Afleveringen

  • How TikTok & Sidekick Helped Sell Out a Skincare Brand

    How TikTok & Sidekick Helped Sell Out a Skincare Brand

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    Also available on YouTube: youtu.be/Pi20dFaHoVg

    Ben Attwood left agency life to create a men’s skincare brand he actually wanted to use. With no investors, no marketing budget, and no prior product experience, he built Clubhouse Skin using TikTok, Shopify, and a lot of trial and error.

    In this episode, Ben shares how he:

    Sold out his first product run—twiceBuilt a loyal customer base by building in publicUsed Shopify Sidekick to find superfans and boost conversionsLeveraged AI to do what agencies charge thousands forLanded in retail by rallying his TikTok followers

    Whether you're launching a product, bootstrapping a brand, or curious about real-world uses of AI in ecommerce, this one’s packed with practical takeaways.

    Show Links:

    Clubhouse Skin

    Clubhouse SkinTikTokInstagram

    Shopify

    Shopify MagicGetting started with SidekickShopify Newsroom: AI helped these founders fast-track their way to first sale

    Sponsors:

    Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnelsCleverific – Smart order editing for ShopifyBoost AI Search & Filter – Collection filtering + smart search

    Subscribe for weekly interviews with Shopify founders and experts.

  • How Smart Brands Win Top-of-Funnel in 2025

    How Smart Brands Win Top-of-Funnel in 2025

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XXSr4Po30oY

    Paid ads are busted. SEO is back but weirder. Gen Z isn’t using Google. What now?
    VC Smriti Jayaraman pulls back the curtain on the Shopify brands building futuristic funnels today. We’re talking AI quizzes, voice search, digital oracles, and tech that reads your face to guess your shirt size. It’s strange. It’s smart. And it works.

    💡 What We Cover:Why AI search is reshaping ecommerce—and how to rank in itHow Shopify brands are using gamified funnels to capture attentionWhat to know about AI influencers, personalized merchandising, and site searchWhy your brand needs to think like a membership club, not a subscription boxReal tech examples from Corazon Capital’s portfolio💾 SponsorsZipify – Build high-converting sales funnelsCleverific – Smart order editing for ShopifyViralsweep – Create sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways🔗 LinksSmriti JayaramanBoldVoiceiAsk.aiLaws of MotionPerplexityCorazon Capital🎯 Work With MeWant me to grow your Shopify store? Apply hereSee what we’ve done for other merchants: View portfolioGet my free newsletter for Shopify insights: Join here

    🎧 The Unofficial Shopify Podcast is hosted by Kurt Elster. Subscribe for weekly interviews with Shopify entrepreneurs and experts.

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  • 700K YouTube Subs to Shopify Sales

    700K YouTube Subs to Shopify Sales

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    Her fans call her "The Queen of Air Fryers." She gave away recipes. Her fans demanded a cookbook. One $15 PDF later, Cathy Yoder had a 5-figure launch weekend—and she hasn't looked back. With over 700K subscribers, Cathy built a content-powered Shopify business that turns viewers into superfans (and customers).

    In this episode, Cathy breaks down:

    How to use YouTube as your #1 lead-gen channelBuilding products based on comment section goldWhat flopped, what worked, and why done > perfectIntegrating YouTube with Shopify for seamless sales

    If you're a creator, a merchant, or both—this is the funnel playbook you've been waiting for.

    Sponsors:

    Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnelsCleverific – Smart order editing for ShopifyBoost AI Search & Filter – AI-powered search that converts

    Work with Kurt:

    Grow your Shopify store with me → ethercycle.com/applySee how we help stores grow → ethercycle.com/workGet my Shopify newsletter → kurtelster.com
  • Pit Viper: These Shades Print Money

    Pit Viper: These Shades Print Money

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    Pit Viper isn’t for everyone. And that might be the secret to its success.

    It starts with a guy on a ski trip. His sunglasses break. So, naturally, he walks into a military surplus store, finds an old pair of ballistic glasses from the early 90s, and thinks, these are perfect.

    Fast forward a few years, and those surplus shades—once traded for beers and ski lifts—have turned into Pit Viper, a brand worth millions.

    But here’s the question: how do you build a business that doesn’t just sell sunglasses, but sells attitude? A brand that’s loud, weird, and completely unignorable?

    Today on the show: Chris Garcin, CEO of Pit Viper, explains how they took what should have been a joke and turned it into a cult phenomenon.

    Links & Resources
    🔗 Shop Pit Viper: www.pitviper.com
    🎧 More stories like this: The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    Work With Kurt
    🚀 Want to grow your Shopify store? We help brands like yours increase conversions, improve UX, and drive more sales.
    đŸ“© Let’s talk: ethercycle.com/apply
    đŸ› ïž See how I’ve helped other brands: ethercycle.com/work
    💡 Join my newsletter for no-BS ecommerce insights: kurtelster.com

    Connect with Kurt:

    💬 Twitter: @kurtincđŸ“© Newsletter: kurtelster.com

    Sponsors:

    📈 Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnelsđŸ”„ Cleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify📬 Viralsweep – Create sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways.

    🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review on iTunes—it helps more Shopify merchants find the show!

  • Shopify Dev AMA: Store Spying, AI Tools, and Trends

    Shopify Dev AMA: Store Spying, AI Tools, and Trends

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    Two Shopify Partners get real in an AMA packed with listener questions. Store spying tricks, AI fails, bold 2025 predictions, a garage full of jacked-up cars, and a sneak peek at their next app.

    What you’ll learn:

    How to spy on Shopify stores using public endpoints and browser toolsWhat’s broken (and what’s promising) in Shopify’s new AI toolsHow devs actually use ChatGPT to write Shopify codeEmail marketing best practices, including double opt-in insightsA look behind the scenes at a new Shopify app in development

    Sponsors:

    Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnels: http://zipify.com/KURTCleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify: https://cleverific.com/unofficialViralsweep – Run sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways: https://www.viralsweep.com/

    Show Links:

    Liquid Weekly: https://liquidweekly.com/Editions.dev: https://editions.dev/pages/editions-devTactical Baby Gear: https://tacticalbabygear.com/Shopify AI Store Setup Tool: https://changelog.shopify.com/posts/ai-store-generator-toolCopy All URLs Chrome Extension: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/copy-all-urls/djdmadneanknadilpjiknlnanaolmbfk?hl=enStore Leads: https://storeleads.app/reports/shopify

    Work with Kurt:

    Grow your Shopify store with me → https://ethercycle.com/applySee our client results → https://ethercycle.com/workJoin my newsletter → https://kurtelster.com/
  • Lady Gaga’s on Shopify: Go Behind the Build

    Lady Gaga’s on Shopify: Go Behind the Build

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    Lady Gaga has a new Shopify site. But this isn’t just a merch store. It’s a stage, a story, a digital home—built to evolve as fast as she does.

    Her team needed something different. A site that could change overnight and feel as immersive as her albums. So they went headless, partnering with Commerce-UI, a Shopify agency known for pushing boundaries.

    In this episode, Shopify Partner Michal Klim takes us inside the build:

    How Hydrogen and Oxygen power a site that never stands still.Why merch sales weren’t the top priority—and what was.Why a “conversion-first” mindset wouldn’t work here—and what did.

    It’s a story about what happens when a global superstar takes Shopify beyond ecommerce best practices.

    🎧 Listen now on The Unofficial Shopify Podcast.

    The Unofficial Shopify Podcast is made by possible by our sponsors:

    Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnelsCleverific – Smart order editing for ShopifyAddress Validator – Reduce delivery address errors & costs

    Special thanks to our friends at Shopify and to our listeners.

    Show Links

    Lady Gaga’s Shopify Store – See the site in actionAbracadabra! Building Lady Gaga's magical storefront experience on Hydrogen - Shopify Newsroom articleCommerce-UI – The agency behind Lady Gaga’s Shopify siteShopify Hydrogen – Build headless commerce experiencesShopify Oxygen – Deploy Hydrogen storefronts on Shopify’s infrastructureSanity CMS – Headless CMS used for editorial content

    Work with Kurt

    Want to optimize your Shopify store and grow your business? I help Shopify merchants like you increase conversions, streamline operations, and build standout online experiences.

    Apply to work with me: Ethercycle
    See how I’ve helped other brands: Recent Client Successes
    Get my best Shopify insights: Join My Newsletter

    Let’s make your Shopify store better, faster, and more profitable.

  • The Store That Won March Madness

    The Store That Won March Madness

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    Megan Smalley didn’t plan to build a powerhouse ecommerce brand. Scarlet & Gold started as a creative side project—until she got laid off.

    Fast forward 12 years, and Scarlet & Gold is one of the only women-owned businesses licensed for NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) merch on Shopify. This March, their Shopify sales are up 74.2% year-over-year—with over 53.6% of those sales tied to March Madness merchandise.

    And here’s the kicker: 69.5% of their basketball sales come from just two NIL deals.

    So how did she do it? What makes NIL merch so powerful? And what’s it really like running an ecommerce business that lives and dies by game-day hype?

    That’s what we’re talking about today.

    👉 Read more from Shopify’s newsroom: shopify.com/news/march-madness-entrepreneurs

    Links & Resources

    🔗 Check out Scarlet & Gold → scarletandgoldshop.com
    🔗 Need custom merch? → scarletandgoldcustom.com

    📌 Sponsors:

    Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnelsCleverific – Smart order editing for ShopifyAddress Validator – Reduce delivery errors & costs

    🎧 Enjoyed this episode?
    Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

    💡 Want to grow your Shopify store? Work with Kurt:

    Apply for a strategy session → ethercycle.com/applySee what we’ve built → ethercycle.com/workGet my best Shopify insights → kurtelster.com

    đŸ‘„ Join Our Private Facebook Group:
    Connect with other Shopify entrepreneurs → facebook.com/groups/UnofficialShopifyPodcast

    This is a story about ecommerce, sports, and the weird world of NIL merch.
    It’s about how one Shopify store turned athlete partnerships into real growth.
    And it’s about what happens when you take a risk—and it actually works.

  • 10 Shopify Mistakes Killing Your Sales

    10 Shopify Mistakes Killing Your Sales

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    Are you making one of these Shopify mistakes? If so, you’re losing sales. In this episode, The Unofficial Shopify Podcast host Kurt Elster teams up with Bold Commerce co-founder Jay Myers to reveal the top 10 mistakes that Shopify merchants make—some of which even big brands get wrong. From neglected checkouts to bloated main menus, they share simple, actionable fixes that can boost conversions and keep customers coming back.

    What You’ll Learn:

    The #1 checkout mistake that kills trust (and how to fix it in 60 seconds)Why most subscription models fail—and the secret to making them workThe overlooked product page changes that increase add-to-cart ratesWhy your main menu is confusing customers (and how to fix it)How to stop relying on paid ads and build a business that lasts

    Links & Resources:

    Bold Commerce – Shopify apps for subscriptions, upsells, and moreSubscription Death Curve – Jay Myers' SubSummit KeynoteShopify Markets – Sell globally from a single storeShopify Checkout Customization – How to brand your checkoutKlaviyo – Email & SMS marketing for e-commerceMaster & Dynamic – Premium headphones with long-form product pagesTimbuk2 – Example of great product pages for bagsTactical Baby Gear – Niche brand with strong storytellingClubhouse – Audio platform that rose to pandemic fame“Jobs to Be Done” (JTBD) – Product innovation concept by Clayton ChristensenSeth Godin’s Blog – Marketing insights from Seth Godin

    Connect with Kurt:

    💬 Twitter: @kurtincđŸ“© Newsletter: kurtelster.com🚀 Work with Kurt: ethercycle.com/apply

    Sponsors:

    📈 Zipify – Build high-converting sales funnelsđŸ”„ Cleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify📬 Viralsweep – Create sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways.

    🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review on iTunes—it helps more Shopify merchants find the show!

  • Fart-Proof Underwear? This Shopify Brand Says Yes

    Fart-Proof Underwear? This Shopify Brand Says Yes

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    Imagine a world where your worst gas-related fears simply
 disappear. No awkward moments, no subtle side-eye glances. Just peace, dignity, and activated carbon filters.

    That’s the world Collin White and his father set out to create when they launched Tootles, a Shopify store selling flatulence-filtering underwear. At first, people laughed. But then, they listened. Because for people with digestive issues, this isn’t a joke—it’s a solution.

    Today on The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, Collin joins Kurt to talk about building a business in a deeply niche market, convincing manufacturers that fart-proof underwear is, in fact, a real thing, and finding customers who need his product (but don’t necessarily want to talk about it).

    In this episode:

    ✔ How Collin and his dad took Tootles from idea to reality
    ✔ The science behind fart filtration (yes, it works)
    ✔ Marketing a taboo product without making it a joke
    ✔ How Tootles increases AOV with clever bundling
    ✔ Why subscriptions aren’t always the answer for consumable products

    Farts are funny. Business is serious. And somewhere in the middle, there’s a Shopify success story worth listening to.

    Links & Resources

    🔗 Tootles Website: WearTootles.com
    🔗 Kurt’s Shopify Agency: Ethercycle.com
    🔗 Judge.me (Review App Used by Tootles): Judge.me

    Sponsors

    🔗 Cleverific: cleverific.com/unofficial
    🔗 Zipify: zipify.com/KURT
    🔗 ViralSweep: apps.shopify.com/viralsweep

  • Obvi’s Ron Shah on Fails, Exits & Lessons Learned

    Obvi’s Ron Shah on Fails, Exits & Lessons Learned

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    "You start with ‘there’s no way this is me.’ Then you question everything. Then, eventually, you realize—this really could be me."

    Ron Shah built Obvi into a $100M+ powerhouse, with $40M in top-line revenue in 2024. But not every business he touched turned to gold. Today, Ron gets brutally honest about two brands he started—Coffee Over Cardio and Paw Rangers—that didn’t go as planned.

    This isn’t your typical success story. Ron shares:

    Why success in one business doesn’t guarantee success in anotherThe emotional toll of failure and the ego traps that cost him moneyHow to know when to walk away, pivot, or double downWhat he’d do differently if he launched these brands today

    Most founders only share their wins. Ron is sharing his losses. And why, in hindsight, they might be even more valuable.

    Resources & LinksFollow Ron on Twitter: @obviceoCheck out Obvi: myobvi.comListen to Ron’s podcast, Chew On This: Listen herecoffeeovercardiopawrangers.comSponsorsCleverific: https://cleverific.com/unofficialZipify: http://zipify.com/KURTAddress Validator: https://www.addressvalidator.com/Work With KurtGrow your Shopify store with me: ethercycle.com/applyJoin my newsletter for Shopify insights: kurtelster.com

    đŸ“© Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review and let us know what you think!

  • How a Twitter Account Became a Thriving Shopify Brand

    How a Twitter Account Became a Thriving Shopify Brand

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    “Rainier Watch started as me shouting into the void about whether the mountain was out. Now, it’s a brand in REI. Didn’t see that coming.”

    David Lindahl started Rainier Watch as a simple Twitter account—just a guy posting updates on whether Mount Rainier was visible that day. No business plan, no grand vision. Just a love for the mountain.

    But then people started following. They started asking for stickers. And suddenly, David found himself running an e-commerce brand. What began as a hobby turned into a business selling apparel, getting into retail stores like REI, and building a loyal community of outdoor enthusiasts.

    This week, we follow David’s journey—from side project to full-time business. How he scaled his Shopify store, navigated wholesale partnerships, and made every mistake possible before finally getting it right. Along the way, we look at what happens when an entrepreneur outgrows their own operation, the challenges of building a brand rooted in a specific place, and what it really takes to turn a passion into a sustainable business.

    Links

    🛍 Shop Rainier Watch: https://shop.rainierwatch.com/

    Sponsors

    💡 Cleverific – Smart order editing for Shopify: https://cleverific.com/unofficial
    🚀 Zipify – Optimize your Shopify store with Zipify: http://zipify.com/KURT
    📍 Address Validator – Prevent shipping mistakes before they happen: https://www.addressvalidator.com/

    Work with Kurt

    đŸ”č Grow your Shopify store with me: https://ethercycle.com/apply
    📈 See our recent client successes: https://ethercycle.com/work

  • Reinventing Oral Care: The Slate Flosser Story

    Reinventing Oral Care: The Slate Flosser Story

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    In this episode of The Unofficial Shopify Podcast, Brynn Snyder, co-founder of Slate Flosser, shares how she and her dentist husband tackled one of the most overlooked aspects of health—flossing. Together, they reimagined oral care with a product that could prevent gum disease, heart issues, and more.

    But flossing is just the beginning. This episode dives into their journey through a $194K Kickstarter campaign, battling knockoffs on Amazon, and scaling a Shopify store with sustainability and innovation at its core.

    Brynn reveals the challenges and triumphs of creating a physical product, why subscription models are key to recurring revenue, and how staying passionate can make or break your business.

    Flossing might not seem revolutionary—until you hear this story.

    Show LinksSlate FlosserKickstarter CampaignSlate Flosser on AmazonSponsorsCleverific: https://cleverific.com/unofficialZipify: http://zipify.com/KURTAddress Validator: https://www.addressvalidator.com/Work with KurtGrow your Shopify store with me: https://ethercycle.com/applySee our recent client successes: https://ethercycle.com/work
  • Building Frizz + Co: Haircare, Shopify, and Community

    Building Frizz + Co: Haircare, Shopify, and Community

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    Building Frizz + Co: Haircare, Shopify, and Community

    DaphnĂ© Eastmond ditched the CPA grind to create Frizz + Co, a brand that says screw the stigma and celebrates textured hair. From her raw startup struggles to her bold in-person events, Daphne shares how she’s making haircare personal—and real.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    Why Daphne left accounting to launch Frizz + Co.How her personal hair struggles inspired a hero product.The scrappy marketing tactics that worked (and the ones that didn’t).How in-person events became her secret growth weapon.Lessons from bootstrapping, product seeding, and building a Shopify brand.

    Links Mentioned:

    Frizz + Co: https://frizzhair.coConnect with Daphne: Instagram @frizz.co

    Sponsors:

    Zipify: http://zipify.com/KURTCleverific: https://cleverific.com/unofficialBoost Filter & Search: https://apps.shopify.com/product-filter-search

    CTA:
    Subscribe for more Shopify insights and stories like this! [Insert subscription link]

  • Why Shopify’s Planet App is Good for Business (and the Earth)

    Why Shopify’s Planet App is Good for Business (and the Earth)

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    “Why not try it? Planet is low-risk, easy to configure, and can have a meaningful impact on your brand and the planet.”

    Discover how Shopify Planet helps merchants make a positive environmental impact while boosting customer trust and conversions. David Vranicar, Shopify’s sustainability operations lead, explains how this innovative app enables carbon-neutral shipping with zero hassle. Learn how it works, why it benefits your business, and what it means for your customers.

    Show Links
    Shopify Planet: https://apps.shopify.com/planet
    Reach out to the Planet team: planet [at] shopify.com

    Sponsors:
    Zipify: http://zipify.com/KURT
    Cleverific: https://cleverific.com/unofficial
    Boost Filter & Search: https://apps.shopify.com/product-filter-search

    Work with Kurt:

    Grow your Shopify store with me: https://ethercycle.com/applySee our recent client successes: https://ethercycle.com/workJoin my newsletter for Shopify insights: https://kurtelster.com/

    đŸŽ™ïž The Unofficial Shopify Podcast – Your go-to resource for actionable ecommerce insights.

  • Montana Knife Company: American-Made Knife Empire

    Montana Knife Company: American-Made Knife Empire

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    What if your side hustle turned into an 8-figure brand selling out every week?

    Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DxGxZ20rfQI

    Montana Knife Company’s Brandon Horoho shares the journey from launching during COVID to building a global brand rooted in American manufacturing. Discover how MKC redefined success with transparency, customer engagement, and relentless marketing.

    Episode Highlights:

    Why MKC chose Shopify as their platform and how it drives their success.The secrets behind MKC’s 120+ consecutive weekly product sellouts.How owning your email list can outshine ad spend.Building a thriving direct-to-consumer brand in a competitive market.The challenges and rewards of investing in local manufacturing.What’s next for MKC: Pocket knives and a 50,000 sq. ft. facility.

    About Brandon Horoho:
    Brandon Horoho is the co-founder and CMO of Montana Knife Company, an American-made knife brand that has taken the DTC world by storm. With weekly product drops and an obsessive focus on quality, MKC has grown from a garage startup to an 8-figure powerhouse in just four years.

    Show Links
    Montana Knife Company: https://montanaknifecompany.com
    Follow MKC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montanaknifecompany
    Work with Kurt: https://ethercycle.com/

    Sponsors:
    Cleverific: https://cleverific.com/unofficial
    Zipify: http://zipify.com/KURT
    Address Validator: https://www.addressvalidator.com/

    Work with Kurt:
    Grow your Shopify store with me: https://ethercycle.com/apply
    See our recent client successes: https://ethercycle.com/work

  • Growing a Supps Brand to $70M in 2.5 Years

    Growing a Supps Brand to $70M in 2.5 Years

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    Devyn Merklin, former CMO of Livingood Daily, shares the raw truth behind scaling a supplement brand to $70M in annual revenue. From relentless testing to mastering Shopify funnels, Devyn provides a thoughtful analysis of the strategies that worked, the mistakes that taught valuable lessons, and how brands can apply these insights to their own growth journeys.

    Links

    People

    Devyn MerklinDr. Blake LivingoodEzra FirestoneRandall PitchRussell Brunson

    Brands

    HooniganLivingood DailyOffsetSmart Marketer

    Apps

    PrintfulViralSweep

    Tools

    KajabiClickFunnels

    Services

    FlippaEmpire FlippersBuyBizSellThe XScaleSponsorsZipifyCleverificBoost Filter & SearchHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletter
  • Avoiding CRO myths

    Avoiding CRO myths

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    “Look, if you redesign your grocery store and I can’t find the chicken or checkout clerk I like, I’m shopping somewhere else.”

    How do you turn clicks into customers without falling for CRO myths? Oliver Kenyon, CEO of ConversionWise, exposes the lazy habits holding Shopify stores back and shares proven strategies to boost sales. It’s all about clarity, problem-solving, and delivering customer value—no gimmicks, just real results. This episode is packed with actionable insights to transform your Shopify store into a revenue machine.

    Links

    Oliver Kenyon

    Oliver's ConversionWise

    Kurt Elster (Host)

    SponsorsZipifyCleverificBoost Filter & SearchHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletter
  • How This Athlete Built a $10M Sock Brand

    How This Athlete Built a $10M Sock Brand

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    "I wanted to create a product that could be the yoga pant for the foot."

    Rob Fraser, former pro cyclist and the founder of Outway, believes socks should do more than cover your feet. Drawing from his background in sport, Fraser has crafted a brand that blends durability with everyday style. In this episode, he shares the unlikely story of how a thousand-dollar loan sparked a $10 million business, tapping into the potential of a $50 billion market. What follows is a lesson in resilience, as Fraser discusses growth, innovation, and the quest to make socks worthy of serious consumer loyalty.

    Links:Rob Fraser – Founder of Outway, former pro cyclist and Canadian national team memberOutway – Rob Fraser's sock brandShopify – Platform Outway uses for their e-commerce siteShopify Bundles App – Used by Outway for product bundlingSponsorsZipifyCleverificOmnisendHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletter
  • Why Mizzen+Main’s $100M Founder Left to Build a Baby Monitor

    Why Mizzen+Main’s $100M Founder Left to Build a Baby Monitor

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    Kevin Lavelle’s got a knack for big ideas and starting fresh. First, he took on menswear with Mizzen+Main, bringing performance fabric to dress shirts and making them a hit with pro athletes and office rebels alike. Now he’s back with something new—a baby monitor. Yep, from dress shirts to baby tech. In this episode, he breaks down the whole journey: the wild beginnings, early mistakes, and how he built a brand from scratch, twice. It’s a sharp take on the wins, the losses, and why some ideas just stick around until you finally make them happen.

    Episode Highlights:

    How Kevin’s “aha” moment led to Mizzen+Main’s success.The surprising lessons from scaling a DTC menswear brand.Transitioning from clothing to tech: Why Kevin started Harbor.Kevin’s experience with early product mistakes and customer trust.The power of influencer partnerships and wholesale growth.How a Tim Ferriss podcast ad skyrocketed Mizzen+Main’s sales.What it takes to launch a product parents trust with their kids.Mentioned in This Episode

    Brands & Businesses

    Mizzen+MainHarborShopifySage 50 PeachtreeEpicor ERPHawk SearchFaire

    People Mentioned

    Tim FerrissJJ WattPhil MickelsonDamon JohnSimon Sinek

    Sponsors

    ZipifyCleverificOmnisendHelp the ShowAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupSupport the show by leaving a review and subscribingWhat’s Kurt Up To?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your storeNever Miss an EpisodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletter
  • Turning Scratched Lenses into 8 Figures

    Turning Scratched Lenses into 8 Figures

    · The Unofficial Shopify Podcast

    “We’re doing about 1,500 pairs a day
 we’re gonna hit eight figures this year, probably next year for sure.”

    You know that favorite pair of sunglasses you can’t throw away? Brandon Dill turned that frustration into an 8-figure business. He’s the founder of Fuse Lenses, a brand built on bringing those scratched shades back to life.

    In this episode, we trace Brandon’s journey from side hustle to scaling a manufacturing business, built on curiosity, ingenuity, and a lot of hustle. But it’s not all smooth sailing—Brandon dives into the realities of cash flow struggles, seasonal peaks, and the surprising challenges of bootstrapping. And as his company grows, he reflects on what success truly means when passion becomes a job.

    LinksFuse Lenses - Replacement lenses for name-brand sunglassesBrandon Dill - Founder, Fuse Lenses

    Tech Stack:

    Shopify - E-commerce platformKlaviyo - Email marketing and SMS platformAttentive - SMS marketing platformOkendo - Reviews and ratings app for e-commerce storesSponsorsZipifyCleverificOmnisendHelp the showAsk a question in The Unofficial Shopify Podcast Facebook GroupLeave a reviewSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsWhat's Kurt up to?See our recent work at EthercycleSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelApply to work with Kurt to grow your store.Never miss an episodeSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsJoin Kurt's newsletter
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