Up Next In Commerce

After more than two-and-a-half years and nearly 300 episodes of uninterrupted commerce content, we’re taking a brief pause. Stephanie and the team behind Up Next in Commerce is busy cooking up some fun and exciting ideas for our next season of the show, and while that’s happening, we’ll be pushing pause on releasing new episodes. But we’ll be back, and we want to hear from you about what you want to see and hear when we return! So get in touch by emailing info@mission.org. And in the meantime, you can keep up with Stephanie by listening to the Mission Daily podcast! Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Sustainability and consciousness are often seen as buzzwords coming from ecommerce companies. But for those who build their businesses around doing right in the world, these terms are nothing short of foundational. In this episode, Jeff Scult, founder of sustainable retailer One Golden Thread, discusses how his company gives more back to nature then it takes to create products in the company’s wildly popular clothing line.Tune in to learn:0:00 Episode start6:51 The rise of consciousness among consumers10:14 The origin of One Golden Thread14:41 The inspiration for the company’s process and design37:39 What it means to be truly sustainableMentions:AdidasAvery DennisonNASATED TalksBurning ManDave ZebrowskiRosario DawsonKellogg’sUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Although it may seem like Chomps has been an overnight success, behind the scenes there has been a lot of hard work, risky bets, and beneficial partnerships that has helped elevate the brand. On this episode, Pete Maldonado, the Co-founder and CEO of Chomps and Stacy Hartnett, the Vice President, E-Commerce & Marketing at Chomps, discuss how the company was bootstrapped, and how it has scaled through both retail and online platforms.Tune in to learn:The beginnings of Chomps (2:00)The timeline of success (5:45)Lessons learned after getting into Trader Joe’s (13:30)How and why Stacey came on board (15:00)Creating an appetite for risky bets (21:20)Identifying the right platforms (23:00)Contrarian ideas or data to track (31:20)Mentions:Tim Ferris/Noah Kagan blogUncrate.comUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Before she became the VP of Ecommerce and Marketing at Pharmaca, Elizabeth Garry cut her teeth in the digital and marketing world at brands such as Wayfair, Walmart, and Camping World. In this episode, Liz shares with us the lessons she’s learned along the way, including how to vet a potential manager to see whether they have your best interests at heart, and what it looks like to create success as a team.Tune in to learn:Liz’s background and her pivot to ecommerce (2:20)Learning directly from the Wayfair founders  (5:30)How to vet a potential manager (12:25)Creating success with your team (22:15)What is Pharmica? (30:00)Creating a digital journey that helps customers (34:45)Predictions for 2023 (38:00)Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

When a company is as large as AT&T and has a legacy that dates back nearly 150 years, you might think that it’s difficult for the brand to adapt and innovate. Maryanne Cheung, the VP of ecommerce at AT&T, is here to tell you you’re wrong. On this episode, she details all the ways that AT&T has been able to change with the times in order to serve today’s more digitally-focused customers. Tune in to learn:How AT&T evaluates change (3:00)Small bets that have made a big impact (5:00)The omnichannel mix at AT&T (9:50)Some predictions for the next five years (14:45)Outside of customer service, how does AT&T separate itself from competitors? (19:45)What is the future of call centers? (28:45)What keeps work exciting? (38:45)Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

The DTC world is forever shifting and evolving. Staying on top of changing trends and best practices takes work. We try to make that easier for you by sharing insights from experts throughout the industry. Today, we’re doubling our efforts by speaking with fellow podcast host Eric Dyck, who is the founder and CEO of DTC Newsletter and host of DTC Podcast. Eric shares his latest findings and gives some tips on how to win with newsletters and content marketing.Tune in to learn:How Eric got into the DTC space (2:00)Winning with your newsletters (6:20)How to stand out when everyone is moving in the same direction (9:50)The role AI will play for brands moving forward (15:20)The challenges companies face in 2023 (26:00)Mentions:DTC EventsMidday Squares episode of Up Next in CommerceUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Shinola is a lifestyle brand that partners with family businesses and iconic brands to showcase a wide range of American-designed products. Which means the company has to know how (and where) to continually reach all segments of an ever-growing audience. Joel Layton, the VP, Head of Ecommerce, Digital & Marketing for Shinola discusses what that looks like.Tune in to learn:Are we in a DTC vs retail world? (6:30)Enacting a test and learn strategy (9:35)Going all-in on TikTok (12:55)Thinking ahead for the coming year (19:00)Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

In an innovative move, Scott Lynn, CEO and Founder of Masterworks, democratized art investing by registering art pieces with the SEC and selling shares to investors. The first company of its kind, Masterworks is now a major art dealer with more than 600,000 investors on its platform. Scott dives into the future of art investing, the historical data the company analyzes, and how to determine which art pieces will perform.   Tune in to learn:Historical data in the art industry (7:00)Art investing over the next couple of years (10:46)The role of alternative asset classes in coming decades (20:55)How do you determine which art will perform financially? (25:40)Evolutions and trends in art valuation (27:20)Mentions:Sotheby’sBasquiatPaul Allen’s $1.5 billion collection saleBanksyJoan MitchellSam GilliamUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

In an effort to fight off a debilitating autoimmune disorder that struck him years ago, Kevin McCray turned to a strict Paleo diet free of gluten, refined sugars, and soy. It was a decision that would spark a truly inspirational and wildly successful entrepreneurial mission. The President and Co-founder of the healthy prepackaged meal company Kevin’s Natural Foods joins us to talk about how his clean-eating lifestyle took him from the hospital bed to spearheading a brand that can now be found in some of the largest retail stores across the country.Tune in to learn:The origins of Kevin’s Natural Foods (2:06)How Kevin negotiates prices with suppliers (14:40)Advice on getting a product into major retail stores (24:00)The importance of fortifying a brand position (30:55)Mentions:Dr. Mark HymanDan Costa23andMe: DNA Genetic Testing For Health, Ancestry And MoreChief Health HackerCookout With KevUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

What do Apple Pay, WhatsApp, and Crypto have in common? They are all preferred channels of payment and messaging that customers may prefer to use. Michael Affronti, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Payments and Messaging at Salesforce, shares his perspective on how companies should evolve their options for communication and payments to build better, more personalized relationships with their customers. Tune in to learn:About Michael’s patents (05:15)What international payments trends will be emerging in the US (14:30)Why Michael is keeping a close eye on cryptocurrency (24:00)How brands should reevaluate their messaging systems (29:00)Mentions:Stat for preferred payment method“Innovation Stack: Building Unbeatable Business One Crazy Idea at a Time” by Jim McKelvey“The Innovation Stack: How Square Co-Founder Jim McKelvey Thinks About Disruption” - James’ Episode on Up Next In CommerceCharacter.AI - Character botWhatsApp - Free, world-wide messaging and calling appMichael Affronti’s LinkedInUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How do successful CPG companies build a following? Nick Saltarelli, Co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, shares how he and his partners “celebritized” themselves through an Instagram reality show to break into the chocolate industry. He dives into social media strategy, building a fanbase that asks grocery stores to stock their products, and fighting back against attacks. Tune in to learn:Fighting cyberattacks and legal battles against Mid-Day Squares (01:45)Launching without support from grocery stores (14:55)Why you should remove yourself from the data tracking obsession (24:40)“Cracking” TikTok (31:15)Mentions:Pepsi, Where is My Jet?Liquid Death, CEO and Cofounder, Mike CessarioUp Next In Commerce Interview with Hamid Saify, SVP of Digital Retail at Liquid DeathMid-Day Squares Uncensored Podcast Loverboy and Summer HouseUp Next in Commerce Interview with Nick Califano, COO, LoverboyUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

On this special end-of-year crossover episode, the hosts from Up Next in Commerce, Marketing Trends, and IT Visionaries meet up again to discuss their biggest takeaways from their guests over the past year, and to make some predictions for what should be an exciting 2023 in marketing, tech, and ecommerce.Tune in to learn:Why your employees are your greatest customers (7:50)Why good business instincts can help overcome a lack of data (13:55)Why intuition matters, even in data-driven industries (22:00)Mentions:David Ting, ZenniDavid Heinemeier Hansson, 37signalsStephanie Dobbs Brown, CMO, Intercontinental ExchangeLil’ WayneKevin Warren, UPSEric Toda, MetaUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerceMission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

As instant commerce becomes increasingly popular, how can consumers rely on products being in stock?  Daniel Folkman, SVP of Business at Gopuff, explains that with more than 500 micro fulfillment centers, Gopuff can guarantee delivery of its stocked products as the customer builds their order. Listen to the episode to learn more about how Gopuff is leading experiments on sample feedback data for advertisers and how the company is staying ahead of its competitors.Tune in to learn:About the benefits and challenges of providing products through company-owned fulfillment centers (06:40)Why Daniel thinks Gopuff will outlast its competitors (12:10)The Gopuff ad platform (17:33)What avenues Gopuff is exploring to capitalize on sample tracking (22:17)Mentions:“GoPuff forecasts mass extinction for ‘majority, if not all’ rivals this year” by Emily Hawkins for City A.M. on 08/29/2022Rafael Ilishayev, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of GopuffYakir Gola, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of GopuffPepsiCoCoca-ColaUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How do you build a socially-conscious product business within a competitive market? Mike Beckham, CEO and Co-founder, Simple Modern, shares his experience as a founder, diving into finding and protecting white space in the market, building brand loyalty and creating a great culture.Tune in to learn:Identifying white space in the market (7:20)Building “moats” in competitive markets (13:30)The need to have a good product in order to give back (23:20)Mike’s advice for founders (33:15)Mentions:YetiThermosStanleyHydroflaskInternational Housewares Association’s Inspired Home ShowQuibidsAll Birds Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How can an ecommerce brand serve middle to low-income African consumers, even those that are offline or lack access to technology? Tracey Turner, Founder and Chair of Copia Global, is bringing e-commerce to the mass market in Africa and dives into the details of their approach. She shares the logistics of their unique model, how they have built consumer trust and insights into the market across Africa.Tune in to learn:Using a for-profit model for social impact (04:45)Bringing ecommerce to the African mass market (10:00)Copia Global’s impact (20:25)The mindset needed to enter new markets (22:43)The importance of earning customer trust in new markets (28:00)Mentions:Anita Roddick / The Body ShopBen and Jerry’s Jason Murray Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more athttp://www.mission.org.

What should companies be most concerned with in this era of commerce? Lena Korres, Co-Founder and CIO at KORRES, explains the importance of keeping production sustainable so consumers can feel good about the products they’re using. Tune in to learn more about how natural ingredients not only benefit the consumer, but also the companies that produce skincare. Tune in to learn:What KORRES values about herbal remedies (3:40)The benefits of Greek Yogurt (12:55)Why Santori grapes are amazing (18:50)How to gain awareness for your products (25:05)Mentions:Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

With so many new commerce options available, what avenues can companies explore to reach more consumers? Vassil Mladjov, Board Member at Tallio, shares his thoughts on the growth of live stream shopping and how it is becoming a more prevalent way to purchase products online. Also, tune in to hear how collecting user data can help provide an optimal consumer experience, breaking boundaries within e-commerce opportunities.Tune in to learn:Why live stream shopping isn’t as popular in the U.S. (06:00)How Tik Tok can help with targeting the right customers (11:35)Keeping live shopping relevant even after the live event (18:44)How companies can implement personalization through user data (26:20)About thinking outside of the box to reimagine the traditional revenue stream (28:45)Mentions:Bambuser - live video shoppingTikTok - short-form video serviceMetaverse - virtual reality iteration of the internetUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How did an alcoholic beverage company manage to reach nationwide distribution without a single dollar spent on marketing? Nick Califano, the COO of the hard tea and canned cocktail maker Loverboy, joins us to discuss the unique journey that propelled the company from reality TV scene-stealer to retail shelves across the country.Tune in to learn:The backstory of Summer House and Loverboy (09:15)How Loverboy stays ahead of trends in the industry (25:00)Nick’s thoughts on the potential of branded content (37:55)Mentions:Summer House | Bravo TV Official SiteUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Unconventional health treatments like cryotherapy and infrared sauna baths are not exactly known for their affordability. One rapidly growing company, however, is transforming the wellness landscape by democratizing access to such cutting-edge health services. With over 175 locations across the country, Restore Hyper Wellness is quickly bringing its holistic healthcare approach to the mainstream. Tune in to hear Restore CEO and Founder Jim Donnelly and CMO David Fossas discuss the joys and challenges of operating within a franchise model, and why they are committed to making health and wellness treatments safe, fun, and affordable.Tune in to learn:An overview of Restore and its services (3:40)Why Restore uses a franchise model (16:20)The marketing approach at Restore (23:55)How Restore avoids the pitfalls of the biohacking frontier (38:00)The future of using space for wellness and production (46:30)Mentions:Steven Welch, Founder and Executive Chairman, Restore Hyper WellnessSTEMREGEN® - Stem Cell Supplements - KalyagenUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

How do you make a popular Asian product thrive in the U.S. market? Irvin Gunawan, Founder and CEO of Irvins, shares his experience building a snack food brand out of their restaurant in Singapore and later bringing these products to the U.S, introducing Americans to a new snacking sensation. Tune in to hear about the company’s backstory and what Irvin learned from this unique expansion.Tune in to learn:Irvin’s journey from a Singaporean restaurant into a viral snack product (1:50)Building relationships with major U.S. retailers (11:00)What changes are needed to bring a product from Asia to the U.S. (16:30)Mentions:Cardi BUp Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.