eComFuel

What happens when two car lovers bet on themselves—and win? In this episode, I’m joined by Amy and Dan Snyder of SPE Motorsport, the husband-and-wife team turning heads in the Ford performance world. From building their first parts in a garage to developing carbon fiber manifolds and launching a new classic-meets-modern car sales brand, their journey is one of grit, innovation, and a whole lot of horsepower.

Listen in as we talk about the early days of SPE, how Dan taught himself CAD from scratch, and how a risky lease turned into a game-changing move. We a...

What happens when your business hits a wall and the people who helped build it are no longer aligned with where it needs to go? In this episode, I’m joined by Taylor Holiday, CEO of Common Thread Collective, who gets candid about one of the most pivotal seasons in his company’s history. 

Listen in as we talk about the difficult transition from an employee-focused to a customer-centric model, how Taylor updated CTC’s values and mission, and the surprising results of that cultural reset. Taylor also shares how he evaluates performance today, how he stays prolifi...

Is Reddit the most overlooked - and potentially most powerful - marketing platform for eCommerce brands today? This week, I’m joined by my friend Danny Kirk, founder of ReddiReach, to explore the high-risk, high-reward nature of Reddit marketing, why it's different from any other platform, and how generative AI is reshaping how people find and trust brands. 

Listen in as we talk about how to market on Reddit without getting roasted, how LLMs are changing search and discovery (and what you can do about it), and why Danny’s company is betting big on GEO - Gener...

After selling the business he built over 12 years, what’s next for Bill D’Alessandro? In this episode, Andrew reconnects with Bill, longtime friend, returning guest, and co-host of Acquisitions Anonymous, to talk about life post-exit, the unexpected challenges of newfound freedom, and how he’s thinking about AI, identity, and investing in today’s wild market.

They also chat about the blurred lines between personal and entrepreneurial success, dealing with changing relationships after wealth, and whether using AI versions of yourself is a smart move or just plain creepy.

You can find show notes and more...

What happens when you press pause on business as usual and take a family gap year instead? In this special episode, I’m joined by my wife, Annie, who shares the mic with me for the first time as we reflect on the past 10 months of travel, family time, and life outside the usual grind. From the decision to leave home to what we’ve learned along the way, this conversation is a peek behind the curtain into the most transformational year of our lives.

Listen in as we talk about the highs and lows of planning and...

What’s the most effective way to grow your brand when traditional marketing gets harder and harder? This week, I’m sharing one of the most overlooked but highest-ROI strategies in eCommerce: partnerships. Whether you’re launching a product, building a community, or just trying to break through the noise, this episode will help you think differently about how to get attention.

Listen in as I share why partnerships are more important than ever, how to identify the best opportunities, and mistakes to avoid. I’ll also talk about lessons from our most fruitful collaborations (like our new part...

What does it take for a city lawyer to transform into a bison rancher in the heart of the picturesque Bridger Mountains? In this rerun episode, I’m joined by Matt Skoglund of North Bridger Bison, who made that very leap. He shares his remarkable transition from urban legal practice to managing a thriving bison ranch, rooted deeply in sustainable and ethical practices.

Listen in as we discuss the intricacies of field harvesting, the economic dynamics of ranch management, and sustainable practices in bison ranching. You'll hear about Matt's personal journey from lawyer to rancher, his deep co...

How do you breathe new life into a stagnant business? In this fan-favorite rerun episode, I’m joined by Chris Rose, President of Gunner.com, to talk about how he helped transform a complacent brand into a thriving, premium business. Specializing in high-quality, American-made dog kennels, Chris shares how understanding customer lifetime value and focusing on high-impact priorities can breathe new energy into a business.

Listen in as we dive into the benefits of U.S. manufacturing, the challenges of scaling through paid ads, and why staying selective with retail partnerships is key to long-term brand health. Wh...

Have you ever wondered how to pull off a team retreat that’s actually fun, productive, and builds real connection? After years of trial and error, I’ve finally found a rhythm that works. In this episode, I break down exactly how we designed our recent team retreat in Mexico City, what made it a success, and some of the biggest mistakes I’ve made in the past (think: go-karts and back injuries).

Listen in as I walk through our retreat schedule—from soaking in cliffside hot springs and taking a taco tour to having deep team conversa...

Have you ever wondered what goes into a full rebrand and whether it’s really worth it? In this solo episode, I take you behind the scenes of eCommerceFuel’s rebranding journey, including why we did it, how much we spent, and what I wish I’d known before diving in. If you’ve been considering a brand refresh or are just curious about the ROI of design and messaging work, this one’s for you.

Listen in as I walk through the process of selecting a branding agency, navigating feedback and revisions, and rolling out our new visual...

What if your inventory could forecast itself—or your website merchandised itself based on who was browsing? This week, I’m joined by Drew Marconi, CEO and co-founder of Intelligems.io, to explore how AI is unlocking new ways for brands to manage forecasting, pricing, and marketing. If you’ve been curious about how AI can actually improve your margins (not just make cool images), you’ll want to tune in.

Listen in as Drew breaks down how AI is reshaping eCommerce, from hyper-personalized site experiences to margin-aware merchandising strategies. We also talk about the difference between forecast...

What happens when your business grows too fast and the demand suddenly vanishes? This week, I’m joined by Martina Brimmer, co-founder of Swift Industries, a premium bikepacking brand known for its exceptional design and creative culture. Martina shares how she dismantled her team, restructured operations, and found her creative spark again after the post-COVID contraction in the cycling industry.

Listen in as she talks through the high-stakes decision to downsize, the systems that made it possible, and how she rebuilt the business around brand, joy, and simplicity. We also explore the behind-the-scenes of running a two-person op...

What happens after you sell the business you’ve spent over a decade building? In this episode, I’m joined by my longtime friend and returning guest Bill D’Alessandro, fresh off the sale of Natural Dog Company. Bill shares what it was like to finally exit after 12 years, how he’s thinking about investing his earnings, and why his next chapter might be his best one yet.

Listen in as we unpack Bill’s decision to divest a portfolio of brands and go all-in on one, how the acquisition unfolded, and why he’s now leading corporate de...

Ever wonder if you can truly compete with overseas manufacturing from right here in the U.S.? This week, I’m kicking off a two-part series on American manufacturing by sitting down with David Heacock, CEO of Filterbuy.com. David shares how he grew a family business into a $250M powerhouse, all while keeping production entirely on U.S. soil.

Listen in as David walks us through how he reverse-engineered a product line that could thrive domestically, why logistics are his real competitive advantage, and how he scaled from a rough startup phase to a massive manufacturing an...

Have you ever wondered what happens when you completely walk away from a successful business, and build something even more meaningful? This week, I’m joined by Ben Katzaman, founder of Sculpted Peaks, who shares how a near-death experience led him to rethink his life, sell his first company, and start fresh with a business built around passion, craft, and awe-inspiring moments.

Listen in as Ben shares how he went from burnout to sabbatical to founding a unique business that crafts hand-carved stone sculptures of iconic mountains. We talk about the importance of fair trade, the joy of...

Could the current wave of tariffs actually help U.S. eCommerce sellers? In this episode, I’m joined by longtime ECF member Aaron Rubin, founder of ShipHero, to explore a counterintuitive take on how recent tariff changes might level the playing field for American brands. Aaron shares his insights on de minimis reform, market dynamics, and why he believes stronger margins could be on the horizon for domestic sellers.

Listen in as we break down how fraud, loopholes, and uneven enforcement have hurt U.S. businesses - and how the new regulations might shift the balance. Aaron al...

Are you feeling the weight of rising tariffs and wondering how to adapt your business? In this "State of Play" episode, I’m joined by my good friend Steve Chou to unpack the latest challenges shaking up the eCommerce world, from geopolitical tensions to the rapid pace of AI and automation. We dive into how these shifts are reshaping manufacturing and margins, as well as what the future might hold for sellers like us.

Listen in as we explore how tariffs are driving supply chain shifts, the potential of AI to replace roles in your business, and wh...

Do you ever feel like hiring a marketing agency is more hassle than help? You’re not alone - agencies are a hot topic in the ECF community, and not always in a good way. In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Simonson, longtime agency founder and ad expert, to talk candidly about what makes agencies so tricky, how to spot the good ones, and what eCommerce owners can do to get the most out of these relationships.

Listen in as we discuss Kevin’s wild background (you won’t believe the stories behind his “Two Truths a...

Ever made a leadership call that totally backfired - or waited too long to make a tough team decision? In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend and repeat guest Bill D’Alessandro to swap stories and lessons from our biggest leadership failures. We get honest about the missteps we’ve made building teams, managing people, and growing businesses over the years.

Listen in as we dive into topics like ownership mindset, team dynamics, and the delicate balance of motivation through pay versus purpose. We also talk about over-communication, customizing leadership styles to your team, and wh...

What if your marketing team never slept and could execute flawlessly 24/7? In this episode, I geek out with Jacob Posel (until recently, Director of AI at Common Thread Collective), who’s building AI agents that act like your own go-to-market team. If you’ve been curious about how to leverage AI to run parts of your business more efficiently, you’re going to love this one.

Listen in as we talk through what an AI “agent” really is, how to train your team to use AI tools effectively, and how Jacob’s playbook can help make your entire compa...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a long-lasting, high-quality apparel brand in today’s fast-moving eCommerce world? In this episode, I sit down with Mac Bishop, the founder of Wool&Prince, to talk about how he built a business rooted in premium materials, timeless design, and a long-term approach to success.

Listen in as Mac reveals how he established a niche in the Merino wool market by prioritizing quality and long-term strategy over short-term wins. We explore the importance of strong brand positioning, the impact of supply chain shifts—including tariffs and evolving manufacturing tren...

Are you feeling burnt out by social media but still trying to grow your brand? In this episode, I chat with Sonia Roselli, founder of Sonia Roselli Beauty, about navigating the ever-changing world of digital marketing, branding, and eCommerce. Sonia shares her journey building a successful beauty brand, the challenges of personal branding, and why she’s rebranding her business while stepping back from social media’s exhausting demands.

Listen in as we dive into the power of platforms like Substack and Bluesky, why traditional social media feels like a losing game, and how Sonia is shifting her...

Have you ever thought about building your own AI tool to boost your business? In this episode, I'm thrilled to share the incredible story of Zac Plansky, owner of AT3Tactical.com. Zac transformed his business by developing a custom AI tool for inventory management, saving substantial costs and enhancing operational efficiency—all without prior programming experience.

Listen in as we dive into Zac's journey from identifying the need for better inventory management to the creation and implementation of his AI-driven solution. We also explore the practical steps he took, the technologies he used, and the significant im...

Are you ready to catch up on the state of play in the eCommerce world? This week, I’m bringing back our most popular co-host, Bill D’Alessandro, for this month’s deep dive into current trends and strategies. Join us as we unpack everything from the latest in AI advancements to the nuances of seasonal business dynamics. 

Listen in as we break down what every eCommerce entrepreneur should be aware of, including the strategic use of AI tools in business, the complexities of managing a diverse product inventory, and the real-world applications of new technologies in improvi...

Are you curious about how Amazon is reshaping the landscape of digital advertising? In this episode, I sit down with Joe Shelerud, co-founder of AdAdvance.com, who shares his journey from scaling an eCommerce business to creating a technology-enabled advertising company. We dive deep into how Amazon is becoming a formidable competitor against giants like Meta and Google, leveraging its vast data to revolutionize off-platform advertising.

Listen in as we discuss the strategic use of Amazon's advertising capabilities—both on and off the platform—and look at how businesses can utilize Amazon's data-rich environment to enhance their adve...

Should you be buying bonds or real estate? And what’s the real path to financial freedom? In this episode, I'm breaking down the investment strategies that have worked for me over the last five years, from stock selection to wealth-building habits. I’ll share why buying individual stocks can be a great move—if done correctly—and why I believe angel investing and bonds aren’t the best options for most people.

Listen in as I dive into the importance of knowing your financial numbers, how to build a personal balance sheet alongside your business, and why the tr...

Have you ever wished for a copywriter who truly understands your brand and can effortlessly produce high-quality content? In this episode, I’m discussing the exciting world of AI-powered copywriting and sharing my journey of creating two AI "personas" to help me generate compelling marketing materials. I'll guide you through the process of building a robust knowledge base that empowers AI to write in your voice, understand your audience, and achieve your marketing goals.

Listen in to discover the tools and techniques I used, including dictation, transcript refinement, and incorporating insights from expert communicators. Plus, I'll share my...

Are you navigating the current state of eCommerce and wondering how global events will impact your business? In this episode, I’m joined by one of my favorite people and seasoned entrepreneurs, Bill D'Alessandro. We dive into everything from offbeat life experiences—such as exotic ski trips—to the nitty-gritty of eCommerce dynamics in 2025.

Listen in as we banter about the world of outsourcing eCommerce teams to Latin America, the nuances of international hiring, and the real deal about managing costs while maximizing efficiency. Bill and I also touch on lifestyle choices that influence our business decisions and sh...

Interested in what a gap year with family looks like? About six months ago, I shared that my family and I were dialing back to embrace a year of intentional living and travel, focusing on creating lasting memories. Now, I'm back to give you a mid-year update on our adventures and learnings from this life-changing experience.

Listen in as I dive into the joys and challenges of our travels—from surfing in Hawaii to navigating the crowded streets of Tokyo. I'll share the profound impact this time has had on our family dynamics, our perspective on life, an...

Are you ready for a fresh take on eCommerceFuel? We’re mixing things up with the podcast and rolling out some new changes that mark a significant shift, from a new soundtrack to a revamped content strategy that dives deeper into not just the how-tos of eCommerce, but also the whys and the broader implications for entrepreneurs.

Listen in as I discuss my reasoning for these changes, as well as why I'm strategically scaling back on interviews to share more personal insights and adventures in business and life. I also dive into my new approach to quarterly re...

How do you breathe new life into a stagnant business? Today we have Chris Rose, President of Gunner.com, here to share his approach to doing just that. Specializing in high-quality, American-made dog kennels, Chris reveals how to revitalize your business by understanding customer lifetime value and strategically prioritizing initiatives that maximize impact.

Tune in to hear about the advantages of manufacturing in the USA, from enhancing quality control to improving supply chain efficiencies. Chris also shares his expertise on building a premium brand, the challenges of scaling using paid ads, and the critical role of selective p...

What does it take for a city lawyer to transform into a bison rancher in the heart of the picturesque Bridger Mountains? In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Skoglund of North Bridger Bison, who made that very leap. He shares his remarkable transition from urban legal practice to managing a thriving bison ranch, rooted deeply in sustainable and ethical practices.

Listen in as we discuss the intricacies of field harvesting, the economic dynamics of ranch management, and sustainable practices in bison ranching. You'll hear about Matt's personal journey from lawyer to rancher, his deep connection to...

Are you striving to achieve both a thriving business and a fulfilling family life? In this episode, I’m joined by Sam Huebner of Parker Baby Co., who has masterfully balanced growing an eight-figure business while maintaining meaningful family connections, and he’s sharing the strategic and personal insights that have enabled him to avoid being a prisoner to his business.

Listen in as Sam shares his innovative approaches to hiring, the impact of adopting core family values, and the benefits of business coaching. We also explore strategies for prioritizing what truly matters—both in business and in per...

How did a former dishwasher turn a humble start into a multi-million dollar eCommerce empire? Santiago Roa, founder of Culiau.com, joins the show to tell us how he did just that, opening up about his incredible journey from washing dishes to revolutionizing his industry with a game-changing engraving pen.

Listen in as Santiago shares the challenges, milestones, and game-changing strategies that fueled such explosive growth. He talks about the importance of mentorship, how failures shaped his success, and how he built a business from the ground up. If you’re looking for inspiration and real-world advice on...

It’s that time of year again! I’m joined by Bill D’Alessandro, and we’re bringing you our eCommerce predictions for 2025. We’ll lay out our expectations for the coming year, tackling topics from sweeping global economic shifts to the cutting-edge role of AI in eCommerce.

Listen in as we dive into what 2025 might hold for the eCommerce world, touching on topics such as the Trump administration, nuclear energy, and Bitcoin. We’ll also discuss how political and economic developments could shape the marketplace, the increasing shift toward offshoring, and how integrating AI into daily operations c...

Are you eager to peek into the crystal ball of eCommerce for 2025? Welcome back to our annual tradition where Bill D'Alessandro and I cozy up for a friendly chat to revisit last year’s forecasts and spin new ones for the upcoming year. We’ll look at our previous hits and misses and discuss what’s next for eCommerce, touching on everything from job market trends to economic shifts and consumer behaviors.

Listen in as we break down the trends that defined 2024 and share our predictions for 2025. This year, we dive into how AI is reshaping marketing and th...

Ever wondered how technology can transform traditional retail? In this episode, we dive into the world of sleep innovation with Matthew Timmins, the innovative force behind LevaSleep.com. You'll hear how his strategic use of live chat has not only skyrocketed online sales, but also fundamentally transformed customer interaction management.

Listen in as we explore Matthew’s journey of escalating live chat sales from $10,000 a month to a staggering $150,000, revolutionizing online customer engagement. We also delve into the cutting-edge technologies that enable LevaSleep to efficiently operate multiple brick-and-mortar stores with minimal staff, examine differences in sales team pr...

Have you ever considered buying back a business you once sold? In this episode, I sit down with Greg Howlett, a seasoned eCommerce veteran, who shares his remarkable journey of repurchasing a business a decade after its sale. We dive into the strategic insights and personal reflections that guided his decision, exploring how past experiences can shape future opportunities—and create a really cool story.

Listen as Greg discusses his approach to rejuvenating a once-thriving brand, the challenges of adjusting to an evolved market, and the nuances of navigating business with family. We also touch on broader to...

Ever found yourself puzzled by the financial metrics that are the lifeblood of your eCommerce business? In this episode, I sit down with Rayla Rappaport, Head of Product Marketing at Finaloop, and we’re diving deep into the essential financial strategies that power successful eCommerce operations. Join us as we discuss how precise financial management can lead to sustainable growth and increased profitability.

You'll hear practical advice on managing accounting complexities specific to eCommerce, from navigating international tax strategies to optimizing your accounting software. Rayla also provides a rich overview of current financial trends across various business sc...

Ever wondered how entrepreneurs manage to blend successful businesses with a rich family life full of adventures? In this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by Antje Pepper, co-founder of KeepGoingFirstAid.com. Antje shares her incredible journey of traveling the world for 19 months with her family while managing and growing their business. Discover how Antje and her husband, James, have crafted a unique business model that allows them to prioritize both their business ambitions and their family’s lifestyle.

Listen as we dive into the strategies they use to differentiate their products in a competitive market, thei...