenge as an opportunity for personal and professional transformation. Bullet Points: The concept of friction in business as a catalyst for growth.The distinction between founders who avoid friction and those who embrace it.The importance of perseverance, patience, and embracing uncertainty in entrepreneurship.Personal transformation through overcoming challenges in business.The analogy of video game levels to illustrate growth through overcoming obstacles.The evolution of challenges as a business scales, from product-market fit to leadership development.The necessity of discerning beneficial friction from detrimental friction.The significance of focusing on the biggest constraints in business for effective problem-solving.The idea of "growing grace for grace" in relation to personal and business development.The overarching message that business success is intertwined with personal growth and development.Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction to FrictionFriction in business is not an obstacle but a necessary component for developing judgment, capacity, and leadership skills. 00:01:00 The Nature of Friction and UncertaintyBusiness owners must learn to be comfortable with uncertainty and friction, which are constant and unavoidable parts of entrepreneurship. 00:03:23 Leaning Into FrictionInstead of avoiding friction, entrepreneurs should lean into it, as overcoming t...

Throwback: How Can Building a Community Transform Your Amazon E-Commerce Brand?

Oct 7, 2026 17 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Carlos Alvarez, CEO of Wizards of Ecom, the largest Amazon meetup group in the world. Carlos shares his journey as a nine-figure Amazon seller, discussing the importance of community building, both online and in-person, for e-commerce success. He reveals insights from launching and exiting 17 brands, managing 50+ businesses, and leading a team of 242 virtual assistants. Key takeaways include prioritizing profit over revenue, establishing clear partnership roles, and leveraging local communities to drive brand growth. Timestamps: Introduction to the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast (00:00:00)Host Josh Hadley introduces the podcast, his consulting service, and today's guest, Carlos Alvarez, founder of Wizards of Ecom. Carlos Alvarez's Introduction (00:01:59)Carlos Alvarez joins the show, expressing his excitement to be featured alongside previous guests like Michael E. Gerber and Kevin King. The Passion for Community Building (00:03:29)Carlos explains his contrarian approach to business and how building in-real-life communities provides invaluable feedback and a competitive advantage. Carlos's Diverse Business Ventures (00:06:18)Carlos details his portfolio of over 50 businesses, including 17 exited e-commerce brands and his current live insects brand. Using Community to Enter Retail (00:09:09)Carlos shares a story about leveraging his local community to get his candied bacon product into brick-and-mortar retail stores. Three Actionable Takeaways (00:11:44)Josh summarizes three key lessons: prioritize profit over revenue, clarify partner roles early, and build a local, in-person community. Most Influential Book (00:14:42)Carlos names "Blue Ocean Strategy" as his most influential book for its approach to finding uncontested market space for products. Favorite Productivity Tool (00:15:03)Carlos recommends the Headspace app, which helps him transition between his professional and personal life as a...

Most Amazon “Brands” Are Just Private Label Arbitrage

Oct 5, 2026 50 min

Chris Rawlings is the Founder and CEO of Sophie Society, an Amazon PPC expert, entrepreneur, and 7-figure seller who has helped brands navigate the complexities of Amazon advertising and scale their businesses. He’s also known for bringing a scientific, experimentation-first approach to PPC rather than simply following conventional Amazon advice. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Building sustainable and scalable e-commerce brands on platforms like Amazon and Shopify.The distinction between having a trademark or website and genuinely building a brand.Challenges faced by private label arbitrage sellers on Amazon and the importance of customer retention.Understanding the customer journey and maximizing customer lifetime value (LTV).The significance of choosing the right market and vehicle for business growth.The difference between a brand and a private label arbitrage model.Strategies for creating effective offers and customer ascension paths.The importance of direct customer engagement and feedback for product and marketing improvement.The value of focusing on one business model and compounding expertise over time.Viewing business as a means for personal growth and service to others.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast, Chris Rawlings from Sophie Society shares his entrepreneurial journey, from a custom wedding invitation business to building a multi-channel e-commerce brand portfolio. He highlights the critical difference between true brand building and private label arbitrage, emphasizing the importance of customer lifetime value, strategic offer design, and compounding customer growth. Chris advocates for leveraging Amazon, TikTok Shop, and Shopify together to maximize reach and profitability, while stressing that direct customer engagement and foundational work remain essential for sustainable, long-term success. Here are the a few action items that Josh identified from this episode: Be AdaptableDon’t get stuck on one p...

AI Is Making You a Worse CEO

Oct 1, 2026 32 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley discusses why judgment is the most valuable skill he looks for when hiring. Drawing from his experience scaling an ecommerce brand to eight figures, Josh explains that while AI can efficiently handle repetitive tasks, human judgment remains irreplaceable for making sound decisions with incomplete information. He outlines four key indicators of good judgment, shares a Steve Jobs story about ruthless prioritization, and warns against over-relying on AI for strategic thinking, emphasizing that wrestling with difficult decisions is what sharpens judgment over time. Bullet Points: Importance of judgment as a key skill in hiring team members.Distinction between judgment and execution in business success.Role of AI in handling repetitive tasks and its limitations in decision-making.Characteristics of good judgment, including decision-making with incomplete information.Indicators of individuals with good judgment, such as driving results and identifying constraints.The significance of focus and prioritization in achieving impactful outcomes.Learning from experience and feedback to develop judgment within a team.The necessity of saying no to less important tasks to maintain focus.The example of Steve Jobs simplifying Apple's product line to illustrate effective judgment.Caution against over-reliance on AI for strategic thinking and decision-making.Timestamps: 00:00:00 The Most Valuable Skill in HiringThe host introduces judgment as the single most valuable skill he looks for when hiring new team members. 00:00:58 Execution vs. JudgmentBusiness success shifts from execution to judgment, which involves making critical decisions on pricing, products, data, and team management. 00:02:09 AI's Role in ExecutionAI is excellent at executing repetitive, process-driven tasks, making human executors less necessary in modern business operations. 00:04:21 The Value of Human ExperienceHiring smart individuals brings valua...

Throwback: From Starbucks to Amazon Empire: The Untold Story of E-Commerce Reinvention

Sep 30, 2026 22 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Michael Maher, founder of Cartology, an Amazon brand management agency. Michael shares his journey from managing a Starbucks to becoming an Amazon seller and agency owner. They discuss key strategies for scaling on Amazon, including the importance of product reviews, compelling visual content, and diversifying product offerings. Michael also recommends Gap Selling and My Utmost for His Highest, highlights Zapier as a productivity tool, and praises Brett Bohannon as a respected Amazon expert. The episode offers practical, actionable advice for e-commerce sellers looking to grow their brands. Timestamps: Introduction to the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast (00:00:00)Host Josh Hadley introduces the podcast, his consulting service, and today's guest, Michael Maher from the agency Cartology. Michael Maher's E-commerce Journey (00:03:07)Michael shares his story of hating his job, starting with reselling on eBay, and eventually launching on Amazon. Early Challenges and Lessons on Amazon (00:06:11)Michael discusses his initial struggles on Amazon, including a near-suspension, dealing with inaccurate negative reviews, and learning by doing. Impact of Chinese Sellers and Business Failure (00:08:18)Michael explains how Chinese manufacturers entering the market led to the downfall of his first Amazon business due to competition. Actionable Takeaway 1: Product Reviews (00:09:03)Dissect customer reviews to improve your product. Fixing defective inventory is more important than short-term cash flow for long-term success. Actionable Takeaway 2: Creative Content (00:10:58)Use images to visually convey the solution your product provides. Add keyword-rich text to images for better organic ranking. Actionable Takeaway 3: Product Diversification (00:13:09)Focus on bringing new products to market to avoid dependency on a few items and ensure long-term business growth. Final Thoughts on Actionable Takeaways (00:14:28...

She Lost Money on the First 2 Orders—Then Kept Customers for 18 Months

Sep 28, 2026 39 min

Today, we’re joined by Kai Luttrell of Kreator.ai, an entrepreneur and innovator who has built experience at the intersection of e-commerce, subscription businesses, AI-powered marketing, and creator-driven growth. Kai has a unique perspective on what it takes to identify the right market, build a compelling brand, leverage influencers and creators, and use AI to move faster and create more effective marketing content. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Entrepreneurial journey of starting a loose leaf tea subscription box brandGrowth strategies using Facebook ads and influencer marketingImpact of BuzzFeed coverage on brand visibility and salesChallenges and economics of running a subscription box businessCustomer acquisition costs, churn rates, and lifetime value considerationsImportance of product selection and market fit for subscription modelsRole of PR and networking in business growthFulfillment and packaging management in e-commerceInsights on personalization and customer retention strategiesDevelopment of an AI tool for content creation in e-commerce marketingIn this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast, recorded live at Kevin King's Market Masters event, host Josh interviews Kai, founder of a loose leaf tea subscription box brand launched in 2017. Kai shares how her passion project scaled rapidly through Facebook ads, BuzzFeed features, and organic buzz. They discuss subscription business economics, including customer acquisition costs, churn rates, lifetime value, and the importance of choosing the right product and market. Kai also reveals how personalization unexpectedly increased churn and shares networking insights. She concludes by introducing her new AI content creation platform, Creator, designed to streamline marketing for e-commerce brands. Here are 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode: Explore AI tools for content, analytics, and customer service to streamline operations.Integrate AI with your ad...

I Built a $20M Business. Yet, I Feel Like I'm 30 Days Away from Going Out of Business

Sep 24, 2026 34 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast, host Josh Hadley explores the unavoidable reality of uncertainty in entrepreneurship. Drawing from his own experiences, including a 90% revenue drop during COVID-19 and pricing pressures in 2024, Josh emphasizes that fear and uncertainty never disappear, even for industry giants like Nvidia. He shares key lessons from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's leadership through near-bankruptcy moments and offers eight practical strategies for managing uncertainty, including shrinking fears into specific problems, protecting personal well-being, and leaning on faith as a foundation for resilience and continued growth. Bullet Points: The challenge of dealing with uncertainty in business.Personal experiences of significant revenue drops and cash flow issues.The misconception that success eliminates business risks.Lessons learned from Nvidia's early struggles and resilience.The importance of calculated risk-taking and thorough preparation.Strategies for managing uncertainty in entrepreneurship.The necessity of perseverance through business highs and lows.Practical action items for entrepreneurs to handle uncertainty.The role of personal balance and identity outside of business.Embracing discomfort as a fundamental aspect of entrepreneurship.Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction to UncertaintyEven Nvidia's CEO feels his business is 30 days from failure, so uncertainty is normal for all entrepreneurs. 00:01:11 The Host's Personal StrugglesJosh shares his own experiences with near-business collapse, including a 90% revenue drop during Covid and recent cash constraints. 00:03:37 The Feeling Never Goes AwayDespite massive growth, the fear of business failure persists, which can be a powerful motivator and prevent complacency. 00:05:53 The Role of FaithThe speaker discusses how his faith in God has been his anchor through every business downturn and period of uncertainty. 00:07:14 Lessons from Nvidia's CEOIntroducing stories from Nvidia's histor...

Throwback: Why Your Amazon Listing Needs to Stop Trying to Be Everything and Start Being Exactly What Amazon Wants

Sep 23, 2026 17 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Leo Sgovio, CEO of Convomat, an influencer and affiliate marketing software for Amazon sellers. Leo shares insights from his research on Amazon's A9 algorithm, emphasizing semantic relevance in product listings and competitor-based keyword strategies. Josh highlights actionable takeaways, including competitor targeting campaigns, keyword optimization in product images, and leveraging Amazon's search query performance data. Leo also discusses his productivity tool, Be Focused, recommends Rich Dad Poor Dad and Think and Grow Rich, and encourages listeners to follow industry leaders for continued learning. Timestamps: Introduction to the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast (00:00:00)Host Josh Hadley introduces the podcast, guest Leo Sgovio, and the episode's topics: the A9 algorithm and influencer campaigns. Sponsor Message: Ecomm Breakthrough Consulting (00:00:44)Josh Hadley discusses his consulting services, helping seven-figure brands grow to eight figures, and offers a free strategy audit session. Introducing Leo Leo Sgovio (00:02:00)Josh provides a detailed introduction to Leo Sgovio, highlighting his extensive experience in e-commerce, SEO, and influencer marketing. Researching Amazon's A9 Algorithm (00:04:17)Leo discusses his research into Amazon's A9 patents, focusing on the "cold start" problem for new product launches. The Importance of Semantic Relevance (00:07:26)Leo explains why creating a semantically relevant listing, similar to top competitors, is crucial for ranking on Amazon. Actionable Takeaways Summary (00:09:27)Josh summarizes the episode's key takeaways, including competitor targeting, adding keywords to images, and using search query performance data. Favorite and Most Influential Books (00:12:51)Leo shares his most influential books, citing "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and "Think and Grow Rich" as life-changing reads. Favorite Productivity Tool (00:13:19)Leo recommends the "Be Focused...

The TikTok Shop LIVE Formula: Hosts, Scripts, Products & Sales

Sep 21, 2026 48 min

Today's guest is Jason Termechi. He is a former TikTok employee as a live account manager. He was in the world of all things live selling on TikTok, and he helped generate over $14 million of revenue through those live strategies. Now, he's working with other brands as a consultant to help them formulate their own live selling strategy and implement the playbook that he's seen work. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Importance of live selling on TikTok for brand awareness and customer engagement.The concept of a "cold start" period specific to live selling and its implications.Strategies for effective product selection and pricing in live selling.The role and qualities of a successful live host.The significance of scripting and structured presentations during live sessions.The impact of auctions on live selling dynamics and brand growth.Techniques for driving traffic and awareness to live selling events.The balance between traditional selling methods and gamified approaches like auctions.Success stories and case studies of brands that excelled in TikTok live selling.Recommendations for brands to build in-house live selling teams for sustainable growth.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast, host Josh Hadley speaks with Jason Termechi, a former TikTok live account manager who helped generate over $14 million in revenue. Jason shares his expertise on TikTok Shop live selling, covering key topics such as navigating the platform's "cold start" period, selecting the right host, product assortment, pricing strategies, and scripting techniques. He also discusses driving traffic to live sessions, balancing auctions with traditional flash sales, and building sustainable brand growth through consistency and engagement. Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode: Choose Your Growth Strategy EarlyDecide whether you’ll prioritize aggressive growth (even at lower margins) or profitable customer acquisition from day...

If Your Business Is Stuck, Don’t Make This Mistake

Sep 17, 2026 29 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley draws from his decade-long ecommerce experience to explore the critical role of perseverance in entrepreneurial success. Using relatable analogies like video game bosses and concrete walls, Josh candidly shares his own struggles with business growth while emphasizing that persistent challenges signal worthwhile problems, not failure. He encourages entrepreneurs to combine patience with strategic focus, make incremental daily improvements, and resist the temptation to abandon their current business when growth stalls. Ultimately, Josh frames long-term success as the result of consistent effort, smart decision-making, and unwavering faith in the process. Bullet Points: Importance of perseverance in entrepreneurship, particularly in ecommerce.Challenges and constraints faced by entrepreneurs during business growth.Comparison of entrepreneurial challenges to "boss levels" in video games.Value of slow, steady growth over quick success.Misconceptions about rapid, overnight success in business.Concept of "intelligent perseverance" and flexible goal achievement.Need for a clear business strategy focusing on impactful constraints.Balancing business growth with personal life and relationships.The significance of incremental improvements and resilience during tough times.Encouragement to persist through challenges and maintain consistent effort.Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction to PerseveranceThe host introduces himself and the episode's theme: why perseverance is a crucial trait for entrepreneurial success in ecommerce. 00:01:04 The Power of a Daily MessageThe host shares how a short inspirational video on perseverance helped him overcome a personal funk and business-related frustrations. 00:02:07 Defining PerseveranceThe host defines perseverance as the steady effort to achieve a goal, even when it's hard or takes a long time. 00:03:13 The Video Game AnalogyBusiness growth is compared to a video game, where...

Throwback: How to Successfully Enter New Markets with Your E-Commerce Brand

Sep 16, 2026 18 min

In this episode, host Josh interviews Andy Hooper, CEO of Global Ecommerce Experts, about expanding US-based e-commerce brands into the UK and EU. Andy shares a three-pillar framework—compliance, logistics, and online distribution—for successful international growth. He emphasizes starting with the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, and highlights the importance of market research, mentorship, and taking action. Andy also recommends key business books and productivity tools, and invites listeners to connect with him for guidance on global expansion. The episode offers actionable advice for brands considering international markets. Chapters: Introduction to Andy Hooper & Global Ecommerce Experts (00:00:00)Josh introduces Andy Hooper, his background, and the mission of Global Ecommerce Experts. The Overwhelm of International Expansion (00:01:12)Josh discusses the complexities and challenges of expanding into European markets as a brand owner. Guiding Brands Through Expansion: The Three-Part Framework (00:02:34)Andy introduces a simplified three-step framework: compliance, logistics, and online distribution. Deep Dive: Compliance, Logistics, and Online Distribution (00:03:13)Andy breaks down compliance (business and product), logistics, and online distribution with practical examples. Choosing the Right Countries for Expansion (00:07:04)Josh and Andy discuss how to select the best initial countries for expansion, focusing on data-driven decisions. Why UK, Germany, and the Netherlands? (00:07:35)Andy explains why most brands start with the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, and the strategic logistics advantages. Actionable Takeaways for International Expansion (00:10:17)Josh summarizes three key action items for listeners considering international expansion. The Importance of Taking Action and Having a Mentor (00:12:38)Andy emphasizes the need to take action and find a mentor or guide for successful expansion. Andy’s Most Influential Business Books (00:13:47)Andy shares...

TikTok Shop Performance Score Explained: The Metric That Changes Everything

Sep 14, 2026 37 min

Anisa Casalino, Amie’s TikTok Shop ECommerce and Operations Manager that works 1:1 with Amie’s Sephora and Ulta Beauty brands to make sure their Shop is set up for success before you even send out samples to creators. Highlight Bullets: Strategies for growing sales on TikTok ShopImportance of shop operations managementUse of virtual bundles to increase average order value (AOV)Role of affiliate marketing in driving salesCustomer outreach techniques on TikTok ShopMonitoring and maintaining shop performance scoresChallenges and common pitfalls in shop operationsHandling violations and appeals on the platformEssential team roles for successful TikTok Shop managementLeveraging TikTok’s CRM tools and coupons for customer engagementIn this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Anisa Casalino, TikTok Shop Operations Manager for Amie's Sephora and Ulta Beauty brands. Anisa shares strategies for scaling sales on TikTok Shop, including creating virtual bundles to increase average order value, leveraging affiliate marketing, and utilizing TikTok's built-in CRM tools for customer outreach. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong shop performance score and establishing solid operational foundations before launching creator campaigns. Anisa also highlights key team roles needed for success and recommends understanding consumer psychology to drive effective social commerce growth. Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode: Use Virtual Bundles to Increase AOV Bundle complementary products together, promote them through affiliates, and highlight them as TikTok Shop exclusives to increase average order value and profitability.Monitor Your Shop Performance Score Daily Keep fulfillment, customer service, reviews, and cancellations in check. A high Shop Performance Score unlocks more TikTok features, incentives, and long-term growth. Leverage TikTok's Built-in CRM Tools Use customer outreach, follower coupons, revie...

Should You Reinvest Your Business Profits or Take the Money?

Sep 10, 2026 8 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast, host Josh Hadley tackles a critical question for e-commerce entrepreneurs: when to pull cash out versus reinvesting profits. Using two contrasting entrepreneur stories, he illustrates the risks of over-reinvesting and maintaining excessive working capital. Josh advocates for keeping businesses lean by maintaining minimal working capital while diversifying income outside the business. He emphasizes that since most e-commerce businesses never achieve an exit, building financial security externally is essential rather than betting everything on a potential buyout that may never materialize. Bullet Points: Decision-making in e-commerce regarding cash withdrawal versus reinvestmentImportance of balancing working capital for business efficiencyContrasting stories of two entrepreneurs with different approaches to profit managementRisks associated with continuous reinvestment in a changing marketThe concept of distributable cash and its significance for financial securityImpact of large working capital on team discipline and project testingNecessity of diversifying income streams outside the businessThe reality that most e-commerce businesses do not achieve an exitStrategies for managing capital wisely in e-commerceEncouragement to share insights and experiences with fellow entrepreneursTimestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction: To Reinvest or To Distribute?Josh Hadley introduces the episode's core question: when to pull cash out of an e-commerce business versus reinvesting it. 00:01:09 Story 1: The Reinvestor's RegretAn entrepreneur reinvested $5 million in annual profit for growth, but a market shift left him without a buyer. 00:03:40 Story 2: The Problem with Too Much CapitalAnother entrepreneur learned that leaving too much working capital in the business led to undisciplined spending and ineffective project testing. 00:05:35 The Benefits of Distributing CashDistributing cash allows for income diversification and keeps the busi...

Throwback: From Chaos to Clarity - Revolutionizing Performance Reviews at Action Holdings

Sep 9, 2026 16 min

In this episode, Josh conducts a strategy audit for Andrew Gilliland and Dave Hunt of Action Holdings, an e-commerce asset management company in Tampa. The conversation explores their unique business model, challenges in hiring and team management, and the need for more frequent, effective performance reviews. Josh introduces a simplified review system focused on self-assessment, manager feedback, and clear KPIs, recommending reviews every four months. The discussion highlights the importance of aligning team roles, measuring creative work, and maintaining a strong company culture to drive growth across their portfolio of e-commerce brands. Chapters: Introduction to Action Holdings (00:00:00)Overview of Action Holdings, its e-commerce brands, and the company’s background and structure. Not an Aggregator: Business Philosophy (00:01:11)Clarification on why Action Holdings is not an aggregator and their selective, family-like approach to brand management. Biggest Challenges: People & Team (00:02:20)Discussion of main business challenges, especially hiring, team management, and putting the right people in the right roles. Performance Review Frequency (00:03:44)Realization that annual reviews are ineffective; shift to four-month performance review cycles for better alignment. Plan of Alignment and Growth (00:04:46)Introduction of a simplified, rubric-based performance review system with self and manager assessments every four months. Performance Review Rubric Details (00:06:48)Explanation of the rubric: culture fit, problem-solving, performance, and KPIs, including self-assessment and manager scoring. Implementing Core Values and KPIs (00:07:51)How to document core values, create scoring rubrics, and establish measurable KPIs for each role. Simplifying the Review Process (00:10:31)Key takeaway: simplify the review process to make it easier for both managers and employees. Challenges with Creative KPIs (00:11:20)Discussion on the difficulty of setting KPIs for creative ro...

The Exact System We Use to Scale Beyond Amazon

Sep 7, 2026 45 min

Maciej is the CEO of Base.com in the United States, where he’s leading the charge in helping brands remove operational bottlenecks and scale across multiple sales channels more efficiently. Before this, he was with Amazon—so he understands both sides of the ecosystem—and brings a unique perspective on what it actually takes to go from a successful Amazon business to a truly scalable, multi-channel brand. Originally from Poland and now based in Seattle, Maciej is driven by a simple but powerful mission: eliminating the hidden friction and self-imposed constraints that slow down e-commerce entrepreneurs. In today’s conversation, we’re diving into how to build a true business operating system for your brand—and how to successfully expand beyond Amazon into new sales channels without breaking your operations. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Importance of a strong operational backbone for scaling e-commerce brands.Strategies for expanding beyond Amazon to multiple sales channels.Necessity of mastering Amazon operations before diversifying.Recommended marketplaces for expansion: Walmart, Target Plus, Etsy, eBay, TikTok Shop, and Shopify.Challenges and considerations for entering Target Plus and other curated marketplaces.Role of inventory management and supply chain in multi-channel growth.Impact of AI on e-commerce operations and its limitations.Need for effective delegation and avoiding operational fragmentation.Importance of documenting processes for leveraging AI effectively.Emphasis on methodical scaling and execution over chasing trends.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley speaks with Maciej Stanski, CEO of Base Com, about scaling e-commerce brands beyond Amazon. They outline a strategic sequence for expansion, covering marketplaces like Walmart, Target Plus, and TikTok Shop, followed by Shopify, international markets, and wholesale. Both emphasize that operational excellence, including strong inventory...

Why Some E-Commerce Brands Scale to $100M and Others Don’t

Sep 3, 2026 17 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley explores why businesses hit growth plateaus, identifying two key factors: execution and market size. Drawing from his experience scaling an ecommerce brand to eight figures, Josh emphasizes that even skilled operators are limited by their total addressable market (TAM). He advises entrepreneurs to evaluate their market's size and growth trajectory, warning against shrinking niches like keto snacks. Josh recommends pivoting to adjacent or larger markets when growth stalls, citing Simple Modern as a success story, and encourages choosing markets with strong tailwinds to maximize business potential. Bullet Points: Mindset shift regarding stalled business growthTwo primary reasons for growth plateaus: execution and market sizeImportance of selecting the right total addressable market (TAM)Insights from scaling an ecommerce brand from zero to eight figuresImpact of market size on business growth potentialExamples of markets experiencing growth and decline (e.g., keto snacks, med spas)Need for entrepreneurs to evaluate true market size and growth rateRecommendations for pivoting to adjacent or larger marketsImportance of understanding market nuances beyond broad industry dataStrategies for leveraging existing expertise to tap into new growth opportunitiesTimestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction: Two Reasons for Stalled GrowthThe host introduces the two main reasons for stalled business growth: execution and the size of the total addressable market. 00:01:00 The Importance of Market SizeYour business goals must match the size of the market you're in. The total addressable market is a key predictor of success. 00:03:32 Good Operators in Bad MarketsEven the best operators with great teams and processes will be limited by the size of the market they serve. 00:06:19 Understanding the True Total Addressable MarketEntrepreneurs should analyze specific, fast-growing niches within a larger market, not just the overall in...

Throwback: How Can E-Commerce Sellers Boost Repeat Purchases and Maximize Profitability?

Sep 2, 2026 15 min

In this episode, host Josh interviews Jeff Campbell, a digital marketing expert and co-founder of AI Commerce. They discuss effective strategies for e-commerce sellers on platforms like Amazon and Walmart, focusing on increasing repeat purchases, leveraging first-party data, and tracking key metrics such as ROAS, CPC, and customer lifetime value. Jeff emphasizes the importance of consistent data analysis, understanding break-even points, and balancing efficiency with growth. He shares practical examples and actionable tips for optimizing advertising spend and expanding sales channels, providing valuable insights for both new and experienced e-commerce entrepreneurs. Chapters: Introduction to Jeff Campbell and AI Commerce (00:00:00)Josh introduces Jeff Campbell, his background, and AI Commerce’s focus on e-commerce marketplaces. Strategies to Increase Repeat Purchases (00:00:32)Jeff discusses the importance of first-party data, email collection, and retargeting to drive repeat sales. Key Metrics and KPIs for E-commerce Sellers (00:02:49)Discussion on tracking impressions, clicks, CPC, CPO, customer acquisition cost, LTV, and the relationship between paid and organic sales. Tools and Frequency for Data Tracking (00:04:26)Jeff recommends using Excel or dashboards, and emphasizes daily tracking with monthly/quarterly insights. Competitive Strategies and Market Trends (00:05:26)Explains aggressive spending strategies, increased competition, and the need to monitor KPIs closely. Balancing Volume and Efficiency Metrics (00:06:17)Jeff highlights the importance of balancing sales volume and efficiency (Roas), and avoiding analysis paralysis. Identifying the Two Most Important Metrics (00:07:17)Focus on breakeven Roas and sales volume as the primary metrics for most sellers. Importance of Long-Term Data Trends (00:07:58)Josh and Jeff discuss not overreacting to short-term data, but focusing on monthly and quarterly trends. Case Study: Food Brand and Revenue Formula (00:09:05)...

The Hidden Math Behind How Shopify Brands Actually Scale (CAC, AOV, LTV) Explained

Aug 31, 2026 50 min

Mark Young is the CEO of Ryze Agency, where he helps brands scale through world-class marketing, sharp product positioning, and operational clarity. Mark has built multiple successful businesses and has become a trusted advisor for founders looking to break through plateaus and expand into new markets. He has recently published a series of 5 books titled the Ecommerce Brand Guide to the Galaxy with Benjamin Hardy. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Differences between selling on Amazon and Shopify, focusing on intent-based versus cold traffic marketing.Common misconceptions brands have about marketing metrics, particularly the focus on ROAS.Importance of understanding customer acquisition cost (CAC), lifetime value (LTV), and average order value (AOV) for sustainable growth.Strategies for increasing average order value through upsells and bundles.The significance of customer experience and retention marketing on Shopify compared to Amazon.The role of storytelling and brand identity in engaging customers on Shopify.Examples of successful and unsuccessful brand strategies in e-commerce.Actionable takeaways for brands looking to scale on Shopify.The impact of brand loyalty and customer relationships on long-term success.Recommendations for influential books and tools in the e-commerce space.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley speaks with Mark Young, CEO of Ryze Agency, about scaling DTC brands on Shopify. Mark explains the fundamental differences between Amazon's intent-based selling and Shopify's cold traffic environment, emphasizing the need for brand storytelling. He challenges the common obsession with ROAS, introducing the "holy trinity" of metrics: Customer Acquisition Cost, Lifetime Value, and Average Order Value. Mark also highlights the importance of retention marketing and authentic customer relationships, sharing real success and failure stories to illustrate how strategy, not tactics, drives sust...

What a CEO Should Actually Be Doing in an 8 Figure Business

Aug 27, 2026 22 min

In this solo episode, Josh Hadley explores how the CEO's role evolves as an ecommerce business scales. He traces the journey from hands-on operator managing every detail to strategic leader focused on high-level priorities. Drawing from his own experience, including a four-week time study, Josh outlines where CEOs should invest their time at each growth stage. Key focus areas include attracting top talent, defining brand vision, building strategic partnerships, and optimizing financial models. His core message: delegation and strategic focus, not micromanagement, are what drive businesses toward eight and nine figures. Bullet Points: The evolving role of a CEO in an ecommerce business as it grows.Transition from hands-on management to strategic leadership.Importance of delegation and hiring specialized talent.Conducting time studies to identify CEO-level tasks versus delegable tasks.Challenges of micromanagement and the need to trust team members.Strategies for investing regained time effectively.Attracting and retaining top talent within the organization.Defining and communicating a clear brand vision.Developing strategic partnerships to enhance business opportunities.Financial stewardship and optimizing revenue models for growth.Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction to the Evolving CEO RoleThe host introduces himself and the topic: how a CEO's responsibilities must change as an e-commerce business grows. 00:02:00 The CEO's Time StudyThe host shares his personal experience conducting a four-week time study to identify and delegate non-CEO level work. 00:03:04 The "Subject Matter Expert" PhaseIn the beginning, the CEO is the hands-on expert, handling everything from product research to PPC campaigns. 00:04:03 The First Million-Dollar MilestoneAfter hitting $1 million, the CEO's role shifts to reinvesting for growth, often by expanding product offerings. 00:05:07 The Cycle of Growth and DelegationThe CEO identifies bottlenecks, hires specialists to solve them, and then d...

Throwback: The Best Strategies for Building Long-Term Influencer Partnerships on Amazon

Aug 26, 2026 18 min

In this episode, host Josh interviews Vincenzo Toscano, CEO of an Amazon consultancy, about influencer marketing strategies for Amazon sellers. Vincenzo shares practical tips on finding and negotiating with influencers, building long-term ambassador relationships, and tracking campaign results. He emphasizes the importance of authentic partnerships and outlines team roles needed for effective influencer outreach. The discussion also covers expanding Amazon brands internationally, with advice on operational compliance and market selection. Listeners gain actionable insights on leveraging influencers and scaling brands globally, highlighting the need for proactive marketing and community-building to succeed on Amazon. Chapters: Introduction & Guest Background (00:00:00)Josh introduces Vincenzo Toscano, his expertise, and the focus of the episode on Amazon influencer marketing. Finding and Filtering Influencers (00:01:29)Vincenzo explains manual YouTube search strategies to find relevant Amazon-focused influencers and bloggers. Negotiating Payment Structures (00:02:50)Discussion of different influencer payment models: matching Amazon commissions, flat fees, and ambassador/commission-based arrangements. Ambassador Relationships & Revenue Sharing (00:03:46)How to turn influencers into brand ambassadors and structure revenue-sharing based on sales uplift. Tracking Influencer Performance (00:05:48)Debate on using brand referral bonus links versus influencer affiliate links for tracking and compensation. Combining Affiliate and Brand Referral Links (00:06:36)Clarification on whether influencers can use both their affiliate link and the brand referral bonus link. Influencer Link Preferences & Negotiation (00:07:17)How agreements determine whether influencers use their own affiliate links or the brand’s referral links. Tools for Evaluating Influencers (00:08:25)Recommended tools and methods for analyzing influencer engagement and performance metrics. Team Structure for Influe...

How to Optimize GMV Max Ads on TikTok Shop (Most Brands Miss This)

Aug 24, 2026 45 min

Abbie Bekov (Head of Paid Media) shares her expertise in advanced paid media strategies and the best ways to leverage ad spend for maximum performance, including GMV Max ad campaigns. Working with The Amie TikTok Agency for who has become both a TikTok Marketing Partner and a TikTok Shop Partner, making them one of the go-to agencies for brands that want to convert attention into real revenue. She and her team specialize in creating original and trending content, running highly effective TikTok ad campaigns, and building engaged communities that feel authentic and connected. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Importance of upper funnel campaigns for brand awareness and community engagement.Strategies for optimizing GMV Max ad campaigns on TikTok Shop.Role of affiliate marketing in enhancing campaign performance.Product lifecycle management: Cold Start, Mature, and Hero products.Setting and adjusting ROI targets for effective campaign performance.Analyzing content performance to inform affiliate strategies.The significance of community building and creator relationships in TikTok Shop success.Techniques for boosting content and maximizing engagement.Managing product cards and their impact on sales.Best practices for handling promotions across different sales channels.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley speaks with Abbie Bekov, Head of Paid Media at Amie, about maximizing TikTok Shop's GMV Max ad campaigns. Abbie debunks the "set it and forget it" myth, explaining that success requires upper funnel brand awareness campaigns, strong affiliate relationships, and strategic product segmentation across Cold Start, Mature, and Hero lifecycle stages. She emphasizes starting with conservative ROI targets, ensuring consistent ad spend before scaling, and using attribution tools to measure cross-channel impact. Abbie's key takeaway: TikTok Shop demands intentional community building, not just media buying. Here are t...

Top 9 Lessons Learned After 10 Years in E-Commerce

Aug 20, 2026 39 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley shares nine vital lessons from over a decade of e-commerce experience, having scaled his own brand from zero to eight figures. He covers key topics including the difference between opportunistic selling and true brand-building, the importance of hiring top talent, Amazon's continued dominance, the challenges of omnichannel selling, cash conversion cycles, and return on invested capital. Josh also warns against comparing yourself to other brands. He closes with a bonus lesson reminding entrepreneurs that family and relationships ultimately matter more than business success. Bullet Points: Key differences between building a brand and opportunistic selling in e-commerce.Importance of hiring talented individuals for business growth and success.The dominance of Amazon in the e-commerce landscape and strategies for leveraging it.Challenges associated with building an omnichannel brand across various platforms.Significance of having a sustainable business money model, including customer retention strategies.Necessity of active management and adaptability in the fast-paced e-commerce environment.Understanding and optimizing return on invested capital (ROIC) for financial health.Dangers of comparing one's business to others and focusing on personal growth instead.Importance of cash conversion cycle in scaling an e-commerce business effectively.Emphasis on prioritizing family and relationships over business achievements for personal fulfillment.Timestamps: 00:00:54 Lesson 1: Brand Building vs. Opportunistic SellingDefining the difference between building a true brand with a customer journey versus being an opportunistic arbitrage seller on Amazon. 00:06:43 Lesson 2: The Best ROI is PeopleHiring talented people who are smarter than you provides the greatest return on investment and leverage in your business. 00:09:21 Lesson 3: Amazon is Still KingAmazon will continue to dominate e-commerce, so entrepreneurs sh...

Throwback: E-Commerce Growth 101 - Keyword Research and Competitor Insights

Aug 19, 2026 16 min

In this episode, host Josh interviews Eric Kooymans, an online marketing expert with 18 years of experience. Eric shares actionable strategies for e-commerce growth, including in-depth keyword research, competitor and paid ad analysis, and cost per acquisition estimation. He emphasizes the importance of product bundling, expanding sales channels, and leveraging tools like SEMrush and Facebook Ad Library. Eric offers practical tips on using Google and Facebook Shopping integrations and provides advice for building sustainable, scalable e-commerce brands that attract long-term investment. Chapters: Introduction to Eric Kooymans and His Expertise (00:00:00)Eric’s background, experience, and notable clients in e-commerce and online marketing. Starting a Growth Strategy: Self-Audit & Audience Analysis (00:01:34)Initial steps for developing a growth plan: self-audit, understanding target audience, and identifying customer problems. Keyword Research and Demand Analysis (00:02:05)Using tools like Keyword Keg, SEMrush, and Google Keyword Planner to analyze search volume, demand, and seasonal trends. Building a Demand Growth Strategy (00:02:56)Translating keyword research into a demand-driven business strategy, considering seasonality and cost per acquisition. Evaluating Cost per Acquisition and Product Bundling (00:03:52)Assessing average order value, cost per acquisition, and the importance of bundling products for profitability. Keyword Research Tools and Competitor Analysis (00:04:41)Comparing keyword research tools and introducing competitor analysis using SEMrush for deeper market insights. Deep Dive into Competitor Analysis (00:05:36)How to audit competitors, analyze their strengths, weaknesses, and identify cost-effective keyword opportunities. Paid Advertising and Ad Analysis (00:06:52)Conducting paid ad research using SEMrush, SpyFu, and Facebook Ad Library to understand competitors’ ad strategies. Estimating Cost per Acquisition with Industry Data (00:08:50)Using W...

The Shopify Playbook: How Brands Are Scaling from 6 to 8 Figures

Aug 17, 2026 44 min

Joe Putnam is the founder of Conversion Engine, Conversion Engine is an eCommerce performance marketing agency that has helped Shopify stores scale from six figures to eight figures in as little as 12 months. With a background in direct-response copywriting and growth strategy, Joe specializes in crafting Meta ads, Google campaigns, and retention strategies that actually convert. He’s helped brands like Bogey Bros, No Rivals, Salt Mafia, and Back Down South Clothing Co unlock rapid growth, including scaling one store from $650k to $10M in a single year. Joe is passionate about demystifying marketing for entrepreneurs, sharing frameworks and real case studies that help brands build sustainable growth instead of chasing quick wins. When he’s not helping brands scale, you’ll find him training for triathlons, exploring the outdoors, or investing in the next wave of business growth opportunities. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Strategies for scaling e-commerce businesses from six to eight figures.The importance of bold branding that takes risks and appeals to ideal customers.Insights on the evolving landscape of Meta (Facebook) advertising and its impact on ad performance.The significance of creative diversity in ad campaigns, especially after Meta's Andromeda update.The necessity of understanding financial metrics, such as breakeven ROAS and contribution margins, for informed scaling decisions.The role of emotional storytelling in advertising and its effect on consumer purchasing behavior.The integration of AI tools in marketing processes and the importance of human oversight in utilizing AI-generated content.The need for brands to establish a clear growth strategy and a strong brand identity.The value of retention marketing and creating cohesive customer experiences for long-term loyalty.Case studies illustrating successful scaling strategies and the importance of data-driven insights in marketing.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthro...

How to Build a Brand People Actually Care About (Step by Step)

Aug 13, 2026 1 hr 26 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley, an ecommerce entrepreneur with over $20 million in annual revenue, delivers a comprehensive guide to building a true brand. He argues that most ecommerce sellers operate transactional "product acquisition machines" rather than genuine brands. Josh presents a 16-step framework across three phases: defining your brand identity, expressing it consistently, and compounding trust over time. He emphasizes that real brands drive customer loyalty, premium pricing, and long-term competitive advantage—ultimately shifting entrepreneurs from chasing short-term sales metrics toward building sustainable, generational business value. Bullet Points: Importance of branding for ecommerce businessesDifferences between building a brand and running a product acquisition or arbitrage businessChallenges faced by ecommerce sellers, such as increasing conversion rates and reducing customer acquisition costsThe misconception that having a trademark or storefront equates to having a brandCharacteristics of a true brand versus a product acquisition machineA comprehensive 16-step framework for building a brandPhases of brand development: defining, expressing, and compounding the brandStrategies for creating a recognizable brand identity and customer experienceThe significance of customer journey mapping and brand loyaltyMetrics and practices for sustaining brand equity and protecting brand integrityTimestamps: 00:00:00 The Power of BrandingThe host lists eight benefits of strong branding, such as higher conversion rates, repeat purchases, and lower acquisition costs. 00:01:01 What is Branding?The host introduces the topic of branding and a 16-step framework for building a brand for your e-commerce business. 00:02:11 Custom GPT and ResourcesThe host mentions a custom GPT and slides available to help listeners implement the 16-step framework discussed in the episode. 00:03:11 Host IntroductionJosh Hadley introduces himself, his...

Throwback: Mastering Amazon PPC

Aug 12, 2026 16 min

In this episode, host Josh interviews Mina Elias, a seven-figure Amazon seller and founder of The Trivium Group. Mina shares advanced strategies for Amazon PPC, emphasizing the integration of advertising with product optimization and the importance of main images, pricing, and reviews in boosting conversions. He discusses using custom analytics software, My Real Profit, to track key metrics, and stresses the need for continuous testing. Mina also shares his favorite book, productivity tools, and business inspirations, and offers listeners a free Amazon PPC audit through his agency. Chapters: Introduction to Mina Elias (00:00:00)Host introduces Mina, his background in supplements, Amazon PPC, and his achievements in the industry. Statistical Analysis & Analytics Tools (00:01:01)Discussion on using Google Sheets and custom analytics software for tracking PPC and sales data. Custom Software: My Real Profit (00:03:01)Mina explains their custom-developed analytics tool, My Real Profit, for streamlined data analysis. Main Image Optimization Tips (00:04:00)Mina shares what makes main images effective for conversion and how to showcase value propositions. Price Testing Insights (00:05:55)Analysis of how price changes can impact conversion rates and the importance of continuous testing. Three Key Takeaways for Amazon Sellers (00:07:49)Host summarizes actionable tips: integrate PPC with product optimization, optimize main images, and always test pricing. Centralized Analytics & Continuous Testing (00:10:30)Mina emphasizes the importance of a unified dashboard and ongoing, one-at-a-time testing. Most Influential Book: Who Not How (00:11:38)Mina discusses the impact of the book "Who Not How" on his mindset and business approach. Favorite Productivity Tool: Monday.com (00:13:09)Mina highlights Monday.com as a game-changing project and task management tool. Most Admired Figure: Grant Cardone (00:14:05)Mina explains why he admires Grant Cardone and lessons learned from his busines...

Is Amazon Rigged? The Truth About Marketplace Fairness

Aug 10, 2026 50 min

Shinghi Detlefsen, one of the Founders of theAmerican Ecommerce Business Alliance AEBA fighting free and fair marketplace, CEO and Co-Founder of ExpandFi, and President of Wholesome Story and one of the most successful supplement brands on the Amazon.Shinghi isn’t just another SaaS founder he’s a true operator who has built, scaled, and optimized real brands at a high level. His expertise goes deep into what really drives sustainable growth:money, systems, and people. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Challenges of unfair competition from foreign sellers on Amazon, particularly in the supplement category.The importance of regulatory compliance for foreign sellers using U.S. infrastructure.Strategies for increasing Amazon advertising spend while maintaining profitability.Measuring customer lifetime value (LTV) and optimizing customer acquisition costs (CAC) on Amazon.Driving external traffic to Amazon product pages through targeted advertising on social media platforms.The significance of building a legitimate brand versus relying on short-term marketing hacks.Navigating Amazon's fee increases and the impact of a strong brand on pricing strategies.The role of AI in e-commerce, including its applications in data analysis and task automation.The importance of financial discipline and risk management in e-commerce operations.Key action items for e-commerce sellers, including advocacy for marketplace fairness and focusing on core business fundamentals.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley speaks with Shinghi Detlefsen, Amazon expert and founder of the American E-commerce Business Alliance. Shinghi discusses the regulatory disadvantages U.S. sellers face against foreign competitors, explains his data-driven approach to maximizing Amazon ad spend using customer lifetime value metrics, and emphasizes building authentic brands over chasing short-term tactics. The conversation also covers AI's practical role in e-com...

My Exact Weekly Schedule as an 8 Figure Ecommerce CEO

Aug 6, 2026 22 min

In this episode, ecommerce entrepreneur Josh Hadley shares his weekly operating system for structuring a productive business week. He argues that most business owners don't have a time problem, they have a calendar problem. Josh breaks down his weekday by day: Monday for KPI reviews and one-on-ones, Tuesday for deep work on growth initiatives, Wednesday for consolidated meetings, Thursday for strategy and product development, and Friday for planning and documentation. His core principles include protecting deep work, grouping meetings, reviewing before reacting, and using the calendar strategically to drive real business growth. Bullet Points: Weekly operating system for structuring business activitiesImportance of addressing calendar issues over time managementStrategies for protecting deep work and minimizing distractionsDetailed breakdown of a structured weekly scheduleFocus on reviewing key performance indicators (KPIs) and cash flow forecastingEmphasis on deep, uninterrupted work days for growth initiativesMeeting-heavy days for consolidating discussions and maximizing efficiencyStrategic planning and product development sessionsDocumentation of processes and decision-making frameworksCore principles for effective time management and productivity in businessTimestamps: 00:00:00 The Calendar ProblemMost business owners don't have a time issue, but a calendar problem, getting hijacked by distractions instead of focusing. 00:01:54 Introduction to the Weekly Operating SystemJosh introduces his weekly operating system for running an eight-figure brand, designed to protect attention and align leaders. 00:02:56 Monday: Grounding the Week in RealityMonday's focus is on reviewing KPIs, ensuring the team met goals, and identifying what is off track. 00:04:03 Monday: Cash Flow ForecastingThe second priority is reviewing the 12-month cash flow forecast to understand the business's financial health and available resources. 00:05:47 Monday: Auditing Personal TimeThe speaker...

Throwback: Affiliate Marketing 101 - How to Optimize Your Payouts and Drive Sales

Aug 5, 2026 15 min

In this episode, Josh interviews Lauren Lee, ClickBank’s e-commerce and affiliate marketing expert. Lauren shares practical strategies for finding and recruiting affiliates, managing relationships, and setting commission rates. She highlights the benefits of affiliate networks like ClickBank and Shopify’s Dovetail, and offers tips for pitching offers, optimizing landing pages, and starting with best-selling products. Lauren distinguishes between influencer and performance affiliates, explains how to set sustainable payouts, and provides actionable steps for launching or improving affiliate programs. Listeners learn how to connect with Lauren and access additional affiliate marketing resources. Chapters: Introduction to Lauren Lee and Her Background (00:00:00)Lauren’s experience with top brands and her approach to scaling e-commerce through affiliate marketing. How to Find and Connect with Affiliates (00:01:11)Strategies for finding affiliates, benefits of affiliate networks, and leveraging marketplaces like ClickBank. Networking and Recruiting Affiliates Outside Networks (00:03:20)Tips for recruiting affiliates via Facebook groups, LinkedIn, and sharing campaign data to attract partners. Using Data to Attract Affiliates (00:03:42)Importance of sharing conversion rates and average order value to entice affiliates. Affiliate Offer Visibility on ClickBank (00:04:58)How ClickBank displays offer metrics and ranks offers for affiliates. Alternative Networks and Cold Outreach (00:05:24)Advice on finding affiliates for Amazon brands, using cold DMs, and other affiliate networks. Shopify’s Dovetail Platform for Influencer Affiliates (00:05:53)Overview of Dovetail for finding and messaging influencers at scale on Shopify. Other Affiliate Networks and Amazon Integration (00:07:35)Recommendations for entry-level networks like ShareASale and Amazon traffic facilitation. Determining Affiliate Payout Ratios (00:08:28)Guidelines for setting commission rates for different affiliate...

Why Most TikTok Shop Brands Fail

Aug 3, 2026 48 min

Alex Bonilla, an ecommerce brand builder and the founder of Delta Brands. Alex is a true operator behind the scenes, someone who’s been in the trenches building and scaling direct-to-consumer brands, especially in competitive markets where attention is everything.He’s not just talking theory — he’s actively building brands that successfully acquire customers outside of Amazon, and then turn that traffic into profitable growth. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Evolution of TikTok Shop dynamics from 2024 to the present.Shift from organic virality to a competitive, pay-to-play environment.Importance of strategic creator partnerships and content management.Implementation of affiliate live strategies for consistent sales.Building and maintaining relationships with creators, including retainers.Training creators on content quality and engagement metrics.Advertising strategies, including GMV Max and manual campaigns.Team structure for managing TikTok Shop operations.Recruitment and contracting strategies for creators.Future of social commerce and the need for multi-platform strategies.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Alex Bonilla, founder of Delta Brands, about scaling eCommerce businesses using TikTok Shop. Alex explains how the platform has shifted from an organic, mass-sampling approach to a competitive, pay-to-play environment. He shares strategies including affiliate live selling, creator retainers, and controlled virality. Alex also discusses training creators on retention metrics and hooks, optimizing TikTok ads, and using slideshows to drive Amazon sales. The episode concludes with advice on building creator relationships, assembling a specialized team, and diversifying across emerging social commerce platforms. Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode: Build a Core Creator System (Not One-Off Virality) Focus on 10–30 trained creators on retainers, run consistent...

The Silent Killer of Ecommerce Brands and How to Avoid It

Jul 30, 2026 36 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast, host Josh Hadley tackles what he calls the "silent killer" of e-commerce businesses: inventory mismanagement. Drawing on his experience scaling brands to eight figures, Josh explains how poor inventory forecasting, ordering too much or too little, can devastate cash flow and lead to bankruptcy. He shares cautionary examples, practical frameworks, and key strategies, including SKU-level forecasting, maintaining 90-120 days of inventory, using pre-orders to validate demand, and having liquidation plans ready. Josh emphasizes that protecting cash flow is ultimately more critical than maintaining perfect stock availability. Bullet Points: Importance of effective inventory management in e-commerce.Consequences of poor inventory forecasting on cash flow and profitability.Risks associated with overstocking and understocking inventory.Strategies for accurate inventory forecasting at the SKU level.Guidelines for managing inventory levels and turnover ratios.The impact of temporary demand spikes on inventory planning.Necessity of having a liquidation plan for excess inventory.Benefits of using pre-order pages to gauge demand and improve cash flow.Emphasis on prioritizing cash flow over maintaining perfect stock levels.Lessons learned from cautionary examples of inventory mismanagement.Timestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction: The Silent Killer of E-commerceThe host introduces the number one reason e-commerce brands fail and go bankrupt, which he calls the "silent killer." 00:00:54 Inventory: The Kryptonite of E-commerceInventory is compared to Superman's Kryptonite, a silent threat that drains a business's power and can sneak up unexpectedly. 00:02:00 The Dangers of Inventory ForecastingThe host explains that inventory forecasting is never 100% accurate and discusses the asymmetrical risks of ordering too much versus too little. 00:04:48 The Compounding Problems of OverstockingOver-ordering inventory creates a chain reaction of prob...

Throwback: The Art of Negotiation - How to Create Bidding Wars and Win at Sourcing

Jul 29, 2026 16 min

In this episode, host Josh welcomes back Afolabi Oyerokun, co-founder of Honu Worldwide, for part two of their sourcing and supply chain series. Afolabi shares expert strategies on negotiating with suppliers, including creating bidding wars, managing minimum order quantities, and securing favorable payment terms. He emphasizes the importance of building strong, respectful relationships with suppliers to gain trust and better deals. The conversation provides actionable tips for entrepreneurs and brands sourcing products from Asia and the US, focusing on efficiency, quality, and cash flow management to help scale product-based businesses. Chapters: Introduction & Guest Background (00:00:00)Host introduces Afolabi Oyerokun, his background, and expertise in product sourcing and development. Sourcing & Bidding War Strategy (00:01:40)Afolabi explains his process for creating bidding wars among suppliers to get the best price without sacrificing quality. Negotiation Tactics & Relationship Building (00:04:31)Detailed negotiation tactics, including silence as leverage, and the importance of building strong personal relationships with suppliers. Personalizing Supplier Relationships (00:07:21)Afolabi shares how personal touches and genuine interest in suppliers’ lives can lead to better deals and trust. Handling Supplier Price Verification (00:09:23)Discussion on how to respond if suppliers ask for competitor quotes and how to handle lowest price negotiations. Securing Best Prices for Reorders & Managing MOQs (00:10:18)Strategies for maintaining good pricing on follow-up orders, managing minimum order quantities, and creative solutions for packaging MOQs. Summary & Key Takeaways (00:13:22)Host summarizes main lessons: product development, supplier relationships, and the importance of payment terms for cash flow. Closing Remarks (00:16:35)Final thanks and acknowledgments from both host and guest, wrapping up the episode. Links and Mentions: Tools and Strategies "Sourcing Maste...

We Found a Massive Profit Leak in Our FBA Business

Jul 27, 2026 46 min

Jasim Eisa is the founder and CEO of Voadera, a global e-commerce partner helping brands win on Amazon and other online marketplaces. He built the company from selling used books at 15 into a 150-person operation managing over 30,000 SKUs and driving $100M+ in sales. Through Voadera’s Marketplace Accelerator, he helps brands fix broken listings, eliminate unauthorized sellers, and scale profitably with full-service marketplace execution. He is on a mission to help great products achieve the dominance they deserve online. Highlight Bullets > Here’s a glimpse of what you would learn…. Challenges of margin compression on Amazon and strategies for adaptation.Importance of operational efficiencies and cost savings for scaling e-commerce businesses.Tactics for reducing operating expenses, particularly in supply chain management.The significance of procurement strategies and direct sourcing from manufacturers.Shipping cost optimization through density and packaging strategies.Fulfillment strategies, including the use of FBA versus third-party logistics.Marketing efficiencies focused on organic ranking and conversion rate optimization.Increasing customer lifetime value (LTV) through various promotional strategies.The role of AI in enhancing operational capacity and workflow efficiency.Key performance indicators (KPIs) for tracking business metrics and ensuring team alignment.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough podcast, host Josh Hadley sits down with Jasim Eisa, founder and CEO of Voadera, to discuss scaling e-commerce businesses profitably on Amazon. Jasim shares how his team achieved nearly $820,000 in operational savings through supply chain optimization, smarter procurement, and shipping density improvements. The conversation also covers marketing efficiencies, coupon strategies to boost customer lifetime value, reimbursement recovery, and practical AI applications. Jasim emphasizes that as brands scale, small per-unit savings compound significantly, making opera...

The #1 Bottleneck Killing Your Business Growth (And How to Fix It)

Jul 23, 2026 10 min

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley shares his proven strategy for doubling business growth by identifying and eliminating bottlenecks. He recommends conducting a time study to pinpoint where time is being consumed, then hiring specifically to relieve that constraint. Whether it's PPC management or product sourcing, freeing up the founder's time allows focus on growth opportunities like new product launches or expanding sales channels. Josh cautions against hiring roles that don't address the real bottleneck, drawing from his own costly mistakes, and notes that while AI can help, human oversight remains essential. Bullet Points: Strategy for doubling and accelerating business growthImportance of identifying business constraints or bottlenecksConducting time studies to pinpoint where time is being spentHiring specifically to relieve identified bottlenecksRole of AI in business operations and the need for human oversightCommon bottlenecks in ecommerce, such as PPC management and product sourcingThe cycle of identifying constraints, hiring for them, and focusing on growthCaution against hiring roles that do not address the main constraintImportance of ongoing attention and iteration in the hiring processBuilding a scalable and sustainable business through disciplined approachesTimestamps: 00:00:00 Introduction to the Ecomm Breakthrough PodcastHost Josh Hadley introduces himself, his ecommerce background, and the podcast's purpose of sharing strategies for business growth. 00:00:56 The Key to Doubling Your BusinessJosh reveals his number one strategy for rapid business growth: identifying and hiring for the main constraint or bottleneck. 00:01:52 Identifying the Business BottleneckAn example of how a growing ecommerce business hits a bottleneck, such as PPC management consuming the founder's time. 00:02:52 How to Find Your ConstraintJosh recommends conducting a two-week time study for yourself and your team to pinpoint where time is being...

Throwback: The Power of Serving Over Selling - Building Deeper Connections for Success

Jul 22, 2026 16 min

In this episode, host Josh welcomes high performance coach and conscious leader Mario Lanzarotti to discuss the mindset shifts essential for business growth. They explore the internal conflicts entrepreneurs face between their ambitions and unconscious fears, the importance of addressing unmet emotional needs, and how shifting from scarcity to abundance unlocks success. Mario shares real-life case studies and practical strategies, such as leveraging relationships, focusing on service, and reframing mistakes as learning opportunities. The conversation offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs seeking to develop unstoppable mindsets and achieve effortless, sustainable business growth. Chapters: Introduction to Mario Lanzarotti and Mindset Coaching (00:00:00)Josh introduces Mario Lanzarotti, his background, and the focus on mindset for entrepreneurs and high achievers. The Internal Conflict: Conscious Goals vs. Unconscious Fears (00:01:07)Discussion about entrepreneurs’ frustration with not reaching big goals and the unconscious fears that hold them back. Self-Sabotage and the Iceberg Analogy (00:03:09)Mario explains self-sabotaging mechanisms, using the iceberg analogy to illustrate the power of the unconscious mind. Identifying and Addressing Unmet Needs (00:04:12)Mario discusses the importance of recognizing unmet emotional or support needs to progress toward higher goals. Case Study: Shifting from Scarcity to Abundance Mindset (00:05:39)Mario shares a client story about overcoming scarcity mindset, self-forgiveness, and moving toward abundance. The Power of Forgiveness and Acceptance (00:08:14)How forgiving past mistakes enabled a client to invest in growth and experience business breakthroughs. Comparison Trap and Self-Assurance (00:09:12)Josh reflects on the dangers of comparing oneself to others and the importance of self-assurance and personal growth. Case Study: Making Success Effortless, Not Hard (00:10:20)Mario shares another client story about shifting the...

See all 200 episodes

–

0 ratings from members

Rate this podcast

No reviews yet — be the first member to rate "Ecomm Breakthrough".

This podcast, its content and its artwork are not owned by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Castquire.

5 Leading Indicators Every Business Owner Must Track

Share this podcast

Live Chart rankings

Chart history

🇵🇰 Entrepreneurship Best #22

Holding at #22 — the line fills in as this chart moves.

🇵🇰 Business Best #87

Holding at #87 — the line fills in as this chart moves.

Podcast details

Created by: Josh Hadley
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 12, 2026
Episodes: 326
Release period: Several times a week
Avg. episode length: 37 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

Links

Official website ↗ Apple Podcasts ↗ RSS feed ↗

Is this your podcast?

Claim it to show it on your profile. Using the email from your RSS feed approves it instantly.

Keep listening

Discover more podcasts like this.

Browse podcasts See the charts