Shopify Happy Hour

Building meaningful customer relationships at scale sounds impossible—especially in an age of AI, automation, and overflowing inboxes. But what if technology could actually make marketing feel more human?In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with David Wachs, founder and CEO of Handwrytten, the company using robotics and AI to help businesses send authentic handwritten notes at scale. From bootstrapping early startups to creating a category-defining platform used by thousands of businesses, David shares why the future of customer engagement isn't replacing human connection—it's making it easier to create.You'll hear how David: Built Handwrytten by combining robotics, software, and real pens to automate handwritten notes.  Turned a simple observation about customer appreciation into a scalable SaaS business.  Landed early enterprise customers by solving a problem that email couldn't.  Uses automation to enhance personalization instead of replacing it.  Thinks about customer retention, loyalty, and lifetime value over short-term marketing wins.  Navigates the rise of AI while keeping authentic human experiences at the center of the business. We also get into the bigger picture: Why handwritten notes consistently outperform digital messages in building customer relationships.  How brands can stand out in an increasingly automated world.  The difference between capturing demand and creating lasting customer loyalty.  Practical ways ecommerce brands can use handwritten notes throughout the customer journey.  How AI and robotics are reshaping marketing without eliminating the importance of genuine human connection.  Why the highest-ROI marketing investments often aren't the easiest ones to measure. ✉️ Whether you're an ecommerce founder, marketer, or business owner looking to build stronger customer relationships, David's insights offer a fresh perspective on blending technology with authentic human connection.Brands & Mentions: Handwrytten  Shopify Charleston Coffee Roasters Blueland  Brittany Hodak Creating Superfans: How To Turn Your Customers Into Lifelong AdvocatesBBQ GuysZapierPilotStew Leonard'sChapters00:00 Introduction to David Wachs & Handwrytten 02:15 The startup that inspired Handwrytten 04:27 Why handwritten notes still matter in a digital world 06:25 How Handwrytten's robots actually write with real pens 12:54 Building the business & early operations 14:30 Landing the first customers with Google Ads 17:50 Why creating demand is harder than capturing it 20:06 Marketing channels that actually work today 24:01 Personalization vs. gimmicky marketing 29:22 The best ways ecommerce brands use handwritten notes 35:58 Which brands should invest in handwritten marketing? 39:47 AI, automation, and the future of customer engagement 42:20 Speed Round 46:00 Where to connect with David Wachs

What does it take to turn a tiny Ecuadorian snack company into a global brand sold in more than 30 countries? In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with Martin Acosta, founder and CEO of Kiwa, to break down how a $24,000 acquisition evolved into an internationally distributed CPG business built on sustainability, direct farmer relationships, and relentless product innovation.From sourcing nutrient-dense vegetables across South America to manufacturing chips nearly 9,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, Martin shares the behind-the-scenes realities of scaling a food company in one of the world’s most competitive retail categories.You’ll hear how Martin:Bought a struggling plantain chip business and transformed it into a global snack brand.Built direct trade relationships with farmers across Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia.Used trade shows as the foundation for landing major retail and private label partnerships.Expanded beyond plantain chips into vegetable chips, native Andean potatoes, cassava products, and pet snacks.Navigated the shift from branded products into private label manufacturing for large retailers.Leveraged high-altitude manufacturing to create a unique chip texture and quality.Balanced sustainability, product quality, and scalability while growing internationally.We also get into the bigger picture:Why differentiation matters more than ever in crowded CPG markets.The evolution of private label and how it changed the food industry after COVID.Lessons learned from scaling too aggressively during the venture capital boom.Why trade shows and real human relationships still outperform cold outreach in retail.How product innovation trends emerge — and why chasing trends too late can hurt brands.The realities of manufacturing, distribution, and scaling globally from South America.Why passion and long-term mission alignment are critical when building a consumer brand.🥔 Whether you’re building a food brand, launching a CPG product, or fascinated by the operational side of global retail, Martin’s story is packed with practical insights on manufacturing, innovation, and standing out in competitive markets.Brands & Mentions:KiwaWalmartCostcoAldiLatam AirlinesAviancaRunaMikunaChapters:00:00 Introduction to Kiwa & Martin Acosta02:24 High-altitude manufacturing & sourcing in Ecuador05:05 Buying a $24K snack business10:13 Trade shows, distribution & retail growth15:19 Private label vs. building a brand20:34 Product innovation & entering the pet category23:19 Why most CPG brands fail28:32 Speed round & final thoughts

Launching a supplement brand is hard enough but building one around clean ingredients, outdoor performance, and spiritual alignment instead of hype and artificial formulas? That’s a very different approach to wellness.In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with Zac Curhan, co-founder of Truwild, a natural supplement brand creating clean hydration, kombucha, and performance products for people who push beyond the gym. From bootstrapping the company with just $5,000 to scaling across Amazon, Shopify, wholesale, and TikTok, Zac shares how intuition, adaptability, and relentless experimentation shaped Truwild into a growing force in the supplement space.You’ll hear how Zac:Built Truwild from scratch with just $5K and reinvested profits to grow the business organically.Created products designed for hikers, surfers, endurance athletes, and outdoor adventurers — not just gym culture.Developed unique formulations using natural caffeine, kombucha powder, electrolytes, amino acids, and functional ingredients.Leveraged customer feedback and surveys to shape future products, flavors, and packaging formats.Pivoted away from underperforming SKUs and learned difficult inventory lessons along the way.Used Amazon as a primary growth engine while strategically narrowing focus across sales channels.Built wholesale relationships through cold calls, product seeding, and direct outreach to independent retailers.Used TikTok seeding campaigns, local events, and brand collaborations to drive organic awareness and traffic.We also get into the bigger picture:Why electrolytes are far more important than most people realize.The realities of building a profitable supplement brand without outside funding.Why customer reviews and social proof are critical in modern e-commerce.How TikTok, Amazon, and organic content now work together in the customer buying journey.Using AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and automation systems to streamline operations and decision-making.Zac’s philosophy around meditation, intuition, spirituality, and connecting to a “higher self” for entrepreneurial growth.🌿 Whether you’re an e-commerce founder, wellness enthusiast, or someone interested in the intersection of business, health, and personal growth, this episode is packed with practical lessons and unconventional insights.Brands & Mentions:TruwildAmazonShopifyWhole FoodsGT's KombuchaRed BullHOKAChatGPTClaudeOpenClawRolflexChapters:00:00 Introduction to Truwild & Its Mission02:45 Why Electrolytes Matter More Than You Think05:20 Reinventing Kombucha as a Powder08:10 Building Truwild with Just $5K11:00 Early Product Development & Scaling Challenges13:30 Why Amazon Became the Core Growth Channel16:20 Organic Marketing, TikTok, & Community Events19:00 Influencer Seeding & Brand Collaborations22:15 The Realities of Paid Ads in Supplements24:00 Wholesale Strategy & Cold Calling Retailers32:30 Customer Feedback, Product Iteration, & SKU Decisions35:40 Meditation, Spirituality, & Entrepreneurial Intuition40:40 Using AI & Automation to Scale E-commerce Operations

Launching a food brand is never easy — but creating an entirely new category like frozen cottage cheese ice cream? That’s a different level of bold.In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with Joe Rotundo, founder of Smearcase, the first and only frozen cottage cheese dessert brand built for people who want indulgence and clean, protein-packed ingredients. From a late-night craving for a healthier dessert to landing on shelves at major retailers, Joe shares how relentless action, rapid iteration, and authentic storytelling helped turn a simple idea into a fast-growing CPG brand.You’ll hear how Joe: Turned a DIY mix of cottage cheese, honey, and fruit into a brand-new product category.  Went from idea to market testing in just a few months by prioritizing speed and feedback.  Partnered with his sister early on to develop recipes and refine the product.  Used real-world validation (not just friends and family) to shape flavors, branding, and positioning.  Navigated early production, co-packing, and a 5,000-pint launch strategy.  Leveraged trade shows like Fancy Food Show to land meetings with major retailers like Whole Foods and Sprouts.  Built momentum through in-person demos, networking, and relationship-first outreach.  Embraced a polarizing brand name — and why standing out mattered more than pleasing everyone. We also get into the bigger picture: Why “healthy ice cream” is broken — and how Smearcase is redefining indulgence with real ingredients.  The power of relentless execution vs. overthinking in early-stage startups.  How founders can validate ideas quickly without overbuilding.  Why human relationships still beat cold emails and LinkedIn pitches in CPG.  Organic social strategy — and how to create content that actually feels authentic (even if you’re busy or camera-shy).  The realities of launching in retail, scaling distribution, and building a brand from scratch. 🍦 Whether you’re a founder, fitness-minded foodie, or someone curious about how new food categories are born, Joe’s story is a masterclass in speed, simplicity, and showing up consistently.Brands & Mentions:SmearcaseWhole FoodsSprouts Farmers MarketFancy Food ShowGood CultureHY.QREIDick's Sporting GoodsChapters:00:00 Introduction to Smearcase 02:00 The “healthy dessert” problem 05:30 From idea to action (June 2023 origin story) 08:45 Validating the product in the real world 12:00 Branding, flavor iteration, and feedback loops 16:20 Breaking into retail & first production run 20:00 Building relationships with buyers 23:00 Organic marketing & content strategy 26:00 Founder mindset and execution philosophy 29:00 Speed round & personal insights 31:00 What’s next for Smearcase

Launching a CPG brand is always a grind — but reinventing pork sausage with chef-crafted recipes, premium cuts, and a sixth-generation family farm story? That’s a whole new challenge.In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with Cassie Maschhoff, co-founder of Lottie’s Meats, the sister-run brand elevating pork with gourmet sausages and ground blends made from real ingredients, responsible sourcing, and culinary craftsmanship. Cassie shares how she and her sister Chelsea turned family heritage and Michelin-level technique into one of the most exciting new meat brands on the market.You’ll hear how Cassie:Transformed a sixth-generation Illinois family farm legacy into a modern, premium pork brand.Partnered with her chef-trained sister to craft sausages using only pork loin, pork shoulder, and clean, real ingredients.Navigated nine different co-packers to finally find partners who could uphold their exacting standards.Built early traction through restaurant partnerships, farmers markets, pop-ups, and brewery takeovers in Denver.Created cult-favorite products like The Lottie and perfected flavors through years of behind-the-scenes R&D.Balanced the demands of cold-chain logistics, short shelf life, and monthly production while still growing fast.We also get into the bigger picture:Why pork has gotten a bad rap — and how Lottie’s is changing that perception.The operational realities (and chaos) of scaling a perishable food brand.How retail, DTC, and food service each play their own role in Lottie’s growth.Why differentiation, quality, and ironclad non-negotiables matter when working with co-packers.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a modern food brand — from sourcing to storytelling to scaling in an unforgiving supply chain — this conversation is full of hard-won lessons and real-world strategies.🍽️ Whether you’re a foodie, a founder, or someone fascinated by how craft brands break through, Cassie’s story is proof that pork can be premium, purposeful, and genuinely delicious again.Brands & Mentions: Scribe Winery Nugget Markets US Foods Get Right’s Bakery Culinary Institute of America Maine Beer Company (“Lunch” IPA) Lottie’s Family Pork Farm NetworkShooka SauceJennies HouseRealsyChapters00:00 Introduction to Lottie's Meats02:48 Crafting Quality Sausages05:41 Navigating Co-Packing Challenges08:48 The Founder's Journey11:32 Scaling and Distribution Strategies14:20 Innovative Marketing Approaches17:25 Product Development and Consumer Feedback20:07 E-commerce and Digital Marketing Strategies23:05 Community Engagement and Partnerships25:59 Speed Round and Personal Insights

Launching a consumer brand is never easy — but launching a brewery without alcohol? That’s a whole new challenge.In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, I sit down with Joe Chura, founder of Go Brewing, the non-alcoholic beer brand redefining how we think about social drinking. Joe shares his journey from idea to launch, the countless recipe iterations, and the marketing moves that helped Go Brewing quickly find its place in a competitive industry.You’ll hear how Joe:Turned a personal vision into one of the fastest-growing non-alcoholic breweries in the U.S.Perfected the brewing process through relentless testing and innovation.Built an online-first business with Shopify at the core of its growth strategy.Leveraged subscriptions to create community and recurring revenue.Collected and used customer feedback to guide new products and campaigns.Balanced storytelling, social media, and PR to build credibility and excitement.We also dig into the bigger picture:Why health-conscious consumers are fueling the non-alcoholic movement.How “hybrid drinking” is changing beverage culture.Where Joe sees opportunities in THC-infused beverages and beyond.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a modern CPG brand — from brewing to branding to building community — this conversation will inspire and challenge you.🍺 Whether you’re sober curious, an entrepreneur, or just fascinated by where consumer trends are heading, Joe’s story is proof that you don’t need alcohol to build a buzz-worthy brand.Brands mentioned:Go BrewingEasy ManRich Roll75 HardHeinekenAthletic BrewingBuilding a Story Brand by Donald MillerJust for MenSimpler Hair ColorNaperville Running CompanyJolieChapters00:00Introduction to Go Brewing and Non-Alcoholic Beers07:33The Journey to Starting Go Brewing15:33Brewing Process and Challenges19:59Launching and Marketing Go Brewing28:24Subscription Model and Customer Engagement37:52Future Trends in Non-Alcoholic Beverages

In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with Francine Voit, co-founder of Pistakio, to talk about how she turned an underused nut into a standout brand — and made pistachios fun, accessible, and delicious for everyone.Fran shares the inside story of how Pistakio started as a college capstone project, went viral with creative sampling stunts (including a tiramisu purse that made it through TSA!), and grew into a fast-scaling DTC and retail brand — all while staying taste-first and relentlessly scrappy.You’ll hear: ✅ The simple sampling strategy that built word-of-mouth and early traction ✅ How Pistakio turned customer feedback into product improvements ✅ Creative ways they inspire customers to use their spreads in everyday recipes ✅ Why taste-first product development beats trendy buzzwords ✅ How Fran thinks about growing retail, DTC, and content — without paid adsIf you love founder stories packed with practical CPG marketing lessons and organic growth tactics, this one’s for you.Tune in, grab a snack (maybe a pistachio or two), and enjoy!Products and brands mentioned during this episode include:PistakioFaireBezi LabnehLottie's MeatsMichele FerreroChapters00:00 Introduction to Pistachio and Francine Voit02:27 The Inspiration Behind Pistachio Products05:25 Product Development and Market Entry09:04 Sampling Strategy and Initial Sales14:39 Balancing Direct-to-Consumer and Retail Sales17:46 Viral Marketing and Content Creation19:55 Retail Partnerships and Growth Strategies21:50 Advice for Aspiring Founders24:09 Speed Round and Personal Insights

How do you scale and optimize 45+ Shopify stores without losing your mind—or your margins?In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan Cassidy sits down with Dov Quint, Storefronts Lead at OpenStore, to explore the playbook he’s built for operating dozens of DTC brands at scale.You’ll hear:How OpenStore standardizes tech stacks without sacrificing performanceWhy A/B testing offers (and pricing) is non-negotiableCreative growth tactics like cashback offers that boosted list opt-ins by 40%What Shopify brands are doing to navigate tariffs without raising pricesA smart strategy for post-purchase revenue (that won’t annoy your customers)How AI is being used for CRO, analytics, and review miningWhy Dov is leading a mission-driven eCommerce delegation to Israel this fallPlus, hear Dov and Dan crack a Blue Moon and discuss ASMR marketing and whether your mom should test your website (spoiler: yes).🎧 Tune in for a masterclass in operational excellence, CRO tactics, and why sometimes the best feedback comes from your mom.Show Notes:🍻 Drinks of the Day:Dan: Blue Moon (bottle)Dov: Blue Moon 19oz can with bonus ASMR pour📍 Guest Info:Dov Quint Storefronts Lead, OpenStore Mission Lead, Israel Tech Mission Connect on LinkedIn📘 Books Mentioned:The Five Types of Wealth by Sahil BloomShoe Dog by Phil Knight🧰 Tools & Tech Stack Shoutouts:Rebuy – Smart upsells & cross-sellsOkendo – Reviews, UGC, and surveysReplo – Landing page builderFermat – Embedded shopping experiencesFondue – Cashback instead of discountsOnward – Post-purchase insurance + experience layerIntelliGems – A/B testing for price, offers, landing pagesMicrosoft Clarity – Free heat mapping toolHeatmap.com – Revenue-based behavior analytics🛍️ Brands Mentioned:Jack Archer – DTC men’s performance apparel brandJolie – Luxury filtered showerhead with powerful DTC funnelBrez – THC-infused sparkling beveragesHexClad – Hybrid cookware (Jason Panzer mentioned as Tech Mission guest)✈️ Israel Tech Mission (September 2025):Curated trip for eCommerce founders, execs, and investorsDates: Sept 14–18, 2025Led by Dov Quint in partnership with Israel Tech MissionApplication link: https://tinyurl.com/ITM-for-eCommerce-LeadersIncludes: meetings with Israeli tech leaders, Air Force base visit, NOVA site, Jerusalem, and Tel AvivFeatured guest: Jason Panzer, President of HexClad

In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, we sit down with Xeba Zareie—founder of Preme Foods, a wellness-driven CPG brand helping people with chronic illness and sensitive stomachs enjoy indulgent nutrition again.What started as a personal battle with gut health turned into a mission: create functional, prebiotic-powered products that don’t compromise on taste or ingredients. From handmaking puddings to launching a shelf-stable, collagen-rich cocoa mix, Xeba’s story is equal parts resilience, research, and real innovation.We talk about:Why most gut health products on shelves are not made for sensitive stomachsThe difference between prebiotics and probiotics (and why that matters)How Xeba scaled from small-batch to co-manufacturing without compromising qualityWhat most new founders get wrong about packaging, messaging, and retailHer exact process for landing ideal retail partners—including a few bold outreach tacticsWhy powders > puddings (at least to start)If you’re building a wellness brand, formulating a CPG product, or launching on Shopify, this episode is packed with firsthand lessons from the trenches.Also: it’s our Aries birthday episode—cheers to that!Connect with Xeba Zareie Instagram: @x_eba Brand: @drinkpreme More info: drinkpreme.comProducts mentioned during the episode:Zero to One by Peter ThielRamping Your Brand by James F. Richardson PhD7 Laws of Spiritual Success by Deepak ChopraOrganify Shilajit GummiesRevolveErewhonPistakioCharmleeNour DressingChapters00:00Introduction to Preme Foods and Xeba Zareie02:11The Science Behind Gut Health and Nutrition06:18Founder's Journey: From Personal Struggles to Business11:09Scaling Production: Challenges and Solutions12:03Transitioning from Puddings to Powders13:39Navigating Retail Partnerships and Consumer Education19:16Marketing Strategies for D2C Success21:19Lessons Learned and Future Directions

In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with Ronnie Teja, founder of Branzio Watches, to unpack his inspiring journey from picking blueberries as a new immigrant to building a global watch brand with a scrappy $10K start.Ronnie shares real stories of entrepreneurship—burnout, supplier scams, PayPal bans, and team drama—and how he overcame it all by staying relentlessly curious, leaning into AI, and building a brand that now operates with global scale.They also dive into:The early days of Facebook ads and retail media buyingThe mindset shift from performance marketing to brand-buildingHow AI is changing e-commerce—from analytics to ad copyTips on outsourcing, remote teams, and hiring middle managementHis philosophy on leadership, karma, and connecting peopleWhether you're a solo founder, aspiring operator, or scaling ecom brand, this one is packed with gold.👉 Learn more about Ronnie: Just Google his name — he’s everywhere. 🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you tune in.Products / products mentioned:GhostAlibaba 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss Traction by Gino WickmanRockefeller Habits by Verne HarnishNeil PatelBK BeautyThe Big Short by Michael Lewis Barbarians at the Gate by Bryan Burrough and John HelyarFour SeasonsChapters00:00Introduction to Shopify Happy Hour02:46Ronny Teja's Journey to E-commerce05:51Lessons from Blueberry Picking08:21Marketing Education at Best Buy11:31Starting Branzio Watches14:12Challenges in E-commerce16:49Navigating Entrepreneurship19:41Building a Team and Leadership22:31The Evolution of Branzio Watches24:50The Evolution of Online Advertising27:10Shifting Mindsets: From Performance to Brand Marketing29:41Current Trends in Performance Marketing31:51Harnessing AI for Marketing and Business Decisions36:31Leveraging AI for Strategic Insights39:48Building a New E-commerce Business from Scratch41:10Choosing the Right Niche for E-commerce43:19Exceptional Customer Experiences in E-commerce45:12The Art of Connection and Networking

In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, host Dan sits down with Nishal Kumar, founder and CEO of No Days Wasted, a science-backed recovery brand helping people enjoy life’s moments—without paying the price the next day.Over a glass of wine (or two), Nishal shares:How a mountain workout routine and social life led to the idea for No Days WastedThe surprising science behind hangovers—and why DHM is keyBootstrapping the brand with a kitchen-made prototype and $30K in Indiegogo pre-ordersHow early podcast ads on Spittin' Chiclets and Call Her Daddy helped scale DTC salesThe shift from single-channel DTC to a full omnichannel strategy including Walmart, Amazon, and TikTok ShopHis approach to content, virality, and building a trustworthy brand in a crowded marketIf you’ve ever wanted to build a brand that bridges health, science, and social life—or you just want to recover better after a big night out—this episode’s for you.Brands mentioned:No Days WastedMission CocktailsMichelob Gold Kickstarter Indiegogo Biz Nasty aka Paul BissonnetteSpittin Chiclets Call Her Daddy Bar Stool SportsWalmart  GoPuffDoorDashShoe Dog by Phil Knight11 Rings: The Soul of Success by Phil JacksonBeck’s Broth Nike Chapters00:00Introduction to No Days Wasted08:52The Science Behind Recovery Supplements17:56From Idea to Market: The Journey of No Days Wasted20:57Building Trust Through Brand Quality21:55From Kickstarter to Brand Growth24:38Leveraging Podcast Advertising for E-commerce27:34The Omnichannel Approach to Marketing31:09Balancing D2C and Retail Strategies33:51Harnessing Organic Social Media for Growth37:07Advice for Future Entrepreneurs

In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, we sit down with Kristin Charbo, co-founder and CEO of glonuts—a clean, craveable donut alternative with just 1g of sugar. Kristin shares the honest story of building glonuts from her one-bedroom apartment kitchen alongside her co-founder (and now husband) Grover, hand-making over 100,000 donuts before scaling to national retail shelves.We dive into how they approached retail without relying on digital ads, why packaging became their best salesperson, the challenges of manufacturing a totally unique product, and how they raised capital the scrappy way. Kristin also opens up about managing PCOS through diet and how that inspired glonuts' mission to make healthy snacking more fun and accessible.Whether you're building a CPG brand or just love a good founder journey, this one’s packed with insights—and donut jokes.Brands mentioned:Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Daisey Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins ReidKifErewhonAlfredNowadaysZaraFrench SquirrelChapters00:00Introduction to glonuts and Healthy Eating06:21The Origin Story of glonuts12:14Challenges in Manufacturing and Fundraising20:13Retail Strategy and Building Relationships24:40Marketing and Brand Differentiation27:48Future Plans for glonuts

In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with Leah Marcus and Yasaman Bakhtiar, the best-friend duo behind Good Girl Snacks, creators of the now-famous Hot Girl Pickles. From launching in public on TikTok to landing Erewhon as a retail partner within a year, Leah and Yasaman share their journey of building a pickle brand that’s bold, crunchy, and anything but traditional.They dive into:How they used TikTok to build a loyal audience (before ever launching the product)Why social media is their most powerful (and free) growth toolTips for building in public, going viral, and managing content without a big teamBalancing best-friend energy with business structureTheir advice for new brand owners and how they’d approach hitting 7 figures from scratchGrab a snack (maybe a pickle?) and get ready for a fresh, fun, and insightful conversation with two sharp ladies disrupting the sleepy pickle category. 🥒✨Brands mentioned during this episode:Good Girl SnacksErewhonShoedog by Phil KnightPower of Now by Eckhart TollePistakioBrave SauceReformationChapters00:00Welcome to Good Girl Snacks01:14The Art of Pickle Tasting02:45Flavor Innovations and New Releases05:10The Journey of Founders09:27Growing in Public: Social Media Strategy13:35Consistency and Authenticity in Content Creation16:28Roles and Responsibilities of Co-Founders17:56Maintaining Friendships in Business20:04Retail Success and Market Positioning22:30Balancing D2C and Retail Strategies24:07The Future of Social Commerce25:32Lessons Learned and E-commerce Insights27:12The Secret to Crunchy Pickles28:49Speed Round: Quick Insights

This episode of Shopify Happy Hour features Vasa Martinez, the founder behind Perfy—a mood-boosting soda that’s not just quenching thirst but supercharging brainpower. Vasa takes us on a ride through his personal journey launching a brand that focuses on blood sugar regulation and brain health, while serving up innovative flavors and disruptive marketing tactics.Get ready to discover: ✅ The secret to forging rock-solid manufacturer partnerships✅ Using organic social to attract distributors and retailers✅ Winning strategies for blending D2C hustle with retail success✅ Tools and platforms to move product early in your CPG journey✅ Why limited time flavors can create buzz and be a win for a brandIf you’re an e-commerce founder craving innovation or a beverage buff on the hunt for the next big thing, this episode is sure to give you a new perspective on growth. Tune in and get ready to elevate your game—one sip at a time. Products / services mentioned:PerfyQuest NutritionRX BarClifKindOne BarSieteSpindriftFaireMabelPopup Grocer Snack MagicRange MeAisleWeStockKlaviyoSendlaneWholefoodsSproutsWegman’sPublixAyohChocZeroNative The Rise of Superman by Steven Kotler  Founder’s Brand by Dave Gerhardt  Forging an Ironclad Brand by Lindsay Pedersen  Chapters00:00Introduction to Perfee and Its Unique Offerings08:32The Journey Behind Launching Perfee17:11Product Development and Manufacturing Insights21:24Navigating Early Challenges in Product Launch24:25The Synergy of D2C and Retail Channels27:35Building Trust Through Social Proof30:21Innovative Promotions and Customer Engagement33:20Strategies for Successful Shopify Brands35:36Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations

This episode of Shopify Happy Hour features Justin Tidwell, the visionary behind Nowadays—a cannabis-infused spirit brand that's shaking up the beverage industry. Justin walks us through the evolution of his THC beverage brand, sharing candid insights on everything from product development hurdles to the art of organic marketing. He explains how pivoting during the pandemic fueled rapid growth, and why authenticity in influencer marketing and customer engagement is the secret sauce to building lasting credibility.We also explore: ✅ Launching products only when they’re 100% ready✅ Harnessing organic marketing on TikTok to drive rapid growth ✅ Balancing DTC and retail growth for sustainable expansion✅ Tailoring strategies to a diverse THC beverage market✅ Building a strong company culture and memorable customer experiences✅ The future of THC beverages—education, compliance, and growth potentialIf you’re in e-commerce, DTC, or just curious about building a groundbreaking brand in the cannabis industry, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world experiences to elevate your game.Products and brands mentioned:NOWADAYSJohn D. Rockefeller’s Letters to his SonsSlate MilkglonutsKemosabeChapters:00:00 Introduction to Nowadays and Its Unique Offering03:09 Crafting the Perfect Beverage: R&D and Flavor Development06:02 From Concept to Market: The Journey of Nowadays08:57 The Power of Organic Marketing and Social Media11:59 Building Credibility Through Customer Experience14:51 Influencer Marketing: Authenticity Over Promotion24:05 Understanding the Target Market27:01 Marketing Strategies and Growth28:50 DTC vs Retail Growth30:25 Navigating Retail Opportunities33:28 Future of THC Beverages35:13 Surreal Moments in Business36:30 Hiring for Growth39:39 Building a Strong Company Culture42:02 Recommended Reads and Products44:01 Efficiency as an Entrepreneur45:52 Memorable Shopping Experiences47:12 Connecting with Justin

In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with David Fudge, co-founder and CEO of Aplós, a brand redefining non-alcoholic spirits and cocktails.David shares the journey behind Aplós, from the art of mixology to crafting functional beverages that don’t compromise on flavor or experience. He dives into the growing demand for premium non-alcoholic options, why consumers are shifting habits, and how Aplos is positioning itself in this evolving market.We also explore the challenges of building a beverage brand, including:✅ Balancing D2C and retail—how Aplos approaches distribution.✅ Marketing in a competitive space—strategies that work (and don’t).✅ Post-purchase experience—why customer connection is key.✅ Authenticity in branding—what makes a brand truly stand out.If you're in DTC, retail, or just love learning from brand builders, this episode is packed with valuable insights on creating a premium product and scaling a brand the right way.Brands mentioned:AplósLesseAdgile Media GroupMixology MasterclassLynnette MarreroThe Big Leap by Gay HendricksBarney’sChapters00:00 Introduction to Aplos and Non-Alcoholic Spirits01:15 Exploring Aplos Cocktails and Their Unique Ingredients09:05 The Role of a Master Mixologist in Non-Alcoholic Beverages14:29 Balancing Flavor and Functionality in Non-Alcoholic Spirits18:34 Consumer Demand for Non-Alcoholic Options24:44 The Distinction Between Canned Cocktails and Bottled Spirits28:35 The Effects of Non-Alcoholic Spirits30:03 The Inspiration Behind Aplos34:43 Building a Brand: Early Strategies39:13 Influencer Marketing and Authenticity42:39 Marketing Strategies: Hits and Misses47:30 D2C vs Retail: Growth Strategies52:03 Connecting with Customers: The Personal Touch56:08 Rapid Fire Insights

Will Nitze, founder and CEO of IQBAR, shares how he built a brain and body fuel brand from the ground up.This episode is packed with game-changing insights for founders and health-conscious hustlers!Will reveals:The "secret" growth hack that helped him generate his first $90K in sales—something you won’t find in any marketing bookHow he built an email list of 100K subscribers without spending a dime on paid adsThe brain-boosting science behind IQBAR’s ingredients and why they workHow a bold Kickstarter launch helped turn IQBAR from an idea into a brandWhy he pivoted from just “brain food” to a full-body performance nutrition approachThe toughest manufacturing challenges he faced—and how he powered through themWhy pricing is actually a marketing strategy—and how to use it to your advantageThe founder’s role in product development—and why you can’t afford to outsource it too soonTune in now to get the inside scoop on how Will built a profitable, mission-driven CPG brand from the ground up.Products and brands mentioned during this episode:IQBARMission in a Bottle by Seth Goldman and Gary Nalebuff Grain Brain by David Perlmutter Traction: Gino WickmanTraction: Gabriel WeinbergClean Skin ClubChapters00:00 Introduction to IQ Bar and Its Offerings03:01 The Science Behind IQ Bar's Ingredients06:09 Evolution of the Product: From Brain Food to Body Fuel12:02 The Journey of Launching IQ Bar17:49 Kickstarter Success: Strategies and Insights27:16 Funding and Financial Challenges30:23 Product Evolution and Manufacturing Journey37:08 Navigating Manufacturing and Supply Chain42:12 Marketing Strategies and Sales Channels50:42 Achieving Profitability Through Volume54:12 Lessons Learned and Future Strategies

Yash Chavan, founder and CEO of Saral, breaks down a smarter way to approach influencer marketing and why brands are shifting from paid media to earned media.This is a must-listen for e-commerce brands looking to scale influencer partnerships as he explores:The pyramid approach to influencer marketing and how it helps brands scale effectivelyWhy seeding products to influencers is the best way to find top-performing creatorsThe power of earned media and why brands are moving away from paid adsWhy Instagram Stories are one of the most effective content types for influencersHow to identify the ideal creator persona for your brandWhy revenue should be seen as a side effect of strong influencer relationshipsHow brands can use influencer feedback to improve products and marketingIf you’re looking to turn influencers into affiliates, ambassadors, and long-term partners, this episode is packed with insights! Brands and products mentioned during this episode:Araku coffeeRelentless by Tim GroverRidgeHexcladNooeBacha CoffeeTimeline:00:00Introduction to Influencer Marketing and Saral02:15The Genesis of Saral: Simplifying Influencer Marketing04:15Understanding the Influencer Marketing Landscape05:51Successful Strategies in Influencer Marketing09:11The Pyramid Approach to Influencer Engagement10:36Selecting the Right Influencers for Your Brand12:34The Importance of Feedback from Influencers15:50Content Types and Their Effectiveness18:15Comparing Influencer Platforms: TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube22:40Maximizing Influencer Relationships30:25Understanding Influencer Motivations37:29Key Performance Indicators in Influencer Marketing42:09Building a Brand from Scratch with Influencers45:21Speed Round Insights

Jennifer Commins, founder of Pluck Tea and certified tea sommelier, shares her journey launching and growing her premium, eco-friendly tea business. This is a must-listen for tea lovers as she explores:the journey of tea from leaf to cupthe health benefits of matcha, and why it's different than other teaone surprising truth about tea most people don't believeusing restaurants as a paid-sampling program to grow DTC saleshow Shopify saved her business during the COVID-19 pandemicone game-changing business decision Jennifer wish she did earlierwhy brand storytelling through organic social is a priorityBrands and products mentioned during this episode:The Tipping Point by Malcolm GladwellFevertreePluck Tea: use code HAPPYHOUR20 on your first orderTimeline:00:00Introduction to Pluck Tea and Jennifer Commins03:07The Journey of Matcha: From Leaf to Cup05:59Understanding Matcha Preparation and Quality09:02Health Benefits of Matcha and Green Tea12:00The Process of Tea Production15:07Tea Brewing Techniques and Best Practices17:56The Importance of Tea Bags and Sustainability21:14Personal Health and Fitness Journey with 75 Hard29:25Embracing the Challenge of 75 Hard34:17The Journey to Starting Pluck Tea43:52Building a Brand Through Relationships49:51Adapting to Change: The Shift to D2C53:17Lessons Learned and Future Strategies

Kevin O'Leary and Will Patch, co-founders of Cape Cod'r craft cocktails, share their journey launching a beverage brand made for those who crave memories of care-free summers. In this episode we dove into topics including:using crowdfunding to raise cash for marketing and create raving fans why founders need to share their story over and overadvice for anyone thinking about founding a CPG brandhow to get sips to lips and cans in hands for a new beverage brandwhy speaking to the right investors and co-packers can get you to market faster with less riskBrands, services, books and products mentioned in this episode include:Cape Cod'rStart EngineBurn the Boats by Matt HigginsThinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Barbarians at the Gate by Bryan BurroughNantucket CrispsBezi Labneh

This episode of the Shopify Happy Hour features Drea Groeschel, founder of Better Than Booze, an award winning beverage brand that duplicates craft cocktail flavors for consumers seeking non-alcoholic options.Drea shared TONS of insights and lessons learned from launching and growing Better Than Booze including:why early-stage brands need to KISShow she got into her first hundred retailersthe value of face to face interactions and consumer feedbackhow to choose between marketing strategieswhy product quality matterswhat she would do if starting her beverage brand all over againPlus, lots more! Products mentioned during this podcast include:Better Than BoozeInto Thin Air by Jon KrakauerDafu Sauce

Aaron Nosbisch is founder of BRĒZ which creates microdosed cannabis & mushrooms in a can. During this episode Aaron shared his journey launching one of the fastest growing DTC beverage brands. We dove into topics including:launch strategies using organic UGC amplified by paid adswhy every brand should advertise on Metanavigating regulations in a new categoryDTC vs retail expansionnew product developmentAnd lots more!Brands and products mentioned in this episode include:What Doesn’t Kill Us by Scott CarneyBrass MonkeyBlue CubeNomad SaunaAlmost Heaven SaunaApple storeBrezZero to One by Peter Thiel

Episode 3 of the Shopify Happy Hour features Drew Sanocki, e-commerce veteran and CEO of PostPilot, the #1 direct mail app on Shopify. During this episode Drew shared tips including:  - the most valuable direct mail campaign types - why coupon codes aren't as important as you think - how to "prove" performance through appropriate audience targeting  - Black Friday / Cyber Monday strategies that work - what brands are doing to get ready for 2025And LOTS more...all shared over a Bulleit Old Fashioned and Manhattan.Products and brands mentioned during this episode:Bulleit WhiskeyMore LabsPostPilot Dr. Squatch Taylor Stitch  How Brands Grow by Byron SharpTop Grading by Bradford SmartDatabase Marketing by Kevin Hillstrom Drilling Down by Jim Novo 

In today's episode we interview Greg Rollett, head of brand growth at Grommet and an Emmy® award winning producer and discuss:growth strategies for new Shopify brands and productsan underrated content strategy all founder-led brands should usehow to generate sales without paid advertisingone type of asset brands should invest incoffee and nootropicsand lots more!Products mentioned in this episode include:High Brew Nitro Everyday DoseMacro Barista (IG)  Return to Esperanza SubSafeArete ShadesMarketing to the Affluent by Dan KennedyThe Rise of Superman by Steven Kotler 

In today's episode we interview Paul Drecksler, founder of Shopifreaks, the internet’s #1 rated e-commerce newsletter and talk about:the biggest opportunities for Shopify businesses today, that didn’t exist a couple years agomost exciting Shopify apps underrated marketing strategies most Shopify brands should be doing, but aren't?what the future of e-commerce looks like in 5 yearsadvice for new Shopify startups just getting goingProducts mentioned in this episode include:Guayasa teaDesign PacksOrder Editing appRedoASOSDepopPoshmarkThroneFirework