In this episode of The D2Z Podcast, host Brandon Amoroso speaks with Mike Danford, CSO at Adverio, about the evolving landscape of online marketplaces, particularly focusing on Amazon, Walmart, and Target. They discuss the competitive nature of paid media, the importance of strategic brand presence across multiple platforms, and the challenges of product saturation. The conversation also touches on emerging marketplaces, dynamic pricing strategies, and the technological solutions available to help brands navigate these complexities. Mike shares insights on how brands can optimize their presence and performance in the ever-changing e-commerce environment.

Here's what you'll learn:
🛍️ The marketplace landscape has become increasingly competitive post-pandemic.
❤️ Understanding the nuances of each marketplace is crucial for success.
💸 Dynamic pricing strategies are essential for maintaining competitiveness.
🚀 Emerging marketplaces are gaining traction and should not be overlooked.
🤖 Technological solutions can help brands manage pricing and inventory effectively.
🤝 Collaboration with marketplace representatives can help resolve issues efficiently.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Marketplace Dynamics
02:55 Evolution of Marketplaces: Pre and Post-Pandemic
05:59 Navigating Multiple Marketplaces: Amazon, Walmart, and Target
08:47 Strategic Considerations for Brand Presence
12:07 Product Categories and Market Saturation
14:49 Emerging Marketplaces and Trends
17:50 Dynamic Pricing and Promotional Strategies
21:02 Technological Solutions for Marketplace Challenges
23:58 Conclusion and Resources

Mike Danford:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfordmike/

Adverio - https://www.linkedin.com/company/adverio/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

In this episode of The D2Z Podcast, host Brandon Amoroso speaks with Joe Chura, founder and CEO of Go Brewing, about his journey from the automotive industry to the world of non-alcoholic beer. Joe shares insights on building a strong team, the importance of product quality, and the strategies behind their e-commerce and retail growth. He discusses the challenges and opportunities of selling on platforms like Amazon, the decision-making process for tech solutions, and innovative ways to crowdsource leads for distribution. Joe also highlights how AI is leveraged for business insights and the unique experience of their taproom. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on flavor creation and future expansion plans.

Here's what you'll learn:
🤝 Building a strong team is crucial for success.
🛍️ Product quality is the foundation of any business.
💸 E-commerce can be more profitable than retail distribution.
💰 Amazon offers a vast marketplace but comes with challenges.
🤝 Crowdsourcing leads can enhance distribution efforts.
🤖 AI can provide valuable insights from data analysis.
❤️ Understanding customer preferences is key to product development.
🔁 A unique customer experience fosters brand loyalty.
🍺 Non-alcoholic beer can be crafted with traditional brewing methods.
🚀 Expansion requires strategic planning and market analysis.

Timestamps:
00:00 From Ford to Brewing: Joe Chura's Journey
03:05 Building a Strong Team and Product Quality
06:03 E-commerce vs. Retail: The Growth Strategy
08:49 Navigating Amazon: Pros and Cons for Non-Alcoholic Beer
12:01 Building vs. Buying: Tech Solutions in the Alcohol Industry
14:58 Crowdsourcing Leads: Innovative Distribution Strategies
17:57 Leveraging AI for Business Insights
20:50 Expansion Plans: Growing Beyond 20 States
24:07 Creating Flavor: The Science Behind Non-Alcoholic Beer
26:51 Tasting Room Experience: Engaging with Customers
29:57 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Joe Chura:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joechura/

Go Brewing - https://gobrewing.com/

Brandon Amoroso:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/

Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/

X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon

Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/

In this episode, Brandon Amoroso speaks with Andy Hilliard, CEO of Accelerance, about the intricacies of global outsourcing and software development. They discuss the evolution of software services, common pitfalls companies face when nearshoring, and the importance of building effective client-provider relationships. Andy shares insights on choosing the right regions for outsourcing, understanding client needs, and the cost versus value of outsourcing. He emphasizes the significance of servant leadership in client relationships and provides tips for vetting software development agencies.

Here's what you'll learn:
🛑 Many companies fail in outsourcing because they try to do it themselves.
🌎 Choosing the right region for outsourcing depends on client needs and preferences.
📈 Building a strong relationship with service providers is crucial for success.
📊 Investing in a servant leadership relationship can lead to better outcomes.
🚪 Scaling teams with third-party providers can be more efficient than hiring individuals directly.
🔄 Trust but verify is essential in establishing successful partnerships.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Global Outsourcing and Software Development
02:32 The Evolution of Software Development Services
04:37 Common Pitfalls in Nearshoring
07:03 Choosing the Right Region for Outsourcing
11:22 Building Effective Client-Provider Relationships
14:43 The Cost vs. Value of Outsourcing
19:13 When to Start Outsourcing and Team Dynamics
21:15 Scaling Teams with Third-Party Providers
23:58 Tips for Vetting Software Development Agencies

Andy Hilliard
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyhilliard/
Accelerance - https://www.accelerance.com/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon
Scalis.ai - https://scalis.ai/