Checkin to Checkout

Justin Aronstein

We tell the stories of e-commerce leaders and let them explain how they got where they are, and where they think e-commerce is going in the next 12 months. In every episode, we uncover something that only this e-commerce leader can explain

  1. Why Every Brand Should Be Working With Amazon in Some Way - Giovanni Papini

    2D AGO · VIDEO

    Why Every Brand Should Be Working With Amazon in Some Way - Giovanni Papini

    The Future of Amazon E-commerce and Digital Strategy with Giovanni Papini In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of Amazon e-commerce, innovative strategies for brands, and the impact of AI on marketing. Giovanni Papini, an expert in Amazon marketplace dynamics from Milan, provides a sharp insights into how brands can strategically leverage Amazon and adapt to technological shifts. Want any help Personalizing Every Customer Touchpoin? Check out ⁠https://Mobile1st.com⁠. Interested in talking to Justin or getting on the show, find him on Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinaronstein/⁠ Main insights include: The importance of balancing operational know-how with strategic vision on Amazon, especially regarding choosing between 1P, 3P, or hybrid models. How data-driven ecosystems and long-term vision are crucial for brands to succeed in Amazon’s complex environment. The cultural and regulatory differences between European and American markets, especially concerning health and consumer brands. The critical role of content and reviews in shaping brand reputation and consumer trust on Amazon. The potential of AI and LLMs to transform customer engagement, advertising, and product discovery, with an emphasis on bringing meaning and differentiation to digital marketing strategies. Practical steps for brands entering Amazon, from leveraging infrastructure without immediate sales to phased experimentation and brand extension. Final takeaway: Success in Amazon today demands strategic clarity, mastery of data ecosystems, and agility in adopting AI-powered marketing tools. Brands that bring authentic meaning and differentiate effectively will thrive in this evolving digital landscape. Chapters (00:00:03) - ECommerce Growth Podcast(00:01:34) - How to Win on Amazon(00:06:54) - Philip Morris: How to Win on Amazon(00:13:31) - Should Brands Integrate with Amazon?(00:17:07) - The challenge of e-commerce in consumer healthcare(00:23:08) - Healthcare in Europe vs the US(00:26:35) - Pharmacies and the Omnichannel(00:29:23) - Marketing 360: The Future of AI

    37 min
  2. Why Differentiation is all that Matters Right Now - Andrew Horwat

    FEB 18 · VIDEO

    Why Differentiation is all that Matters Right Now - Andrew Horwat

    In this conversation, Andrew Horwat shares valuable insights into the world of e-commerce, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, testing, and understanding consumer needs. He discusses the structure of his team, the significance of resonance over reach in marketing, and the challenges of navigating brand guidelines. Andrew also reflects on learning from failures, the critical role of differentiation in a competitive market, and the future opportunities in e-commerce. He concludes with personal reading recommendations that inspire his work. Want any help improving Revenue Per Visitor? Check out https://Mobile1st.com. Interested in talking to Justin or getting on the show, find him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinaronstein/ Takeaways Andrew oversees a lean team managing digital content for retail partners. Collaboration across divisions is crucial for generating new ideas. Testing and experimentation help validate gut feelings in marketing. Resonance over reach is a key marketing principle. Understanding consumer insights is essential for effective marketing. Learning from failures is a vital part of growth. Differentiation is more important than ever in e-commerce. The unfiltered voice of the consumer is invaluable for insights. Brand guidelines can be tested but should not be broken. Reading and continuous learning are important for personal and professional development.

    41 min
  3. The Future of E-commerce | Andrew Mosko

    FEB 4 · VIDEO

    The Future of E-commerce | Andrew Mosko

    In this conversation, Andrew Mosko, Director of D2C and Digital at Throne Sport Coffee, shares insights into his role overseeing digital commerce and marketing strategies. He discusses the evolution of e-commerce, the importance of agency support, and the lessons learned from failures in the industry. The conversation also delves into the impact of AI on consumer behavior, the significance of effective communication within teams, and innovative marketing strategies that leverage consumer psychology. Andrew emphasizes the need for storytelling in e-commerce and shares his current focus on understanding human decision-making processes. Want any help improving Revenue Per Visitor? Check out https://Mobile1st.com. Interested in talking to Justin or getting on the show, find him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinaronstein/ Takeaways: Agency support is crucial for managing digital marketing efforts. Failures in e-commerce are common and provide valuable learning experiences. Effective communication is essential for team dynamics and project success. AI is changing the landscape of consumer behavior and marketing strategies. E-commerce strategies must adapt to shifts in consumer engagement. Understanding human psychology can enhance marketing effectiveness. Storytelling is vital for connecting with consumers on product pages. Testing emerging channels can lead to innovative marketing opportunities. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to success in e-commerce.

    34 min
  4. Navigating Team Dynamics in E-commerce | Kasey Wiese

    JAN 21 · VIDEO

    Navigating Team Dynamics in E-commerce | Kasey Wiese

    In this conversation, Kasey Wiese, the Director of E-commerce at Liberty Safe, shares insights into her role and the challenges of leading an e-commerce team. She discusses the importance of prioritization, delegation, and emotional resilience in leadership. Kasey emphasizes the need for a culture of experimentation and the complexities of personalization in e-commerce. She also reflects on the stress of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the significance of trust and communication in leadership, and the value of implementing best practices from the Baymard Institute. Kasey's experiences highlight the evolving landscape of e-commerce and the continuous learning required to succeed in this field. Want any help improving Revenue Per Visitor? Check out https://Mobile1st.com Interested in talking to Justin or getting on the show, find him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinaronstein/ Takeaways Kasey Wiese is focused on growing e-commerce at Liberty Safe. Prioritization is key in leadership roles, focusing on controllable factors. Delegation depends on the touch required for each role. In-house development can be more efficient during critical times. Emotional resilience is crucial in handling failures and mistakes. Creating a culture of experimentation is essential for growth. Personalization in e-commerce can be tricky and often misapplied. Black Friday and Cyber Monday present unique challenges for e-commerce leaders. Trust and communication are vital for effective leadership. Implementing best practices from Baymard can significantly improve user experience.

    37 min
  5. How to Strategically Scale Your E-commerce Business | Garrett Peters

    JAN 13 · VIDEO

    How to Strategically Scale Your E-commerce Business | Garrett Peters

    This is the first episode of Season 2. Episodes in season 2 will be released weekly and will be 30 minutes long. In this episode, Garrett Peters, CEO and co-founder of Duncan and Stone Paper Company, shares insights into his daily responsibilities, the challenges of running an e-commerce business, and the lessons learned from failures. He discusses the importance of breaking down new tasks into manageable steps, the significance of building a strong team, and the strategies for future growth, including influencer marketing and optimizing Amazon sales. Want help hitting your 2026 goals by increasing revenue per visitor? Checkout Mobile1st.com. Takeaways The role of a CEO involves wearing many hats and handling various tasks. Finding joy in unexpected aspects of the job can lead to personal growth. Breaking down new challenges into smaller steps is crucial for success. Learning from failures is an essential part of the entrepreneurial journey. E-commerce requires more time and energy than initially anticipated. Building a team that works on their passions can enhance productivity. Outsourcing tasks can free up time for more critical responsibilities. I Influencer marketing is becoming increasingly important for brand growth. Intentionality in marketing strategies can lead to better results. - Understanding the business's financial health is vital for future planning. Chapters (00:00:00) - Ecommerce Growth Podcast(00:00:47) - How to Be a CEO of a Startup e-Commerce Company(00:01:53) - Is there any part of your job you feel like you maybe would(00:03:17) - President and CEO: Newness(00:03:37) - How To Start a New Business?(00:07:28) - Duncan and Stone: Becoming an Amazon Company(00:08:33) - How To Start a Business in E-Commerce(00:10:45) - Sen. Rand Paul on Momentum(00:11:44) - Duncan & Stone: On Paid Media, SEO & Influencer(00:14:58) - The Importance of Controlling the Business(00:18:48) - A Few Thoughts On Starting a Business(00:22:44) - TikTok, Amazon: Where Are You Going?(00:23:52) - Marketing Executive on Facebook Paid Media(00:24:56) - TikTok Shop: Best Influencer Marketing Strategy(00:27:35) - How to Manage a Small Business

    31 min
  6. Building a Golf Community through E-commerce - Jonah Redel-Traub

    JAN 7 · VIDEO

    Building a Golf Community through E-commerce - Jonah Redel-Traub

    In this conversation, Jonah, the director of commerce and growth at ProShop, discusses his role in building a golf community through e-commerce and content marketing. He shares insights on team structure, customer acquisition, and the challenges of navigating social media platforms like TikTok. Jonah emphasizes the importance of storytelling in brand building, the complexities of attribution reporting, and the impact of AI on the future of e-commerce. He also reflects on personal experiences with failures, setting boundaries, and the significance of clear communication within an organization. Want help growing RPV, checkout Mobile1st.com. Takeaways Jonah is the director of commerce and growth for ProShop, focusing on e-commerce in the golf industry. ProShop aims to build a large golf audience through content and commerce. The e-commerce team operates like an internal agency to incubate brands. TikTok is a growing channel, but the price point for golf products is high. Attribution reporting can be misleading; focus on customer acquisition instead. Customer insights are gathered through direct feedback from a dedicated community. Storytelling is crucial for building a strong brand connection. Failures in e-commerce are common, but personal growth is more significant. Clear communication of e-commerce metrics is essential for stakeholder buy-in. AI is transforming the e-commerce landscape, allowing for rapid implementation of ideas. Chapters (00:00:00) - ECommerce Growth Podcast(00:02:18) - Golf Brand Ambassador on Content First(00:03:38) - Golf Star on His Love of the Game(00:04:29) - What's Your ECommerce Team Look Like?(00:06:55) - Is TikTok the Right Channel for E-Commerce?(00:11:35) - Finding New Insights About Sugarloaf Social Club(00:15:58) - Have You Had Any Failures While At Shopify?(00:18:28) - How to Deal with Ridiculous Ideas(00:20:20) - Have You Had To Fight A Facebook Ad Fire?(00:25:16) - How do you communicate the intricacies of ECommerce to the Channel(00:28:14) - How to Train an E-Commerce Native Employee(00:31:23) - What Would You Do If You Didn't Work in E-Commerce(00:36:00) - How Shopify Is Advancing AI in E-Commerce(00:38:43) - GEO vs SEO: How Will GEO Differ(00:40:41) - How to Get Smarter on Twitter

    43 min

About

We tell the stories of e-commerce leaders and let them explain how they got where they are, and where they think e-commerce is going in the next 12 months. In every episode, we uncover something that only this e-commerce leader can explain