Shows
The Apres Business PodcastNavigating Tariffs, China, and E-Commerce Supply Chain Pivots with Wylie Robinson of RumplIn this episode of The Après Business Podcast, host Becca Babicz sits down with Wylie Robinson, co-founder and former CEO of Rumpl, to explore how his outdoor blanket company is weathering major tariff shifts and rethinking its China-based supply chain. Learn how Wylie and his team are navigating sourcing challenges, global logistics, and unpredictable regulations while maintaining brand integrity. If you're an e-commerce entrepreneur or product-based founder looking to future-proof your operations, this candid conversation is a must-listen.Quoteables:“We’re planning the business like the inventory we have now is the only...2025-05-0622 min
The Apres Business PodcastSolomon Advertising's Advanced Affiliate Strategy: Margins, Amazon, & Picking the Right Platform with Founder Ivan TijerinaPart 2 of our interview with Ivan Tijerina of Solomon Advertising is a tactical goldmine. We get into the nitty-gritty of how to structure affiliate programs for Amazon, TikTok Shop, and DTC sites, the importance of knowing your margins, and how to calculate commissions to stay profitable. Plus, Ivan shares how to choose the right affiliate platforms and manage expectations with leadership. This is a must-listen for any product-based business owner looking to grow smarter—not just bigger.Quoteables:“Don’t expect affiliate marketing to be the channel that saves your business—especially if others aren’t working.”...2025-04-2133 min
The Apres Business PodcastIvan Tijerina's Affiliate Marketing 101: Avoiding Fraud, Finding Partners, & Scaling Salomon Advertising with StrategyIn Part 1 of this deep dive with Ivan Tijerina, founder of Solomon Advertising, we unpack the essentials of affiliate marketing for e-commerce businesses. Ivan shares how he got his start in the industry, the biggest mistakes new affiliate managers make, and how to avoid fraud and low-value coupon sites. Whether you're scaling an established program or starting from scratch, this episode is packed with practical lessons that will help you build a sustainable and trustworthy affiliate channel.Quoteables:“It’s partnerships that send traffic to your website that generate a sale, and they get a commission. It’s...2025-04-1420 min
The Apres Business PodcastThe Future of Ski Gear: Sustainability, Growth & Business Lessons with Hagan Ski’s Mike HoganIn Part 2 of this conversation, Becca dives deep with Mike Hogan on the challenges and opportunities of growing a niche outdoor brand in a rapidly changing retail landscape. From experimenting with a 100% locally sourced ski to rebuilding trust with retailers after a DTC misstep, Mike shares the real (and raw) stories behind the growth of Hagan Skis. Whether you sell gear, apparel, or products online, this episode is packed with insights on scaling, sustainability, and staying true to your brand’s roots.Quoteables:“At one point, we had skis in the basement, pole...2025-04-1227 min
The Apres Business PodcastFrom Passion to CEO: The Hagan Skis Story with Mike HoganWhat happens when a lifelong skier buys the ski brand he’s obsessed with? In this episode, Becca sits down with Mike Hogan, the CEO of Hagan Skis North America, to talk about how his love for the sport led to one of the boldest career pivots you’ll ever hear. From storing skis in his kids’ bedrooms to building partnerships with shops across the country, Mike shares the gritty, unconventional path of growing a niche brand in a legacy industry. This one’s full of insight, laughs, and pure passion—whether you're a skier, business owner, or just someone ch...2025-04-1224 minThe Apres Business PodcastFrom Kickstarter to Cash Flow: Entrepreneurial Lessons from Chris McKleroyWhat happens when an entrepreneur with a passion for design takes on two wildly different industries? Chris McKleroy, founder of Nocs Binoculars and co-founder of Boombotix, shares his rollercoaster journey from creating the first wearable Bluetooth speakers to launching a brand that’s now sold in REI stores across the country. In this episode, Chris breaks down his biggest lessons in cash flow management, scaling product-based businesses, and the power of brand positioning. Whether you’re a startup founder, product designer, or business owner, this episode is packed with real, hard-earned insights on what it takes to grow, pivot, and...2025-04-0729 minThe Apres Business PodcastE-Commerce Growth Hacks with Chris McKleroy: How Nocs Landed in REI & Built a Thriving Outdoor BrandHow do you scale a niche product and turn it into an outdoor brand loved by customers and major retailers alike? Chris McKleroy, founder of Nocs Provisions, joins host Rebecca Babicz to share the behind-the-scenes of growing his company from DTC (direct-to-consumer) success to landing in REI stores across the country. In this episode, Chris discusses wholesale strategies, e-commerce growth hacks, and how values-driven branding played a key role in Nocs' expansion. Whether you're building a physical product, exploring wholesale, or looking to refine your brand strategy, this conversation is packed with practical insights and hard-earned lessons.2025-03-3129 minThe Apres Business PodcastMarketing, Community & Growth: How Outer Shell Built a Cult Following & Scaled ProductionWhat’s the secret to building a brand that customers obsess over? In Part 2 of this conversation with Jim Santos, co-owner of Outer Shell, we dive into the behind-the-scenes of scaling a product-based business, the challenges and rewards of manufacturing in the USA, and how grassroots marketing and community events fueled Outer Shell’s success. Jim shares how their Coffee Outside meetups became an organic marketing powerhouse, why product design obsession pays off, and how building strong partnerships makes all the difference. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to build brand loyalty, scale efficiently, and create meaningful customer connections, this e...2025-03-2445 minThe Apres Business PodcastBike Bags, Branding & Business Growth with Outer Shell’s Jim SantosWhat happens when a passion for biking and a DIY mindset turn into a full-scale business? In this episode, Jim Santos, co-owner of Outer Shell, shares his unconventional journey from corporate tech to manufacturing bikepacking gear in San Francisco. Host Rebecca Babicz dives into the challenges and rewards of growing a niche brand, including how Jim and his business partner, Kyle, built Outer Shell from the ground up. From early product experimentation to leveraging community marketing, this episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs navigating the intersection of creativity, business, and scaling a brand....2025-03-1721 minThe Apres Business PodcastThe Après Business Podcast: Real Talk on Growth, Marketing, Startups & Founder LessonsReady for an unfiltered look at what it really takes to build and grow a business? In this debut episode of The Après Business Podcast, host Rebecca Babicz, founder of Fall Line Digital, introduces the show’s mission: to uncover the raw, behind-the-scenes truths of entrepreneurship. From marketing wins (and fails) to the lessons only learned in hindsight, Rebecca promises unscripted, real-world conversations with entrepreneurs, growth experts, and marketers who’ve been in the trenches. Whether you're scaling your business, navigating tough pivots, or just looking for inspiration, this is the space for candid stories and actionable insights. Buckl...2025-02-2702 min