Shows
Commerce Famous Podcast028 | Eric Erway | Lessons from Magento: product, shipping, and innovationIn this episode of Commerce Famous, host Ben Marks chats with Eric Erway, Vice President of Product at ShipperHQ, and a former Magento product leader. Eric brings his wealth of experience from his time at Dell, Magento, and Cart.com to explore the intricacies of ecommerce logistics and fulfillment.They dive deep into how ShipperHQ is transforming the shipping experience by providing merchants with powerful tools to optimize shipping costs, offer real-time rates, and streamline the customer experience. Eric shares insights into how advanced analytics, dimensional packing, and carrier backup rates are helping businesses save money and meet...2024-10-0136 min
Commerce Famous Podcast028 | Jim Herbert | Reflections on BigCommerce, Patchworks and beyondIn this episode of Commerce Famous, host Ben Marks sits down with Jim Herbert, the CEO of Patchworks, at Shoptalk EU in Barcelona. Jim shares insights from his extensive career in digital commerce, including his time as Senior Vice President of BigCommerce EMEA and his transition to leading Patchworks.They discuss the evolution of ecommerce technology, the growing importance of integration platforms, and how Patchworks is simplifying complex workflows with their innovative solutions. Jim also dives into the challenges of scaling businesses in Europe, the role of AI and low-code solutions in the ecommerce space, and what the...2024-09-1744 min
Commerce Famous Podcast027 | Nicole Leinbach Hoffman | Stimulating commerce: disrupting retail and sexual wellnessIn this episode of Commerce Famous, host Ben Marks sits down with Nicole Leinbach Hoffman, founder of Retail Minded and co-founder of the Independent Retailer Conference. Nicole shares her journey from working in marketing for major brands like Adidas to creating a platform that connects retailers with knowledge, resources, and community. She reflects on how she launched her retail education conference series in 2011 and how it evolved over the years, especially with the challenges brought on by the pandemic.Nicole dives into her latest venture, Stimulate, a B2B sexual wellness trade show designed to support retailers with...2024-09-0328 min
Commerce Famous Podcast026 | Paul Rogers | Hack, build, scale: shaping the future of ecommerceIn this episode of Commerce Famous, host Ben Marks sits down with Paul Rogers, co-founder of Vervaunt, a London-based ecommerce consultancy and performance marketing agency. Paul shares his journey through the ecommerce industry, starting from his early days in scrappy digital roles to leading major replatforming projects for luxury and premium brands. They dive into the challenges of building and scaling a business in the fast-evolving ecommerce landscape, discussing everything from the rise of AI and machine learning in digital marketing to the complexities of modern replatforming projects. Paul also opens up about the creation of Vervaunt Labs and...2024-08-2736 min
Commerce Famous Podcast025 | Linda Bustos | "The ecommerce truffle pig" on industry trendsIn the second episode of Season 2 of Commerce Famous, host Ben Marks welcomes Linda Bustos, a well-known figure in the ecommerce world and expert in customer journey analysis. Linda shares her unique insights into the evolution of digital commerce, discussing the rise of social media, the impact of emerging technologies like AI, and the importance of community in the digital age. Known for her work on the Get Elastic blog, Linda also reveals her process of discovering innovative ecommerce practices, describing herself as an "ecommerce truffle pig" who hunts for valuable insights to share with the community. This episode...2024-08-1334 min
Commerce Famous Podcast024 | Brian Beck | The B2B commerce evolution | Season 2 opener!Welcome to Season 2 of Commerce Famous! In this premiere episode, host Ben Marks sits down with Brian Beck, a 25-year veteran in the ecommerce space, renowned for his expertise in B2B. Together, they delve into the evolving landscape of B2B commerce, discussing how digital transformation is reshaping the industry. From customization needs to emerging trends, this episode is packed with insights that are crucial for anyone navigating the complexities of B2B ecommerce. Don't miss out on this engaging start to the new season!Brian Beck on LinkedInEnceiba on LinkedInMaster B2...2024-07-3035 min
Commerce Famous PodcastRecast | Brian Lange | The intersection of commerce and cultureIn this recast episode of Commerce Famous (first published in November 2023), host Ben Marks is joined by Brian Lange, an industry veteran from Future Commerce. They dive deep into the evolution of ecommerce, exploring how the sector has transformed over the years, especially with the rise of mobile and AI technologies. The discussion covers the journey from open-source platforms to the dominance of SaaS solutions, and how these changes have influenced both consumer behavior and business strategies.Listeners will gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within the ecommerce space, the concept of the participatory economy...2024-07-0944 min
Commerce Famous PodcastRecast | Nick Johnson | The future of B2B distributionWelcome to another great recast episode of Commerce Famous, first published in November 2023:Ben welcomes Nick Johnson to the show. Nick is Managing Partner at Applico, co-author of the book Modern Monopolies (and also the world's first Pokémon master!). "B2B distribution sits behind everything," says Nick who has been working in the industry for many years and explains why B2B distribution is a market that is ripe for disruption and being penetrated by technology and new players. Enjoy!Nick Johnson on LinkedInApplicoApplico CapitalB2B Distribution Newsletter2024-07-0240 min
Commerce Famous PodcastRecast | Andrew Youderian | From dropshipping to community buildingWelcome to one more Recast episode Commerce Famous!Ben meets with fellow "community nerd" Andrew Youderian. Andrew, the legendary founder of eCommerceFuel, built a strong community of entrepreneurs, many from the Shopify world, and made this his own business. Earlier in his career, Andrew pioneered the drop-shipping space and became famous for his transparency and creative marketing ideas. And as a bonus, if after listening to this episode, you feel like working with Andrew, he brings a special job offer to our listeners. Enjoy!Andrew Youderian on LinkedIneCommerceFuelsSuggest a Guest...2024-06-2551 min
Commerce Famous PodcastRecast | Lindy Crea | The future of subscriptions in ecommerceWelcome to another Recast episode (first published in October 2023).Ben sits down with Lindy Crea, the VP of Strategic Alliances at ReCharge Payments, a subscription service particularly popular with Shopify merchants. Throughout her career, Lindy has focused on building meaningful partnerships; she worked for the Clinton Foundation on establishing public-private collaborations in Mozambique, led global partnerships for Klarna during the company's US expansion, and currently runs partnerships at ReCharge. So it's natural that Lindy and Ben also discuss consumer friendly subscription models and speculate in which direction the industry might be heading. Another must-listen episode. Enjoy!...2024-06-1842 min
Commerce Famous PodcastRecast | Jorrit Steinz | The future of ecommerce marketplacesIn this Recast episode, which originally aired in September 2023, Ben meets one of the premier marketplace experts: Jorrit Steinz, Founder & CEO of ChannelEngine and, above all, a serial entrepreneur. Jorrit just enjoys the development and growth of new and exciting business opportunities, and in this fast-paced episode Jorrit takes us on a wild ride through his career and the ever-changing ecommerce landscape. Sit back, relax and try to keep up with Jorrit!Jorrit Steinz on LinkedInChannel EngineSuggest a Guest for the Commerce Famous PodcastCommerce Famous is proudly presented...2024-06-1139 min
Commerce Famous PodcastRecast | Darin Lynch | Irish Titan's growth playbookToday, we bring you another Recast episode, first published in August 2023. Ben talks to a true titan of the industry: Darin Lynch, the Founder and CEO of Irish Titan. Darin started the Minneapolis-based agency back in 2004 and, today, almost 20 years later, he and his team are going stronger than ever.Irish Titan builds and grows ecommerce channels, following their unique philosophy. In Darin's own words: "We have a 'Titan only' model - 100% of our work is done by our Titans (no contractors, freelancers, or offshore workers). We’ve never been accused of being quiet BUT we love to...2024-06-0448 min
Commerce Famous PodcastRecast | Hani Batla | Adorama's journey through modernizationWelcome to a re-release episode of Commerce Famous. Ben Marks is “Hanging out with Hani” - that is Hani Batla, the CIO & CTO of Adorama, the famed New York City retailer. Hani’s illustrious career has taken him to legendary companies, including Verizon, Comcast, Ericsson, HBO, and now Adorama. Find out why Hani joined a retailer after many years in media, and how he drives modernization at a company that has been selling online since the late 90s!Hani Batla on LinkedInAdoramaSuggest a Guest for the Commerce Famous PodcastCommer...2024-05-2846 min
Commerce Famous PodcastUpdate | Ben Marks | End of Season 1: What's next?Season 1 of Commerce Famous has wrapped up!In today's short bonus episode, host Ben Marks shares an exciting update on what's next for the podcast, how you can become a guest, and details about his second podcast project. Tune in for this brief but important 84-second announcement!Ben on LinkedInBen on Twitter/XFind Ben's new podcast here!Commerce Famous is proudly presented by Shopware, the leading open commerce platform for all your B2C and B2B needs.
2024-05-2101 min
Commerce Famous Podcast023 | Ethan Giffin | Navigating the new normal of ecommerceIn this episode of Commerce Famous, host Ben Marks sits down with Ethan Giffin, founder of Groove Commerce, a creative studio specializing in ecommerce engineering and growth marketing based in Baltimore. They delve into the evolution of ecommerce, reflecting on past changes and current trends, such as the impact of GA4 updates and the significance of site speed and SEO for online retailers.Ethan shares insights into Groove Commerce's holistic approach, emphasizing the integration of design, development, and marketing to optimize ecommerce performance. They also discuss the importance of choosing the right tech stack and the role of...2024-05-0730 min
Commerce Famous Podcast022 | Steve Dennis | Adapt or fail: surviving the retail shake-upIn this Commerce Famous episode, Ben Marks talks with Steve Dennis at Shoptalk 2024 in Las Vegas. Steve reflects on his panel discussion about retail innovation and his career, including pivotal roles at Sears and Neiman Marcus. They touch on Steve's best-selling book "Remarkable Retail," revised for the pandemic's impacts, and the potential of AI in the industry.Steve's new book "Leaders Leap," launching on April 23, the same day as this episode, is also discussed, emphasizing the need for leadership and adaptability in retail's changing landscape. This episode offers insights into the challenges and opportunities in retail today.2024-04-2331 min
Commerce Famous Podcast021 | Noah Oken-Berg & Marisol Garcia | Building Above The FrayIn this episode of Commerce Famous, Ben Marks is joined by Noah Oken-Berg and Marisol Garcia, co-founders of Above The Fray. Noah, with a background in the wireless world and agency space, alongside Marisol, a seasoned professional in public accounting, share their journey into ecommerce. Their discussion delves into the unique blend of instinct, necessity, and diverse expertise that catalyzed their agency's inception in the Pacific Northwest.They unpack the essence of adaptability, the strengths of a global team, and the critical financial maneuvers that have steered their path. This episode offers a deep dive into ecommerce...2024-04-1632 min
Commerce Famous Podcast020 | Kevin Eichelberger | Behind the scenes of Blue Acorn's riseIn this episode of Commerce Famous, hosts Ben Marks sits down with Kevin Eichelberger, founder of Blue Acorn, where Ben was employee number one! Kevin shares insights into the early days of Blue Acorn, the challenges of the ecommerce space, and the evolution of the industry. The conversation delves into topics such as the impact of social commerce, the shifting consumer behavior, and the entrepreneurial opportunities within the ecommerce ecosystem. Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of Kevin Eichelberger in shaping the world of digital commerce.Kevin Eichelberger on LinkedInBlue Acorn iCi...2024-04-0225 min
Commerce Famous Podcast019 | Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg | "We're all entitled to zero sales!"In this captivating episode of Commerce Famous, host Ben Marks is joined by the eminent Jason "Retailgeek" Goldberg, a titan in the commerce realm and the Chief Commerce Strategy Officer at Publicis.Jason, also celebrated for his insightful contributions on the Jason and Scot Show, delves into his extensive experience in the commerce industry, highlighting his unique perspective on the evolution of retail and digital commerce. From discussing the origins and growth of the Jason and Scott Show to exploring Jason's rich family history in retail and his pivotal role in the early days of ecommerce at Blockbuster...2024-03-1941 min
Commerce Famous PodcastBonus | Ben Marks and Maier Bianchi visit the Discovered Podcast | Commerce FamousSwitcheroo! In this bonus episode, Commerce Famous host Ben Marks is being interviewed. Recently, Ben and Maier Bianchi of Bemeir were guests in Rachel Tonner's podcast "Discovered by Klevu." We cross-post the entire episode here. Enjoy!The original podcast description:Step into the bustling world of ecommerce operations with Rachel Tonner in this enlightening episode. Rachel hosts Ben Marks from Shopware AG and Maier Bianchi of Bemeir, both leading figures with vast experience in ecommerce.Together, the trio navigates the intricate terrains of operational efficiency in an industry known for its rapid pace, and turbulent...2024-02-2733 min
Commerce Famous Podcast017 | Niraj Aswani | NLP and ecommerce: crafting better online shopping with AIToday, Ben welcomes Klevu's CTO and Co-Founder Niraj Aswani. The two dive deeper into Niraj's journey from a strong academic foundation in natural language processing to confronting real-world challenges in ecommerce search functionality. They examine how Niraj's expertise has been instrumental in Klevu's development of advanced search technologies, making online shopping more intuitive and efficient for users. The conversation also covers the broader implications of integrating AI and machine learning into ecommerce platforms, focusing on how these innovations are transforming customer experiences, improving search accuracy, and influencing the future direction of the retail industry. Enjoy!Niraj Aswani...2024-02-2031 min
Commerce Famous Podcast016 | Mark Friedman | The journey of the mid-market merchant"Breaking Up Is Hard to Do: The Journey of the Mid-Market Merchant" is the title of a ground-breaking report that Mark Friedman, today's podcast guest, has just co-authored with Rick Watson.Download the report for freeMark joins Ben to talk about his findings as well as discuss how his long career in the retail industry has shaped his views on the mid-market.Mark is a seasoned professional in the retail industry with a history of leading companies through periods of transformation. Having previously worked at Brooks Brothers, Mark was invited by the...2024-02-0632 min
Commerce Famous PodcastRecast | Jim Lofgren | Nosto's CEO on crucial shifts in ecommerceWelcome to a special re-release episode of Commerce Famous, where today we revisit a thought-provoking conversation with Jim Lofgren, CEO of Nosto. Host Ben Marks delves into Jim's unexpected journey from aspiring banker to influential figure in the ecommerce world. Jim shares his passion for the industry, recounting his early forays into online selling and his deep interest in customer experience. The discussion turns to the impact of AI on ecommerce, with Jim shedding light on the potential of generative AI for personalized customer interactions and the nuances of maintaining authentic brand experiences. Join us as we explore the...2024-01-2326 min
Commerce Famous Podcast015 | Stefan Hamann | The ecommerce evolution and AI's future roleJoin us on the latest episode of Commerce Famous as our host, Ben Marks, dives into an insightful conversation with Stefan Hamann, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Shopware. It's not just a chat about e-commerce trends - it's a deep dive into the future of shopping experiences, the evolution of AI in e-commerce, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the industry’s leading platforms. Here's what you'll gain from tuning in:The Spatial Commerce Revolution: Discover how Shopware is breaking the mold with 3D experiences that could redefine how we interact with products online.AI...2024-01-0947 min
Commerce Famous PodcastRecast | Roy Rubin | It all started with MagentoHappy Holidays! We are taking a little break from releasing new episodes. Instead, please enjoy this recast of the very first Commerce Famous episode!Ecommerce legend Roy Rubin, co-founder and angel investor at R-Squared Ventures, is the guest of honor on our inaugural Commerce Famous episode. Roy, co-founder and former CEO of Magento, and host Ben Marks discuss the origins of the open source model, Roy’s long career in ecommerce, the major shifting points in the industry, the rapidly expanding development of AI in ecommerce, and whether or not Roy is already investing in AI projects. Ro...2023-12-2640 min
Commerce Famous Podcast013 | Brian Lange | What the Future of Commerce will look like"Looking at where commerce and culture intersect today helps us understand where the Future of Commerce is going to be," says Brian Lange, co-founder of the Future Commerce media company. Brian is this week's guest on Commerce Famous. He and host Ben Marks discuss where and why people buy things, why brands are the modern muses and how, for businesses, getting lean (in the right way!) might be crucial for a successful 2024. Enjoy!Brian Lange on LinkedInFuture CommerceFuture Commerce LearningAI in Commerce Report free downloadSuggest a Guest for...2023-11-2844 min
Commerce Famous Podcast012 | Nick Johnson | "B2B distribution sits behind everything"Today Ben welcomes Nick Johnson to the show. Nick is Managing Partner at Applico, co-author of the book Modern Monopolies (and also the world's first Pokémon master!). "B2B distribution sits behind everything," says Nick who has been working in the industry for many years and explains why B2B distribution is a market that is ripe for disruption and being penetrated by technology and new players. EnjoyNick Johnson on LinkedInApplicoApplico CapitalB2B Distribution NewsletterSuggest a Guest for the Commerce Famous PodcastCommerce F...2023-11-1540 min
Commerce Famous Podcast011 | Jim Lofgren | Nosto's CEO is on a quest to make every single online impression countThis week, Ben welcomes Jim Lofgren, the President and CEO of Nosto, one of the world's leading commerce experience platforms. Jim talks about his genuine love for ecommerce and why he chose a career in the industry over investment banking. Then he shares his insights from Nosto's 10+ years of working with AI and where he predicts we are heading with it. Jim and Ben wrap up the conversation by explaining Nosto's mission and vision of making every single impression count for online stores. EnjoyJim Lofgren on LinkedInNostoSuggest a Guest for...2023-11-0226 min
Commerce Famous Podcast010 | Andrew Youderian | How to build a no-BS community for entrepreneurs"Community is hard to build and valuable!"Exciting times for Ben! This week he meets with fellow "community nerd" Andrew Youderian. Andrew, the legendary founder of eCommerceFuel, built a strong community of entrepreneurs, many from the Shopify world, and made this his own business. Earlier in his career, Andrew pioneered the drop-shipping space and became famous for his transparency and creative marketing ideas. And as a bonus, if after listening to this episode, you feel like working with Andrew, he brings a special job offer to our listeners. Enjoy!Andrew Youderian on LinkedIneCommerceFuels2023-10-1751 min
Commerce Famous Podcast009 | Lindy Crea | Building partnerships, from the Clinton Foundation to Klarna and ReChargeToday, Ben sits down with Lindy Crea, the VP of Strategic Alliances at ReCharge Payments, a subscription service particularly popular with Shopify merchants. Throughout her career, Lindy has focused on building meaningful partnerships; she worked for the Clinton Foundation on establishing public-private collaborations in Mozambique, led global partnerships for Klarna during the company's US expansion, and currently runs partnerships at ReCharge. So it's natural that Lindy and Ben also discuss consumer friendly subscription models and speculate in which direction the industry might be heading. Another must-listen episode. Enjoy!Lindy Crea on LinkedInReCharge Payments2023-10-0342 min
Commerce Famous Podcast008 | Thien-Lan Weber | Building tech careers with a purposeToday Ben checks in with Thien-Lan Weber, the VP Strategy & Marketing at Hyvä. Thien-Lan's impressive and storied career has taken her to many countries and a diverse set of brands such as L'Oreal, Accenture, Ebay, PayPal, and OneStepCheckout where she served as CMO for over 7 years. In this great episode, Thien-Lan and Ben chat about all these steps in her life, the early days of ecommerce and the future of Magento, playing the drums, sky diving, and - above all - how to build a meaningful career in tech. Buckle up for a wild ride and get inspired by t...2023-09-1959 min
Commerce Famous PodcastBonus | Ben's free masterclass "The Modern TCO for Ecommerce" | Watch it on-demandLearn everything about Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for ecommerce projects in one hour!Watch the Masterclass on demand, for free The Masterclass is a tactical guide to comparing platforms in cost to acquire, run and scale. Ben Marks, Director Global Market Development at Shopware, and Darin Lynch, Founder and CEO, Irish Titan will discuss the true cost of ecommerce platforms. Learn how to calculate the Total Cost of Ownership of any project, know the costs to run, manage and scale, and make fully informed decisions.Listen to the episode with Darrin Lynch2023-09-1001 min
Commerce Famous Podcast007 | Jorrit Steinz | Marketplace ExpertToday Ben meets one of the premier marketplace experts: Jorrit Steinz, Founder & CEO of ChannelEngine and, above all, a serial entrepreneur. Jorrit just enjoys the development and growth of new and exciting business opportunities, and in this fast-paced episode Jorrit takes us on a wild ride through his career and the ever-changing ecommerce landscape. Sit back, relax and try to keep up with Jorrit! Jorrit Steinz on LinkedInChannel EngineSuggest a Guest for the Commerce Famous PodcastCommerce Famous is proudly presented by Shopware, the leading open commerce platform for...2023-09-0639 min
Commerce Famous Podcast006 | Darin Lynch | How to build a super successful digital agencyThis week Ben talks to a true titan of the industry: Darin Lynch, the Founder and CEO of Irish Titan. Darin started the Minneapolis-based agency back in 2004 and, today, almost 20 years later, he and his team are going stronger than ever.Irish Titan builds and grows ecommerce channels, following their unique philosophy. In Darin's own words: "We have a 'Titan only' model - 100% of our work is done by our Titans (no contractors, freelancers, or offshore workers). We’ve never been accused of being quiet BUT we love to listen. It’s how we engage our clients for...2023-08-2247 min
Commerce Famous Podcast005 | Hani Batla | CIO & CTO at AdoramaThis week, Commerce Famous host Ben Marks is “Hanging out with Hani” - that is Hani Batla, the CIO & CTO of Adorama, the famed New York City retailer. Hani’s illustrious career has taken him to legendary companies, including Verizon, Comcast, Ericsson, HBO, and now Adorama. Find out why Hani joined a retailer after many years in media, and how he drives modernization at a company that has been selling online since the late 90s!Hani Batla on LinkedInAdoramaSuggest a Guest for the Commerce Famous PodcastCommerce Famous is proudl...2023-08-1646 min
Commerce Famous Podcast004 | Kelly Goetsch | Chairman of the MACH AllianceToday Ben welcomes yet another ecommerce legend to the podcast: Kelly Goetsch - co-founder and current chairman of the MACH Alliance, CSO of commercetools and, since 2018, co-host of the successful COMMERCE TOMORROW podcast. Kelly has also written four books and is known for his pointed articles on LinkedIn and elsewhere. Enjoy the show with this very outspoken industry insider!Kelly Goetsch on LinkedIncommercetoolsMACH AllianceSuggest a Guest for the Commerce Famous PodcastCommerce Famous is proudly presented by Shopware, the leading open commerce platform for all your B2...2023-07-2551 min
Commerce Famous Podcast001 | Roy Rubin | Legendary Magento Co-FounderEcommerce legend Roy Rubin, co-founder and angel investor at R-Squared Ventures, is the guest of honor on our inaugural Commerce Famous episode. Roy, co-founder and former CEO of Magento, and host Ben Marks discuss the origins of the open source model, Roy’s long career in ecommerce, the major shifting points in the industry, the rapidly expanding development of AI in ecommerce, and whether or not Roy is already investing in AI projects. Roy also explains his somewhat heterodox point of view on the headless ecommerce model.Roy Rubin on LinkedInR2VCSu...2023-05-2339 min