Sean Frank, Mike Beckham, Matt Bertulli, and Jason Panzer

Operators

Business EN ↓ 234 episodes

In the world of ecommerce, a legendary text group is rumored to hold the secrets to unimaginable success. The catch? You must have nine figures in revenue to gain entry. The world’s biggest brands have denied its existence for years, until now. Four titans known as the “Operators” are leaking the secret contents in an effort to share its wealth of knowledge with people like you. Sean Frank (CEO, Ridge), Jason Panzer (President, HexClad), Mike Beckham (CEO, Simple Modern) & Matt Bertulli (Founder, Pela Case x Lomi).

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: 9operators.com

Author

Sean Frank, Mike Beckham, Matt Bertulli, and Jason Panzer

Category

Business

Podcast website

9operators.com

Latest episode

Nov 11, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android almost 10M downloads · 4.7+ rating iOS soon

Episodes

E130: How to get your brand AI ready 09.09.2025

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...

E129: Confessions of a Consumer Banker 03.09.2025

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...

E128: Building Two Brands: Jocko Fuel and Origin 27.08.2025

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...

E127: The Real Cost of Chasing Growth 20.08.2025

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...

E126: Black Friday 2025 13.08.2025

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...

E125: Bold Creative Wins Where Budgets Can’t 06.08.2025

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...

E124: Winning Big In Consumer With Grüns' Founder Chad Janis 30.07.2025

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...

E123: The Meta Incrementality Report: Lessons from 640 Haus Experiments 23.07.2025

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...

E122: Selling Your Business 16.07.2025

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...

E121: Building a $100M Brand. AGAIN. 09.07.2025

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...

E120: How being likeable can make you rich. 02.07.2025

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...

E119: "You’re losing $20 million a year... and don’t know your LTV?” 25.06.2025

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...

E118: ADHD, Maine, and Muscle: Building Origin USA & Jocko Fuel 18.06.2025

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...

E117: How do you really define brand? 11.06.2025

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...

Bonus Episode: 9 Operators X Meta Summit 07.06.2025

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...

E116: AI Is Rewriting Our Playbook 04.06.2025

In this episode of the Operators Podcast, the hosts discuss the current challenges in the e-commerce landscape, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and efficiency in operations. They explore the role of AI in transforming business practices and enhancing productivity. The conversation also touches on headcount management, the dynamics of employment, and the significance of performance in a...

E115: Opportunities in India with Ronnie Teja. 28.05.2025

In this episode of the Operators Podcast, the hosts discuss the current economic challenges facing e-commerce brands, the importance of personal discipline, and the complexities of the Indian market. They are joined by Ronnie Teja to explore the growth potential in India, the unique challenges of manufacturing there, and the cultural nuances that influence consumer behavior. The conversation highl...

E114: Sean's Back in the Green + Market Insights, Future Commerce Tech, Dynamic Budgeting & More 21.05.2025

In this episode of the Operators Podcast, the hosts discuss various themes surrounding market insights, personal trading experiences, and the current economic climate affecting e-commerce brands. They delve into data-driven marketing strategies, particularly focusing on the innovative view-through attribution methods being implemented by Northbeam. The conversation emphasizes the importance of key...

E113: £500M Exit. Behind The Curtain With Petfolk Founder Mike Wystrach. 14.05.2025

In this episode of the Operators Podcast, Mike shares his journey from founding Freshly, a meal delivery service sold to Nestle, to his current ventures in the veterinary space and venture capital. He discusses the challenges of the current economic climate for e-commerce brands, the naivety required for founders to disrupt markets, and the importance of operational efficiency. Mike also emphasize...

E112: How US Trade Policy Could Shape The Future Of Our Brands 07.05.2025

In this episode, the hosts discuss the complexities of global trade, the significance of modern ERP systems for businesses, and the emotional challenges faced by entrepreneurs during business exits. The conversation highlights the current tariff landscape and the opportunities that arise amidst supply chain disruptions, emphasizing the need for effective negotiation and understanding of retailer d...

E111: Borrelli and Panzer Talk Tariffs. 05.05.2025

In this conversation, Jason sits down with Stephen Borrelli to discuss the current economic climate affecting e-commerce brands, the implications of tariffs, and insights from Jason's recent trip to China. They explore the challenges of manufacturing, the evolution of quality in production, and the formidable industrial power of China. The discussion highlights the urgency for businesses to ad...

E110: Good Businesses Are Bought, Not Sold. 30.04.2025

In this episode, the hosts discuss various challenges and strategies in the e-commerce landscape, focusing on economic factors such as tariffs, consumer sentiment, and advertising strategies. They explore the importance of inventory management, the impact of competition on margins, and the role of AI in enhancing business operations. Additionally, they delve into customer insights, sustainability...

E109: Will Sold 100 Million Protein Bars 23.04.2025

In this episode the Operators interview Will Nitze, the founder of IQ Bar, a rapidly growing nutrition bar company. They discuss Will's journey from the software industry to launching IQ Bar, the challenges of introducing a consumable product, and the impact of market dynamics such as cocoa prices on business operations. The conversation also delves into the current state of the CPG industry, inve...

E108: The SMS Kingpin 18.04.2025

In this episode, Sean and Jason speak with Alex Beller from Postscript, discussing the evolution of SMS marketing, the competitive landscape, and the future of messaging technology. They explore the challenges and opportunities in the e-commerce space, particularly focusing on the role of AI and the importance of effective communication strategies as Postscript scales its operations. 00:00 Introdu...

E107: Tips for Impending Doom 16.04.2025

In this episode of the Operators Podcast, the hosts discuss the challenges of navigating chaos and uncertainty in the current economic climate. They explore strategies for managing inventory, cutting costs, and adapting to market changes while emphasizing the importance of personal growth during difficult times. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to make informed decisions amidst unp...

Listen to the Operators podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.