Ecommerce Conversations, By Practical Ecommerce

According to Will Nitze, founder and CEO of IQBAR, success in a competitive market requires finding its uncompetitive niches. He did that with his flagship protein bar, which is plant-based, low-sugar, and plainly labeled. That was seven years ago when he launched the company with a $75,000 Kickstarter campaign.Fast forward to 2025, and IQBAR also makes IQMIX (hydration) and IQJOE (coffee). All promote brain health without competing against each other.Will shares his journey in this episode — from his initial capital raise to scaling revenue, adding products, and managing wholesale channels. For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/protein-bar-founder-thrives-in-a-crowded-fieldFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******T

Kurt Elster launched his ecommerce agency in 2009 and his first Shopify store in 2011. His “Unofficial Shopify Podcast,” which he started in 2014, is now required listening for that community of merchants, developers, and vendors.He and I recently discussed the state of Shopify — themes, upgrades, user engagement, and the overall ecosystem.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/shopify-pro-on-themes-upgrades-ecosystemFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated with any ecommerce platform or provider. htt

Jeff Sheldon is a designer turned entrepreneur. He started Ugmonk, a Pennsylvania-based direct-to-consumer brand, in 2008 as a seller of graphic-inspired t-shirts. His desktop organizers, which he added in 2020, are seemingly unrelated until realizing he designed both — the t-shirt graphics and the desk tools.Jeff first appeared on the podcast in 2020. He had just moved t-shirt fulfillment in-house and launched a Kickstarter campaign for his first desktop tool.In this episode, he addresses phasing out the t-shirts, expanding the (successful) desktop line, and the dilemma of selling on Amazon. For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/ugmonk-brings-design-to-desk-toolsFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company fou

This episode first aired in July 2024.Barry Hott is a longtime Facebook advertising consultant. He says first reactions to an ad largely determine its performance. He advises merchants to create ugly ads, those that people won't skip over."I'm the Ugly Ads Guy," he stated.In this episode, Hott addresses key Facebook ad metrics, budgeting, testing, and, yes, ugly creative.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/ugly-ads-perform-best-marketer-saysFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliat

Jeff Oxford's initial attempt at ecommerce was selling dropshipped beer pong tables in 2013. The business, he says, didn't survive, but his love for optimizing organic search traffic did. Thus began his SEO career and the launch of 180 Marketing, his agency.Fast forward to 2024, and Jeff is an ecommerce SEO authority. Link building was on his mind when he appeared on the podcast in 2022. He now advises engagement — getting folks to click an organic search listing and consume the page's content — and reminds merchants that AI search has helped ecommerce rankings.He discusses those tactics and more in this episode.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/ecommerce-seo-pro-on-ai-2025-tacticsFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are

Roman Zrazhevskiy is a survivalist of a sort. His company, Mira Safety, sells protective gear for seemingly existential events such as nuclear attacks or chemical warfare. He calls the threat of such events "red alerts," when geopolitical crises prompt fear into consumers.  Zrazhevskiy first appeared on the podcast in 2021. In this episode, he shares the evolution of Mira Safety, staffing strategies, growth plans, and more.   For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/mira-safety-thrives-on-red-alerts  For all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts  ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated with any ecommerce platform or provider. https://www.practicalecommerce.com 

Lawmakers worldwide are recognizing the medicinal benefits of natural compounds, such as those in cannabis and mushrooms. Once considered dangerous "drugs," both are now widely legal. And both are the focus of entrepreneur Alex Wolfe.He co-founded a cannabis business in 2017, built a 650,000 sq. ft. growing facility, and took the company public. He now runs a mushroom-based nutritional supplement provider called Eons, which he launched in 2021.In this episode, he shares the mental-health mission of Eons, the challenges of regulated industries, and more.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com//eons-founder-on-mushrooms-and-mental-healthFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaf

Host Eric Bandholz occasionally focuses an "Ecommerce Conversations" episode on Beardbrand, his business. He does that not to promote the company but to share challenges and successes in the hopes of helping others.In 2024 alone, he has addressed last year's sales decline, continued hurdles, and the hassle of changing fulfillment providers. He also interviewed Beardbrand's attorney, who successfully defended it in a lawsuit alleging accessibility violations.Beardbrand has now overcome many of its operational setbacks. It had to relaunch certain products and switch its manufacturer. It moved to a nearby warehouse in Texas for more oversight. With these problems solved, the company's focus shifts to growth and finding new channels.Eric discusses discusses that focus and more in this episode. --For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/beardbrand-shifts-to-growth-new-channelsFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://w

Brendan Marquardt knows the effect of entrepreneurship on a marriage. He's the co-owner of Lori Beds, a direct-to-consumer seller of Murphy beds, those that fold into a wall, and the now-divorced father of two children in grade school.Unlike most divorced entrepreneurs, Marquardt chooses to publicly share his experience in the hopes of helping others.He did that in this episode (his second on the podcast), addressing kids, joint property, lawyers, and more.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/entrepreneur-on-business-and-divorceFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars

Kevin Dahlstrom once paid cash for a $211,000 Porsche. He was in his 30s, living in Texas, holding down high-powered corporate marketing jobs, such as with Mr. Cooper, a mortgage services company, and Elevate, a credit solutions firm.He says the Porsche created more stress than joy and started his practice of minimalism — letting go of material things. So in his 40s he chucked it all, moved his family to Colorado, and focused on "a more meaningful and balanced life."He shares his evolution in this episode — from money-seeking to happiness, purpose, rock climbing, and more. For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/from-porsche-to-purpose-a-cmos-journeyFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded i

Dean Brennan says a diet of beer, pizza, and fast food led to his ulcerative colitis. His doctors diagnosed it years ago in his twenties and told him he'd need medications for life. But Brennan decided otherwise."I didn't want to take lifelong medication," he states. "It sparked my passion for health and led me to want to help others."Fast forward to 2024, and Brennan is the CEO of Heart & Soil, a nutritional supplement company doing $50 million in annual revenue.In this episode, he addresses his journey to Heart & Soil, key supplement ingredients, supply chain challenges, and more. For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://pec-ly.com/?6tVKFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and

Patrick Coddou’s entrepreneurial journey is impressive. In 2015 he launched Supply, a direct-to-consumer seller of razors and shaving goods, and then sold the business in 2022. He conceived the idea, hired staff, scaled revenue, and exited profitably.His journey is incomplete, however. His talents apply to seemingly any industry, but his identity for years was tied to Supply. He’s now adjusting and charting his next moves.Patrick is among the most popular guests on this podcast, starting in 2020 and followed by appearances in 2021, April 2022, and October 2022. In this episode, he shares his post-Supply life, the emotions of stepping away, and looking forward.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://pec-ly.com/?6tPcFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channe

To Dean Pohlman, long-term business success stems from a purpose. His is to help men improve their health and fulfillment through fitness and personal connections. That's the mission of Man Flow Yoga, the company he founded in 2012, which offers memberships to workout programs and a paid community. Pohlman, a former college lacrosse player, is an authority on yoga instruction for men and a published author on the topic. He first appeared on the podcast in 2021. In this episode, he shares client success stories, YouTube tactics, and the "why" behind his business. For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://pec-ly.com/?6tLu For all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts Listener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel. ****** The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve t

In late 2020, host Eric Bandholz interviewed a developer who had launched a Shopify app for sending manual text messages to cart abandoners. Eighteen months later, they spoke again, this time to discuss his sale of that company and purchase of another, an app that offered upsells in a Shopify checkout.By early 2023 he had sold the second company and launched a third one, an app to recover coupon leaks. Which brings us to Eric's fourth conversation with Dennis Hegstad. He has shut down the coupon-leak app business and started his fourth, a data provider for the ecommerce industry called Internet Research Unit. What, exactly, is Internet Research Uniit? Eric asked him that question and more in this episode.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://pec-ly.com/?6tGAFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert arti

Host Eric Bandholz has interviewed hundreds of entrepreneurs for this podcast. Most are problem solvers and optimists, confident in their ability to fulfill a need.Take Lloyd Armbrust. He's an editor turned software founder, having launched OwnLocal, a Y Combinator-backed portal for local newspapers. When the pandemic hit, he observed doctors and nurses struggling to obtain protective masks and gloves. He thought, "This is ridiculous. How hard could it be to make these things?"His solution was Armbrust American, an Austin, Texas-based manufacturer of personal protective equipment, which he started in May 2020 and remains viable despite the dramatic drop in demand.He shares his lessons in this episode, addressing manufacturing, ecommerce, and family-first priorities. For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://pec-ly.com/?6tC7For all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcasts******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to he

Scaling down a business is less fun than scaling up. The issues might be similar, but the process is different.In this week's episode, host Eric Bandholz addresses the recent experience of Beardbrand, his company, changing 3PLs — third-party logistics providers.  He describes the need to reduce warehouse and fulfillment costs, having lost a large wholesale customer. He explains why he chose an initial provider, only to encounter higher-than-quoted rates and poor service. He switched again, this time returning to Texas near his manufacturer and his own home base. As always, Eric transparently shares his lessons — good and bad decisions — in the hopes of helping others.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/lessons-from-changing-3plsFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneu

To Nik Sharma, companies that pursue short-term profits at the expense of branding face long-term hurdles. They often rely on advertising to gain sales and then struggle when the cost becomes prohibitive.His agency, Sharma Brands, counsels the opposite: Create a positive name identity first. Affordable acquisition and retention follow.In this episode, he addresses brand strategies, successful companies, and more. For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://pec-ly.com/?6tsIFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated with any ecommerce p

Mark Berkowitz is an attorney and partner at Tarter Krinsky & Drogin LLP in New York who works extensively with ecommerce merchants, including Amazon sellers, handling various forms of litigation.Last year, host Eric Bandholz's company, Beardbrand, was sued for alleged violations of New York laws similar to the Americans with Disabilities Act. The claim was frivolous. Bandholz hired Berkowitz, who is experienced in accessibility matters. He made Beardbrand's refusal to pay the claim clear to the plaintiff's attorney, who eventually dropped the case.Berkowitz recaps the lawsuit in this episode and offers advice for other merchants in similar circumstances. For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://pec-ly.com/?6toHFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review

Jacob Posel is a software engineer with Common Thread Collective, the ecommerce agency. He focuses on strategies for integrating artificial intelligence into a business. The best use, he says, is to streamline operational processes, those that might otherwise go to virtual assistants or inexpensive labor.In this episode, he addresses AI versus human creativity, commercial uses, image generation, cost, and more. For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://pec-ly.com/?6tkeFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated with any ecommerce pla

David Heinemeier Hansson is the creator of the Ruby on Rails software framework, the co-founder of Basecamp, an investor in multiple tech startups, a race car driver, and a family man with children. He's a modern-day polymath.Yet his workday calendar is not full of appointments and meetings. He abhors managing employees and attending meetings. His is a maker's schedule, he says, with much interrupted time dedicated to solving problems he cares about.In this episode, Heinemeier Hansson addresses the rise of Rails, Basecamp, and, yes, time management.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://pec-ly.com/?6teGFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel.   ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We