Inspired Insider With Dr. Jeremy Weisz | Ecommerce Interviews | Entrepreneurship | Inspirational Stories | Business Lessons

Today we have Jay Lagarde who founded Ecomm Engine back in 2006. They have a suite of software products used by Amazon sellers to increase revenue and get more reviews. Ecomm Engine has a feedback automation tool called FeedbackFive, an inventory management tool called RestockPro and a product research tool called eComSpy. They were the first feedback management tool on Amazon and they have a lot of large sellers that use their tools. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:05] Jeremy introduces his guest, Jay Lagarde. [2:00] Jay talks about the start of Ecomm Engine. [11:30] Mistakes sellers are making on Amazon. [13:00] Moving from custom work to building a platform. [20:00] Jay talks about the changing landscape of the ecommerce industry. [24:00] Creating the first ecommerce product. [29:30] Adapting and changing products over time. [36:30] Jay talks about Feedback Five. [42:30] Addressing negative product reviews. [47:30] Creating good email follow up with Amazon buyers. [55:30] Jay talks about buildin

Today we have Kara Goldin, founder of San Francisco based Hint Inc. Hint products can be found at places like Whole Foods, Starbucks, and many more locations because they produce one of the leading brands of unsweetened flavored waters and their products include Hint Water, Hint Fizz, Hint Kick and even Hint Sunscreen. Hint Water is flavored only with natural fruit, without unnecessary additives and sweeteners and even has zero calories. Since its launch in April 2005, Hint has grown to an estimated $90 million beverage company. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:10] Jeremy introduces his guest, Kara Goldin. [2:30] Kara talks about launching her product in the New York marketplace. [8:00] Consumer advocacy and providing a product that connects with cancer patients. In this episode… What comes to mind when you hear the term “Consumer Advocacy?” Is it a term that interests you or does it turn you away? As a business leader, what steps are you taking to ensure your products or services contribute to the

Today we have the founder of The Yes Bar, Abigail Wald. The YES Bar was born in 2012 in their kitchen in California. Her younger son had a lot of food sensitivities and health challenges, and she had to say "no" to most things he wanted to eat. She wanted to create something that she could say YES to every time. People can get a Yes bar on yesbar.com, Amazon, and they are in about 200 stores across the country. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:05] Jeremy introduces his guest, Abigail Wald. [3:00] Abigail talks about her son’s adverse reaction to a vaccination. [14:30] How Abigail created her first snack bar. [25:00] What was it like getting that first product on the shelves? [28:00] Different Yes Bar flavors. [31:00] The next step Abigail took to bring her product to market. [33:00] Wholesale vs. Direct to consumer. [36:00] Bring partners into the business. [44:00] Challenges faced along the way. [48:15] Milestones that Abigail has celebrated. [50:30] What’s next for The Yes Bar? In this episode… W

Michael Anderson is the CoFounder of Etail Solutions, they are a Multi-Channel Commerce Solution for High-Volume Merchants. Etail Solutions’ Platform provides high volume merchants (average starting size of $250k/month) with a toolset including online sales channels automation, order management system, global pricing/repricing controls, supplier integrations, product catalog management and data warehouse reporting. Etail’s focus is to drive efficiency to allow them to scale without having to add staff or increase expenses.  Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:05] Jeremy introduces his guest, Michael Anderson. [2:30] A big obstacle, the ability to scale. [5:30] Michael talks about how he helped a client with automation. [8:30] A story about growing and scaling a business. [12:30] Unique sourcing can make a huge difference! [16:00] Conferences and shows that Michael and his team attend. [19:00] Pushing for customer success. [22:30] Michael talks about navigating work life balance. In this episode… What

Today we have Steve Sims, the founder of BlueFish. Steve started off as a bricklayer and he has created one of the world's most recognized concierge firms, BlueFish Concierge. He is the author of Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen As he describes it, “Bluefish is not a gopher service, an old boy's network or a snobby bunch of party crashing showoffs. Please don't call us to pick up your dry cleaning. Instead, we offer the highest level of personalized travel and entertainment-related services.” Steve has helped people take a submarine to see the remains of the Titanic, get on stage and perform with Journey, attend Elton John's Oscar party, and he even helped someone get married by the Pope at the Vatican and much more. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [0:55] Jeremy introduces his guest, Steve Sims. [2:30] Steve talks about his journey of getting a book deal. [7:00] Why did Steve have to interview to narrate his own audiobook? [9:30] Steve shares his experience parenting. [12:00] How would Ste

Today we have Jay Goldberg, founder of Home Revolution. Home Revolution is driven by the reality that their sellers are on the front lines. They work to ensure that their clients maintain control in the profitable expansion of their business. Home Revolution is a provider, supporting businesses to successfully compete, to sustainably expand their virtual footprint across marketplaces, and to broaden their exposure to consumers globally. They are also guardians, watching the virtual market horizon and carefully managing their client’s exposure. Home Revolution’s aim is to help their clients maintain balanced growth through strong sell-through, above average margins, high quality, and reliable products through their reputable brands. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [0:45] Jeremy introduces his guest, Jay Goldberg. [1:15] Jay talks about his company’s story and their products. [3:30] The co-brand model. [5:00] What is the “Seller’s Choice” offering from Jay and his team? [6:30] Common mistakes made by 

Today we have Shaun Buck, founder of Newsletter Pro. They send out millions of newsletters each year for their customers. Shaun has built a multi-million-dollar business that crafts customized newsletters for his clients which help them increase retention, get more referrals and acquire new clients. This service is hands off for clients because they print and mail it in-house. Newsletter Pro made the Inc 500's 5000 fastest growing companies two years in a row with a growth rate of 2,975%. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:20] Jeremy introduces his guest, Shaun Buck. [2:30] Many business leaders are focusing on the wrong things! [4:30] The importance of culture in a business. [12:00] Shaun talks about growth points. [14:00] People need a good goal to push toward. [18:30] Shaun shares his company’s core values. [21:00] Giving Back. [24:00] Systems and tools that help Shaun and his team. [32:00} Shaun gives ideas that help businesses increase promotions. [38:00] People are ready for your product when th

Today we have Steve Sims, the founder of BlueFish. Steve started off as a bricklayer and he has created one of the world's most recognized concierge firms, BlueFish Concierge. He is the author of Bluefishing: The Art of Making Things Happen As he describes it, “Bluefish is not a gopher service, an old boy's network or a snobby bunch of party crashing showoffs. Please don't call us to pick up your dry cleaning. Instead, we offer the highest level of personalized travel and entertainment-related services.” Steve has helped people take a submarine to see the remains of the Titanic, get on stage and perform with Journey, attend Elton John's Oscar party, and he even helped someone get married by the Pope at the Vatican and much more. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [0:55] Jeremy introduces his guest, Steve Sims. [2:30] Steve talks about surprising his wife. [7:00] Fear causes hesitation. [9:00] The most challenging experience Steve has arranged. [17:00] Steps toward changing your life. In this episode… Di

Today we have Michael Tyrrell, founder of Wholetones. Wholetones differentiates itself from traditional music therapy with its unique use of specific frequencies other than 440 Hertz. Michael is a musician, composer, and producer. He has even won a Grammy Award for his work with Mylon LeFevre. Michael is also the author of the book "Wholetones: The Sound of Healing." Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [0:55] Jeremy introduces his guest, Michael Tyrrell. [2:00] What makes Wholetones music so unique? [6:30] Why 396 hertz? [12:00] Michael talks about his experience with looking at water molecules. [17:30] A life-changing experience in an Orthodox Jewish Coffeehouse. [27:30] Michael opens up about his hypersensitivity. [30:00] How Michael and Joe Barton met. [39:00] Michael talks about the production of Wholetones. [49:00] A low point and a high point in Michael’s life. In this episode… What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, “Healing Tones?” Do you think of calm and soothing music? But where does heal

Robin Smith is the co-founder of Virtual Logistics with Scott Beaver. The company was founded in 1994 and helps businesses take the software they use and allows them to communicate with one another so the company never has to move data manually which prevents errors and ultimately saves money. Virtual Logistics allows Ecommerce business owners to not only focus on running and growing their businesses but to accelerate growth. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:05] Jeremy introduces his guest, Robin Smith. [2:00] How did Robin decide to start his own company? [5:00] Robin talks about a shift in a way people consume products. [11:30] What Ecommerce Business leaders should pay attention to. [14:30] Robin talks about the time he got shot at. In this episode… Does your company have what it takes to succeed in an age where market disruption and innovation is rapidly advancing? How will you and your team stay competitive? On this episode of Inspired Insider, you’ll hear from ecommerce expert Robin Smith. Ro

Today we have Kim Krause Schwalm, one of the top direct response copywriters. She has worked in the industry for more than 25 years creating breakthrough copy for companies like Boardroom, National Geographic, Healthy Directions, Rodale, Soundview, and many more. Kim was integral in launching a nutritional supplement company Healthy Directions that went on to become a multi-million dollar business within the first few years, she was the first female copywriter to have a control at Boardroom. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:05] Jeremy introduces his guest, Kim Krause. [2:30] What did the alternative health space look like when Kim got started? [6:00] Taking risks and getting permission to fail. [15:00] Advice for new copywriters. [17:30] What goes into writing a good renewal? [29:00] A great initial offer. [32:00] Lessons learned from working with legends like Jay Abraham and others. [39:30] How did Healthy Directions come about? What were the lessons learned? [45:00] Kim talks about when she got th

Devin Johnson is the founder of First Mile. They pick up hundreds of thousands of parcels all across the U.S. and internationally. Since they deliver direct to major shipping networks like UPS, FedEx they can provide significant discounts. They have been named the fastest growing company in Utah and within the first 12 months of business, they grew to a multimillion dollar company without investment or debt. They have operations all over the U.S. as well as the United Kingdom, Italy, Hong Kong and many more. They use their proprietary technology to help businesses connect manufacturing, warehousing, fulfillment, and shipping. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:10] Jeremy introduces his guest, Devin Johnson. [5:00] What works best as a door to door salesman? [8:30] Crazy door to door stories from Devin. [10:00] Dealing with rejection and working through the grind. [12:30] Devin talks about starting First Mile. [15:00] Expanding to additional markets. [18:30] Will First Mile catch the eye of Walmart or

Today we have Tom Sanders Founder of Our Pampered Home. They were ranked among the Top 100 sellers overall on Amazon and have had over 212,756 reviews. They have had year over year growth of over 40% for the past 12 years and have grown into one of the top online retailers. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [0:40] Jeremy introduces his guest, Tom Sanders. [1:30] What are some of the benefits of being hidden? [4:00] Tom talks about challenges they faced in the beginning. [12:00] Mistakes to avoid. [15:00] How Tom and his team’s approach has changed over time. [18:00] The decision making process in the business today. [21:00] Biggest mistakes made and lessons learned. [25:00] What it takes to increase sales. [32:00] Tom talks about watching his parents run a business. [36:00] Working at a cassino helped Tom build his business. [41:00] How Tom built the business. [46:00] Selling your own brand vs. selling other known brands. [49:00] Software and tools Tom and his team use. [51:00] Adapting from customer fe

Scott Galvao is a co-founder of InterCultural Elements (ICE), a Germany based company with over 50 employees which helps retailers expand e-commerce sales internationally. Before InterCultural Elements, he cut his teeth working on a wide range of international ecommerce businesses. Scott worked for more than 6 years at AuktionMaster and ChannelAdvisor UK as an Implementation Manager. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:10] Jeremy introduces his guest, Scott Galvao. [2:10] Trends that Scott sees coming to the marketplace. [3:00] One of the most challenging marketplaces. [4:30] Milestones that Scott is proud of. [6:00] Marketing US made products in Germany. [7:30] The perception of the US and it’s products among Germans. [9:30] Who’s a good fit for Scott and his team to work with? [11:00] Software and products Scott and his team use. [15:30] You’ve got to have high quality customer service. [18:30] Getting good value out of conferences. In this episode… Are you ready to take your ecommerce business to t

Jason Boyce is the coFounder and CEO of Dazadi.com They sell home recreational products including basketball hoops, game tables, fitness equipment, bikes, and much more. Jason has over thirteen years of ecommerce experience and started Dazadi.com in 2002 with his three brothers. They have over 10,000 products on their site and 100K skus in queue. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [0:40] Jeremy introduces his guest, Jason Boyce. [1:30] Jason talks about his passion for Martial Arts. [3:30] Jason talks about his family background. [7:00] Joining the Marines and getting the tools to succeed. [12:30] How Dazadi got started. [17:00] What went well and what didn’t go well when Dazadi got off the ground. [20:00] The next phase of business following the Dot Com bust. [24:00] Lessons learned from working with Amazon. [28:00] Jason’s advice to ecommerce sellers. [38:00] Relying on internal talent to solve problems. Tools Jason and his team uses. [41:30] Recovering from a $1 Million dollar loss. [47:00] How Jason

Ioan Mitrea is the founder of SellerEngine. He started selling on Amazon on Thanksgiving Day 2001 from the attic of an old Victorian house in California. Ioan founded SellerEngine Software just a year later in 2002 and released the first Amazon repricing and inventory management software. For over 15 years they have helped thousands of Amazon sellers. The SellerEngine Team represents nine nationalities, speaking thirteen languages and working in three countries. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:05] Jeremy’s introduces his guest, Ioan Mitrea. [2:15] Advantages to selling a product for a loss. [5:00] Ioan shares some horror stories from working in the ecommerce space. [10:00] What made Ioan decide to purchase Profit Bandit? [16:00] What happened to the original person behind the software? [17:30] Tools for ecommerce sellers. [21:00] Parting thoughts from Ioan. In this episode… What does it take to get up and running as a successful ecommerce seller in today’s marketplace? What tools and software are

Today we have Mike Pavlish a top copywriter for nutritional supplements, health products, and information. Since 1988 his copywriting skills have helped to sell $418 million worth of nutritional supplements and health products. He has worked with Proactive, Jay Abraham, Gary Halbert, Campbell's Soup, Phillips Publishing, and many more.  Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:25] Jeremy introduces his guest, Mike Pavlish. [3:30] Mike talks about working with Gary Halbert. [5:00] Sales copy concepts that Mike teaches. [18:00] Effective stories that Mike has utilized. [28:00] How to make a product newsworthy. [33:30] Mike talks about his work with BellyTrim. [40:30] Lessons learned from working on the Diabetes Solution Kit. [45:00] What Mike wanted to be when he was a kid. [47:30] A worthwhile project that Mike has worked on in the past. [50:00] Health products that do well on the marketplace. In this episode… What lessons can your brand learn from successful sales copy campaigns? How can you implement best

Today we have Bernie Thompson founder of Efficient Era and Plugable Technologies.Plugable Technologies is a top worldwide brand for USB, Bluetooth, and charging devices. Plugable Technologies is a top worldwide brand for USB, Bluetooth, and charging devices. Efficient Era takes the software developed that helped Plugable become one of the larger private label electronics sellers on Amazon to the masses. Bernie has worked as a programmer for IBM, software manager at Microsoft and much more. He is also the author of "FlyWheels and Feedback Loops: A Guide to Success for Amazon Private Label Sellers."  Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:05] Jeremy introduces his guest, Bernie Thompson. [2:20] Bernie talks about finding a market for the software he developed. [5:30] What is the most popular portion of Efficient Era? [7:30] Bernie talks about the importance of using multiple channels for selling. [9:00] Tools and software that Bernie and his team use. [12:30] Bernie talks about hiking Mt. St. Helens in a dr

Manuel Becvar is the founder of ImportDojo. He has been living and working in China for over 10 years, with 17 years in the sourcing business. He has a unique perspective because he has his own brand, sells to retailers and is a supplier. He has worked with the biggest retailers in the world, developing, sourcing, and finding new products. These include Wal-Mart, Amazon, Lowes, Sears, Home Depot, and many others. He is also the author of The Import Bible. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [0:45] Jeremy introduces his guest, Manuel Becvar. [1:45] Manuel talks about the time he met Arnold Schwarzenegger. [3:30] Early mistakes that he made in business. [6:00] What is the Canton Fair? [10:00] Lessons from working with big name brands. [14:30] Common mistakes importers make. [18:20] How do you navigate patents and keep people from hijacking your product? [22:00] Working with inspectors and navigating payment issues. [29:00] Common questions from ecommerce sellers and resources to get started. [32:00] Advice

Today we have Paul Johnson co-founder of Seller Labs with Brandon Checketts. They make valuable tools for Ecommerce Sellers including Feedback Genius, Snagshout, Scope, and Quantify. In the past four years, Seller Labs has grown to more than forty staff and they develop applications for modern Ecommerce businesses. Last year Seller Labs helped their customers transact over seven billion dollars on Amazon. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: [1:05] Jeremy introduces his guest, Paul Johnson. [1:55] Paul talks about his musical abilities. [5:45] Software and tools that Paul recommends. [16:00] One trend that Paul sees unaddressed in the marketplace. In this episode… What are some helpful tools that will help ecommerce leaders and others succeed? What type of focus and mindset are needed to make a business thrive in the marketplace today? On this episode of Inspired Insider, you’ll hear from entrepreneur and business leader Paul Johnson. Paul shares the tools that he’s used that have helped him and his team