LEADING BRANDS — Wavebreak Podcast

Recently, we released a podcast episode titled "15 Minute Exec Guide to Email & SMS in 2024" and we received a lot of positive feedback.

We're excited to share that it’s been expanded into a 30-minute webinar replay that you can watch or listen at your leisure: 

• Watch The Webinar Here

In this expanded podcast episode, we cover what actually moves the needle based on Wavebreak’s expertise managing email & SMS marketing for a range of ecommerce and retail brands, including:

• Deliverability 
• Creative 
• Campaigns 
• Flows 
• Optimization
• Testing 

If you’re looking for a partner in 2024 to manage and optimize your email/SMS program, email & SMS is all we do at Wavebreak. 

We’ve helped brands of all sizes from startup to publicly traded – and everything in-between. 

You can learn more about Wavebreak by exploring our website and case studies: 

Wavebreak Website

Links Mentioned

• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

Preston Rutherford joins the Wavebreak Podcast to share his journey with Chubbies. 

We chat about how Chubbies was able to maximize profitability by focusing more on brand marketing and less on direct response marketing, and how you can do the same, even in 2024.

Preston Rutherford is a co-founder of Chubbies and Loop Returns. 

• Chubbies.com

Links Mentioned

• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands
• Chubbies
• Preston's LinkedIn

Focus on these 3 recommendations in 2024 and you will generate more revenue from Email and SMS marketing. Additionally, learn about the new Gmail and Yahoo email marketing guidelines and what to do about them.

Links Mentioned

• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

In this solo episode of Leading Brands, the following topics are discussed:

• 2023 Learnings and Q4 Results: What's Working Now
• 2024 Strategic Recommendations: What To Focus On
• Email and SMS Opportunities for 2024
• New Gmail and Yahoo sending requirements 
• A/B Test Results and What Moves The Needle

And more!

Links Mentioned

• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

Dr. Lisa Creaven joins the Wavebreak Podcast to talk about Made By Dentists and their nationwide launch into Target.

In this episode we discuss:

• Launching the brand directly into Target nationwide with no previous DTC or retail sales.
• Tips for building a lean, experience team that isn't afraid to get their hands dirty.
• Current state of the oral care industry and how you can have amazing oral health without going to the dentist.

Dr. Lisa Creaven is the co-founder of Made By Dentists.

Links Mentioned

• Made By Dentists
• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

Sponsored by...

AdNabu is the top-rated AI product feed management app trusted by 8000+ Shopify and Shopify Plus brands. Powered by the same language models fueling ChatGPT, its AI tech generates the most effective strategy for each marketplace (Google Shopping, Facebook, TikTok, and more) in real-time. Install the app or book a demo today using code LEADINGBRANDS20 for 20% off.

Mike Beckham joins the Wavebreak Podcast to talk about Simple Modern and their rapid growth to nearly $200 million in annual revenue. 

In this episode we cover:

• Breakdown of Black Friday/Cyber Monday results for 2024, including insights into Simple Modern's limited edition daily releases of 1,000 units.
• The importance of financing and how Mike was able to obtain a $50 million line of credit for the brand.
• Understanding how Simple Modern strategically created moats around their brand and practical tips on how you can implement similar strategies for your own brand.

Mike Beckham is the co-founder and CEO of Simple Modern, a global producer of premium drinkware and lifestyle products.

Links Mentioned

• Simple Modern
• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

Sponsored by...

AdNabu is the top-rated AI product feed management app trusted by 8000+ Shopify and Shopify Plus brands. Powered by the same language models fueling ChatGPT, its AI tech generates the most effective strategy for each marketplace (Google Shopping, Facebook, TikTok, and more) in real-time. Install the app or book a demo today using code LEADINGBRANDS20 for 20% off.

In this episode of the Leading Brands podcast, we're joined by Kevin Escalera, Senior Director of Marketing at RSP Nutrition and AminoLean®. Join us as we dive into the brand's rapid growth and viral campaigns. 

In this episode, the following topics are discussed: 

• Innovation: How you can continue to innovate, regardless of the age of your company, and how RSP Nutrition was able to innovate and reinvent itself as AminoLean.
• Marketing: The state of marketing in 2024 and why Kevin doesn't stress over attribution.
• New Ideas for Growth: The game has changed over the last 12 months; learn about the new channels Kevin is focusing on for continued and lasting growth in 2024 and beyond.

Kevin Escalera is the Senior Director of Marketing at RSP Nutrition and AminoLean®.

Links Mentioned

• AminoLean at RSP Nutrition
• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

Sponsored by...

AdNabu is the top-rated AI product feed management app trusted by 8000+ Shopify and Shopify Plus brands. Powered by the same language models fueling ChatGPT, its AI tech generates the most effective strategy for each marketplace (Google Shopping, Facebook, TikTok, and more) in real-time. Install the app or book a demo today using code LEADINGBRANDS20 for 20% off.

Ryan Bartlett joins the Wavebreak Podcast to talk about True Classic and their rapid growth to $150 million/year in revenue in 3 years.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The Meta (Facebook/Instagram) marketing strategy that scaled the brand from $0 in 2019 to $150 million in 2022 (that still works today)
• How they increased revenue 30% by expanding internationally and which countries besides the US are their top performing
• Lessons from launching 5 retail stores in 2 months

And so much more - this episode is a must listen that originally aired in March 2023. 

Ryan Bartlett is the co-founder & CEO of True Classic.

Links Mentioned

• True Classic
• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

Sponsored by...

Klaviyo — Over 265,000 innovative brands are growing their businesses by listening and understanding to cues from their customers--easily turning that information into valuable marketing messages used to build highly segmented, automated email & SMS campaigns, such as win back campaigns or abandoned cart recovery and more.

AdNabu is the top-rated AI product feed management app trusted by 8000+ Shopify and Shopify Plus brands. Powered by the same language models fueling ChatGPT, its AI tech generates the most effective strategy for each marketplace (Google Shopping, Facebook, TikTok, and more) in real-time. Install the app or book a demo today using code LEADINGBRANDS20 for 20% off.

In this episode of the Leading Brands podcast, we're joined by Hind Sebti, the co-founder and Chief Growth Officer of Waldencast PLC (NASDAQ: WALD). Join us as we dive into how she's leading Waldencast to become a global "house of brands."

In this episode, the following topics are discussed: 

• From Procter & Gamble to NASDAQ: Hind shares lessons learned from working at industry giants like Procter & Gamble and L'Oréal Paris in Europe to co-founding Waldencast. 
• Entrepreneurship and Brand Building: Hind's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish several beauty brands. Discover her approach to brand building across Waldencast's portfolio brands, enabling them to scale and thrive in a competitive market.
• Consumer Trends: Get valuable insights from Hind on current consumer purchasing trends in the beauty industry, as well as what consumers really want. 

Hind Sebti is the co-founder and Chief Growth Officer of Waldencast PLC (NASDAQ: WALD).

Links Mentioned

• Waldencast
• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

Sponsored by...

Klaviyo — Over 265,000 innovative brands are growing their businesses by listening and understanding to cues from their customers--easily turning that information into valuable marketing messages used to build highly segmented, automated email & SMS campaigns, such as win back campaigns or abandoned cart recovery and more.

AdNabu is the top-rated AI product feed management app trusted by 8000+ Shopify and Shopify Plus brands. Powered by the same language models fueling ChatGPT, its AI tech generates the most effective strategy for each marketplace (Google Shopping, Facebook, TikTok, and more) in real-time. Install the app or book a demo today using code LEADINGBRANDS20 for 20% off.

Ryan Lupberger, Co-founder & CEO of Cleancult, joins the Leading Brands podcast to discuss the journey of Cleancult from its ecommerce launch to current retail expansion, the key elements of building a strong leadership team, and more.

In the episode, the following topics are discussed:

• Navigating Ecommerce Growth and Pivoting Successfully: Learn how Cleancult adapted and evolved their business model and operations for long-term growth.
• Expanding into Retail: Explore the story of Cleancult's transition from a direct-to-consumer model to establishing a presence in retail, understanding the lessons learned during this expansion, and the impact it had on their business.
• Strategies for Building a Strong Leadership Team: Ryan shares his experiences, trials, and triumphs in assembling and nurturing a strong leadership team.

Ryan Lupberger is the Co-founder & CEO of Cleancult.

Links Mentioned

• Cleancult
• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

Sponsored by...

Klaviyo — Over 265,000 innovative brands are growing their businesses by listening and understanding to cues from their customers--easily turning that information into valuable marketing messages used to build highly segmented, automated email & SMS campaigns, such as win back campaigns or abandoned cart recovery and more.

AdNabu is the top-rated AI product feed management app trusted by 8000+ Shopify and Shopify Plus brands. Powered by the same language models fueling ChatGPT, its AI tech generates the most effective strategy for each marketplace (Google Shopping, Facebook, TikTok, and more) in real-time. Install the app or book a demo today using code LEADINGBRANDS20 for 20% off.

Filipe Keuppens, Executive Vice President of Pickle Juice™, joins the Leading Brands podcast to share the remarkable journey of the drink's growth, from a $250,000 revenue in 2015 to becoming the preferred choice of top athletes.

In the episode, the following topics are discussed:

• Unique Go-To-Market Strategy: Achieving millions in revenue growth without relying on paid marketing or endorsement deals.
• Distribution Strategy: Transitioning from small shops to now encompassing national retailers and international expansion.
• Ambassador and Athlete Sponsorships: Engaging in collaborations with high-profile athletes through ambassador and athlete sponsorships, all without paid endorsements.

Filipe Keuppens is the Executive Vice President of The Pickle Juice™ Company.

Links Mentioned

• Pickle Juice
• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

Sponsored by...

Klaviyo — Over 265,000 innovative brands are growing their businesses by listening and understanding to cues from their customers--easily turning that information into valuable marketing messages used to build highly segmented, automated email & SMS campaigns, such as win back campaigns or abandoned cart recovery and more.

AdNabu is the top-rated AI product feed management app trusted by 8000+ Shopify and Shopify Plus brands. Powered by the same language models fueling ChatGPT, its AI tech generates the most effective strategy for each marketplace (Google Shopping, Facebook, TikTok, and more) in real-time. Install the app or book a demo today using code LEADINGBRANDS20 for 20% off.

Eric Christianson, CEO of Nutrient Survival, joins the Leading Brands podcast to share his invaluable insights, drawn from his vast experience in CPG, where he led marketing for prominent brands like Campbell's Soup and Perdue Chicken, and to discuss his journey of now spearheading a high-growth startup.

In the episode, the following topics are discussed:

• Marketing: Insights from big CPG brands and how to differentiate your approach.
• Building a Brand from Scratch: Harnessing the potential of Direct Response and the impact of TV advertising.
• Win-Win Partnerships: Leveraging affiliate marketing and influencers for mutual benefit.

Eric Christianson is the CEO of Nutrient Survival.

Links Mentioned

• Nutrient Survival
• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

Sponsored by...

Klaviyo — Over 265,000 innovative brands are growing their businesses by listening and understanding to cues from their customers--easily turning that information into valuable marketing messages used to build highly segmented, automated email & SMS campaigns, such as win back campaigns or abandoned cart recovery and more.

AdNabu is the top-rated AI product feed management app trusted by 8000+ Shopify and Shopify Plus brands. Powered by the same language models fueling ChatGPT, its AI tech generates the most effective strategy for each marketplace (Google Shopping, Facebook, TikTok, and more) in real-time. Install the app or book a demo today using code LEADINGBRANDS20 for 20% off.

Deb Waterman Johns, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer of SCOUT, joins the Leading Brands podcast to share the brand's origins, specialty retail, and lessons from building a multi-generational brand.

In the episode, the following topics are discussed:

• Founding Story: Taking the brand from idea to 1,500+ retailers and loved by customers all over. 
• Speciality Retail: From product strategy to merchandising we cover all things speciality retail. 
• Avoiding Burnout: Discover how Deb manages to maintain a work-life balance and stay enthusiastic about the future of the brand, even after nearly 20 years.

Deb Waterman Johns is the Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer of SCOUT. 

Links Mentioned

• SCOUT
• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

Sponsored by...

Klaviyo — Over 265,000 innovative brands are growing their businesses by listening and understanding to cues from their customers--easily turning that information into valuable marketing messages used to build highly segmented, automated email & SMS campaigns, such as win back campaigns or abandoned cart recovery and more.

AdNabu is the top-rated AI product feed management app trusted by 8000+ Shopify and Shopify Plus brands. Powered by the same language models fueling ChatGPT, its AI tech generates the most effective strategy for each marketplace (Google Shopping, Facebook, TikTok, and more) in real-time. Install the app or book a demo today using code LEADINGBRANDS20 for 20% off.

Shawn Nelson, Founder & CEO of LOVESAC, joins the Leading Brands podcast to share his story, lessons learned, and the future of consumer brands.

In the episode, the following topics are discussed:

• Founding Story: Taking the brand from his mom's basement to the NASDAQ. 
• Building Brand: Keys to building a brand that lasts and mistakes to avoid.
• Future of Brands: Thoughts on building a brand that lasts generations. 

Shawn Nelson is the Founder & CEO of LOVESAC.

Links Mentioned

• LOVESAC
• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

Sponsored by...

Klaviyo — Over 265,000 innovative brands are growing their businesses by listening and understanding to cues from their customers--easily turning that information into valuable marketing messages used to build highly segmented, automated email & SMS campaigns, such as win back campaigns or abandoned cart recovery and more.

AdNabu is the top-rated AI product feed management app trusted by 8000+ Shopify and Shopify Plus brands. Powered by the same language models fueling ChatGPT, its AI tech generates the most effective strategy for each marketplace (Google Shopping, Facebook, TikTok, and more) in real-time. Install the app or book a demo today using code LEADINGBRANDS20 for 20% off.

Ben Cogan, co-founder of Agora, joins the Wavebreak Podcast to share the current state of direct-to-consumer and how you can maximize success in 2023 and beyond. 

Topics covered include:

• Marketing Strategy: The importance of a smart marketing strategy for DTC businesses, including what channels to focus on, profitability optimization, and incrementality testing.
• Profitability: Insights on avoiding common mistakes to ensure sustainable growth and profitability.
• Future of DTC: The evolving DTC landscape, including increased competition and rising advertising costs, learn proactive strategies to stay ahead. 

Ben Cogan is the co-founder of Agora Brands, an e-commerce aggregator acquiring wonderful direct-to-consumer businesses.

Links Mentioned

• Agora
• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

Sponsored by...

Klaviyo — Over 265,000 innovative brands are growing their businesses by listening and understanding to cues from their customers--easily turning that information into valuable marketing messages used to build highly segmented, automated email & SMS campaigns, such as win back campaigns or abandoned cart recovery and more.

AdNabu is the top-rated AI product feed management app trusted by 8000+ Shopify and Shopify Plus brands. Powered by the same language models fueling ChatGPT, its AI tech generates the most effective strategy for each marketplace (Google Shopping, Facebook, TikTok, and more) in real-time. Install the app or book a demo today using code LEADINGBRANDS20 for 20% off.

In this episode, we're joined by Jordan Hall, a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner and the Founder & CEO of Barefaced. Jordan started the brand with no prior product experience or capital. Today, the brand is one of the fastest-growing in skincare and proudly boasts 90% customer retention.

In this episode, we cover:

• Starting from Scratch: Discover how Jordan launched the brand, utilizing 0% interest credit cards for funding and rapidly selling out of initial inventory.
• Quality Over Quantity: Learn about the brand's unique approach of focusing on fewer, best-in-class products instead of focusing on trends.
• Organic Growth: Get the step-by-step growth playbook that Barefaced used to double revenue every year since inception, without traditional marketing.

Jordan Harper is the Founder & CEO of Barefaced.

Links Mentioned

• Barefaced
• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

Sponsored by...

Klaviyo — Over 265,000 innovative brands are growing their businesses by listening and understanding to cues from their customers--easily turning that information into valuable marketing messages used to build highly segmented, automated email & SMS campaigns, such as win back campaigns or abandoned cart recovery and more.

AdNabu is the top-rated AI product feed management app trusted by 8000+ Shopify and Shopify Plus brands. Powered by the same language models fueling ChatGPT, its AI tech generates the most effective strategy for each marketplace (Google Shopping, Facebook, TikTok, and more) in real-time. Install the app or book a demo today using code LEADINGBRANDS20 for 20% off.

In this episode of the Wavebreak Podcast, we're joined by Lauren Dovey, the founder of Heat Healer. Heat Healer is a direct-to-consumer health & wellness brand focused on developing the world’s best heat therapy products.

In this episode, we cover:

• The story behind Heat Healer and how they sold out of their initial inventory in just 2 weeks
• How Heat Healer managed to capture the attention of prominent publications and even celebrities, earning featured spots and widespread recognition
• Future plans for expansion into additional products to further serve their customers

Lauren Dovey is the founder of Heat Healer.

Links Mentioned

• Heat Healer
• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

Sponsored by...

Klaviyo — Over 265,000 innovative brands are growing their businesses by listening and understanding to cues from their customers--easily turning that information into valuable marketing messages used to build highly segmented, automated email & SMS campaigns, such as win back campaigns or abandoned cart recovery and more.

AdNabu is the top-rated AI product feed management app trusted by 8000+ Shopify and Shopify Plus brands. Powered by the same language models fueling ChatGPT, its AI tech generates the most effective strategy for each marketplace (Google Shopping, Facebook, TikTok, and more) in real-time. Install the app or book a demo today using code LEADINGBRANDS20 for 20% off.

Jim Huether, CEO of Hyperice, joins the Leading Brands podcast to discuss the brand's rapid growth, global expansion, continued product innovation, and more. 

In the episode, the following topics are discussed:

• Growth Strategy: The approach that led the brand to scale from $500k to $65+ million in annual revenue in just 4 years
• Team Collaboration: Exploring how Hyperice's success is attributed to the cohesive synergy across all departments, fostering fast growth.
• Hiring For Growth: Actionable strategies and advice on how to make hires that scale with the brand.
• Daily Metrics: Discover the KPIs meticulously monitored by Jim, driving continuous brand improvement and success.
• Future Expansion: Hyperice's playbook for entering new markets and continuing to deliver innovative products. 

Jim Huether is the CEO of Hyperice.

Links Mentioned

• Hyperice
• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

Sponsored by...

Klaviyo — Over 265,000 innovative brands are growing their businesses by listening and understanding to cues from their customers--easily turning that information into valuable marketing messages used to build highly segmented, automated email & SMS campaigns, such as win back campaigns or abandoned cart recovery and more.

AdNabu is the top-rated AI product feed management app trusted by 8000+ Shopify and Shopify Plus brands. Powered by the same language models fueling ChatGPT, its AI tech generates the most effective strategy for each marketplace (Google Shopping, Facebook, TikTok, and more) in real-time. Install the app or book a demo today using code LEADINGBRANDS20 for 20% off.

In this episode of the Wavebreak Podcast, Dylan Kelley interviews Mikey Goldman, the Founder and CEO of Quiet Mind, makers of the original weighted pillow. 

Topics covered include:

• Launch strategy: How Quiet Mind approached their product launch, including PR and product seeding, and the initial results and lessons learned.
• Scaling UGC: Optimizing and scaling marketing efforts based on real customer feedback and leveraging user-generated content.
• Thingtesting launch impact: The impact of the Thingtesting launch on Quiet Mind's brand and revenue.
• Future growth plans: Mikey Goldman shares his plans for future growth and how Quiet Mind will stay ahead of the competition.

Mikey Goldman is the Founder and CEO of Quiet Mind. 

Links Mentioned

• Quiet Mind
• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

Sponsored by...

Klaviyo — Over 265,000 innovative brands are growing their businesses by listening and understanding to cues from their customers--easily turning that information into valuable marketing messages used to build highly segmented, automated email & SMS campaigns, such as win back campaigns or abandoned cart recovery and more.

AdNabu is the top-rated AI product feed management app trusted by 8000+ Shopify and Shopify Plus brands. Powered by the same language models fueling ChatGPT, its AI tech generates the most effective strategy for each marketplace (Google Shopping, Facebook, TikTok, and more) in real-time. Install the app or book a demo today using code LEADINGBRANDS20 for 20% off.

In this episode of the Wavebreak Podcast, Katerina Mountanos, the Founder & CEO of Kosterina shares her inspiring journey building a leading lifestyle brand, starting with the world's best extra virgin olive oil.

In the episode, we cover:

• The fascinating founding story of Kosterina and surprise Whole Foods inquiry that led to rapid growth
• Lessons learned from working with ecommerce serial entrepreneur Marc Lore
• Ditching the typical CPG playbook and instead building a lifestyle brand to inspire people to live longer, healthier lives

And so much more.

Katerina Mountanos is the Founder & CEO of Kosterina. 

Links Mentioned

• Kosterina
• Learn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brands

Sponsored by...

Klaviyo — Over 265,000 innovative brands are growing their businesses by listening and understanding to cues from their customers--easily turning that information into valuable marketing messages used to build highly segmented, automated email & SMS campaigns, such as win back campaigns or abandoned cart recovery and more.

AdNabu is the top-rated AI product feed management app trusted by 8000+ Shopify and Shopify Plus brands. Powered by the same language models fueling ChatGPT, its AI tech generates the most effective strategy for each marketplace (Google Shopping, Facebook, TikTok, and more) in real-time. Install the app or book a demo today using code LEADINGBRANDS20 for 20% off.