Operators

In this episode, the Operators dive deep into omnichannel strategy, starting with the lingering debate: should your brand be on Amazon? The hosts break down the pros of incrementality and meeting customers where they are. Versus the cons of price wars, channel conflict, and the platform's brand-unfriendly nature. The discussion then shifts to the high-stakes game of wholesale, weighing the rel...

Brought to you by Applovin. Get access to the Operators channel expansion playbook, online masterclass, and up to $5k in ad credits. https://9operators.com/applovin Or, skip the waitlist and launch your AppLovin ads today with our Operators-exclusive link: https://applovin.com/9operators Founder anxiety. Sleepless nights. Standing on the brink of bankruptcy. Anyone who’s put their own chip on the...

In this episode, the Operators dive deep into the realities of business planning and what happens when things inevitably go off track. They discuss the necessity of formalizing operations as you scale, using frameworks like EOS for quarterly planning and setting OKRs. The hosts share tough lessons on why forecasts are always wrong , the three main reasons plans fail (bad goals, poor execution, or...

In this episode, we sit down with Bill and Josh from Baseball Lifestyle to unpack their incredible growth story, from a high school Instagram account to a projected $150 million business. They share the secrets behind their success, including the power of niching down in a passionate community and the relentless consistency of posting content for years to build an audience. We dive deep into their...

Brought to you by Applovin. Get access to the Operators channel expansion playbook, online masterclass, and up to $5k in ad credits. https://9operators.com/applovin Or, skip the waitlist and launch your AppLovin ads today with our Operators-exclusive link: https://applovin.com/9operators Jack Gia shares his expansive journey from enterprise technology to investing to founding Muesly, a prescriptio...

What's it like to build the fastest-growing company in American history... and then watch it all come crashing down? We sat down with John Hefter, co-founder of the legendary Amazon aggregator Thrasio, for a brutally honest conversation about the company's wild ride from a multi-billion dollar unicorn to bankruptcy. John takes us from the very beginning, launching from a co-founder's b...

What is the future of e-commerce? In this episode, the Operators tackle the biggest questions facing brands today. We explore the rise of "Agentic Commerce" and the concept of the "Me Store". A future where personal AI assistants curate and conduct our shopping, potentially replacing the traditional e-commerce storefront as we know it. The conversation then dives deep into one of the most critical...

Brought to you by Applovin . Get access to the Operators channel expansion playbook, online masterclass, and up to $5k in ad credits. https://9ops.co/channels Or, skip the waitlist and launch your AppLovin ads today with our Operators-exclusive link: https://applovin.com/9operators Hosts Matthew Bertulli and Sean Frank go behind-the-scenes with Katy Mimari, founder and CEO of +$100M baby brand Cad...

This conversation explores the dynamics of remote and hybrid work models, the impact of company culture on brand identity, and the generational differences in workplace engagement. The speakers discuss the importance of flexibility, accountability, and how to navigate controversies within brand communities. They emphasize that a strong culture can enhance brand performance and that the future of w...

In this episode, the Operators break down how to build a world-class product development organization. They dive into how to structure your product team and debate who should own the process from idea to launch. They also tackle the classic question of whether your strategy should be marketing-led or product-led. Drawing from their own expensive mistakes and huge successes, the hosts share hard-wo...

In this episode of the Operators Podcast, Krishna Poda, CEO of Saras Analytics, joins the hosts to break down the tangible ways AI is revolutionizing business operations. The conversation moves beyond the hype to explore how companies are leveraging artificial intelligence for significant productivity gains across various departments. They discuss the foundational importance of creating a centrali...

In this conversation, Arash discusses his extensive experience in finance, particularly in private equity and M&A, drawing parallels between the current economic climate and the 2008 recession. He highlights the challenges faced by companies today, including the rise of 'zombie companies' that thrived on easy capital but now struggle with profitability. The discussion also covers the c...

In this episode, entrepreneur Pete details the complex and risky strategy behind scaling his two nine-figure companies, Jocko Fuel and Origin, at the same time. He reveals how for years he used the high-margin cash flow from his successful supplement partnership with Jocko Willink to fund a seemingly impossible dream: a vertically-integrated, "Made in America" manufacturing operation. This synergy...

In this episode, the hosts explore the foundational financial strategies that underpin 8 and 9-figure e-commerce success. Drawing questions directly from the eCommerceFuel community, the hosts pull back the curtain on their distinct approaches to financial planning, forecasting, and capital allocation. The discussion navigates the complexities of annual budgeting, the critical decisions behind rei...

In this episode, the hosts discuss the upcoming Q4, focusing on predictions, market challenges, and strategies for Black Friday. They delve into the impact of tariffs on pricing and supply chains, the importance of value engineering, and the necessity of optimizing inventory. The conversation also highlights the significance of creative investment in marketing and the need for effective audience e...

In this episode the hosts interview Jacques, CEO of Raindrop Agency, discussing the agency's journey. Particularly their work with Dr. Squatch, which grew from a $3 million company to a billion-dollar sale. They explore the dynamics of creative advertising, the importance of storytelling, and the agency's unique approach to brand campaigns. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in creati...

In this conversation, Chad Janis shares his journey from investment banking to entrepreneurship, detailing his experiences in the consumer goods sector and the founding of Grüns. He discusses the importance of understanding consumer behavior, managing customer acquisition costs, and the challenges of scaling operations. Chad emphasizes the significance of team culture and the need for innovation i...

This week on the Operators Podcast, Olivia Kory from Haus joins the hosts to talk about incrementality in digital advertising, particularly focusing on Meta's role and effectiveness. Olivia shares insights from over 640 incrementality tests, revealing how Meta ads significantly impact business performance. The conversation also touches on the challenges of measuring organic demand, the importance...

In this episode of the Operators Podcast, the hosts discuss various topics including the current trends in M&A, particularly focusing on minority deals and the role of private equity. They delve into the importance of understanding deal structures, the significance of brand age in valuation, and provide practical tips for navigating the deal process. The conversation emphasizes the need for bu...

00:00 Introduction 11:12 Starting from Scratch: Building a $100 Million Brand 16:59 Choosing the Right Category for Success 22:34 Product Development: Better vs. Different 28:21 Marketing Strategies for New Brands 30:06 The Importance of Distribution and Marketing Strategies 33:21 Understanding Capital Requirements for Consumer Brands 37:31 Navigating the Challenges of Starting a Brand 40:39 Build...

In this episode, Sean and Matt discuss the significance of soft skills in business and leadership. They explore how being likable and developing interpersonal skills can lead to greater financial success and better workplace relationships. The conversation also touches on personal experiences, career reflections, and the importance of networking in achieving business goals. 00:00 Introduction 07:2...

This week, the Operators are joined by Mehtab Karta, to discuss hiring strategies, remote work dynamics, product development, compensation philosophy, and market dynamics. The hosts share insights on the importance of hiring A-players, and the challenges of remote work. They also discuss strategies for smoothing revenue through product development and the significance of having a clear compensatio...

In this episode, the Operators Hosts interview Pete from Origin, who shares his inspiring journey of building a manufacturing business in the USA. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the importance of partnerships, and the evolving landscape of American manufacturing. The episode also touches on the lessons learned from failures and the necessity of adapti...

In this episode of the Operators Podcast, the discussion revolves around the critical role of product in brand strategy and the importance of understanding consumer behavior in product development. The conversation highlights the shift from commodity to brand focus in various industries, emphasizing the need for remarkable products that stand out in a crowded market. Additionally, the use of data...

Disclaimer: Meta participated as a guest on this podcast episode, However, Meta does not endorse or sponsor this podcast, its content, or any of its commercial partners or sponsors. Any views expressed are those of the individual participants and do not represent the views of Meta. In this conversation, the hosts have a conversation with Yoni at the Meta Summit about Meta's advertising strateg...