The FAM Podcast with Mark Kinsley

A sumo wrestler doing a Michael Jordan dunk. That's the cover of Jon Spoelstra's book: Marketing Outrageously REDUX .  Dos Marcos have both read the book, used its insights, and had it on their shelves for years. It was an honor having on the show the former General Manager of the Portland Trailblazers, President of the New York Nets, and renowned author. He's famous for using a rubber chickens in...

Let's start in San Francisco where Michael Magnuson, CEO of  GoodBed.com, found himself under a shelter in place mandate. He wrote a catchy song and rallied his family to make a music video. That led to a song number two, a country diddy called " Stay at Home ."  Artwork has flowed from paint brushes. Landscaping projects in backyards across the world have blossomed to life. Kids are cooking for t...

First of all, thanks to Jeff Scheuer, America's Beducator and owner of Mattress to Go , for the face masks—err, sleep masks (dual-purpose).  On this episode, we talk about how mattress retailers are evolving. The "appointment" model is taking hold. Doorstep delivery is now a thing. There's talk about protective equipment to cover each mattress during rest tests.  For those with a cart feature on t...

As a boy, James Perez's father drove a flat bed pick up door-to-door selling mattress. James road shotgun and gleaned countless lessons from his old man. Like the time as a teen when James wasn't getting sales for his lawn mowing business. I told dad, "I need a different neighborhood. Nobody's buying." His dad used that challenge to teach his son how to bring his personal story to life and bring p...

A scary trend has emerged. Business leaders are navigating uncertainty and searching for help. They're asking friends and family for advice. Or seeking answers from other business owners. They're often getting incorrect information that's potentially damaging.  As you navigate government programs to keep your business alive, you need expert guidance. Not hearsay.  In this episode Mike Whitaker wit...

Many mattress stores are closed, or at a minimum, adjusting business practices to comply with social distancing and shelter-in-place mandates.  As a mattress retailer, what should you be doing right now? How should you invest your time? Jennifer Danko is the Vice President of Technology for Nationwide Marketing Group and the founder of Site on Time .  Jennifer has tips on how to invest your time a...

Responses to the coronavirus pandemic are widespread. Mattress factories are shutting down. Retailers have closed stores. Some suppliers are stopping production on raw materials.  In this episode, Dos Marcos talk about the responses from the mattress industry. We're working to keep the you connected and informed during this difficult time.  To keep tabs on what's happening with members, Nationwide...

The city of San Francisco has been on lockdown for more than a week. Non-essential businesses are closed. The tech capital has implemented a mandated work from home policy. Many people in the service industry have already lost their jobs.  Residents are adjusting to a new reality that allows dog walking and ordering takeout food, but doesn't allow going to a hair salon or playing frisbee.   Living...

Coronavirus concerns are crippling the global economy and causing major disruptions in business.  We can't choose the circumstances, but we can choose how we respond. So, what are some positive steps you can take in an environment filled with uncertainty? Jeff Rose from Nationwide Marketing Group joined Dos Marcos to talk about how they're serving members and responding to the conditions the coron...

The International Sleep Products Association cancelled ISPA Expo 2020 due to reduced attendance stemming from coronavirus concerns. What does the fear and uncertainty mean for those in the mattress business?  Meanwhile, Art Van is facing its own form of sickness. The retailer has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  Thank you to our headline sponsor  Nationwide Marketing Group . As a member of Nationwide...

Over the past few weeks, Mark and Mark have spoken to dozens of mattress store owners.  They noticed two major themes: Finding good employees is tough. Developing employees into leaders is difficult.  With those challenges in mind, Dos Marcos outlined a playbook for attracting good employees, creating a winning culture, and developing leadership in your organization.  Begin with why. Become a magn...

Mattress Mack took the stage at Nationwide's Primetime event in Houston, Texas. He told stories about meeting Donald Trump, being relevant in the age of mobile phones, and praying with customers in their homes. Dos Marcos reflected on Jim McIngvale's words of wisdom and warning to those in the room.  Here are notes from Mack's session:  Above all else, customers want convenience. How do I turn tho...

Dos Marcos made their second appearance on stage at Nationwide's Primetime event. There was a bigfoot DJ, Chad Fischer wrangling the beast, all-white clothing, rapping, and two giant gold chains.  All that happened before the speech officially started.  A HUGE thanks to the amazing team at Nationwide, Astronaut Mike Massimino, Mattress Mac, all the Nationwide members who welcomed us, Harry Roberts...

Casper announced plans to take the company public. Shortly after the D2C mattress company released its S-1 the projected valuation dropped. And dropped again. With opening share prices at $12, the value of the the self-proclaimed "unicorn" was slashed to less than $500 million. The investment community appears to be questioning the viability of a company that is projected to lose more than $90 and...

Tempur+Sealy International recently announced it would purchase 80% of Sherwood, a mattress manufacturer focused on the private label programs and a large supplier to Mattress Firm. Quinn and Kinsley break down the news and talk about what it means for TSI, Sherwood, and the industry.  On the heels of a wild Las Vegas Market, Kinsley tells the story of Englander's 47-foot banner that was banned. W...

BOPIS is going to impact your business. What does it stand for and how can you take advantage of this top retail trend? Also, what might the second-hand market do to the furniture business?  Dos Marcos break it down and tell you about other retail trends trickling toward sleep shops and the furniture industry.  What trends are you seeing? Tell us in the comments at MattressPodcast.com or on our Fa...

You're heading to Las Vegas Market and hoping to get the most out of the experience. We get it.  Mark and Mark deliver some tips on getting around, having fun, and gaining an edge for your business.  Be sure to join us for the Dos Marcos Listeners Meet Up.  Click here to RSVP .  Dos Marcos Listeners Meet Up When: 3:30 p.m., Monday Jan. 27, 2020 Where: C1596, Englander's Showroom What: Hang out, ha...

Consumer Reports tested and compared a $249 AmazonBasics mattress to a Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze. The AmazonBasics won. How does this happen? What does it mean for the mattress industry and for consumers?  Is there a flaw in Consumer Reports' testing protocol? Is it wrong to tell people which bed will best conform to their bodies when comfort is subjective?  To us, it appears Consumer Reports is tes...

In this Season 5 kick-off to 2020, Dos Marcos sit down with Jesse Cole , owner of the Savannah Bananas .  He wears a yellow tuxedo. His players dance and go on dates during games. Parking penguins. Grandma beauty pageants. A breakdancing first base coach. It's all part of the Savannah Bananas "Fans First" experience.  Jesse shares his family's amazing story and delivers a clear message: if busines...

In this year end episode, Dos Marcos reflect on some of their favorite moments and lessons learned.  They talk about setting goals and how to make them manageable.  We are incredibly grateful for you. Thank you for listening to the show, sending us messages, sharing our podcast with colleagues, and making this a great industry. You are amazing.  Thank you to our headline sponsor  Nationwide Market...

Four casinos closed in 90 days. All located in the same county. Gambling was the backbone of the local economy. Almost overnight that engine sputtered to a violent halt.  Michael Grossman is the President of Kensington Furniture in Northfield, New Jersey. What did he do when the casinos closed, jobs evaporated, and the circumstances for a local furniture store looked dire? He did what anyone would...

Did you read the article about people gaming the online mattress company return policies? They're sending the bed back within the 100 night (or 365 night) sleep trial and snagging another from a competing brand.  The Dos Duo also talk about the flaws of customer experience and where to uncover pain points you can design a better experience around. Hint: reddit.com/r/mattress .  Also, want an exclu...

For nearly two years, Kinsley slept on an old prototype mattress. It was way, way too firm. Good components. Durable. But not a suitable design for him and his wife.  Why did he wait so long to upgrade? How has it impacted his life and what lessons can you learn about your consumers who are facing a mattress purchase?  This episode is a wake up call for everyone in the mattress industry.  Thank yo...

Did Black Friday sales numbers disappoint? Good news: there's another holiday coming up you can turn into buying season. Christmas!  Quinn and Kinsley do a LIVE brainstorm to come up with ideas on how retailers can hitch a ride on Santa's sleigh and do some serious selling.  Also, what is Mukbang? It's random, but you'll find out.  Thank you to our headline sponsor  Nationwide Marketing Group . As...

It’s nothing new. Mattresses have been on shelves next to some strange items over the years. But what happens when mattresses are sold everywhere. How do brands battle the commoditization of the category? Is it better to be visible in nearly every channel, or protect the brand and build value with consumers? Dos Marcos digs in. Did you hear PureCare is offering Dos Marcos listeners 30% off opening...