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 fueled incredible growth, but the pressure of managing two fundamentally different business models eventually led to a crisis. After taking on a private equity partner, Pete faced his most challenging year as a leader, navigating millions in losses and a catastrophic inventory overage. To save the enterprise, he had to make a critical, unconventional decision that few founders would dare to consider. This is the unfiltered story of the brutal lessons of hyper-growth and the strategic thinking that led him to fire himself.Chapters:00:00 Introduction11:58 Building a Brand with Jocko Willink22:38 Shared Resources and Team Structure30:15 The Role of Private Equity39:47 The Emotional Journey of Brand Separation52:11 Leadership Challenges and Trust in Decision Making01:00:50 Learning The Importance of Data01:15:40 The Evolution of Customer DemographicsPowered By:Fulfil.io.https://bit.ly/3pAp2vuThe Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands. Northbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Postscript.https://postscript.io/Richpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescSaras.https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_moreSubscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperatorsSubscribe to The Finance Operators here: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here: https://9operators.com/
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1:28:45
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1:28:45
E127: The Real Cost of Chasing Growth
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 reinvesting profits versus taking dividends, and the intense debate over how to truly measure a good investment. This is an essential listen for any founder grappling with the transition from a scrappy startup to a mature, scalable enterprise. Tune in to hear how the leaders of major brands handle the financial discipline required for sustainable, high-level growth.Chapters:00:00 Introduction28:13 Navigating Product Development Timelines40:00 The Challenges of Forecasting and Demand Planning47:44 The Pressure of Growth and Stakeholder Expectations52:02 Leveraging Data and AI for Business Insights55:50 Balancing Growth and Returns01:02:50 Understanding Working Capital and Its Importance01:07:00 Return on Invested CapitalPowered By:Fulfil.io.https://bit.ly/3pAp2vuThe Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands. Northbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Postscript.https://postscript.io/Richpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescSaras.https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_moreSubscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperatorsSubscribe to The Finance Operators here:https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here:https://9operators.com/
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1:25:07
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1:25:07
E126: Black Friday 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 engagement strategies. The hosts share actionable tips for brands to prepare for the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of planning and adaptability in a changing market.Chapters:00:00 Introduction04:09 Catch-up10:13 Navigating Tariffs and Supply Chain Challenges19:26 Market Positioning26:03 Value Engineering and Cost Management31:50 Consumer Trends and Market Outlook40:48 Pricing Strategies50:45 Creative Investment for Marketing Success56:04 Optimism for Q401:01:49 Finding Talent and Building Effective Teams01:16:19 Margin Expansion Strategies for E-commerce BrandsPowered By:Fulfil.io.https://bit.ly/3pAp2vuThe Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands. Northbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Postscript.https://postscript.io/Richpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescSaras.https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_moreSubscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperatorsSubscribe to The Finance Operators here:https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPS Sign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here:https://9operators.com/
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1:21:28
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1:21:28
E125: Bold Creative Wins Where Budgets Can’t
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 creative production and the future of advertising, emphasizing the need for brands to invest in narrative-driven campaigns rather than relying solely on UGC.Chapters:00:00 Introduction05:24 Jacques and the Raindrop Agency10:00 The Dr. Squatch Success Story20:40 Creative Philosophy and Agency Operations36:10 The Ideal Client and Brand Building54:39 Campaign Strategy and Timelines01:09:13 The Role of AI in Creative AdvertisingPowered By:Fulfil.io.https://bit.ly/3pAp2vuThe Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands.Northbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Postscript.https://postscript.io/Richpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescSaras.https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_moreSubscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperatorsSubscribe to The Finance Operators here:https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here:https://9operators.com/
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1:23:33
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1:23:33
E124: Winning Big In Consumer With Grüns' Founder Chad Janis
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 in product development, particularly in the supplement industry. He also shares insights on financing growth and maintaining quality and trust in a competitive market.Chapters:00:00 Introduction04:03 The Entrepreneurial Mindset - Insights from Chad's Background08:44 Understanding Consumer Behavior - Lessons from Investment14:00 Customer Acquisition Costs - The Key to Sustainable Growth20:41 Balancing LTV and CAC - Strategies for Success28:21 Product Development - Crafting the Perfect Gummy36:16 Scaling Challenges in Operations42:46 The Importance of Operational Backbone50:07 Rapid Growth Strategies57:17 Navigating the Supplement Industry's Challenges01:03:01 Navigating Quality and Safety in Supplements01:08:28 Financing Strategies for Sustainable Growth01:15:34 The Importance of Control in Business01:27:13 Building a Strong Team for Long-term SuccessPowered By:Fulfil.io.https://bit.ly/3pAp2vuThe Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands. Northbeam.https://www.northbeam.io/Postscript.https://postscript.io/Richpanel.https://www.richpanel.com/?utm_source=9O&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ytdescSaras.https://saras-analytics.typeform.com/to/T8jpuAEb?utm_source=9operator_lp&utm_medium=find_out_moreSubscribe to The Marketing Operators Podcast here:https://www.youtube.com/@MarketingOperatorsSubscribe to The Finance Operators here:https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceOperatorsFOPSSign up to the 9 Operators newsletter here:https://9operators.com/
In the world of eCommerce, a legendary WhatsApp group is rumoured to hold the secrets to unimaginable success. The catch? You must have nine figures in revenue to gain entry. The worlds biggest brands have denied its existence for years, until now. Three titans known as "Operators" are leaking the secret contents in an effort to share its wealth of knowledge with people like you.
Ireland