First-Class Communication. Realistic Expectations. Unique Experiences. Honest Conversations. This is the Ecom Alphas Podcast.Where passionate brand owners, who have already walked the path, give top-tier information on every aspect of building an eCommerce business.Understanding the “WHY” behind the brand, we’re focused on telling the inspiring stories of industry leaders of how they’ve navigated the irregular moments in their journey whilst having fun along the way.All supporting our mission here at Alpha Inbound: For e-commerce brand owners to both Trust & Respect the modern-day Marketing Agency.Join our CEO, Nigel Thomas, as we get all the insights straight from the source.Together, let’s figure out what it truly takes to be an Ecom Alpha.
BELLROY:
https://bellroy.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfallshaw/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
Triple Whale Discount: Alpha
BELLROY:
https://bellroy.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfallshaw/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
Triple Whale Discount: Alpha
YOUTHFORIA:
http://youthforia.co/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionaco/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
YOUTHFORIA:
http://youthforia.co/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionaco/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
OLIVERS APPAREL:
https://oliversapparel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveawolfe/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
OLIVERS APPAREL:
https://oliversapparel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveawolfe/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
RAW BOTANICS:
https://rawbotanics.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leskollegian/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/motive/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
RAW BOTANICS:
https://rawbotanics.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leskollegian/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/motive/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
SOLO STOVE:
https://solostove.com/en-us
https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerjan/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
SOLO STOVE:
https://solostove.com/en-us
https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerjan/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
THREAD WALLETS:
https://www.threadwallets.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-bauer-b6636747
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
THREAD WALLETS:
https://www.threadwallets.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-bauer-b6636747
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
100% PURE:
https://www.100percentpure.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickostick/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-chalker-3574a210/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejeremyweaver/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
Imagine starting your first business and partnering with someone who has 20 years in that exact industry?
That's exactly in this tale of 2 Matts. Matt Mullenax met Matt Teri.
3 years in they've been building an extremely strong foundation and have big future plans.
Here's what we covered:
HURON:
https://usehuron.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-mullenax-4b4b086/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
CLEARSTEM SKINCARE:
https://clearstemskincare.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleigh-christina/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
KURU FOOTWEAR:
https://www.kurufootwear.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretrasmussen/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
Clark followed the path an eCommerce brand 'should' take.
He built a Shopify site and started running FB ads. About 18 months later and $800K in the hole, he realized he needed a different route to market - the FB glory days were well gone.
Having done over 800 walk-ins to coffee shops in his local area, and coming across the most incredible cold email opportunity from American Express, Clark has since turned his fortunes around and is now on track to becoming an 8 figure brand - which he believes will happen in the next 3 years.
Topics Covered:-Why Clark started a coffee brand
GOLDEN RATIO:
https://drinkgoldenratio.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarknowlin/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
How closely related do you think sport is to business?
Well, Rob Fraser would know - he's an ex-pro mountain baker and used to be the top 2 in his country, Canada.
But he made the hard decision to quit that life and go all-in on entrepreneurship.
After bootstrapping Outway (formerly known as Endure) to $10M, it's safe to say the perseverance, practice, persistence, pressure, and passion he experienced having been an ex-pro athlete sure paid off.
Here's what we covered:
OUTWAY:
https://www.outway.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbfraser/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
Abel and Samuel have an extremely unique outlook on business and building brands.
Contrary to the 'acquisition first' approach, they did the opposite and went all-in on the product. For example, back in 2019 when everyone else was cutting back due to the Pandemic, Troubadour did about 12 months' worth of product development in 2 months - because of the huge capacity manufacturers had.
This was just one of many great strategic moves Abel shared in this episode.
Topics covered:
TROUBADOUR:
https://www.troubadourgoods.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abelsamet/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
Steven's never had a job, not the kind most of us know anyway. Although the list of accomplishments to his name is quite astounding - from filmmaking to being a Masters All-American sprinter to a Professional stand-up comic, there's not much he hasn't done.
Back in 2013, another adventure began when he started running barefoot and realized that we've been going against human nature for the last century.
Together with his wife, Lena, they're changing the world one step at a time.
Topics covered:
Xero Shoes:
https://xeroshoes.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sashen/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Sylvia's life completely changed overnight.
With the strength of her family and an incredible community, she pulled through.
Now, she has started a brand called Amidira - cancer care packages from a cancer survivor herself.
Topics covered:
AMIDIRA:
https://amidira.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvng
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
Find product. Build website. Launch ads.
That's the consensus most marketers have on how to build a DTC brand - but there's more than one way to skin a cat, as the saying goes...
This was also the advice that nearly bankrupted FireCreek snacks before Dustin Riechmann and founder Ryan Hansen took a very different approach - podcasting and partnerships.
Topics covered:
FIRECREEK SNACKS:
www.firecreeksnacks.com/
www.linkedin.com/in/dustinriechmann/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
Martha met Curt over 20 years ago and they've been partners in one way or another ever since.
Together they've gone on to build Life Elements: a natural skincare brand that focuses on the absolute best product quality.
From helping firefighters fight cancer, to transforming the lives of the elderly, Curt has a fantastic story - this is what brand building is all about.
Topics Covered:
Discount Code: ECOMALPHAS20
LIFE ELEMENTS:
https://lifeelements.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtisvan/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
What is harder, business or swimming?
A question I asked Joe Welstead, the founder of Motion Nutrition, who used to spend over 25 hours a week in the pool. Joe actually chose the latter, although, what was fascinating was the parallels between the two. They're both intense, they are both all about mindset, and they both take a long time to get good at.
Topics we covered:
-What most athletes don't realize about the supplements they take
-Why Motion Nutrition began
-Starting with B2B instead of DTC
-Standing out in a competitive market
-The true cost of developing high quality products
-How to bring in new customers
-Surviving the incoming recession
MOTION NUTRITION:
https://motionnutrition.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-welstead-37693949/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
From the deserts of Iraq, to tattooing his own logo on his back - Robert Patton has been on 1 hell of a ride.
He nearly lost the whole thing on multiple occasions but he lived to tell the tale.
Experiencing 100% for nearly doubled in growth every year since 2013, there's something in this episode for every entrepreneur:
Topics we covered:
SHEATH:
https://www.sheathunderwear.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-patton-b675273b/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
Cam Greenwood is the co-founder of Zorali - one of Australia's fastest growing DTC start-ups.
They're on a mission to get as many humans outside into the wonderful outdoors.
A lengthy legal battle meant Cam had to close the doors of his first brand, Monsta Surf - it was soul destroying.
Everything happens for a reason though, and after finding Elise, his perfect partner and wife, together they transitioned the surfing community into a bigger project.
Starting fresh with this new mission, to get people back in nature - the rest was history.
Topics we covered:
ZORALI:
https://www.zorali.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/camgreenwood/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
Has someone ever told you a story that left you speechless?
I think Allison must get this reaction a lot.
Fulfilling the mission of her dearly departed husband Seth after his long battle with cancer.
She's one of the most courageous women I've ever met.
Not only that but against all odds
Had a son who was a miracle and had his own battles
Allison certainly hasn't had it easy
But in the worlds of Seth Luker himself
You have to keep moving forward.
Allison shared the story of building Rocking Wellness for the first time.
Here's what we covered:
Words don't do this one justice.
You just have to listen.
ROCKIN' WELLNESS:
www.rockinwellness.com
www.linkedin.com/in/allison-luker-58040a11/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
Everyone wants to be number 1.
But ask yourself: Would it really be that bad being number 2?
Especially in a competitive market.
That's worth over $150 Billion, growing every day.
Since COVID, the Coffee market has exploded.
And so has the competition to get those beans into each cup.
From starting in e-commerce back in 2000...
To the wild wild west of dropshipping.
It's fair to say Phil has been around the block.
Here's what we covered:
GothRider Coffee:
Phil Kyprianou - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philkyprianou/
https://www.gothrider.com/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
Focusing on DTC Organic Growth with rising ad costs?
Imagine all it took was 1 podcast.
Well, that's exactly what happened for Dr.Cowan's Garden.
They went on a podcast with their target demographic.
And in one weekend their business exploded.
$30,000 over one weekend - crazy.
The best part?
Many of those same customers still buy today.
Why?
Because they have the best products.
If you too really care about your product quality.
And are looking to expand your brand's organic growth this year.
Then this podcast is definitely for you.
Yes - it's a podcast about a podcast.
Asher and his team haven't spent $1 on paid social.
Word of mouth marketing at its finest.
Dr. Cowan's Garden:
Asher Cowan - www.linkedin.com/in/asher-cowan-403a6ab/
www.drcowansgarden.com
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
I spoke to a successful DTC founder the other day.
He told me they'd used 11 agencies in 2 years.
It stories like this that give agencies a bad rep.
Many brands are now frightened to even hire one.
But how can we solve it?
It starts with good quality information.
And education.
There are 8 key questions we need to answer:
1- What phases of growth to DTC brands go through on the marketing side?
2- What is the right time to hire a marketing agency?
3- What is the process of discovery?
4- What are the red flags of rotten apples?
5- How do you know you've found a good agency?
6- What actually happening from the agencies perspective?
7- How should onboarding be done properly?
8- Is it possible to build a long-term agency partnership?
Thankfully, we answered them for you.
On this week's Epsiode of the Ecom Alphas Podcast.
How To Find A Long-Term Marketing Agency For Your Brand.
Pulling back the curtain from the agency side.
And getting brutally honest.
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
A Unicorn that's building, buying, and scaling brands globally: Berlin Brands Group.
And we were delighted to be joined by Charlie Ryan and Malte Karstan for a Friday night date.
This was one of the most informative podcasts to date.
Here are some of the crazy topics we spoke on:
If you want to learn more:
Charlie Ryan - www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-ryan-36229310a/
Malte Karstan - www.linkedin.com/in/malte-karstan/
Berlin Brands Group - www.berlin-brands-group.com/en
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
From helping build Lazada to scaling $100 Million DTC brands, Alexis has seen it all.
Now the COO of Branded, an acquisition team that invests and helps Amazon brands realize their true potential...
With the aim of building a portfolio of 9 figure challenger brands.
Alexis is a true eCommerce entrepreneur.
Here's what we covered:
BRANDED:
www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-lanternier-13bb66/
joinbranded.com/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
This weeks episode felt special.
I had an absolute blast with Shaun and Eliot.
From Vodka Jelly shots in Hong-Kong...
To building 7 Amazon brands.
The story behind future kind is one hell of a ride.
But more than that, it was just a great conversation.
Full of experiences, emotions, and stories.
-Stay True to yourself
Future Kind:
Shaun -www.linkedin.com/in/shauncunningham/
Eliot -www.linkedin.com/in/eliotcunningham/
www.facebook.com/wearefuturekind/
www.instagram.com/wearefuturekind/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
As Zac pointed out, we might soon be seeing e-sports enter the Olympics.
The size of the gaming industry should not be underestimated.
And the growth is phenomenal.
Zac and his team at Rogue Energy were one of the first 3 companies to enter the gaming supplement space and boy has it been a journey.
What we covered:
If you still think gaming is just a hobby, you won't after listening to Zac.
Buckle up and get ready to have your perspective changed.
Another story from a founder who shares the truth behind building a successful DTC brand.
Checkout their supplements here (they have free samples!): rogueenergy.com/
Zac Dudzik:
www.linkedin.com/in/zac-dudzik/
Rogue Energy:
www.facebook.com/TheRogueEnergy/
www.instagram.com/therogueenergy/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
She hated drugs.
Especially the thought of getting high.
That was Joline, the founder of Red Belly Honey.
The first Hemp Honey, infused by bees, not humans.
There's just something magical about her.
It's hard to put into words but let me try...
It all started back in 2016 when she saw the effects Cannabis had on her closest friend's dad.
He had lung cancer and having all the treatments possible, he was willing to give anything a try.
The edibles Joline gave him brought him back to life.
She described on the podcast how the wrinkles in his face from all the pain just seemed to disappear and he wanted to eat, drink a beer, and play with his grandchildren.
His daughters were crying in disbelief.
They'd not seen their Dad like this for years.
And that was the defining moment - it changed everything for Joline.
Up until that point she'd spent her life making beautiful cookbooks and magazines.
But now she had a much greater purpose.
To produce something that would give people, like Fred Williams, even just one good day.
She quit her job and went all in.
Losing friends in the process who were still skeptical.
And now, with recent investment behind her, she's starting to spread to word on how this new honey product can help us in our everyday lives.
It's the kind of story that will make you question things.
Inspire you to do something greater.
And show you the wonderful human nature of someone who just truly cares.
I'm so grateful she wanted to share her story on our podcast.
Thank you Joline - you are a true inspiration.
-Stay True to yourself
Joline Rivera:
www.linkedin.com/in/joline-rivera-8078926/
www.redbellyhoney.com
www.facebook.com/groups/thebeehivegroup
www.instagram.com/redbellyhoney/
https://www.kitchentoke.com/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
Curious About the Benefits of Matcha Tea?
Phil walked us through his darkest moments and how Matcha was the guiding light on his journey of transformation.
And together with his sister Jade, they're empowering others to do the same.
Building the brand Teangle: The World's Healthiest Matcha Tea.
It's probably the most emotional episode we've had to date.
And if you're a heavy Coffee drinker it's definitely an eye-opener!
Matcha waiting for!
Philippe Trottier - www.linkedin.com/in/philippe-trottier-6961b310b/
Jade Trottier - www.linkedin.com/in/jade-alexandra-trottier-b82774a6/
Teangle:
https://www.facebook.com/teanglematcha/
https://www.tiktok.com/@teangle
https://www.instagram.com/teanglematcha/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
A few weeks back someone from my past reached out on LinkedIn.
I'd not spoken to Oli (a guy I looked up to in school) for over 15 years. This is what he said:
"Hi Nigel, how are you?
Love what you're doing with the podcast.
I'm looking to put myself out there as the face of my brand Pets Purest (totally out of my comfort zone)"
Sending this one message led to an opportunity for Oli to share his incredible story for the first time.
And that's why you shouldn't be afraid of doing things you don’t know - a mantra Oli stands by.
Here's what we covered:
-Stay True to yourself
Oli:
www.linkedin.com/in/oliverbristowe/
Pets Purest:
www.tiktok.com/@petspurest
www.facebook.com/PetsPurest
www.instagram.com/petspurest/
Nigel:
www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
We recorded arguably our best podcast with Mid-Day Squares.
Although, we soon realized there was a problem with the audio.
We tried our best to salvage it but to no avail.
So instead of rushing our next guest, I spoke to Josh & Maria.
"Instead of our normal leadership meeting this Friday...
How about we document the life building a Marketing Agency?".
and the rest is history...
The key is to always stay positive in the face of adversity.
& Take ownership of your mistakes.
Here's to another week of trials & tribulations.🥂
-Stay True to yourself
Joshua Graham - www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-graham/
Nigel Thomas - www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
Maria Ghan - www.linkedin.com/in/mariaghan/
Have you ever noticed the parallels between Running and Business?
Richard, the CEO of Runderwear, came on our podcast with his marketing director, Simon too, to show how applying these simple principles from their childhood passion has led to a UK-leading brand. Richard is one of the most down-to-earth & passionate people I've met in this space.
Topics Covered:
If you want real, honest insights into the marathon of building a DTC brand this is the episode for you.
Listen out too for his extremely unique way (it involved cardboard, dancing, busking, and Britains got talent)
-Stay True to yourself
Richard Edmonds: www.linkedin.com/in/richard-edmonds-53999619/
Simon Lilly: www.linkedin.com/in/simonlilly/
Nigel Thomas - www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
Hush Blankets have just been acquired by Sleep Country Canada for a 52% stake, totaling over $25 million.
Listening to Aaron though, one of two co-founders, it isn't a surprise the success they're now experiencing.
And it definitely didn't start that way...
Topics Covered:
Follow Aaron, Lior, and their amazing team on their global expansion.
Hush Blankets Community: www.facebook.com/hushblankets Aaron Spivak: www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-spivak-hushblankets/ Lior Ohayon: www.linkedin.com/in/lior-ohayon/Nigel Thomas - www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
In 2013, Jim was charged for the murder of his wife & attempted to commit suicide on multiple occasions.
After being jailed in the Philippines with 700 other inmates in an area less than 4,000 square feet, it was the conversations with those same inmates that turned his life around.
9 years on, he's on a mission to change the course of this country forever, through Ecommerce & Business education.
Topics Covered:
If you didn't believe in fate before listening, you might just after.
Find Jim on Social Media: www.facebook.com/JimMooreOfficialNigel Thomas - www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
How to Be Unapologetically Yourself with the Award Winning UK Female Entrepreneur, Kassi Emadi of Nuddy
-Stay True to Yourself
Kassi Emadi: www.linkedin.com/in/kassi-emadi-b2a667a9/ Holly Wilson: www.linkedin.com/in/holllywilson/Nigel Thomas - www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
What happens when you ask 2 Engineers to build an Apparel brand in a stagnant industry?
Self-heating Smart Jackets, the 3 most Successful Kickstarter Fashion campaigns, and innovation of the likes you've never seen before.
This is the Ministry of Supply Story. Although, there's one thing that actually shocked me the most: Each and every day, even with a huge team, the 2 Co-Founders, Gihan & Aman still put aside 30 minutes per day to speak with their customers.
Yes. Every day.
It's this level of care, attention to detail, and humility to their internal team and community, which defines their unique approach.
As they told their story, it was clear to me that this runs throughout the entirety of MOS and the insights they've been able to learn are staggering.
This ultimately is the foundation to their incredible innovation, and because they took action.
Here are the main topics we hit:
If you want to stand on the shoulders of giants in E-commerce, this is the episode for you.
Take notes and implement - there's gold in here.
Sometimes it's the little things in life that matter the most. We'll be back next week with the First Female-led UK brand on the show!
-Stay True to yourself
Aman Advani: www.linkedin.com/in/amanadvani/ Gihan Amarasiriwardena: www.linkedin.com/in/gihanamarasiriwardena/Nigel Thomas - www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
Enter Chris, Ken, and Brendan from Highline Wellness.
It all started with their last collegiate game of Lacrosse.
They lost to a team they should've beat.
Knowing they could have done more preparation, left them full of regret.
Years later, Chris stumbled across a Gary V video talking about getting started and asking the question: "What's the worse possible scenario?".
It got him thinking back to that moment.
He didn't want to live with regrets.
Now it just so happens Chris and Brendan had talked about their dream of starting a brand in the CBD space...
And after a quick conversation with Ken, it all made sense.
It was time to bring back that competitive drive but this time in business.
That was back in 2019...
On the mark of Highline's 3 year anniversary, we have a chat with these 3 friends to uncover this unique story.
We touched on:
Remember to hit follow if you enjoyed the episode & share it with a friend.
We'll be back next week with another Ecom Alpha!
**- Stay True to yourself.
Chris Roth: www.linkedin.com/in/chris-roth-18a821181/ Brendan Rogers: www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-rogers-63676328/ Ken Wright: www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-wright-71668547/**Nigel Thomas - www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
Now running the biggest sock company in the world, John and his Dad, Mark, join us to explain how they're on a mission to Spread Happiness to the world and use the medium of Crazy Socks to do it.
John has Down Syndrome and his dad Mark knew he was a True Entrepreneur at heart from day one - 5 years on and they've now built a movement. Through the ups and downs, they've shown us all what's truly possible when you give people a chance to express themselves.
Here are the 6 main topics in this episode:
1) The 5-part Vision to making people Happy
2) Hiring people with different abilities
3) How to properly give back
4) Origin Story & John's Crazy Ideas
5) Hiring good quality Marketing Agencies
6) How their refund rate is .5 of 1%
There's a reason they have more than 29,000 5 star reviews from their customers!
Listen out at the end because John and Mark have got an offer to any Ecom Alphas listeners Crazy enough to take them up on the opportunity...
Enjoy!
Mark Cronin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mxcronin/Nigel Thomas - www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/
We’re starting with an Obvi Christmas Cracker!
Kicking it off with picking the minds of 3 co-founders who actually used to run a Marketing Agency?!
Then used that experience to build an industry-leading 8-figure eCommerce brand in just 3 short years.
Huge shout-out to Ronak, Ashvin & Ankit for taking the time out of their busy schedule to get in the festive spirit and share how their original $10k investment was one of the best decisions they ever made.
We talked about Branding, Marketing, and exactly how they built the huge Obvi community, and why it’s the nucleus to their success.
All whilst getting hot and sweaty in our Santa Outfits!
Happy Holidays everyone!
Ronak Shah: www.linkedin.com/in/ronak06/ Ashvin Melwani: www.linkedin.com/in/ashvinmelwani/ Ankit Patel: www.linkedin.com/in/ankitobvi/Nigel Thomas - www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthomas-ai/