eComFuel Podcast

What 60+ High-Revenue Owners Taught Me about Business (Rerun) 03.07.2026 20min

What really separates eight- and nine-figure eCommerce businesses from everyone else? Today, we are revisiting one of my favorite episodes from earlier this year, where I unpack the biggest takeaways from eComm Camp, our annual gathering of founders running 8-figure businesses. Looking back, these lessons feel just as relevant today, and I wanted to bring them back for anyone who missed them the first time around. Listen in to learn why I don't believe there are secret tactics behind eight- and nine-figure success, why the best founders stay closely connected to their businesses, and how long-term commitment creates a powerful competitive advantage. You'll also hear my thoughts on why community is becoming a genuine business asset, why getting into the right market early matters, and what is becoming one of the biggest drivers of sustainable growth. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/3pt479ks Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here.

Investing 95% of Profits Outside Your Business - Case Study with Michael Jelliff 26.06.2026 45min

If your eCommerce store shut down tomorrow, how long could you survive on everything else you've built? In this episode, Michael Jelliff, owner of Geekstands.com, reveals how he built one of the leanest, most profitable eCommerce operations around (an intentionally small, three-person team that throws off serious cash) and then did something most founders don't: pulled nearly all of it out and invested it elsewhere. Listen in as Mike shares the experience that shaped his entire financial philosophy, how he thinks about diversifying profits into both public and private markets, and why his passive investments now generate more income than his eCommerce business. You'll also hear his 12-year-old pricing formula that keeps him at a 99% in-stock rate, how he manages pricing across 11 marketplaces, and what he's weighing as he considers whether to sell the business entirely. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/mru8e8em Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here.

Inside the US-Made Textile Brand, Swaddelini 19.06.2026 44min

What does it take to build a manufacturing brand from scratch with your own machines, your own team, and your own two hands? In this episode, Liz Hilton, inventor, founder, and owner of Swaddelini, shares how she turned a sleepless night as a new mom into a US-made baby swaddle brand powered by 3D knit technology. Listen in as Liz shares the wild ride of going viral on TikTok, doubling capacity at the wrong time, and watching sales drop by nearly 50% before bouncing back stronger than ever. She unpacks eight months of traditional PR, firing her marketing agency over a disconnected Google Tag, and partnering with a programmer who now runs her paid ads with a custom attribution model she actually trusts. Plus, you'll get the story behind Holding Mother, her long-form documentary reframing the postpartum experience, and why she believes the best marketing is simply showing up for moms. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/n2yww3xr Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here.

Getting YouTube Ads Right in 2026 12.06.2026 48min

Is YouTube the most underrated paid channel for eCommerce brands right now? In this episode, I sit down with Brett Curry, founder of OMG Commerce, to break down exactly how seven- and eight-figure brands should be thinking about YouTube ads. Brett has been running YouTube campaigns for top D2C brands for years, and he reveals why YouTube looks terrible in most reporting tools… and why it's still absolutely worth the investment. Listen in as Brett goes deeper on what a winning YouTube ad actually looks like, why the homepage often outperforms the product page for cold traffic, and how creative fatigue on YouTube compares to Meta. You'll also hear his takes on Google Shopping and Amazon in 2026, why branded search spend may be costing you more than it's worth, and how OMG uses geo holdouts and incrementality testing to prove what's actually working and not just what looks good on a dashboard. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/4sufbwdk Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here.

Optimizing Your Three Most Powerful Profit Levers – Financial Mastery Commandment # 3 (Rerun) 05.06.2026 26min

What would happen if you woke up tomorrow and were suddenly taxed an extra 33% on every dollar of profit your business produced? In this rerun episode, I break down why that scenario isn't far off from what many founders are already doing, simply by failing to optimize their pricing, overhead, and after-tax income. Listen in as I walk through the three profit levers that matter most, why they drive more impact than almost anything else you can do, and how they can meaningfully increase your net income without hiring more people or scaling harder. You'll hear real examples from the eCommerceFuel community, data from the Trends Report, and practical steps you can take right now to strengthen your margins, streamline your operations, and dramatically improve your after-tax results. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/z984zhyt Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here.

Tiny Team, Huge Margins, Raving Fans - Lessons from a Decade of Building Metorik 29.05.2026 52min

What does it take to build a highly profitable software company without venture capital, a massive team, or endless scaling pressure? In this episode, Bryce Adams, founder of Metorik, unpacks how he built a successful business serving thousands of Shopify and WooCommerce stores… with a team of just four people. Listen in as Bryce shares his philosophy around building lean, sustainable businesses that prioritize profitability, customer experience, and long-term thinking over rapid growth at all costs. You'll learn how Metorik approaches customer support, AI adoption, documentation, product quality, pricing, and paid acquisition, along with Bryce's views on the future of WooCommerce, Shopify, and eCommerce software. This episode is packed with practical insights for founders looking to build better businesses with more focus, intentionality, and freedom. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/5xtsdurp Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here.

Rethinking the EA Hire I Was So Sure About 22.05.2026 21min

What happens when the systems and people you thought would solve your problems… stop fitting the season you're in? In this episode, I share an honest follow-up on hiring (and eventually parting ways with) my executive assistant after nearly two years. I break down what worked, what quietly fell apart over time, and why AI is starting to change the equation for founders trying to delegate effectively. You'll learn where an EA can create massive leverage and how leadership, communication, and motivation matter far more than most people realize. I also reflect on something bigger that's been hitting me lately: the people building major brands and successful companies aren't superheroes. They're ordinary people who kept showing up long enough to create something meaningful. Through stories about founders I've watched grow from scrappy beginners into nationally recognized entrepreneurs, this episode explores what it really means to build, lead, and figure things out as you go. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/565x6cut Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here.

I Almost Hired an Editor-in-Chief. I Built One Instead. 15.05.2026 22min

What happens when a business owner spends 40 hours building their own AI-powered workflow system instead of hiring another employee? In this episode, I share what I learned after diving deep into Claude Code and building a custom content operations platform designed to streamline idea capture, content creation, scheduling, analytics, and workflow management. You'll learn how AI coding tools are changing the way founders operate, why business owners need to become fluent in AI workflows, and how custom-built systems can dramatically improve efficiency, quality, and consistency. Listen in to hear about the practical realities of building with AI, including the costs, mistakes, mindset shifts, and workflows that helped me move faster. I also talk about why trust is becoming one of the biggest barriers to using AI effectively, how I trained tools to better reflect my voice and ideas, and why I believe the future of teams will revolve around people who are either exceptional with people… or exceptional with AI. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/2p2ykxb8 Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here. Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups? Subscribe via email.

Why I've Given Up on SEO 08.05.2026 22min

Is SEO actually dead this time, or are we just watching it slowly lose relevance? In this episode, I'll share why I officially stopped investing in SEO after building multiple businesses on it for over a decade. You'll learn what's changed in the search landscape, why organic traffic is declining for even experienced operators, and how crowded search results have made it harder than ever to win meaningful traffic. I also break down real data from seven- and eight-figure store owners, showing where traffic is actually coming from today and what channels are outperforming SEO. Listen in to hear where to focus now and how to rethink long-term growth strategies in a world where attention is shifting away from traditional search. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/y3bzr9rx Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here. Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups? Subscribe via email.

Why You Can't Trust Shopify's Sales Numbers — and More with Drew Fallon on Ecom Finance 01.05.2026 53min

Do you know where your money is really going? In this episode, I sit down with Drew Fallon, founder of Iris, to break down the financial realities behind growing a brand. If you're in that mid-7-figure range or pushing toward $10M+, this is where things start to get complex—and where small mistakes get expensive fast. You'll learn what really happens behind the scenes of finance planning and analysis, the biggest mistakes brands make when it comes to contribution margin, and why so many businesses think they're profitable when they're not. Listen in as we unpack what Drew is seeing across real brand data, from overhead quietly eating into profits to margin compression across channels like Amazon. We also talk about what separates brands that scale profitably (and even take dividends) from those that stall, plus the smartest financing options available right now. And don't miss hearing how AI is changing bookkeeping and forecasting, as well as what we consider one of the most important foundations for growth at any stage. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/3jatfe5s Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here. Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups? Subscribe via email.

Lessons from eCom Camp, Our Event for High Revenue Owners 24.04.2026 21min

What do high-revenue eCommerce founders actually talk about when they get in a room together—and what can you learn from it? In this episode, you'll get real, behind-the-scenes insights from the 5th annual eCom Camp, where some of the most successful operators share what's actually driving growth today. Listen in to learn why business size is becoming a powerful advantage, how community is quietly driving massive growth, and why staying close to the details still matters. You'll hear the lessons that don't always get shared publicly, including why playing the long game is critical, how being early can create outsized opportunities, and what separates businesses that scale from those that stall. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/2cjpanad Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here. Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups? Subscribe via email.

Nuanced Takeaways from the Trends Report 17.04.2026 30min

What are the biggest hidden shifts happening inside seven- and eight-figure businesses right now, and how are they changing the way companies grow, hire, and manage money? In this episode, you'll learn key insights from a large-scale industry trends report built from 300+ high-performing brands, breaking down the real operational and financial changes shaping the industry. From business model evolution to the impact of tariffs, I'll unpack what's actually driving performance behind the scenes. Listen in to learn what businesses did when tariffs hit, why hiring became the number one struggle across industries, and how operational pressure is forcing founders to rethink how they structure their teams, warehouses, and cash flow. Most importantly, you'll hear why financial fluency is becoming a critical advantage for business owners and how taking money out of your business strategically can actually support long-term, sustainable growth. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/3mudzkwx Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here. Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups? Subscribe via email.

eComFuel Trends Report Top Takeaways 10.04.2026 23min

What are the fastest-growing eCommerce brands actually doing behind the scenes, and how do you know if your business is on the right track? In this episode, I'm breaking down insights from a massive industry trends report built from 300 seven- and eight-figure brands. You'll learn what's working, what's not, and the benchmarks you should be paying attention to when it comes to growth, margins, and marketing performance. Listen in as I dive into the reality of paid traffic in today's market, why nearly every brand is investing in ads, and how rising competition is impacting profitability. I also cover which platforms are dominating (and why), the real pros and cons of selling on Amazon, and how AI adoption is shaping the future of eCommerce. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/2er2z54j Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here. Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups? Subscribe via email.

Is AI Actually Costing You Money? 03.04.2026 13min

Is AI actually improving your business, or is it just something everyone feels like they should be using? In this episode, I talk about what I'm seeing with AI in my own business, how companies are adopting it, and what business owners should really be thinking about before jumping into every new AI tool that comes out. AI is changing quickly, and while adoption is growing fast, the return on investment isn't always clear yet—especially for small businesses. Listen in to learn where AI is actually being used in businesses today, why customer service adoption is still low, and which age groups are using AI the most. I also talk about why small businesses need to be careful about where they invest time and money into AI, and why having a high bar for implementation is important if you want to streamline and grow your business. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/4evn265b Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here. Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups? Subscribe via email.

Building A $10M+ Brand by Doing What Others Won't 27.03.2026 1godz 7min

What does it actually take to grow a product business to eight figures? In this episode, Kareem Raslan, Co-Founder of BrainGain, shares how he built an adjustable dumbbell company into an eight-figure business in just five years. The secret? Focusing on supply chain optimization, conversion rates, profitability, and doing the hard things most founders avoid. Listen in to learn how Kareem balanced building a business while working in banking, why making the first order profitable is critical, how to increase conversion rates, and how to expand into international markets like the UK and Europe. We also discuss finding your competitive advantage, choosing the right 3PL partner, using customer surveys to improve your business, and why focusing on the highest-impact activities is one of the most important skills a business owner can develop. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/mu697n6h Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here. Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups? Subscribe via email.

Running an 8-Figure Business with Four People 20.03.2026 48min

What does it take to build an eight-figure product company with a team of just four people? In this episode, Reed Schmidt, Creative Director of Guava Family, explains how intentional product design and a relentless focus on solving real problems for parents helped fuel the company's rapid growth. Reed also pulls back the curtain on the systems and mindset that allow the company to stay lean while successfully scaling. Listen in to learn how the team went through dozens of prototypes before launching a product, how they use AI to create branding imagery and creative assets, and why they view marketing agencies as execution partners rather than drivers of strategy. You'll hear insights on mentorship, the discipline required to grow a business, and why focusing on what you won't do can be just as important as deciding what you will do. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/uc2r6aex Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here. Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups? Subscribe via email.

Pass It On - Thoughts on Giving & Mentorship 13.03.2026 24min

What does it really mean to give? And why do the most successful people often make it a priority? In this episode, I break down the many forms of giving, from mentoring others and raising capable children to donating time, money, and energy to causes that matter. You'll learn why high achievers can easily get stuck on the productivity treadmill and how stepping back to give and support others can actually create more meaning, impact, and fulfillment in your life. I also unpack the deeper purpose behind mentorship, charitable giving, and passing wisdom to the next generation. Listen in to discover how entrepreneurs can use their experience to guide others, why modeling behavior matters more than lectures when raising independent kids, and how generosity can positively influence both your finances and your outlook on life. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/35vmz8en Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here. Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups? Subscribe via email.

Website Changes That Increased Steve Chou's Sales by 25% 06.03.2026 48min

What if the fastest way to grow your eCommerce business isn't working harder, but using AI more strategically? In this episode, Steve Chou shares how he's applying AI tools to increase traffic, optimize customer experience, and drive more revenue without overcomplicating the process. You'll learn how AI-powered on-site search and cross-sell strategies can dramatically improve conversions, as well as how Steve used these tools to increase website traffic by 25% in just one month. Listen in as he explains how entrepreneurs can cut through the overwhelm of constantly changing AI technology by focusing on one simple goal: using AI to make more money. You'll hear practical ways to start small with AI, how to craft effective prompts that help with coding and website improvements, and how "vibe coding" tools are making development easier than ever. Plus, Steve breaks down how to use AI to reach customers more effectively and ensure your products are properly optimized for search engines so people can actually find what you're selling. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/ymbxew9j Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here. Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups? Subscribe via email.

Evolve Your Financial Habits - Financial Mastery Pillar #7 27.02.2026 24min

What if the habits that helped you build success are now the very things holding you back? Today, I explain how your attitude toward money is shaped far more by your early experiences than by how much wealth you currently have—and why that matters as you grow. You'll learn how to identify outdated financial behaviors that once served you but may now be limiting your leadership, profitability, and long-term security. Listen in as I break down how to spot whether you're too risk-averse, too risk-tolerant, overspending in the name of growth, or under-investing out of fear. I also cover when scrappiness becomes a ceiling, why doing everything yourself slows scale, when thoughtful debt can be strategic, and how to shift from wealth-building to wealth-protection. This episode will challenge you to evolve your habits so your business and wealth can evolve with you. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://tinyurl.com/4yraxz7j Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here. Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups? Subscribe via email.

Earn Your Freedom, Choose Your Work: Reaching Financial Freedom & Crafting a Business You Love 20.02.2026 31min

What's the point of building wealth if you don't use it to design a life you actually want? In part 6 of the Financial Mastery Series, I talk about what happens after you've done the hard work. You've built a profitable business, optimized your financial levers, borrowed wisely, and invested outside your company—now comes the deeper question: What is freedom actually for? Listen in as I share how I tracked my own path toward financial independence, the mindset shifts that came (and didn't come) when I crossed that threshold, and why designing a business you can happily run for a decade may be far more fulfilling than retiring early. You'll learn why it's about earning the ability to choose your work, instead of being controlled by it. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/4ajDmNA Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here. Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups? Subscribe via email.