Challenges facing agencies and brands in the e-commerce world. From the impact of app usage on website performance to the importance of ethical business practices, we explore the secrets to success.



In this episode, Jordan West and Ben Sharf, co-founder of Platter, they get into the challenges and misalignments in the e-commerce industry, particularly in relation to app usage, pricing, and improving cost-effectiveness for brand owners. Ben shares his perspective on ethical agency practices and the unique solutions offered by Platter to address these industry issues.



Listen and learn in this episode!



Key takeaways from this episode:

• The discussion highlights misalignments between development agencies and brand owners, particularly regarding app usage, pricing, and improving cost-effectiveness for brand owners.
• There's a need to simplify app functionality to debunk the myth that building a high-converting storefront is expensive and time-consuming and to address the issue of brands getting stuck with too many apps, support teams, and high monthly expenses.
• Touches on potential partnership opportunities and investment offers, highlighting the strategy of creating a shared back office for mundane tasks and enabling agencies to exit at a higher multiple by being part of the roll together.
• Emphasizes the importance of agencies focusing on education, integrity, and efficiency in their operations, and providing cost-effective and transparent solutions for brands.

Recommended Tools/App:

Clay: https://clay.earth/

Rebuy: https://www.rebuyengine.com/

Today’s Guest:
Ben Sharf is the co-founder of Platter, a company offering a theme and app bundle with white-glove implementation to enhance profitability on Shopify storefronts. During the episode, Ben expresses frustration with agencies moving brands to Headless architecture to control operations and profit without considering ethics. He advocates for ethical agency practices, stating that Platter focuses on education, integrity, and efficiency.



Growth Plan: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

Million Dollar Offers: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

In this episode's sponsor is Subsummit - led by Christopher George, Co-Founder and CEO, is the hub for subscription commerce enthusiasts.


SubSummit is the world's largest gathering for DTC subscription and membership brands. It brings together industry leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore the booming 2-trillion-dollar subscription industry. Whether you're already involved or looking to join, SubSummit is your go-to event for networking and learning in this thriving sector.


Learn more here: Subsummit

The realization of what truly matters in life, highlighting the shift in priorities toward simplicity, spending time with family, and maintaining a strict sleep schedule to avoid burnout.

In this episode, Jordan West and James Pieper brings us an eye-opening conversation. They dive deep into the topic of burnout and its impact on work habits and personal life. James shares his experiences in managing a successful ecommerce business, his journey from selling fabric online to building a thriving Shopify store, and the challenges he faced along the way.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Both Jordan West and James Pieper share their experiences in developing sustainable work habits, including the significance of routines, set schedules, and time management to maintain work-life balance and avoid burnout.
• The speakers discuss strategies for managing stress and coping with difficult situations in business. They emphasize the need for resilience, problem-solving skills, and staying calm under pressure, drawing on personal experiences to illustrate these points.
• The importance of strategic business management and implementing sustainable practices to avoid urgency and burnout, as demonstrated through discussions on prioritizing non-urgent but important activities and effectively managing stress and pressure.
• The consideration of alternative approaches to business optimization and the potential for future discussions to explore differing opinions and experiences in specific areas, such as Facebook ads targeting and bid caps.

Recommended Playbook/App:

Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/

7 habits: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/

Today’s Guest:

James Pieper is the owner of a beloved quilt store that provides raw materials for creating beautiful, handmade quilts. He believes in the power of creating something with love and giving it as a gift to someone special. He sees his store as a place that helps customers make something that will be cherished forever. With a passion for quilting and a dedication to providing quality fabric, James Pieper is known in the community as a supportive and enthusiastic advocate for the art of quilting.

Growth Plan: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

Million Dollar Offers: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

In this episode's sponsor is Subsummit - led by Christopher George, Co-Founder and CEO, is the hub for subscription commerce enthusiasts.


SubSummit is the world's largest gathering for DTC subscription and membership brands. It brings together industry leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore the booming 2-trillion-dollar subscription industry. Whether you're already involved or looking to join, SubSummit is your go-to event for networking and learning in this thriving sector.


Learn more here: Subsummit

Planning engaging and informative content, promoting the live stream, engaging with the audience, showcasing products naturally, avoiding being overly salesy, and offering exclusive deals are crucial for success on TikTok Live.

In this episode, Jordan West shares his insights on the potential of TikTok live shopping and provides tips and best practices for effectively using this platform to engage with audiences and showcase products. Jordan brings his expertise to the forefront, offering valuable advice for leveraging TikTok Shop Live to drive business success.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Emphasizes the tremendous opportunity to make easy money by utilizing TikTok Shop Live Selling to promote your brand and product, with the potential to earn up to $1,000 an hour.
• TikTok Live Shopping offers real-time engagement with the audience, enabling instant purchases, and showcasing products in an authentic, unscripted manner, which helps in building trust and credibility.
• It's essential to continuously improve by learning what works, getting better, and cutting out dead spots, ultimately leading to better live streams and more effective product promotion.
• One does not need to be a Gen Z TikTok hero to succeed. Anyone, regardless of age or experience with TikTok, can leverage live streams to promote their products and reach a wider audience.

Recommended Tools/App:

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/

Growth Plan: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

Million Dollar Offers: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

In this episode's sponsor is Subsummit - led by Christopher George, Co-Founder and CEO, is the hub for subscription commerce enthusiasts.


SubSummit is the world's largest gathering for DTC subscription and membership brands. It brings together industry leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore the booming 2-trillion-dollar subscription industry. Whether you're already involved or looking to join, SubSummit is your go-to event for networking and learning in this thriving sector.


Learn more here: Subsummit

Emphasizing the importance of investing in data integrity, developing a stable sales funnel, and using intelligent ads to counter the impact of market forces.

In this episode, Jordan West and Charley T, founder of Disrupter School dig into the complexities of data integrity in marketing, the impact of customer lifetime value and customer loyalty, and the optimal ways to approach Facebook ads for sustainable growth. They explore the subtle nuances of performance marketing, unpacking the myths surrounding customer loyalty, and stressing the importance of understanding the "whys" behind marketing strategies.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Understanding data integrity is crucial for marketing, as focusing solely on efficiency without considering data integrity can lead to unstable cash flow for businesses.
• The 4 PI framework emphasizes a shift in understanding the marketing funnel, and the significance of organic content and customer-generated content in driving conversions.
• Customer loyalty may be considered a myth, and profitability often comes from second and third transactions, so focusing on the blended CPA for sustainable growth is important.
• Providing comprehensive education and offering master classes through platforms like Marketing Max, heat map, and Dora Denny can add value to businesses.
• Shifting the focus from just Facebook ads to offering proactive services to assist brands beyond advertising can have a positive impact on client discussions and the churn rate.

Recommended Tools/App:

Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/

Today’s Guest:

Charley Tichenor IV, the founder of Disrupter School and a seasoned media buyer with over a decade of experience. As an expert in marketing and data integrity, Charley delivers valuable insights into data-driven marketing strategies, addressing issues of data integrity, sustainable growth, and the impact of market forces on performance metrics. Charley T. is also connected to Disrupter School and is active on social media, offering comprehensive education and industry master classes through Marketing Max, heat map, and Dora Denny.

Connect and learn more about Charly T and Disrupter School:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleytichenoriv/

Website: https://www.thedisrupterschool.com/

Growth Plan: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

Million Dollar Offers: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

In this episode's sponsor is Subsummit - led by Christopher George, Co-Founder and CEO, is the hub for subscription commerce enthusiasts.


SubSummit is the world's largest gathering for DTC subscription and membership brands. It brings together industry leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore the booming 2-trillion-dollar subscription industry. Whether you're already involved or looking to join, SubSummit is your go-to event for networking and learning in this thriving sector.


Learn more here: Subsummit

Impact of TikTok Shops, influencer marketing, and building high-converting storefronts from challenges of justifying budget to the evolution of software that automates influencer relationships.

In this episode, Jordan West, Kenyon Brown, and Gary Garofalo are joined by CEOs from two leading companies, Loudcrowd and CreatorCommerce, as they discuss their innovative software solutions and the changing landscape of influencer marketing.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• The potential of influencer partnerships to drive sales through tailored website modes, particularly in different regions.
• The ease of access for creators to onboard and modify their products.
• The necessity of pairing CreatorCommerce with an affiliate platform and building high-converting storefronts, along with the willingness to partner with affiliate platforms.
• The importance of understanding and addressing shortcomings or areas where businesses do not currently serve.
• Leveraging software to automate influencer relationships and monetize creators at the bottom of the funnel.
• The alignment of landing pages with ads and the admiration for solutions offered by CreatorCommerce and LoudCrowd.

Recommended Podcast/Audiobook:
Molly Pittman: https://mollypittman.com/

Today’s Guest:

Gary Garofalo, Co-Founder & CEO, LoudCrowd, a company that has been in the influencer marketing business for about 5 years. He and his co-founder, who have been friends for 15 years, started the company to solve the problem of inauthentic partnerships in influencer marketing.

Connect and learn more about Gary and LoudCrowd:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyugc/

Website: https://loudcrowd.com/

Kenyon Brown, Co-Founder & CEO, CreatorCommerce, journey began at Tapcart, where he realized the importance of meeting customers where they are and understanding their needs. He saw a missing piece in the context of sales channels and worked to fill that gap. Although Tapcart didn't initially boast huge numbers, Kenyon's vision and hard work eventually contributed to its success, leading to impressive sales figures.

Connect and learn more about Kenyon and CreatorCommerce:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenyonb/

Website: https://creatorcommerce.shop/

Growth Plan: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

Million Dollar Offers: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

In this episode's sponsor is Subsummit - led by Christopher George, Co-Founder and CEO, is the hub for subscription commerce enthusiasts.


SubSummit is the world's largest gathering for DTC subscription and membership brands. It brings together industry leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore the booming 2-trillion-dollar subscription industry. Whether you're already involved or looking to join, SubSummit is your go-to event for networking and learning in this thriving sector.


Learn more here: Subsummit

Strategic guidance for maximizing your event presence, emphasizing the need for intentional networking, goal-driven approaches, and the art of fostering meaningful connections.

In this episode, Jordan West and Chris George, Co-Founder and CEO of SubSummit take a deep dive into the resurgence of events and the pivotal role they play in business growth. Through their engaging discussion, they explore the value of face-to-face interactions, networking, and the power of intentional connections at events. With a focus on collaboration, the importance of faith, and the impact of subscription models, this episode is packed with valuable insights for both brands and service providers in the e-commerce industry.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Shift from paying attention to competition to focusing on building one's own brand, emphasizing the importance of focusing on your own brand's growth rather than being overly concerned with competitors.
• The limitations of virtual meetings and the value of face-to-face interactions, encouraging attending events to network, build relationships, find solutions for business growth, and create partnerships.
• Attendees and solution providers are advised to approach events with specific goals and targets in mind, encouraging pre-event research and intentional networking as part of event preparation.

Recommended Podcast/Audiobook:

Modern Wisdom Podcast: https://chriswillx.com/podcast/

Seven Habits: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/

Blue Ocean Strategy: https://www.blueoceanstrategy.com/books/blue-ocean-strategy-book/

Today’s Guest:

Chris George, Co-Founder and CEO of SubSummit is an expert in the subscription industry, with a focus on the value of subscription models for both brands and service providers, emphasizing the importance of loyalty, membership, and subscription in building consumer relationships. With the rise of brands pivoting to subscription models, Chris and his team saw an opportunity to bring everyone together. After the challenges of COVID, Chris emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interaction, a lesson learned from the limitations of virtual meetings. He believes that nothing can replace the value of in-person connections and meaningful conversations.

Connect and learn more about Chris and SubSummit:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgcertified/

Website: https://subsummit.com/

In this episode's sponsor is Subsummit - led by Christopher George, Co-Founder and CEO, is the hub for subscription commerce enthusiasts.


SubSummit is the world's largest gathering for DTC subscription and membership brands. It brings together industry leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore the booming 2-trillion-dollar subscription industry. Whether you're already involved or looking to join, SubSummit is your go-to event for networking and learning in this thriving sector.


Learn more here: Subsummit

Concentrate on boosting sales for selected popular products through strategic ad campaigns, addressing potential influencer apprehensions and demonstrating market viability.

In this episode, Jordan West discusses the ins and outs of TikTok Shop and how it will impact the ecommerce market in the near future. He delves into the challenges and opportunities of getting a brand onto TikTok Shop, emphasizing the importance of meticulous preparation and the avoidance of shortcuts.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Understanding the potential impact of Meta rolling out the pixel for pixel copy in q3 this year and being prepared for the massive shift in the market.
• It takes a significant amount of time, effort, and paperwork to get a brand onto TikTok Shop, especially for supplement brands requiring certifications and approvals.
• The recommendation to avoid using the Shopify Connector and utilize AfterShip for better results to prevent potential issues and shutdowns.
• Influencers are more likely to engage with brands that already have sales. Boosting sales for the brand is crucial for establishing credibility.
• Starting with meta content, reusing successful content from TikTok itself, running Spark ads from the brand's page, and focusing on 3 to 5 top-selling products rather than the entire catalog.

Recommended Tools/App:

Aftership Feed: https://www.aftership.com/feed

Growth Plan: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

Million Dollar Offers: www.upgrowthcommerce.com/grow

In this episode's sponsor is Subsummit - led by Christopher George, Co-Founder and CEO, is the hub for subscription commerce enthusiasts.


SubSummit is the world's largest gathering for DTC subscription and membership brands. It brings together industry leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore the booming 2-trillion-dollar subscription industry. Whether you're already involved or looking to join, SubSummit is your go-to event for networking and learning in this thriving sector.


Learn more here: Subsummit

Turning mountains of collected data into actionable steps for effective decision-making in the e-commerce space. From optimizing customer acquisition funnels to dissecting the complexities of multi-touch attribution.

In this episode, Jordan West and JJ Reynolds, share valuable insights on actionable information, avoiding analysis paralysis, and the importance of centralizing data for strategic planning. The conversation also takes a personal turn, exploring the hobbies and interests of JJ, including his recent foray into e-bikes and his approach to team building.

Listen and learn in this episode!

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Efficiently acquiring new customers involves measuring the marketing efficiency ratio and analyzing customer lifetime value.
• Effective data management is crucial, including the centralization of data into a warehouse for better reporting and action planning across all departments.
• Setting clear expectations and comparing them with actual outcomes is important when analyzing data. Mapping out user journeys and aligning them with observed outcomes in the data is key for effective marketing strategies.
• The importance of taking action on data and iterating, rather than blindly copying what others are doing.

Recommended Tools/App:

Notion: https://www.notion.so/

ClickUp: https://clickup.com/

Asana: https://asana.com/

Monday: https://monday.com/

Slack: https://slack.com/

Triple Whale: https://www.triplewhale.com/

BigQuery: https://cloud.google.com/

Recommended Podcast/Audiobook:

The New One Minute Manager: https://www.kenblanchardbooks.com/book/the-new-one-minute-manager-6/

Today’s Guest:

JJ Reynolds, Founder of Vision Labs, is a seasoned professional in the world of ecommerce, lead generation, and SaaS. With a keen understanding of the importance of taking action on data, JJ specializes in managing data for clients with 7-9 figure businesses in ecommerce, lead generation, and SaaS. JJ's expertise lies in identifying the best ways to acquire customers, reporting on data effectively, and taking strategic action to drive results.

Connect and learn more about JJ and Vision Labs:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjreynoldsjr/

Website: https://visionlabs.com/

In this episode's sponsor is Subsummit - led by Christopher George, Co-Founder and CEO, is the hub for subscription commerce enthusiasts.


SubSummit is the world's largest gathering for DTC subscription and membership brands. It brings together industry leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore the booming 2-trillion-dollar subscription industry. Whether you're already involved or looking to join, SubSummit is your go-to event for networking and learning in this thriving sector.


Learn more here: Subsummit