DTC Podcast

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Today we’re joined by Charlotte Trecartin, the founder of Char Charms, a brand creating customizable accessories for drinkware. Charlotte’s journey from handmade prototypes in her college dorm room to nationwide deals with Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods offers a masterclass in category creation and scaling.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Why starting scrappy can be your biggest asset in product development.
• How TikTok virality and LinkedIn cold outreach helped Char Charms secure major retail deals.
• Strategies for differentiating product lines between DTC and retail to maximize growth.
• The challenge of scaling production from handmade to mass manufacturing.
• Future plans including collaborations with major brands like Hello Kitty.

Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode offers practical takeaways you can implement today.

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Timestamps

00:00 - Launching Char Charms and early prototypes

02:00 - How Charlotte connected with retailers like Target and Dick's

04:00 - TikTok as a growth engine and content strategy

06:00 - Insights from Charlotte’s door-to-door sales background

08:00 - Leveraging LinkedIn to secure retail partnerships

10:00 - Target nationwide launch and SKU expansion

12:00 - Challenges of launching into retail and margin management

14:00 - Vision boards and goal-setting approach

16:00 - The role of mentors in Charlotte’s journey

18:00 - Future plans: Collaborations with big brands and DTC focus

20:00 - Key advice for entrepreneurs and TikTok consistency

Hashtags

#DTC #ecommerce #startupstories #retailstrategy #tiktokmarketing #entrepreneurship #hydrationaccessories #mentorship #growthmindset #brandcollaborations

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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, host Eric Dyck welcomes Avery from Ad-venturous and Taylor Cain from Pilothouse to break down key takeaways from Mother’s Day campaigns and how they inform Q4 preparedness.

🎯 Key Topics Covered:

• Meta’s evolving ad ecosystem: Advantage+ Shopping is being replaced by Sales campaigns—test both now.
• Creative strategies for gifting: Use creator-generated content that speaks to gift buyers, and keep promos simple and clear.
• Memorial Day as a testing ground: Why testing promos and creative during Memorial Day sets the stage for successful Q4 execution.
• Efficiency vs. scale: Many brands are prioritizing margin over raw volume—learn how this shift affects ad strategies.

🔑 One Big Idea: Start testing now. Memorial Day is your launchpad for Q4 insights and optimizations.

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Timestamps

00:00 – Meta Mother’s Day promo variations and strategies

02:00 – Instant’s role in email capture and revenue recovery

04:30 – Creative tactics for giftable brands around Mother’s Day

07:00 – Meta’s CPM trends and scaling insights

10:00 – Threads’ emergence and media buying implications

12:30 – Memorial Day as a Q4 testing ground

16:00 – Memorial Day offer strategies and testing recommendations

19:00 – Future plans for the Adventurous podcast

Hashtags

#DTCMarketing

#MetaAds

#EcommerceStrategy

#Mother’sDayMarketing

#DigitalAdvertising

#CreativeStrategy

#Q4Planning

#ThreadsSocialMedia

#MemorialDaySales

#AdventurousPodcast

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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, Eric interviews Alex Yancher, Co-founder & CEO of Passport, a leading global ecommerce provider powering end-to-end growth for fast-growing DTC brands. Alex breaks down the seismic shifts caused by recent tariff increases, how duty drawback programs work, and why every DTC brand is now — whether they realize it or not — a global brand.

Key Takeaways:

The US tariff floor is rising to 30–50%, reshaping cost structures for brands.

Duty drawback offers a refund path — but only if your inventory data is airtight.

Smart DTC brands are moving inventory directly into high-performing international markets.

Localizing checkout and language increases conversion rate abroad.

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping avoids post-delivery sticker shock, improving customer experience and LTV.

Learn how Passport is helping brands like Dolls Kill, HexClad, and others navigate this new era of global DTC.

📦 Learn more about Passport: passportglobal.com

Timestamps

00:00 How DTC Brands Can Bridge the Global Sales Gap

02:05 Impact of Tariffs on International Ecommerce Logistics

04:20 Understanding Duty Drawback Programs for Cost Recovery

06:45 Challenges of Shifting Manufacturing Back to the US

09:50 De Minimis Policy Changes and Implications for Ecommerce

12:20 Conversion Strategies for International Sales

14:40 Leveraging Cost Per Click Arbitrage for Global Expansion

17:15 Impact of Postal Leniency on Cross-Border Ecommerce

20:00 Strategies for Smooth International Customer Experiences

Hashtags

#DTC

#InternationalEcommerce

#GlobalExpansion

#Tariffs

#Logistics

#DutyDrawback

#EcommerceMarketing

#ConversionOptimization

#CPCArbitrage

#PostalLogistics

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In this episode, IQBAR founder Will Nitze shares his journey from burnout in the corporate world to launching a bar brand rooted in cognitive nutrition. He walks through the steps that took IQBAR from kitchen counter tests to Amazon bestseller and retail mainstay.

What you’ll hear is less about hacks and more about the fundamentals: why starting online mattered, how feedback drove product-market fit, and what it really takes to scale profitably in CPG today.

Key topics include:

• Launching DTC to validate demand and iterate fast
• Why clean label and plant protein were non-negotiables
• Packaging shifts driven by real-world feedback
• Scaling into retail once logistics and cost structures were optimized
• Viewing DTC as one piece of an omnichannel puzzle
• It’s a grounded roadmap from someone who’s done the work—no shortcuts, just thoughtful strategy.

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Timestamps:

00:00 – How IQBAR started from a personal health journey

02:55 – From kitchen experiments to product-market fit

07:10 – Why the brain-focused bar category was a white space

12:10 – DTC vs Amazon vs retail: channel strategy evolution

17:45 – Profitability, scaling, and efficient COGS in CPG

22:50 – Brand evolution: packaging, messaging, and keto pivot

27:10 – Retail shelf strategy and planogram insight

31:25 – Podcast and display ads as top-of-funnel growth levers

34:45 – DTC Twitter, omnichannel mindset, and business realism

37:55 – Exit strategy, Mars dreams, and post-exit vision

41:00 – Tariffs, supply chain chaos, and CPG realities

Hashtags:

#IQBAR

#dtcpodcast

#consumerpackagedgoods

#ecommercegrowth

#omnichannelstrategy

#dtcbrand

#scalingcpg

#founderjourney

#brandbuilding

#podcastmarketing

#supplychainchallenges

#cleanlabelproducts

#retailstrategy

#amazonads

#shopifysuccess

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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, Eric Dyck sits down with Dougie and Adam from Pilothouse to talk about how to properly structure YouTube ad campaigns for long-term brand growth.

Dougie and Adam share the evolved Pilothouse perspective on YouTube—not as a direct response platform, but as a powerful top-of-funnel awareness channel. Learn how structuring campaigns based on funnel stages, matched with tailored creative and measurement, can lead to more efficient spend and more impactful marketing.

Key Takeaways:

• Why 80–90% of YouTube spend should be top-of-funnel
• How to segment users into unaware, aware, consideration, and action
• The importance of creative matching for each funnel stage
• How to track impact via Brand Search Lift and Google measurement tools
• Why a minimum $10K investment is required to see true performance from YouTube
• If you’re using YouTube like it’s search or shopping, this episode might shift your entire approach.

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Timestamps

00:00 Scrappy content is outperforming polished YouTube ads

02:00 Shift to demand gen campaigns and YouTube Shorts strategy

04:00 Google’s most impactful scrappy ad example

07:00 Why organic-looking creative builds more trust

09:00 Brands mimicking UGC for TV and YouTube performance

12:00 Man-on-the-street ad formats and scripting tactics

15:00 Best practices for capturing authentic reactions

17:00 Key ad structures: hook, face, CTA, and humor

20:00 How to retarget viewers and build down-funnel sequences

22:00 Geo-targeting and brand saliency measurement tools

Hashtags

#YouTubeAds

#UGCMarketing

#DTCMarketing

#PerformanceCreative

#MediaBuying

#VideoAdvertising

#MarketingPodcast

#CreativeStrategy

#AdSequencing

#BrandGrowth

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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Jeremy Foreshew from Talkable to explore how brands can leverage referral marketing to drive sustainable growth.

Key Insights:

The Decline of Traditional Advertising: Challenges with rising digital ad costs and the shift towards owned channels.

Referral Marketing Mechanics: Understanding the components of a successful referral program.

Innovations in Referral Sharing: Introducing Talkable Wallet for seamless mobile referrals.

Case Studies: Real-world examples of brands achieving significant CAC reductions.

Strategic Implementation: Best practices for timing, segmentation, and offer structuring.

Takeaways:

Referral marketing can dramatically lower acquisition costs.

Personalized and timely referral offers enhance customer engagement.

Innovative tools like Talkable Wallet make sharing effortless and effective.

If you’re a DTC brand looking to build effective referral programs that reduce acquisition costs, enhance customer loyalty, and simplify the referral process to drive sustainable growth, this episode is a must listen.

Turn your existing customers into a high-performance revenue channel. Get connected with a Talkable referral expert at www.talkable.com

Timestamps

00:00 - Why referral marketing reduces risk and boosts ROI

02:00 - The problem with paid acquisition in today’s ad landscape

04:00 - How referral loops drive compounding customer growth

06:00 - $500M in revenue from one Talkable client case study

08:00 - The Talkable Wallet and how it solves real-world sharing

10:00 - Crafting irresistible offers that drive actual referrals

12:00 - How white-glove service removes the need for internal headcount

14:00 - Identifying the “moments of delight” for peak referral success

17:00 - Referral marketing mistakes: set-it-and-forget-it, generic offers

20:00 - Creative placement ideas: packaging, QR codes, yard signs

22:00 - Viral loops and LTV: why referrals outperform paid ads

24:00 - Framing referral marketing to get CFO and CEO buy-in

Hashtags

#referralmarketing

#customeracquisition

#dtcpodcast

#talkable

#ecommercemarketing

#brandgrowth

#retentionmarketing

#d2cbrands

#lifetimevalue

#performancebranding

#ownedmedia

#viralgrowth

#marketingstrategy

#emailmarketing

#customerloyalty

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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we’re joined by Steve Schwartz, founder of Art of Tea. From starting with a backpack and a phone bill to serving Google HQ and the White House, Steve’s journey is rooted in deep product integrity and radical education.

Listen in to discover how blending Ayurvedic principles with luxury sourcing has positioned Art of Tea as a quiet giant in the wellness beverage space.

What you’ll learn:

• The logistics of sourcing and storing elite-quality tea ingredients
• How subscription, loyalty, and a mobile app drive retention
• The unexpected ROI of writing a founder-focused brand book
• Why brand partnerships with Hollywood and the White House matter

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Timestamps

0:00 Intro and Origin Story of Art of Tea

2:30 The Hero’s Journey: From Caregiver to Tea Entrepreneur

6:10 Breaking into Hospitality: Wolfgang Puck and Caesars Palace

9:00 The Truth About Supermarket Tea

11:00 Tea as a Health Ritual and Mindful Practice

14:00 Launching DTC with Dreamweaver and Early Lessons

18:00 Blending Tea with Ayurvedic Principles

21:00 Growing Through Education and Teaching at Conventions

24:00 Subscription and Loyalty Programs That Work

26:00 Using Events, PR, and a Mobile App for Brand Awareness

29:00 Collaborations with Paddington, Dune, and the White House

34:00 Long-Term Vision and Staying Mission-Aligned

38:00 Final Advice for Founders and Entrepreneurs

Hashtags

#DTCpodcast #ArtOfTea #TeaBusiness #FounderStory #EcommerceStrategy #SubscriptionModel #TeaEducation #ConsumerBrand #SteveSchwartz #TeaCulture #WholesaleToDTC #BrandBuilding #MindfulBusiness #ProductQuality #SustainableGrowth

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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, host Eric Dyck sits down with Kyle Hitchcox, founding partner at Pilothouse, co-founder of the DTC Newsletter, and now a builder behind Warpdrive, a performance-driven CRO tool. This conversation is a masterclass in how content can power agency growth. Kyle shares how Pilothouse grew from affiliate roots into a 180+ person agency, how DTC media became a top-tier lead source, and how LinkedIn is now driving qualified deal flow. If you're building an agency, running a service business, or scaling a DTC brand, this episode breaks down the tactical frameworks behind Pilothouse’s success.

Follow Kyle's LinkedIn Content Journey:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylehitchcox/

🔑 Key Takeaways:

How content became Pilothouse’s #1 client acquisition engine

The real economics behind launching DTC Media and how it paid off in credibility and deal flow

Why media and service offerings must be integrated for long-term growth

How Kyle is using LinkedIn to generate inbound leads and personal brand equity

Why Pilothouse is investing in CRO with Warpdrive to close the loop from click to conversion

🛠 Tactical Insights for Operators:

Invest early in content that attracts your ideal customer—before you're selling

Structure your sales team with operators who’ve “been there” to keep discovery authentic and strategic

Use paid acquisition to grow media, not just your client base

Create a simple but strong case study pipeline to support outbound and inbound marketing

Think in “ecosystems”—media feeds agency, agency feeds product

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Timestamps

0:00 Introduction and new podcast announcement

2:00 Building Pilot House from affiliate roots

4:00 Early growth strategy with DTC Newsletter

10:00 Using Meta ads and LinkedIn to drive leads

14:00 ChatGPT as a new inbound channel

18:00 Structuring a high-performance sales team

22:00 Transition to omnichannel strategy at Pilot House

27:00 Hiring lessons and building long-term talent

34:00 Scaling with personal branding on LinkedIn

39:00 Why B2B content works at low volume

41:00 Thoughts on AI, Zuck’s comments and the future of media buying

Hashtags

#agencygrowth #digitalmarketing #b2bmarketing #mediabuying #ecommercemarketing #d2cpodcast #growthstrategy #linkedinmarketing #chatgptforbusiness #performanceagency

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Welcome to the DTC Podcast! In this episode, Eric sits down with Tomer Tagrin, Co-Founder and CEO of Yotpo, the leading retention marketing platform for e-commerce brands. Tomer shares the behind-the-scenes story of Yotpo 2.0, a complete transformation across product, pricing, service, and marketing — built to serve the modern DTC ecosystem.

Key Insights:

• How Yotpo rebuilt its product team to innovate faster in reviews, loyalty, and SMS
• The real cost and payoff of changing a large SaaS company's culture
• Why AI will erase code as a competitive moat — and what brands should prioritize now
• How Yotpo is preparing brands for a future of one-to-one loyalty marketing
• The strategic power of investing in agency partners beyond simple referrals

If you’re building a DTC brand, working at an agency, or leading a SaaS platform, this episode is packed with practical lessons on what true business evolution looks like in 2025.

Timestamps

00:00 – Why Yotpo Had to Reinvent Itself

02:15 – Tomer’s Health Journey and Personal Transformation

04:50 – Rebuilding Yotpo’s Culture from the Inside Out

08:10 – AI’s Role in Yotpo’s Product and Marketing Innovation

12:30 – Competing with Klaviyo and the Future of ESPs

16:00 – The Power of AI-Driven Loyalty and Reviews

18:30 – Yotpo’s CDP Acquisition and Vision for 1:1 Marketing

21:00 – Why Agencies Are Critical to Yotpo’s Ecosystem

23:20 – The Marshmallow Test and Long-Term Thinking

26:45 – Advice for Founders Navigating Economic Uncertainty

30:00 – Yotpo’s Future Vision and Personal Habits for Peak Performance

Hashtags

#DTCpodcast #Yotpo #EcommerceStrategy #TomerTagrin #RetentionMarketing #AIBusinessTools #CustomerExperience #DirectToConsumer #SaaSInnovation #AgencyGrowth #EmailMarketing #SMSMarketing #CustomerLoyalty #FounderMindset #DigitalTransformation

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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, Eric welcomes Jordan Narducci—former Global DTC lead at Kellogg and VP at fast-growing supplement brand Momentous. Now an independent consultant, Jordan shares tactical insights on how brands can transform their subscription and retention strategies to dramatically increase lifetime value (LTV).

Key Topics:

Why subscription design matters more than most marketers think

How Momentous grew subscription opt-in from 20% to 50%

Common mistakes in welcome offers and retention emails

How to use churn surveys, pause flows, and tiered discounts to prevent cancellations

Loyalty vs. cashback: What actually works in 2025

The case for paid memberships as an alternative to subscriptions

Toolkits: From Recharge to Loop and AI-powered CX

Jordan breaks down the analytics, experiments, and frameworks he uses to drive growth in mid-market DTC brands. Whether you're running a supplement brand or looking to scale retention in apparel or beauty, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

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Timestamps

00:00 – Why Most Brands Undervalue Subscription Offers

02:15 – Lessons from Running DTC at Kellogg

04:30 – Subscription Strategy in Premium Food & Beverage

08:00 – Tripling Subscription Opt-ins at Momentous

11:00 – Retention vs. Acquisition: The Overspend Trap

14:00 – When Giving Too Much Increases Churn

18:00 – Retention Tactics: Free Gifts, Rituals, and Habit Loops

20:45 – How Subscription Reduces Reliance on Email & SMS

24:00 – Creating “Black Friday Every Day” Offers

28:00 – Churn Prevention via Smart Cancellation Flows

31:00 – Paid Membership Models for Apparel & Non-Habitual Brands

34:00 – Tool Stack & Platform Recommendations

36:00 – The Power of Real-Time LTV Dashboards

38:00 – Building a Consultancy & Website with AI

Hashtags

#subscriptionstrategy #dtcpodcast #ecommercetips #retentionmarketing #ltvoptimization #dtcbrands #recurringrevenue #shopifyapps #customerloyalty #ecomgrowth

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In this episode, we sit down with Zavire from Pilothouse’s Google team to dissect a common problem many DTC brands face: Performance Max campaigns that stagnate after a few months of initial success.

You’ll hear exactly how Pilothouse helped Benji Sleep break out of this “PMAX plateau” by overhauling their campaign structure — and why the first move was to turn the campaigns off.

Key Learnings:

Why PMAX campaigns often stagnate after 3-4 months

The power of a 5-7 day PMAX "off period" to reset bidding algorithms

How segmentation by product or audience unlocks better signal quality and performance

Strategic product feed enhancements that drive Shopping ROI

The myth of audience signals in PMAX and how to work around it

How scripts can provide campaign-level transparency across Google placements

How a restructured PMAX approach delivered a 37% ROAS lift and 2.2x conversions for Benji Sleep

If your Google Ads results are fading, this episode gives you a practical, tested playbook to turn things around.

Did you know that 98% of your website visitors are anonymous? Instant powers next-level retention by identifying who they are and converting them into loyal shoppers. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI: instant.one/dtc

Timestamps

00:00 – Why PMAX Campaigns Plateau After 3-4 Months

02:05 – Common Pitfalls: CPC Drops and Irrelevant Traffic

04:15 – How to Reset PMAX: Turn Off and Rebuild

06:30 – Campaign Segmentation for Product & Audience Clarity

08:45 – Overcoming Performance Spiral With Strategic Breakouts

11:00 – The Myth of Audience Signals in PMAX

13:00 – Strategic Feed Optimization and Supplemental Data

15:00 – Campaign Structure: Before vs After (Benji Sleep Case Study)

18:00 – Breaking Out Asset Groups vs Full Campaigns

20:00 – ROAS Lift + Conversion Volume Gains

21:20 – Using Scripts to Track PMAX Placements & Attribution

Hashtags

#pmaxstrategy #googleadsoptimization #dtcpodcast #roasgrowth #performancemarketing #ecommercetips #mediaoptimization #pilothouse #googleadscampaigns #dtcbrands

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Inside the Growth of Pins and Aces: Scaling a Golf Lifestyle Brand with Nicklaus Mertz

Today on the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Nicklaus Mertz, founder of Pins and Aces, a golf brand that grew from a side project to a $25M+ powerhouse. Nick shares the step-by-step tactics that fueled their expansion, including limited-edition drops, a focus on profitability, live selling innovations, and the acquisition of Edel Golf.

Key Moments:

How Pins and Aces started with $6K and a headcover idea

Building a brand beyond Alibaba sourcing

Launching viral products like the Beer Sleeve and Liquor Stick

Omnichannel expansion: Retail + DTC synergy

Growing without raising outside capital

Leveraging community feedback to design new products

Acquiring Edel Golf to move into hardware

Takeaways for Entrepreneurs:

Start small, iterate fast, and evolve from customer feedback

Community building beats traditional influencer marketing

Drops are a sustainable engine for long-term growth

Data-informed product development with tools like Particle

Did you know that 98% of your website visitors are anonymous? Instant powers next-level retention by identifying who they are and converting them into loyal shoppers. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI:

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Timestamps

00:00 – How Pins and Aces Started from a $6K Side Hustle

02:00 – Turning a DIY Golf Product into a Real Business

08:00 – Building a Brand vs. Drop Shipping Products

14:00 – Collaborations with South Park and Hey Dude Shoes

19:00 – The Bud Light Collab That Changed Everything

22:00 – Drops, Content Strategy, and Creating Community

26:00 – Exploring Live Selling and Whatnot Platform

31:00 – Scaling the Brand While Maintaining Profitability

35:00 – Exit Strategy and Potential Strategic Buyers

38:00 – Using Particle to Track Competitor Performance

Hashtags

#dtcpodcast #pinsandaces #ecommercegrowth #golfbrand #founderstory #productdrops #liveshopping #influencermarketing #dtcmarketing #brandcollabs

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On today's special solo episode of the DTC Podcast, Aves from Pilothouse shares a tactical breakdown of the most common — and costly — mistakes brands make in their paid social ad accounts. Based on years of auditing hundreds of accounts, Aves reveals exactly why many DTC businesses struggle to scale, and what to fix immediately.

Key insights you’ll learn:

Why balancing branded and UGC-style content is critical for a healthy ad account.

How underutilized founder stories are hurting DTC brand performance.

Why too much "random" content without strategy will plateau your growth.

The critical importance of platform-specific editing and quick hooks.

Why brand storytelling IS performance marketing in today’s DTC landscape.

Takeaways for DTC founders and marketers:

Start developing founder-driven content early — it scales with you.

Build ads with both sales and brand identity in mind.

Shorten your videos and frontload product clarity immediately.

Always edit for placement — losing attention is losing money.

Invest in building soul and identity into your ad library, not just clickbait.

Did you know that 98% of your website visitors are anonymous? Instant powers next-level retention by identifying who they are and converting them into loyal shoppers. Sign up for a quick demo today to get 50% off and unlock a guaranteed 4x+ ROI:

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Timestamps:

00:00 Common Creative Mistakes in Meta Ads

02:10 Why Limited Creative Range Hurts Performance

04:30 The Power of a Strong Founder Story

07:00 Why Too Much Random Content Backfires

09:20 Stop Using Long, Low-Impact Video Ads

11:40 Editing for Specific Ad Placements is Non-Negotiable

14:30 Why Soulless Ad Libraries Kill Your Brand

17:00 Brand vs. Performance? They’re the Same

Hashtags:

#MetaAdsTips #DTCMarketing #PerformanceCreative #FacebookAdsStrategy #DigitalAdvertising #CreativeStrategy #MarketingMistakes #FoundersStory #BrandMarketing #MediaBuying

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In today’s DTC Podcast, we sit down with Jeremy Horowitz, founder of Because Ventures, a private equity firm laser-focused on acquiring and scaling DTC brands doing $10M–$100M in revenue. Jeremy shares why VC funding often damages DTC brands and how PE can provide a more sustainable growth path for founders.

https://because.ventures

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyhorowitz1/

https://letsbuyabiz.xyz/subscribe

Key Topics Covered:

Why venture capital is usually a mismatch for DTC brands

How PE firms like Because Ventures evaluate acquisition targets

The #1 thing founders should do 6–12 months before selling

The role of clean SOPs and financials in maximizing valuation

How WhatsApp marketing (through their acquisition of Coco AI) is the next SMS in Europe

Big Idea:

VC is not designed for DTC brands; disciplined operations and a focus on profitable growth are the real success path.

Timestamps

00:00 - Top signals PE looks for when acquiring brands

02:00 - Jeremy's journey from agency to SaaS exits to PE

06:00 - What changed in the brand acquisition market since 2020

10:00 - Why VC isn't a great fit for DTC physical products

14:00 - The dangers of scaling too fast with venture capital

18:00 - How PE approaches growth differently from VC

20:00 - Key traits of brands that are acquisition-ready

24:00 - What founders should do 6–12 months before selling

28:00 - The importance of industry benchmarks and P&L metrics

30:00 - Inventory management, CAC payback, and repurchase rate

32:00 - Inside Because Ventures’ first acquisition: Coco.ai

Hashtags

#DTCgrowth #EcommerceAcquisition #PrivateEquity #FoundersJourney #VentureCapital #CocoAI #BrandExitStrategy #ShopifyApps #WhatsAppMarketing #CashFlowTips

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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Peter Pernot-Day, Global Head of Strategy and Corporate Affairs at Shein, to explore the innovative strategies propelling Shein's global dominance in the fast fashion industry.

Key Discussion Points:

AI-Driven Supply Chain: How Shein utilizes artificial intelligence to optimize inventory management and forecast fashion trends, ensuring rapid response to market demands.

Micro-Influencer Collaborations: The role of micro-influencers in Shein's marketing strategy and how these partnerships enhance brand reach and consumer engagement.

Sustainability Initiatives: An examination of Shein's efforts to address environmental concerns and implement fair labor practices within its expansive supply chain.

On-Demand Manufacturing: Insights into Shein's production model that starts with limited quantities to test consumer interest before scaling up, reducing waste and aligning with current fashion trends.

Navigating Global Challenges: Strategies Shein employs to adapt to international trade policies and maintain its competitive edge in diverse markets.

Join us for an in-depth conversation that reveals the intersection of technology, marketing innovation, and sustainability in Shein's approach to revolutionizing the fast fashion landscape.

Timestamps:

00:00 - How Shein Gamifies the App Experience

02:15 - Shein's Approach to AI in E-Commerce

04:45 - How Shein Uses Photo Search and Personalization

07:00 - Shein’s Circularity and Sustainability Initiatives

09:15 - How Shein Prepares for Global Economic Challenges

11:40 - Leadership Lessons from Shein’s Corporate Affairs Leader

14:00 - How Shein Encourages Serendipity at ShopTalk

Hashtags:

#Shein #Ecommerce #AIEcommerce #Sustainability #CircularFashion #ShopTalk2025 #CustomerExperience #FashionInnovation #Leadership #DTCpodcast

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Join us for a dynamic fireside chat with Pilothouse CEO and Co-Founder Dave Steele about the inflection point that DTC brands find themselves facing with the global economy and Trump's tariffs. This session delves into on key areas such as consumer behavior, big-picture strategies, offline/online integration, product development, and crafting a powerful brand promise. We also discuss navigating challenges like gaining traction and building a successful aperitif category. This talk offers insights and strategies for anyone looking to thrive in the DTC space.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Dave Steele

02:00 - The Impact of Tariffs on Brands

05:00 - Building Scalable Marketing Systems

08:00 - Navigating Consumer Behavior Waves

12:00 - Creative Concepts and Strategic Positioning

Hashtags:

#DTC #MarketingEfficiency #TariffImpact #PerformanceMarketing #CreativeStrategy #AIinMarketing #ConsumerBehavior #BrandGrowth #DTCCommunity #EcommerceMarketing

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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Adil Wali, CPO at Klaviyo, to break down the future of consumer marketing and why Klaviyo is launching a new category: B2C CRM. Adil, a former ecommerce entrepreneur, shares his unique perspective on how brands can shift from chasing transactions to nurturing high-LTV customer relationships using first-party data, smarter segmentation, and product-led retention tools.

We cover the key insights from Klaviyo’s new “Future of Consumer Marketing” report, talk about why repeat customers are more important than ever, and dive deep into how marketers can drive loyalty without relying on constant discounting.

Key Takeaways:

Why B2C CRM is the missing layer in modern DTC marketing

How brands can use first-party data to fuel loyalty loops

The strategic pivot from acquisition-heavy tactics to retention-first thinking

Tactics for building long-term customer value without eroding margins

How Klaviyo’s roadmap is evolving to meet the biggest challenges DTC brands face

Topics Covered:

Adil’s journey from ecommerce founder to CPO at Klaviyo

The core idea behind B2C CRM and why it’s built for DTC brands

The shift in consumer behavior from transactional to relationship-driven

Actionable ways to drive retention and build repeat customers

What Klaviyo is building next to support this new marketing reality

Whether you're a growth marketer, brand operator, or founder, this episode gives you a playbook for building stronger, longer-lasting customer relationships in a world where CAC is rising and loyalty is everything.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Why Klaviyo is a data company at its core

02:05 - Adil Wali’s journey from ModCloth to Meta to Klaviyo

06:10 - What B2C CRM really means and why it matters now

09:15 - The convergence of marketing, service, and analytics

13:00 - Building long-term customer relationships with data

16:30 - Loyalty beyond discounts: What brands are missing

19:20 - How Klaviyo helps brands tackle rising CAC

22:30 - Real-world wins: Klaviyo success stories from top brands

Hashtags:

#DTCMarketing #KlaviyoCRM #EcommerceStrategy #CustomerLoyalty #B2CMarketing #ShopTalk2025 #MarketingPodcast #RetentionMarketing #EmailMarketing #AdilWali #DirectToConsumer

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In this episode, we sit down with Nick Saltarelli, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares — one of the most disruptive brands in functional CPG. Nick dives deep into how they broke a Costco sales record, built a new refrigerated snack category in mass retail, and fought margin collapse during a global cocoa crisis.

🔑 In this episode, you'll learn:

How Mid-Day Squares turned 13-day roadshows into viral brand moments

The radical way they use Bitcoin and WhatsApp to source cocoa and slash costs by 35%

Why ChatGPT is now a core operational layer in their business

The book that changed Nick’s thinking about retention and customer acquisition forever

What it really takes to scale a manufacturing operation to serve Costco and the U.S. market

This is a tactical, no-BS episode for operators who want to break molds, not just grow linearly.

Timestamps

00:00 - How Bitcoin Supercharged Mid-Day Squares’ Supply Chain

02:00 - Breaking Costco Records With Community-Powered Roadshows

06:00 - Creating a New Product Category in Costco's Refrigerated Section

08:00 - Cocoa Crisis and Vertical Supply Chain Innovation

12:00 - Using WhatsApp and Bitcoin to Revolutionize Global Sourcing

16:00 - Why Mid-Day Squares Doesn’t Hold Bitcoin — But Trades With It

20:00 - Scaling Production to Meet Massive Costco Demand

24:00 - Understanding the Global Cocoa Price Surge

28:00 - How AI and ChatGPT Are Embedded Into Daily Operations

32:00 - Breaking DTC Marketing Myths With “How Brands Grow”

Hashtags

#middaySquares #DTCmarketing #CostcoLaunch #BitcoinSupplyChain #CPGfounders #CocoaCrisis #VerticalIntegration #ChatGPTforBusiness #ByronSharp #HowBrandsGrow #DirectToConsumer #AIinCPG #ecommercebrands #scalingstartups #entrepreneurmindset

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In this episode, Eric welcomes back Rob and Clifford from Pilothouse’s Amazon Brain Trust for a tactical breakdown of two timely Amazon topics: the impact of new tariffs and the challenge of balancing ad spend with organic rank.

Key topics include:

What brands should do right now if they're affected by tariffs

How sellers with U.S. inventory are seeing a strategic edge

Why increased ad spend can harm organic rankings

The ripple effect of the end of de minimis exemptions on Amazon sellers

Smart ways brands are clogging the SERP while keeping key listings organic

How conversion rate is becoming the most important metric on Amazon

This is a must-listen for any Amazon-focused brand looking to thrive in a shifting landscape of international trade and algorithmic pressure.

Timestamps

00:00 - Why new tariffs could cause a massive customs backlog

02:15 - The hidden fees behind cheap drop-shipped products

04:20 - How high ad spend can hurt your Amazon organic ranking

06:45 - The inverse relationship between ad spend and rank

09:10 - Strategies to boost conversion rate without increasing spend

11:30 - Juggling paid and organic placements on Amazon

13:40 - How Amazon separates paid and organic algorithms

15:30 - Prime Day inflation and endless sales events

17:00 - Why streaming services are sneaking ads into paid plans

Hashtags

#AmazonStrategy #eCommerceTips #TariffsExplained #AdSpendOptimization #PrimeDay2025 #AmazonAds #PaidVsOrganic #DTCInsights #StreamingAds #DTCpodcast

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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, host Eric Dyck welcomes back Constantine Yurevich, founder of SegmentStream, for a tactical conversation on modern marketing measurement and how to truly optimize media budgets—especially on Meta.

Most brands are chasing growth using metrics that mislead, tools they don’t understand, and platforms that aren't incentivized to show the truth. Constantine breaks down exactly why most advertisers are flying blind and how to get back on course.

Key Takeaways:

ROAS ≠ Profit: Learn why marginal ROAS, not average ROAS, is the metric that should govern every media dollar.

The Meta Algorithm Explained: Get a clear look into how Meta's multi-layered ML models (account, pixel, event, creative) actually work—and how to feed them properly.

Controlled Budget Shifts: Constantine introduces the concept of “destabilizing analytics” to reveal real campaign performance.

Diminishing Returns in Practice: Why most brand search and retargeting campaigns look profitable on paper—but are losing money in reality.

Creative Testing Best Practice: Don't isolate creative tests. Instead, inject them into live campaigns to take advantage of trained models.

When to Diversify Beyond Meta: Not before ~$1M/month in spend. Most DTC brands diversify too early, sabotaging growth and signal integrity.

If you’re a growth marketer looking to scale Meta profitably, this episode is a must listen.

Learn more about SegmentStream:

SegmentStream Website – Learn how their marketing intelligence platform automates budget allocation using marginal ROAS

Constantine Yurevich on LinkedIn – Connect directly with Constantine for deep-dive insights and updates

Constantine on X (@weird_ceo) – Tactical posts, growth takes, and algorithm breakdowns

Marketing Science Newsletter on LinkedIn – Constantine’s unfiltered weekly deep dives into marketing measurement (https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7189209704512860160/_

Previous DTC Podcast Episode with SegmentStream – Constantine declares that attribution is well and truly dead, so why not use AI to short-circuit the whole process?

Timestamps

00:00 – Why ROAS is misunderstood

02:45 – The real danger of average ROAS

06:30 – Understanding marginal ROAS vs. average ROAS

10:15 – Budget allocation mistakes DTC brands make

16:05 – How to avoid wasting spend on awareness campaigns

22:00 – Why Meta’s machine learning dominates

27:15 – How to train new conversion events properly

34:00 – When machine learning does exactly what you told it to (and that’s bad)

38:10 – The myth of omnichannel for lower-spend brands

41:55 – Why Meta wins and where other platforms fall short

44:10 – How to properly test creatives inside Meta

46:15 – Will AI replace media buyers? Constantine’s hot take

Hashtags

#MarketingAttribution #ROASExplained #PerformanceMarketing #MetaAds #MediaBuying #DTCMarketing #DigitalAdvertising #MarketingAI #EcommerceGrowth #SegmentStream #MarketingPodcast #PaidMediaStrategy #FacebookAds #GrowthMarketing

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Today on the DTC Podcast, Rick Cadotte of Four Sigmatic joins for a rapid-fire, tactical discussion about how smart DTC operators should respond to tariff changes, commodity volatility, and geopolitical instability.

Key Topics Covered:

How Four Sigmatic keeps prices stable despite rising costs

What tactical levers to pull before touching price

Why customer trust is eroded with checkout tariff charges

Why AI, new legislation, or "macro theory" shouldn't distract your team

Supply chain reality: why immediate reshuffling isn't feasible or smart

Creative messaging that actually builds trust during uncertain times

Rick breaks down his practical framework for decision-making in times of uncertainty and offers a real-world example of cost strategy without consumer disruption.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Why raising prices can hurt product-market fit

02:15 - How Four Sigmatic responds to supply chain volatility

04:20 - The impact of tariffs on sourcing and pricing decisions

07:05 - Geopolitical strategy and long-term economic trends

10:30 - Should brands react quickly to tariff news?

13:00 - Creative messaging during economic uncertainty

16:45 - Brand trust, tariff surcharges, and transparency

18:50 - Negotiating with suppliers during tariff changes

19:55 - Final thoughts: avoid shiny objects and focus on fundamentals

Hashtags:

#DTCPodcast #RickCadotte #FourSigmatic #TariffImpact #EcommerceStrategy #ProductMarketFit #SupplyChain #BrandMessaging #MarketingEfficiency #GeopoliticsAndBusiness #Doomscrolling #CoffeeEconomics #ConsumerTrust #DigitalCommerce #PodcastClips

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This episode features a special cross-platform panel from Pilothouse, with experts from Meta, Google, creative, and strategic teams breaking down how the market is responding to recent tariff headlines.

Key Takeaways:

Why CPMs are down and how to capitalize on cheaper traffic

Real-time creative strategies for meeting the moment

The risks of over-indexing on blended ROAS metrics

What smart brands are doing (and not doing) in response to economic volatility

The difference between incremental and marginal ROAS—and why it matters more than ever

Whether you're managing a multi-platform spend or just trying to make sense of the volatility, this tactical roundtable offers grounded insights you can act on today.

Timestamps:

00:00 - How tariffs affect brand messaging and ad strategy

02:00 - Meta and Google ad performance trends during tariff news

04:30 - Consumer behavior shifts due to tariff uncertainty

07:00 - Creative strategies for addressing economic anxiety

10:00 - How brands are adapting supply chains and ad spend

13:00 - Why marginal ROAS matters more than ever

16:30 - Navigating Meta volatility and maintaining performance

19:00 - Smart targeting and price strategy during uncertainty

Hashtags:

#DTCMarketing

#TariffImpact

#PerformanceMarketing

#MetaAds

#GoogleAds

#EcommerceStrategy

#MarketingTips

#CreativeStrategy

#CustomerAcquisition

#ROAS

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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, host Eric Dyck speaks with Anthony Sardain, founder of Cavela, a virtual sourcing agent using AI to help DTC brands drastically cut sourcing costs and navigate the new era of global tariffs.

With geopolitical shifts and new tariffs hitting brands hard, Cavela’s AI agents act like a 24/7 procurement team—sourcing, vetting, quoting, and coordinating production with over 200,000 suppliers across 40 countries. The result? Brands save up to 40% on costs while reducing sourcing work by 95%.

👉 Get 50% off your first sample via Cavela x DTC offer:

https://www.cavela.com/signup?affiliate=dtcpod

Key Takeaways:

How Cavela’s AI agents source products faster and cheaper than humans

How DTC brands are using Cavela to cut costs even with rising tariffs

Why diversifying your supply chain is the smartest hedge in 2025

How AI will disrupt sourcing just like it did media and customer service

How the next decade will see physical product creation democratized

If you’re wondering how to optimize margins without hiring a full procurement team—this is your playbook.

Timestamps:

00:00 - How AI sourcing slashed costs for workwear brand

02:01 - Why Anthony Sardain built Covea for product sourcing

04:06 - How Covea's AI agents automate supplier discovery

06:15 - The impact of tariffs and diversifying supply chains

08:20 - Ongoing supplier optimization with AI agents

10:30 - Democratizing design with AI tools like image generation

13:00 - The future of eCommerce: decentralization and personalization

Hashtags:

#aiincommerce

#productdevelopment

#ecommercetips

#supplychainoptimization

#dtcbrands

#sourcingwithai

#ecommerceai

#aiagents

#manufacturingtech

#startupsourcing

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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Andy Hoang, the founder of Aviron, a connected fitness company merging casual gaming with home exercise equipment. From bootstrapping with home equity lines to pivoting from B2B to DTC during COVID, Andy’s journey is a case study in high-consideration product growth, investor navigation, and multi-channel marketing.

Key Highlights:

Why hardware/software hybrid brands require longer go-to-market timelines

The real story behind getting into Y Combinator after years of rejection

Why attribution doesn’t work for $2K+ purchases—and what does

Scaling creative production for UGC, influencer, and AppLovin performance

How Aviron uses direct mail to connect with 45+ customers

Why expanding SKU options drives down CAC

If you’re scaling a complex DTC product or navigating the tricky world of funding, this episode is a goldmine of tactical lessons.

Timestamps:

00:00 – How Andy Hoang bootstrapped Aviron’s early days

02:45 – Pivoting from B2B to DTC during the pandemic

05:10 – Getting into Y Combinator and what changed

08:00 – Marketing a $2,000 fitness machine with no clear attribution

10:30 – Why Aviron doubled down on gamified fitness

13:00 – Competing with Peloton and building defensible software

15:25 – Exploring direct mail, influencer, and app-based advertising

18:00 – Aviron’s 2025 roadmap: New products and price points

20:30 – Real talk: Andy’s advice for ambitious founders

Hashtags:

#DTCpodcast

#AvironFitness

#YCombinator

#FounderStory

#Bootstrapping

#DirectToConsumer

#FitnessTech

#GamifiedFitness

#EcommerceGrowth

#StartupLife

#PelotonCompetitor

#MarketingStrategy

#ConnectedFitness

#SubscriptionBusiness

#VentureCapital

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We're bringing you a no-fluff episode from The World's Best Email and Retention Podcast, hosted by Jordan Gordon—email marketing strategist and philosophical lead at Pilot House's retention team.

Subscribe to TWBERP:

https://open.spotify.com/show/30OswCnXzinWp0zBP1kenR?si=gFxF-OOsQY2FNh0Tc_1Q0A

In this solo episode, Jordan dives deep into how marketers can use cognitive biases—like anchoring, loss aversion, nostalgia, and egocentric bias—to supercharge their email marketing. But this isn't a psychology lecture. It’s a tactical playbook you can implement right away, packed with examples like:

How “plop plop, fizz fizz” doubled Alka-Seltzer sales using anchoring bias

Why doubling loyalty points is more profitable than discounting

How rhyme literally makes copy seem more truthful

The hidden power of sunk cost and goal gradient in email flows

This is the episode you’ll want open next to your campaign planner.

What you'll learn:

How to apply 20+ proven cognitive biases directly into your email strategy

Tactical frameworks for building automation flows that convert

Real-world examples that make these psychological tactics click

Listen in and turn your email campaigns into retention machines.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: Why cognitive biases matter in email marketing

02:03 – Anchoring Bias: How to double sales with simple tricks

04:58 – Framing Bias: Telling better stories in your campaigns

08:51 – Loss Aversion: Creating urgency without discounts

12:20 – Nostalgia & Social Proof: Making your brand feel timeless

16:25 – Recency Bias, Goal Gradient & Loyalty hacks that work

20:00 – Rhyme is Reason & Isolation Effect: Persuasion that sticks

24:10 – Sunk Cost & Effort Justification: Boost conversions subtly

26:00 – Final Thoughts: Build your bias list and boost results

Hashtags

#emailmarketingtips

#cognitivebias

#dtcpodcast

#ecommercegrowth

#marketingpsychology

#retentionmarketing

#subjectlinehacks

#anchoringbias

#framingbias

#urgencymarketing

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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Kevin O'Leary, also known as "Mr. Wonderful" from Shark Tank, to discuss his latest venture, WonderAds. Partnering with Tatari, WonderAds is set to revolutionize TV advertising by making it accessible and measurable for small to medium-sized businesses. O'Leary brings his decades of entrepreneurial experience to the conversation and shares actionable insights that any founder can apply today.

Work with WonderAds.com by Tatari.tv

What you’ll learn in this episode:

Democratizing TV Advertising: How WonderAds enables businesses to harness the power of television without hefty budgets.

Technological Integration: The role of AI and data analytics in optimizing TV ad campaigns.

Entrepreneurial Wisdom: The significance of honesty, authenticity, and relentless dedication in building a successful business.

If you're looking to expand beyond digital channels and understand how TV can become part of your performance marketing stack, this episode will give you the foundational insight and confidence to explore it.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Kevin O'Leary on spotting great entrepreneurs

02:10 – The secret to storytelling in DTC brands

04:45 – Why signal vs. noise matters for founders

07:20 – What makes TV ads work (Wonder Ads origin story)

10:00 – Low-budget TV ads that outperform high production

12:15 – Kevin’s thoughts on royalties vs. equity

14:00 – Building authentic brands (wine & watch example)

16:30 – Using AI without losing authenticity

19:00 – Balancing business with personal life

21:00 – Where Kevin would invest $1M today

22:30 – Why TV ads are essential for modern brands

Hashtags:

#KevinOLeary #MrWonderful #DTCBrands #WonderAds #EcommerceGrowth #BrandBuilding #TVMarketing #CACStrategy #FounderTips #MarketingWithAI #StartupPlaybook #EquityDeals #InvestSmart #SharkTankInsights

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Tito’s Handmade Vodka is a unicorn in the spirits industry. No flashy bottle. No celebrity endorsements. No flavored vodkas. Just one meticulously crafted, fan-favorite product and a brand voice that feels more like a friend than a corporation.

In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Taylor Berry, VP of Marketing at Tito’s, to discuss:

How Tito’s grew from a Texas startup to the #1 vodka brand in the U.S.

Why they refuse to launch flavored vodkas despite massive industry pressure

The power of word-of-mouth marketing and bartender advocacy

How the new Spokescart campaign embodies the brand’s ethos and drives engagement

Why their Vodka for Dog People initiative is more than just good marketing

Plus, Taylor shares insights on advertising strategies, in-person activations, and how to build a brand that people genuinely love.

🔊 Listen now to hear how Tito’s keeps winning by staying true to its roots.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction

02:03 - Taylor Berry’s journey from Apple to Tito’s

04:20 - The origin story of Tito’s Handmade Vodka

08:10 - Why Tito’s branding hasn’t changed in 25+ years

11:30 - How Tito’s became a craft vodka pioneer

14:05 - The bartender connection and word-of-mouth growth

16:00 - Why Tito’s refuses to launch a canned cocktail

19:00 - Vodka for Dog People: A philanthropic brand platform

22:20 - The thinking behind “With Tito’s” and the Spokescart

26:30 - How Tito’s rolled out their Spokescart ad campaign

30:00 - Measuring success without first-party sales data

34:00 - In-person events and the future of Spokescart

37:20 - Sticking to one product: No flavored vodka at Tito’s

Hashtags

#TitosVodka

#DTCmarketing

#BrandStorytelling

#Spokescart

#TaylorBerry

#CraftVodka

#AlcoholMarketing

#DirectToConsumer

#DogLovers

#BrandAuthenticity

#MarketingCampaigns

#DTCpodcast

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If you’re running a DTC brand, you know the struggle: ad costs keep rising, and getting new customers is more expensive than ever. But what if the secret to better performance isn’t in your ads at all?

In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we welcome back Kyle Hitchcox, co-founder of Pilothouse and founder of Warpdrive, a CRO tool that helps brands optimize every step of the shopping experience post-click.

Kyle breaks down the Golden Rules of CRO, how top brands are improving conversion rates, and why landing pages and checkout optimizations are the highest-leverage activities for brands in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Why only 3% of visitors are in-market—and how to convert them

✅ The difference between search vs. social traffic and how to optimize for both

✅ How Four Sigmatic & Big Blanket use CRO to drive massive lifts in conversion

✅ Why fast load times (under 2 sec) are a non-negotiable in 2025

✅ How Warpdrive helps brands split-test and improve conversions without disrupting campaigns

Learn More About WarpDrive (Download The PDF)

Reach out to Kyle on LinkedIn

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why 2025 is the year of post-click optimization

02:03 – Landing pages, cart mechanics, and creative strategies

04:16 – State of DTC: Growth despite economic uncertainty

06:30 – What is post-click optimization? Explained

08:55 – The psychology of user experience timing

11:27 – Balancing branding and performance post-click

13:49 – Where to start with CRO: Closest to the money

15:42 – Pilot House's golden rules for CRO

19:01 – Understanding traffic types and how to optimize each

22:12 – Conversion optimization vs. reducing ad costs

24:05 – Warpdrive: How it works and who it’s for

26:45 – Real brand examples and live test wins

Hashtags:

#PostClickOptimization

#ConversionRateOptimization

#DTCPodcast

#EcommerceTips

#LandingPageOptimization

#WarpDriveCRO

#ShopifyTips

#PerformanceMarketing

#DigitalMarketingStrategy

#MediaBuying

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📢 Episode Overview:

Tammy Phan, CEO & Founder of Luxe Du Jour, built a multi-million dollar luxury resale marketplace that allows customers to shop, sell, rent, and restore authentic designer handbags—all without traditional venture backing or early paid media.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

How Luxe Du Jour grew to 31 employees and expanded into the U.S.

The three-step authentication process that builds customer trust

Why organic growth outperformed paid ads (and what’s changing now)

How luxury resale is outpacing new luxury in the market

The most valuable (and least valuable) brands in resale

Future of blockchain & luxury authentication

👂 Whether you’re scaling a DTC business, exploring resale, or growing an online marketplace, this episode is packed with insights.

👉 Listen now!

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why Organic Marketing Outperforms Paid Media

02:45 – Tammy's Journey from Bag Addict to Business Owner

06:15 – Building Luxe Du Jour Through Instagram

10:30 – How Luxe Du Jour Authenticates Designer Bags

14:20 – The Psychology Behind Buying Luxury Items

17:00 – Using Data to Price and Sell Pre-Owned Bags

21:00 – Challenges Scaling Ads with Trademark Restrictions

24:00 – Renting Designer Bags and Handling Risk

26:20 – The Future of Luxury: Pre-Owned, Blockchain, and Sustainability

30:15 – Tammy's Vision, Team Culture, and Growth Goals

Hashtags:

#DTCpodcast

#TammyPhan

#LuxeDuJour

#ResaleMarket

#LuxuryBags

#EntrepreneurJourney

#OrganicMarketing

#EcommerceGrowth

#SustainableFashion

#PreOwnedLuxury

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Welcome to the DTC Podcast, where today we’re diving deep into Amazon advertising, ranking strategies, and the impact of tariffs with Rob and Clifford from Pilot House.

If you’re selling on Amazon, you’ve probably noticed that search volume is down for the first time in years. Consumers are pulling back, competition is heating up, and costs are rising—so how do you stay profitable?

In this episode, we cover:

✔️ When to prioritize profit vs. incremental revenue in your Amazon ad strategy

✔️ Amazon search volume is down—here’s how to increase conversion rates to stay ahead

✔️ Tariff chaos: How brands are adapting to unpredictable costs and logistics

✔️ Brand equity’s hidden power on Amazon: How to rank without excessive ad spend

The key takeaway? Winning on Amazon in 2025 isn’t just about ad spend—it’s about strategic ranking, conversion optimization, and leveraging off-platform brand awareness to dominate search results.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Amazon ad placements and bid strategy

02:45 – Using Amazon Rufuss for listing optimization

05:30 – Search volume decline and market shifts

08:20 – Impact of tariffs on ecommerce brands

11:10 – Brand equity and organic ranking on Amazon

14:00 – The power of omnichannel brand awareness

Hashtags:

#AmazonAds #EcommerceMarketing #AmazonFBA #DTCbrands #DigitalMarketing #AmazonSEO #EcommerceGrowth #MarketingStrategy #RetailTrends #BrandBuilding

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Retail is evolving fast. AI, retail media networks, and shifting consumer behaviors are reshaping how brands sell. But the brands winning in 2025? They’re the ones that blend technology with human connection to create unforgettable shopping experiences.

In this episode, we sit down with Marielle Bobo, VP of Content for ShopTalk Spring and Fall, to explore the biggest themes shaping retail in 2025.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Retail’s New Golden Age – Why brands are refocusing on emotional connections.

✅ Retail Media Networks (RMNs) – How first-party data is changing advertising.

✅ AI in Retail – How to use automation without losing your brand’s soul.

✅ Live Shopping & Content Commerce – What brands like True Religion and Lawless Beauty are doing differently.

✅ How to Get the Most from ShopTalk 2025 – Pro networking strategies for attendees.

DTC at ShopTalk 2025 🎤 📹

We’re not just talking about ShopTalk—we’re bringing the event to life for our audience! The DTC Podcast team will be on the ground in Las Vegas, recording live interviews with top brands, walking the expo floor for man-on-the-street insights, and capturing the hottest takes from the biggest players in retail.

📍 Find us in the Media Center for exclusive live podcast recordings.

🎥 Catch us on the show floor, getting quick-hit insights from attendees.

🔥 Want to be featured? Track us down—we’d love to chat!

Whether you're attending ShopTalk 2025 or just want to stay ahead of the biggest retail trends, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you scale your brand this year and beyond. 🎧🚀

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to ShopTalk

02:15 The evolution of storytelling in retail

04:45 The role of AI and human connection in retail

07:30 What is retail media? Understanding RMNs

10:50 Exciting keynote speakers at ShopTalk

14:20 Content and commerce: How brands engage with creators

17:10 The rise of live shopping and interactive experiences

20:30 Tips for first-time ShopTalk attendees

23:45 ShopTalk networking opportunities and meetups

26:00 ShopTalk afterparty and special events

Hashtags:

#ShopTalk2024 #RetailTrends #EcommerceMarketing #DTC #RetailMedia #MarketingStrategy #LiveShopping #ContentCommerce #NetworkingEvents #ShopTalkExperience

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Many if not most eCommerce brands spend 15-20% of revenue on advertising—Simple Modern? Just 5%.

So how did they become a category leader in drinkware, dominate Amazon, and land major retail deals with Target?

In this episode, Bryan Porter, Co-founder & Chief E-commerce Officer of Simple Modern, breaks down their low-ad spend, high-efficiency growth strategy and why focusing on brand trust, product variety, and Amazon SEO led to 50M+ products sold.

What You'll Learn:

✅ The Amazon playbook that helped them win top search rankings.

✅ Why they only spend 5% of revenue on ads—and how they drive organic growth.

✅ How they expanded from Amazon to Target without traditional advertising.

✅ Why TikTok virality boosted Amazon sales more than TikTok Shop itself.

✅ How launching an electrolyte brand (Trevi) creates long-term customer retention.

One Big Idea:

👉 Customer trust and organic search matter more than ad spend.

This is a must-listen for brand builders who want sustainable, profitable growth.

🎧 Listen now!

Timestamps

00:00 - Simple Modern’s early growth on Amazon

02:45 - The jump to Target and retail expansion

06:30 - The rise of drinkware as a fashion category

10:15 - Leveraging TikTok Shop for brand awareness

14:50 - Expanding marketing efforts beyond digital ads

19:30 - Scaling through licensing and product innovation

24:15 - Testing TV ads and influencer marketing impact

28:40 - Launching Trevi: Entering the electrolyte market

33:10 - Hiring the right people and building a mission-driven team

37:45 - The role of generosity and company culture

Hashtags

#Ecommerce #DTC #AmazonFBA #RetailStrategy #BrandGrowth #TikTokMarketing #InfluencerMarketing #ProductLaunch #StartupSuccess #BusinessPodcast

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🚨 Meta just updated Advantage+ campaigns – what does this mean for DTC brands? 🚨

Advantage+ has been Meta’s push toward AI-driven ad automation, but with new updates rolling out, advertisers need to adjust their strategies to stay ahead.

On this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Pilothouse's Meta ads expert Taylor Cain to break down what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and the best strategies to maximize Advantage+ performance.

What You’ll Learn:

📊 The Key Changes in Meta’s Latest Advantage+ Update

🔎 How to Analyze Audience Segments to See Where Your Budget is Really Going

🎯 Cost Caps & Bidding Strategies That Still Work in an AI-Driven Ad System

📢 Creative & Landing Page Best Practices for Higher ROAS

🚀 How to Blend Advantage+ With Business-As-Usual Campaigns for More Control

Meta is simplifying the ad-buying process, but are these changes actually better for advertisers? Tune in to learn how to stay in control, optimize your spend, and scale smarter.

🎧 Listen now and stay ahead of Meta’s evolving ad system!

Timestamps:

00:00 – Meta’s latest Advantage Plus updates

02:10 – Why Meta is removing customer caps

04:45 – How Advantage Plus impacts ad performance

07:30 – Best practices for structuring campaigns

10:15 – Creative strategy and audience segmentation

13:00 – The role of cost caps in Meta ads

15:45 – Social proof and Advantage Plus benefits

18:30 – Using landing pages effectively in Meta campaigns

21:20 – Future of business-as-usual campaigns vs. Advantage Plus

Hashtags:

#MetaAds #FacebookAds #AdvantagePlus #DigitalMarketing #Ecommerce #PerformanceMarketing #PaidSocial #AdvertisingTips #SocialMediaMarketing #AdStrategy

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SMS marketing is one of the most profitable yet underutilized channels in DTC. But too many brands either under-send out of fear or over-send without strategy. On this episode of the DTC Podcast, Postscript’s Sam Melnick joins us to share how AI, segmentation, and conversational commerce are reshaping SMS into a true revenue-driving channel.

Find out more about Postscript here: https://postscript.io/

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The biggest mistakes brands make with SMS & how to fix them

AI-powered SMS: How real-time message optimization drives a 20% revenue lift

Segmentation strategies that maximize retention & conversions

How leading brands like Jones Road Beauty personalize SMS at scale

Why SMS is outperforming email for many brands on peak sales days

The future of AI-driven SMS—including Postscript’s new “Shopper” AI agent

If you’re serious about SMS as a revenue channel, this episode packed with actionable insights is a must-listen.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Why SMS is the next must-have owned channel

02:00 - The biggest SMS mistakes brands make

04:30 - Smart segmentation strategies for SMS

07:00 - How Jones Road Beauty personalizes SMS at scale

09:30 - AI-driven SMS optimization and testing

12:00 - Scaling conversational commerce with AI

15:00 - SMS vs. email: key differences and advantages

18:30 - Maximizing revenue with product drops and urgency

21:00 - SMS deliverability, compliance, and industry trends

24:00 - Why best-in-class SMS solutions outperform all-in-one platforms

27:00 - Postscript’s AI and product innovation roadmap

Hashtags:

#SMSMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #DTCBrands #MarketingStrategy #AIinMarketing #ShopifyBrands #RetentionMarketing #ConversationalCommerce #Postscript #DTCpodcast #TextMarketing #MarketingAutomation #CustomerEngagement

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📢 What if you could scale a DTC brand without spending a dollar on paid media?

That’s exactly what Amy Tucker, founder of Salty Britches, did. What started as a homemade anti-chafe solution for her son turned into a multi-channel brand used by ultra runners, triathletes, the military, and outdoor adventurers—all without following the traditional paid ad playbook.

🔹 How she turned a personal problem into a national product.

🔹 The role of organic ambassadors & independent retailers in her growth strategy.

🔹 Why she said NO to big-box retail in favor of 500+ independent stores.

🔹 How a conversation with a Marine Raider led to military procurement.

🔹 Her recent (and reluctant) foray into paid ads & what's working.

If you're a DTC founder looking to build a brand with deep customer loyalty and organic traction, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to scale by saying YES to the right opportunities.

Timestamps:

00:00 – The power of organic brand growth

02:05 – How Salty Britches started from a personal need

05:50 – Building a product with real customer demand

12:30 – The impact of independent retailers vs. big box stores

18:45 – Ultra running and military adoption of the brand

24:20 – The role of ambassadors in brand expansion

30:10 – Why Salty Britches avoided traditional advertising

35:40 – Running effective ads after years of organic growth

42:05 – The future of marketing: community vs. paid media

48:15 – Final thoughts and brand insights

Hashtags:

#DTC #ecommerce #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #startupstory #marketing #branding #directtoconsumer #socialmediamarketing #digitalmarketing #founderjourney #brandbuilding #ads #organicgrowth #businessgrowth #ecommercemarketing #saltybritches #chafingcream #ultrarunning #militarygear

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The era of faceless brands is over. Consumers don’t just want to buy products—they want to connect with the people behind them.

In this episode, Aves, Creative Lead at Pilot House, breaks down why DTC founders must take an active role in content creation to build brand affinity, lower CAC, and scale their brand more effectively.

🚀 Key Insights from the Episode:

Your face is your competitive advantage. Founder-led content builds trust and differentiates your brand.

Stop overthinking it. Grab your phone, record a short video, and start testing.

The power of repetition. Your audience won’t remember your story unless you tell it over and over again.

Optimize for conversion. Don’t send founder-led ad traffic to a generic PDP—create a dedicated founder story landing page.

Consistency wins. Post every day to create lasting brand equity and engagement.

If you’re a founder struggling with rising acquisition costs or brand differentiation, this episode will change how you think about content marketing.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro: The power of founder-led content

02:05 Why founders should be the face of their brand

04:30 How to create engaging founder content

07:15 The impact of personal storytelling on brand growth

10:40 Using organic and paid content together

14:20 Optimizing the post-click experience

17:50 Consistency is key: Posting daily for growth

21:30 Leveraging your founder story for brand affinity

24:10 Why repetition works in social media

26:00 Final thoughts and call to action

Hashtags:

#DTC #EcommerceMarketing #BrandBuilding #FounderLedContent #SocialMediaMarketing #MarketingStrategy #PaidSocial #OrganicGrowth #EntrepreneurTips #BusinessGrowth #ContentCreation #MetaAds #TikTokMarketing #Storytelling #DigitalMarketing #StartupTips

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Hello and welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we’re talking with Taylor Holiday, Managing Partner at Common Thread Collective (CTC)—one of the leading agencies in e-commerce growth.

CTC rode the wave of e-commerce’s explosive growth, scaling from 60 to nearly 200 employees during COVID. But as market conditions changed, so did their approach. Taylor shares how e-commerce brands must pivot from chasing revenue to focusing on profitability and sustainable growth.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Why Service Businesses Are Underrated: Agencies can be more profitable than SaaS and DTC brands with the right model.

✅ The Secret to Scaling Agencies: Focus on fewer employees, higher salaries, and keeping the best people doing the most valuable work.

✅ The Right Way to Spend on Ads: Many brands are overspending inefficiently—start by cutting waste, then rebuild smarter.

✅ Why Product Expansion Is Key: Growth isn’t about selling more of the same product; it’s about launching new ones to unlock fresh demand.

✅ Meta Ads in 2025: Advantage Plus is the future—let Meta’s AI do the work but control the outcome through bid caps.

✅ AI in Agencies: CTC uses AI for internal knowledge sharing, customer service automation, and creative strategy.

💡 If you’re an e-commerce brand or agency owner, this is a must-listen episode. Tune in now!

Timestamps:

0:00 - The challenge of post-COVID growth for eCommerce brands

2:30 - The shift from revenue growth to profitability in DTC

5:10 - Why agency models need to evolve for efficiency

8:00 - The role of AI in agency operations and creative production

11:45 - Product expansion as a key growth driver in 2025

15:20 - The truth about top-of-funnel marketing strategies

18:50 - The future of performance marketing with Meta’s Advantage+

22:30 - Should brands invest in TV and YouTube ads?

25:00 - The role of financial planning in marketing success

Hashtags:

#ecommerce #dtcpodcast #digitalmarketing #growthstrategy #facebookads #metaads #aiinmarketing #advertisingstrategy #marketingtrends #businessgrowth #scaleyourbrand #profitability #directtoconsumer #contentmarketing #onlinemarketing #performanceads

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On today’s episode of All Killer No Filler, we’re joined by Dougie from Pilothouse to talk about how DTC brands should structure YouTube ads for growth. Many advertisers expect immediate conversions from YouTube, but the real value comes from top-of-funnel awareness that increases brand searches, customer engagement, and long-term conversions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why YouTube should be seen as a demand generation tool, not just demand capture

✅ How to structure YouTube campaigns based on customer awareness stages

✅ The biggest mistakes brands make when running YouTube ads

✅ Why Google’s new measurement tools could change how we track ad success

✅ The right creative strategy for different stages of the funnel

💡 If your brand is running YouTube ads—or considering it—this episode will help you optimize your approach for maximum impact.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to YouTube Marketing Strategy

02:10 Why YouTube is More Than Just Demand Capture

04:30 Structuring Campaigns for Awareness & Conversion

07:00 How to Optimize YouTube Ad Targeting

10:20 Measuring Performance & Brand Search Lift

14:00 The Role of Creative in YouTube Ads

17:30 Budgeting & Scaling YouTube Advertising

20:50 Organic vs. Paid YouTube Growth Strategies

Hashtags:

#YouTubeMarketing #DigitalAds #PerformanceMarketing #YouTubeAds #MarketingStrategy #BrandAwareness #GoogleAds #DTCMarketing #AdvertisingTips #ContentMarketing

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Kim Gamez, founder of Soberish, scaled her business to over $1M in sales in under a year—all without spending a dollar on paid ads.

In this episode of the DTC Podcast, Kim shares how she:

✅ Engineered viral content on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to drive millions of views and thousands of purchases.

✅ Turned organic engagement into a scalable eCommerce business, transitioning from influencer to marketplace owner.

✅ Navigated the challenges of selling federally legal hemp-derived products while being restricted by major advertising platforms.

Key Takeaways:

The anatomy of a viral video: Why starting with the payoff and sparking discussion is crucial.

Using humor and mistakes strategically to drive engagement and boost algorithm reach.

How to make UGC-style content work for your brand—and why overproduction kills performance.

The power of social commerce: How Kim went from affiliate marketer to brand owner using data from her viral videos.

Why repurposing content is key: How Kim maximizes ROI on every piece of video she creates.

If you’re looking to grow your DTC brand through organic content, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Building a viral content strategy

02:05 – The origin story of Soberish

04:45 – From social media influence to a business

07:30 – Cracking the algorithm for organic growth

10:15 – How to make videos go viral

13:00 – The power of community-driven marketing

15:40 – The Soberish product lineup

18:20 – Growth challenges and the giggle grass strategy

21:10 – Navigating paid ads and retail opportunities

24:00 – Key lessons for entrepreneurs

Hashtags:

#DTC #Ecommerce #Soberish #Entrepreneurship #MarketingTips #ViralVideos #TikTokGrowth #SocialMediaMarketing #BrandBuilding #ContentStrategy #AlcoholFree #GiggleGrass #SmallBusiness #FounderStory #BusinessGrowth

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Today, we’re doing something a little different. We’re featuring an episode from The World's Best Email and Retention Podcast (TWBERP)—a must-listen for anyone looking to maximize revenue from the customers they’ve already acquired.

Subscribe to TWBERP Here: https://open.spotify.com/show/30OswCnXzinWp0zBP1kenR?si=gFxF-OOsQY2FNh0Tc_1Q0A

TWBERP is where Jordan Gordon and the Pilothouse email and retention team break down the strategies that keep customers engaged and spending, without relying on constant acquisition.

In this episode, Jordan dives into a concept that big brands obsess over but most DTC brands ignore—tracking your lifecycle metrics, not just your revenue. He breaks down:

🔹 The 3 key lifecycle stages—Promotional, Customer, and Category—and why tracking them gives you a clearer picture of your business health.

🔹 How to spot margin erosion in your discounting strategy before it tanks your profits.

🔹 Why a growing revenue line can actually be a red flag—and what to look for instead.

If you’re serious about scaling your brand sustainably, this one’s a must-listen.

Hit play and don’t forget to subscribe to TWBERP!

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Lifecycle Metrics

02:00 Why Tracking Revenue Alone Is Not Enough

04:30 Three Key Lifecycle Metrics to Monitor

07:15 The Impact of Discount Strategies on Profit Margins

10:45 Building a Loyal Customer Base vs. Constant Acquisition

14:30 How to Measure Customer Retention Effectively

18:15 The Role of Product Categories in Lifecycle Marketing

22:00 Closing Thoughts & Email Growth Strategies

Hashtags:

#EmailMarketing #CustomerRetention #LifecycleMetrics #EcommerceGrowth #DigitalMarketing #DTC #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #EmailOptimization #RetentionMarketing

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📢 What does it really take to scale a 9-figure DTC brand? Relentless speed, constant reinvention, and never playing defense.

In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we sit down with Curtis Matsko, founder and CEO of Portland Leather Goods, to break down how he built one of the fastest-growing direct-to-consumer brands by outpacing the competition at every turn.

Curtis doesn't hesitate—he makes decisions fast, learns fast, and scales fast. While most brands overanalyze, he moves forward, makes adjustments in real time, and never stops evolving.✅

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why "velocity wins"—and how moving fast (not perfection) is the key to DTC success
• The 3-6-9 hiring framework Curtis uses to keep his team leveling up every year
• Why 92% of Portland Leather Goods’ ad spend goes to Meta & Google (and why TikTok isn’t even on his radar)
• How vertical integration in Mexico became their ultimate growth hack—ensuring inventory never kills scaling
• The truth about luxury brands: Why most "leather" bags aren’t real leather—and why that’s Portland Leather Goods’ biggest advantage
• How to know when it's time to reinvent your brand—so you don’t end up like the five competitors that went bankrupt

This episode is a must-listen for any brand owner looking to scale fast, break through growth ceilings, and build a brand that actually lasts.

🎧00:00 – Curtis Matsko on embracing change in business

02:30 – The origin story of Portland Leather Goods

06:00 – The importance of real leather and craftsmanship

10:15 – Scaling a brand through rapid decision-making

15:40 – The power of customer experience and brand trust

20:20 – How vertical integration fuels growth

25:10 – Hiring, leadership, and internal team development

30:50 – The role of Meta and Google in scaling DTC brands

35:45 – Why customer retention is key in DTC success

40:30 – The future of Portland Leather and business expansion

#DTC #Ecommerce #LeatherGoods #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #MetaAds #GoogleAds #MarketingStrategy #CustomerExperience #ScalingBusiness #FounderStory #DirectToConsumer #BrandBuilding #RetailSuccess #Shopify

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Amazon is a crucial sales channel, but most brands fail to merchandise their products effectively. In this episode of the DTC Podcast, Rob & Clifford from Pilot House’s Amazon team break down the key strategies to optimize Amazon listings for better visibility, conversion, and profitability.

🚀 What You’ll Learn:

Why variation strategy is critical for increasing visibility and conversions.

How to align your Amazon merchandising strategy with your broader brand goals.

The importance of shopping your own listings to eliminate friction in the buying process.

How to optimize for different levels of buying intent—commodity, fashion, and consultative purchases.

Why brands should not rely on Amazon Vendor Central for their merchandising.

Amazon is not a passive sales channel. If you're not actively optimizing your merchandising strategy, you're leaving revenue on the table. Tune in to get the insights you need to level up your brand’s presence on the platform.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Amazon Merchandising

02:10 Understanding Amazon’s Unique Shopping Experience

04:50 Strategic Brand Positioning on Amazon

07:30 The Role of Variations in Merchandising

10:15 Traffic Intent and Brand Store Strategy

12:40 On-Brand Aesthetics for Amazon Listings

15:20 Lessons from Dr. Squatch and Manscaped

18:00 Improving the Customer Buying Experience

21:30 Tariffs and Their Impact on Amazon Sellers

24:50 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Hashtags

#AmazonSelling #EcommerceTips #AmazonFBA #DTC #EcommerceMarketing #AmazonStrategy #DigitalMarketing #OnlineSelling #RetailTrends #AmazonMerchandising

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🚀 How do you build a brand that consumers remember before they even see an ad? BYLT Basics is mastering the art of upper funnel marketing.

In this episode, Spencer Toomey, BYLT’s growth lead, breaks down how major sponsorships—like their Mike Tyson partnership during his Netflix fight—drove massive Q4 success.

📌 Key takeaways:

📺 TV + Sponsorships = Performance Lift – How upper funnel plays fuel bottom-funnel conversions.

🔍 How BYLT Measures Brand Awareness – Google Trends, post-purchase surveys, and real-time site traffic spikes.

🎯 The New Media Mix – Why brands need to rethink their reliance on Meta and experiment with new channels like Tatari, AppLovin, and YouTube.

💡 Creative Flywheel Strategy – How BYLT is optimizing their ad volume and storytelling to drive impact.

This episode is packed with tactical insights for marketers who want to scale without relying solely on Meta ads.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Diversifying ad spend beyond Meta

02:10 - The impact of Mike Tyson's sponsorship on BILT

04:50 - Upper funnel strategies and TV advertising bets

07:20 - Leveraging AppLovin for new customer acquisition

10:05 - Creative flywheel: Scaling ad production efficiently

12:45 - Using post-purchase surveys for attribution insights

15:30 - The role of influencers and brand ambassadors

18:20 - Late-night ad launch strategy explained

21:00 - Essential marketing tools: Motion & NoCommerce

23:40 - Future experiments with PMAX, YouTube, and AppLovin

Hashtags:

#DTCMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #MetaAds #BrandAwareness #CreativeStrategy #AdvertisingTips #GrowthMarketing #YouTubeAds #InfluencerMarketing #MarketingTech #AdOptimization #BusinessGrowth #MarketingPodcast #DTCBrands

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Meta’s latest advertising update is shaking up the health & wellness space, restricting event tracking for many brands. This means brands selling supplements, wellness products, or other health-related items may no longer see key conversion events like purchases and add-to-cart in their Meta ad accounts.

In this episode, Eric Dyck chats with Pilothouse Meta experts Taylor Cain, Jocelyn, and Aves to break down what’s happening, what brands should do, and how to stay compliant while still driving results.

Key Topics Covered:

✅ What’s Changing? Meta’s new event tracking restrictions explained

✅ Who’s Affected? How Meta is categorizing health & wellness brands

✅ Workarounds That Work: Using upper-funnel event tracking to maintain ad performance

✅ Creative & Messaging Shifts: Why brands need to sell a lifestyle, not just a product

✅ Long-Term Impact: Will Meta roll out similar restrictions to other industries?

Meta is prioritizing user privacy, and these changes are likely just the beginning. If your brand is affected, tune in to get the insights you need to adapt your strategy.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Meta’s new health and wellness ad restrictions

02:15 - What this means for advertisers

05:00 - Meta’s event tracking changes explained

08:30 - Preparing for the new ad policies

11:00 - How brands can pivot their messaging

14:45 - The impact on creative and targeting

18:20 - Future of health and wellness ads on Meta

21:30 - Attribution updates and performance tracking

Hashtags:

#MetaAds #DigitalMarketing #AdvertisingChanges #HealthAndWellness #DTCMarketing #MarketingNews #PaidSocial #SocialMediaAds #FacebookAds #InstagramAds

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Welcome to the DTC Podcast! Today, we’re joined by Bradley Keefer, CRO of Keen Decision Systems, to discuss how brands can elevate their marketing game by thinking like investment bankers. Bradley dives deep into why ROAS alone doesn’t cut it anymore and explains how brands can use holistic data to align short-term performance with long-term profitability.

Download the 2024 Performance Insights & Strategic Investment Guide for 2025: https://bit.ly/3Wv8oun

Key Insights from This Episode:

Rethink ROAS: Why traditional metrics fail to account for long-term value.

Funnel Balancing: Moving from a 50-50 mix to an optimal 70-30 top-to-bottom strategy.

Interaction Effects: How channels like connected TV and organic social can amplify each other.

Avoiding Pitfalls: Why “shiny object” channels like TikTok Shop or TikTok ads need careful consideration.

Tune in to learn how Keen Decision Systems is helping brands create marketing strategies that deliver predictable, profitable growth.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Why Marketers Must Justify Their Existence

02:10 - The Investment Banker Mindset for Marketing

04:45 - Rethinking ROAS and Measuring Profitability

07:55 - How Brands Should Balance Top vs. Bottom Funnel Spend

11:20 - The Power of Interaction Effects in Marketing

14:30 - Scaling Up with Tentpole Events and Viral Moments

18:15 - When and How to Move Up the Funnel

22:40 - TikTok vs. Meta: The Future of Social Commerce

26:10 - The Role of AI and Data in Marketing Decisions

Hashtags:

#MarketingStrategy #DTCGrowth #DigitalAdvertising #Ecommerce #MarketingData #BrandBuilding #ROAS #SocialCommerce #TikTokMarketing #PaidMedia #InvestmentMindset #MarketingMetrics

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Chubbies became a DTC legend by selling proper-length shorts and a brand identity people loved. But behind the scenes, Preston Rutherford and his team had to fight against the short-term addiction of Meta ads that almost ran the company into the ground.

In this episode, Preston shares:

🔥 The dark side of performance marketing & how it killed their margins

🎯 Why brands need to invest in “memory structures” to drive future demand

📈 How shifting budget up-funnel can actually make you more money

💡 How to measure brand impact beyond ROAS with Marathon

If you’re running a DTC brand and struggling with rising CAC and shrinking margins, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how to escape the performance marketing hamster wheel and build a business that lasts.

Timestamps

00:00 - The rise of Chubbies and bold marketing

02:45 - The impact of Meta ads and performance marketing

07:30 - Balancing brand awareness and short-term metrics

12:15 - The power of memory structures in brand building

17:50 - Why investing in brand is key to long-term success

23:30 - Measuring brand impact beyond ROAS

28:15 - How Marathon helps brands build sustainable growth

34:00 - The future of brand marketing and performance

Hashtags

#DTC #EcommerceMarketing #BrandBuilding #MarketingStrategy #PerformanceMarketing #MetaAds #DigitalMarketing #CustomerAcquisition #BrandAwareness #ROAS #GrowthStrategy #ContentMarketing #Marathon #PrestonRutherford #CMO #Chubbies #DirectToConsumer #MarketingTips

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AI is changing the way brands approach creative marketing. In this episode, Braydon from Pilothouse dives into how AI tools—especially custom GPTs—are transforming landing pages, ad creative, and brand storytelling.

Key Takeaways:

AI-Driven CRO: How custom GPTs optimize landing pages section by section for higher conversion rates.

AI for Subscription Growth: Why AI-powered page redesigns can dramatically improve MRR.

Automating Ad Mashups: Using AI to remix top-performing ads for faster creative iteration.

Voice AI in Ads: How 11 Labs speeds up ad production with high-quality voiceovers.

Strategic AI Thinking: How AI can assist with brand-level strategy and audience segmentation.

If you’re looking for real-world AI applications in DTC marketing, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Timestamps:

00:00 - AI tools are evolving fast

02:05 - How ChatGPT enhances ad creative

04:30 - Optimizing landing pages with AI

07:15 - Using AI for voiceovers and trailers

10:45 - The power of humor in ads

14:00 - AI-generated mashups for top-performing ads

17:20 - AI for brand-level strategy and deep analysis

20:40 - AI agents and the future of automation

Hashtags:

#AIforMarketing #ChatGPT #DTCMarketing #AdCreative #EcommerceGrowth #AIcopywriting #PerformanceMarketing #CreativeStrategy #DigitalMarketing #Automation #MarketingTrends

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On this episode of the DTC Podcast, we dive deep into creative advertising with James Mulvey, Head of Content at Motion, the creative analytics and research platform used by brands like HexClad, True Classic, Ridge, and Vuori. James shares insights from their recent report analyzing $100M in ad spend and surveying 500+ DTC advertisers, highlighting how brands can develop ads that scale to six- or seven-figure spends.

Learn the 7 most impactful creative trends: https://motionapp.com/creative-trends

Key Takeaways:

What Makes a $1M Ad: Balancing humor, offers, and polished creative.

The Role of Humor: Why funny ads drive deeper engagement and brand affinity.

Lo-Fi Done Right: How details like lighting and casting make or break low-budget ads.

Creative Strategy in 2025: Building a high-functioning team with platform-specific expertise.

AI in Advertising: Practical applications without sacrificing authenticity.

Tune in to learn how to build a creative system that delivers consistent winners.

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In this episode of the DTC Podcast, we welcome Kurt Elster, Shopify expert and founder of EtherCycle, a consultancy specializing in optimizing Shopify stores for eCommerce brands.

https://ethercycle.com

https://www.instagram.com/kgelster/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtelster/

Kurt dives into tactical advice for DTC founders, focusing on Shopify's most underutilized features and strategies that drive conversions. Whether it's improving your store's navigation, creating high-converting landing pages, or running better promotions, Kurt’s insights are laser-focused on helping Shopify brands grow.

🔑 Key takeaways for DTC founders:

Master navigation and menus: Simplify and prioritize to make it easy for customers to find what they need.

Use landing pages effectively: Stop relying solely on product pages—targeted landing pages drive better results for campaigns.

Leverage Shopify tools: Use Shopify Functions and apps like Matrixify to streamline workflows and enable advanced promotions.

Run free gift with purchase campaigns: Boost AOV and customer excitement without discounting your brand.

If you’re running a Shopify store and want practical advice to optimize performance, this episode is a must-listen!

Timestamps:

0:00 - The power of landing pages for ecommerce

2:05 - The importance of customer conversations

4:20 - Key improvements in Shopify tools

6:35 - Using AI and GPT for ecommerce efficiency

8:50 - Building loyal communities for product launches

11:10 - Planning and consistency for brand success

13:25 - Top-of-funnel strategies and storytelling

15:40 - Exciting AI advancements for personal productivity

18:05 - The sci-fi future of AI and tech integration

Hashtags:

#EcommerceTips #ShopifyExperts #AIForBusiness #PodcastHighlights #DigitalMarketing #CustomerEngagement #DTCBrands #LandingPages #BrandBuilding #ShopifyUpdates

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Welcome to the DTC Podcast! In this episode, Eric sits down with Dougie from Pilothouse's Google team to dive deep into how to leverage Google Ads' Performance Max (PMAX) campaigns for demand capture while building long-term growth strategies.

With the recent Google update allowing shopping campaigns to compete with PMAX on ad rank, Dougie shares actionable insights for structuring hybrid campaigns, integrating first-party data, and tracking true incrementality. Whether you're looking to optimize your ad spend or balance top-of-funnel and lower-funnel efforts, this episode has you covered.

Key Takeaways:

PMAX vs. Shopping: Learn why hybrid campaign structures work better than running PMAX alone, especially for targeting both warm and cold audiences.

Top-of-Funnel Investments: How efforts like TV and YouTube ads create a "halo effect" on demand capture—but only when backed by sufficient budgets.

Attribution Hacks: Why GA4, Northbeam, or Triple Whale should supplement Google’s in-platform attribution to avoid over-attributing conversions.

Practical Adjustments: Dougie explains how feed management, segmentation, and careful audience targeting maximize PMAX performance over time.

Whether you're scaling your DTC brand or refining your Google Ads strategy, Dougie's insights will help you navigate the challenges of 2025 and beyond.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction to PMAX Updates

2:00 - Key Changes in PMAX Ad Prioritization

4:30 - Shopping Campaigns vs PMAX Strategies

7:00 - Leveraging Audience Signals for Better Results

9:30 - Attribution Challenges with PMAX

12:00 - Optimizing Campaigns for Long-Term Performance

14:30 - Incremental Value and Third-Party Tools

17:00 - Attribution Limitations and Platform Insights

19:00 - Google Ads Heist Warning & Closing Thoughts

Hashtags

#PMAXUpdate #GoogleAds #DigitalMarketing #EcommerceGrowth #AttributionStrategy #AdCampaigns #PerformanceMax #GoogleShopping #MarketingInsights #YouTubeAds

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