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In this deep dive conversation, Mo sits down with George Kapernaros to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in eCommerce: retention. But instead of just talking about email flows or post-purchase tips, George flips the script—arguing that retention starts at acquisition.
👉 Why your offer is the biggest retention lever
👉 How to make customers feel the value—not just see it
👉 Why habit formation matters more than your welcome flow
👉 Smart post-purchase tactics (that don’t rely on discounts)
👉 The real reason most brands lose customers (and how to fix it)From building emotional brand connections to turning zero-party data into real personalization, George shares practical frameworks and examples from brands he's worked with—including how to stay top-of-mind without spamming.
This is a must-watch for DTC founders, email marketers, and anyone obsessed with LTV, CAC, and retention math that actually makes sense.
Book a Strategy Call with YOCTO:
https://calendly.com/george-kapernaros/socratic-interview▶ LinkedIn: https:/https://www.linkedin.com/company/george-kapernaros/
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In this episode of CEOAFTERDARK, host George Kapernaros sits down with John Roman, the mastermind behind BattlBox, the outdoor subscription brand that became a media machine. John shares how he:
Scaled BattlBox into a DTC powerhouse
Sold it (at peak market conditions)
Built a Netflix show around the brand
Created a content engine where 60% of revenue comes from organicFrom leveraging YouTube reviews in 2015 before influencer seeding was even a term, to scaling a full-time creator team and managing post-exit pitfalls—John breaks down what it really takes to build community, turn creators into cashflow, and why content is the real moat in DTC today.
Whether you’re a brand founder, marketer, or creator—this episode is a masterclass in strategic content and brand building.
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E-Commerce & Content Creation Insights | CEOAFTERDARK with Lucy Jeffrey
In this episode of CEOAFTERDARK, we sit down with Lucy Jeffrey, founder of Bare Kind, to explore the real stories behind building a purpose-driven e-commerce brand and growing an authentic online presence.
From her entrepreneurial beginnings to navigating business with a life partner, Lucy shares honest insights into content creation, the power of storytelling, and why embracing experimentation over perfection is key to startup success.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to catch more unfiltered conversations with today’s boldest founders.
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In this episode of CEOAFTERDARK, we sit down with the inspiring Janis Thomas, Marketing Director at Look Fabulous Forever, a beauty brand redefining aging. From her unique career path to the mission driving the brand, Janis opens up about authentic customer connection, mastering communication, and turning campaign failures into growth. We dive deep into empowering women in leadership, the art of negotiation, and what's next on the horizon for her career. A must-listen for anyone navigating leadership with heart, strategy, and resilience.
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In this in-depth conversation, we explore how Digioh, a leading Marketing Efficiency Platform, is helping e-commerce brands and agencies scale through smarter technology, strategic partnerships, and innovative marketing tactics.
From building high-impact collaborations to leveraging events for deeper connections, this episode uncovers the key elements of Digioh’s growth strategy. Whether you're a founder, marketer, agency owner, or growth strategist, you'll walk away with practical insights to apply in your own business.
We also discuss how Digioh brings real value to agency partners, the power of relationship-based growth, and what the future holds for brands that double down on strategic alliances.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content on e-commerce growth, SaaS strategies, and marketing partnerships!
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In this episode of the CEOAFTERDARK Podcast, we sit down with Jimmy Kim, a powerhouse in email marketing, SaaS, and e-commerce.
Jimmy shares his journey, insights on the power of networking, and how he built successful businesses in the digital space. We dive deep into the art of storytelling, team building, and the latest trends shaping e-commerce and email marketing. If you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or business owner looking to scale, this episode is packed with value!
💡 If you're an entrepreneur, founder, or brand strategist, this episode is packed with insights to help you scale and sustain growth in your business. -
In this episode of CEOAFTERDARK, we sit down with Rose Hamilton, Founder & CEO of Compass Rose Ventures, to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities in the health and wellness industry.
What you'll learn:
How Rose started her journey in wellness and entrepreneurship
The key role of a holistic approach in brand success
What typically holds brands back from growth
How to overcome plateaus and take your brand to the next level
Turning expert recommendations into real action
The power of community-building through media -
How to Scale an Agency & SaaS Business – Insights from Jakob Gerzen (More Conversions)
In this deep-dive conversation, we sit down with Jakob Gerzen, founder of More Conversions, to uncover the secrets behind scaling both an agency and a SaaS business. Whether you're a freelancer looking to start your agency, an agency owner considering a SaaS model, or just curious about the future of remote and hybrid work, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How Jakob transitioned from freelancer to agency owner
✅ The challenges & benefits of hybrid and remote work
✅ How to build a software company alongside an agency
✅ Agency vs. SaaS – which business model is right for you?
✅ The biggest mistakes brands make with data (and how to avoid them)
✅ How to engage and train clients effectively
✅ Why creativity is a game-changer in marketing
✅ Key advice for aspiring agency owners and entrepreneurs -
Welcome to another episode of CEOAFTERDARK, where we dive deep with industry leaders on business, strategy, and success. Today, we’re joined by Chloë Thomas—bestselling author, award-winning podcaster, and e-commerce marketing expert with 20+ years in the industry!
In this episode, we cover:
✅ How Chloë went from e-commerce consultant to building a thriving media brand
✅ The secrets to growing a successful podcast and attracting sponsors
✅ Why most agencies struggle and how to transition into content creation
✅ The power of automation & data democratization for e-commerce brands
✅ Behind-the-scenes of running a media business and monetizing contentChloë shares her insider strategies on content creation, audience growth, and sponsorships—must-know insights for anyone looking to scale a podcast, YouTube channel, or media brand!
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Unlock the Secrets to Retention Marketing Success in 2025!
In this must-watch episode of the CEOAFTERDARK Podcast, we sit down with Thomas Lalas, to uncover cutting-edge strategies that will revolutionize how you engage with customers and build lasting relationships. Whether you're an industry veteran or just starting out, Thomas's actionable insights will help you navigate the evolving digital landscape, boost customer loyalty, and maximize lifetime value.
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In this episode of the CEOAFTERDARK Podcast, host George Kapernaros sits down with Patrick Scherr, the visionary founder of Y1, to discuss the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of scaling a thriving agency.
🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Patrick’s unique journey to building Y1 and scaling it to success
Key insights into growing and managing an agency team effectively
Tips for maintaining culture and alignment during rapid growth
The systems and processes Y1 leverages to streamline operations
How to stay innovative and ahead in a competitive industry
This conversation is packed with actionable advice for entrepreneurs, agency owners, and anyone looking to elevate their business to the next level. Whether you’re scaling your agency or just getting started, Patrick shares golden nuggets of wisdom that will inspire and motivate you.
Let us know in the comments what your biggest takeaway from this episode is! 👇 -
Join George Kapernaros as he sits down with with Stephan Freh, co-founder of Hello Bello, to delve into the intricacies of managing business challenges and cofounder dynamics. Stephan shares his insights on balancing entrepreneurial stressors, the importance of probability-based decision-making, and maintaining a healthy, complementary partnership with co-founders.
Get a glimpse into the resilience tested by setbacks like an office fire and how innovation and collaboration with tech partners have propelled Hello Bello forward. Stephan discusses the joys and struggles of creating personalized, human-grade dog food and navigating the bustling pet tech industry.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
03:25 Bankers transition to managing client family offices.
09:41 Simple dog care provided by configurator questions.
12:14 Complex business with limited funding; outsourced production.
16:12 Plan exit strategies early to prevent messiness.
19:14 Optimism and analysis crucial for startup success.
21:21 Partnerships formed naturally, sustaining long-term collaboration.
26:00 Tech-driven pet food with innovative partnerships.
29:37 Tough circumstances manageable; avoid multiple simultaneous challenges.Guest Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-freh/Don’t miss out on Stephan’s invaluable advice for startup success and fostering positive cofounder relationships. Tune in to glean actionable insights and be inspired by Stephan Freh’s journey! Lastly, reach out to George if you have a fascinating business story to share!
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Join George Kapernaros as he sits down with Gabriel Loftus, co-founder of Paperrun and former Meta product management lead. Gabriel shares an engrossing metaphor of hunting game to explain targeting businesses, emphasizing that early-stage B2B companies should focus on "deer" (medium businesses) for a balanced and effective approach. We also discuss the importance of an Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) to target the right market.
Gabriel offers a fascinating comparison of the learning experiences from running a company versus working at Meta, shedding light on the unique challenges of each. He reveals Paperrun's roadmap, focusing on customer feedback and incremental growth, while also sharing best practices for direct mail campaigns. His team's creative services and transparent approach aim to simplify and enhance the effectiveness of direct mail for ecommerce brands.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
04:28 Workplace mentor simplifies growth with crayons.
09:16 Test marketing impact with patient observation period.
11:00 Direct mail lifecycle varies, not immediate results.
14:08 Quick, eye-catching designs pass brief attention test.
17:25 Focus: Customer satisfaction drives sustainable growth strategy.
21:31 Targeting e-commerce brands for effective service delivery.
23:59 Learn from others' experience for success.
26:28 Helping ecommerce brands grow profitably and happily.Guest Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielloftus/Tune in to hear more about Gabriel's innovative strategies and the ethos behind Paperrun, along with practical tips you can apply to your own business. Don’t miss this insightful conversation sprinkled with hands-on advice for tackling the B2B landscape effectively! Lastly, reach out to George if you have a fascinating business story to share!
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Join George Kapernaros as he sits down with Krish Himmatramka, founder, and CEO of Do Amore, a company revolutionizing engagement and wedding rings with a mission to provide clean water to developing countries. Krish shares his journey from oil and gas engineer to social entrepreneur, highlighting his commitment to making a life-changing impact through each ring sold.
Krish delves into the intricacies of their business model, including ethical sourcing and tracking the direct impact of their sales. He also reflects on the highs and lows of building a socially impactful business and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to make a difference.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
03:12 Water easy to access, inspires action consideration.
09:06 First water well visit in Ethiopia, impactful.
12:23 Transition from wedding rings to milestone jewelry.
13:43 Emphasizing intimacy and authenticity as business grows.
16:52 Started Domo Mori with $18,000 capital investment.
20:09 Focus on ethical, sustainable products, spreading awareness.
24:18 Influencing industry's ethical awareness and standards.Guest Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/himmatramka/Tune in to hear Krish's inspiring story and learn how you, too, can be a part of this impactful journey. Don't miss this chance to understand how meaningful social impact can be seamlessly integrated into a successful business. Lastly, reach out to George if you have a fascinating business story to share!
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Join George Kapernaros as he sits down with Will Laurenson, the CEO of Customers Who Click. Will shares his journey from running multiple brands to consolidating under a single name for better brand coherence. He delves into the challenges of working with development teams and the critical role of customer insights, influencing his shift from traditional ad campaigns to conversion rate optimization (CRO).
Will discusses the transition from in-office to remote work during the pandemic, and the significance of networking and building a community in the ecommerce space. He highlights their unique approach to CRO, not just enhancing conversion rates but optimizing overall customer revenue. Insights into effective business strategies, the importance of early delegation, and avoiding pitfalls provide valuable lessons for entrepreneurs.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
05:50 Marketing focus overlooked understanding customer needs.
06:35 Challenges with dev team, researched user feedback, improved pages.
12:11 Networking is frequent, but not always effective.
15:31 Proactively identify Klaviyo improvement opportunities and assist.
18:15 Hesitation to spend money delayed business growth.
21:16 Outsource tasks to reduce mental burden.
24:31 Tests should impact revenue by providing insights.
25:43 Business was formerly called Monkey Blocks.Guest Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/willlaurenson/Tune in to learn about Will’s experiences with startups, how he broadened his client base, and his advice on effective business management. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you grow and optimize your business. Listen now and elevate your CRO game! Lastly, reach out to George if you have a fascinating business story to share!
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Join George Kapernaros as he sits down with Alexej Pikovsky, CEO of Alphawell Group, to discuss his journey from finance to entrepreneurship. Alexej shares insights into his ventures, including an SEO and PPC agency that evolved from a CBD marketplace and a booming e-commerce scented candles brand. His entrepreneurial success is rooted in leveraging his finance experience for business growth and optimization.
Alexej highlights the transformative power of private communities like OnDeck and Hampton, crediting them for vital networking and learning opportunities. He also outlines practical strategies for scaling businesses without VC funding, emphasizing patience, trial and error, and creative financing.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
03:08 Pivot from CBD marketplace to SEO agency.
07:33 Learned scaling brands; pursued acquisitions amid market opportunity.
11:44 Balance ad spend between Amazon and direct sales.
15:28 Inventory cash conversion cycle reduced to one month.
18:17 Brand has 3 Amazon experts, separate agency team.
21:37 Stopped acquisitions; focused on omnichannel brand growth.
23:54 Communities and networks essential for career success.
26:11 Joining Dynamite Circle improved my business efficiency.Guest Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Tune in to hear Alexej’s valuable advice and inspiring journey, and apply these insights to propel your own entrepreneurial endeavors! Lastly, reach out to George if you have a fascinating business story to share!
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Join George Kapernaros as he sits down with Danas Kurlavicius, head of email and CRM marketing at Kilo Health. They dive into Danas' journey from an operator to a manager overseeing a massively successful team in a flourishing company. Danas shares his role's evolving dynamics, the challenges of delegation, and his dedication to impactful email marketing strategies.
Danas and George candidly discuss the trials and triumphs of transitioning into leadership, the importance of testing in email marketing, and the pitfalls of personalization for the sake of it. Danas also emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and the need to take breaks to enhance productivity and mental well-being.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
03:25 Started solo, needed more people over time.
09:08 Kilo excels at focusing on impactful results.
12:34 Offering a free gift led to worse results.
13:24 Fewer choices prevent decision fatigue and overwhelm.
17:40 Unprepared integration caused stress and employee turnover.
21:34 Balance work and leisure to live fully.
24:13 Take breaks to manage stressful situations effectively.
26:19 Thanks, Danas. Appreciate your time and input.Guest Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danaskurlavicius/Tune in for a wealth of insights on email marketing, leadership, and balancing work stress. Don’t forget to subscribe to CEOAFTERDARK for more inspiring stories and practical advice from industry leaders like Danas! Lastly, reach out to George if you have a fascinating business story to share!
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Join George Kapernaros as he sits down with Andy Fine, the owner of Sartoro, a premium custom suit brand offering bespoke experiences online. They delve into Andy's journey from dabbling in e-commerce to setting up a manufacturing facility in Vietnam. Andy shares challenges faced during the pandemic, particularly with a contract manufacturing partner, and the abrupt split that led to setting up his own facility.
Andy discusses strategies Sartoro employs to maintain quality and affordable prices, emphasizing fit over fabric. He also reveals exciting plans for expanding their product range with celebrity jewelry designer Neil Lane. Through hard work and adaptability, Andy has grown Sartoro while balancing international manufacturing dynamics.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
03:14 Produced in China, then moved to Vietnam.
06:52 Found partner for manufacturing operations in Vietnam.
10:41 Wife struggled to understand business during pandemic.
15:46 Prepared for self-sufficient manufacturing before 2023.
18:33 Cheap, fast suit making lacks quality, longevity.
22:11 High-quality, affordable fabrics for custom clothing.
23:05 Big partnership with Neil Lane for suits.
28:21 Dabbled in ecommerce while traveling the world.
29:33 Initial investment in Sartoro led to success.Guest Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewfine/Don’t miss this episode filled with insightful entrepreneurial advice! Listen now to learn more about overcoming business challenges and leveraging technology for success. Find Sartoro at Sartoro.co and follow them on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates. Lastly, reach out to George if you have a fascinating business story to share!
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Join George Kapernaros as he sits down with Ari Tulla, a seasoned entrepreneur who has made remarkable strides in the health tech industry. Ari shares his journey from Nokia to founding companies like Better Doctor, Quest Analytics, and Elo Health, emphasizing the transformative potential of personalized nutrition and "smart" nutrition products.
Ari dives deep into Elo's mission to turn food into medicine, discussing the development of personalized nutrition solutions like 3D-printed gummy vitamins and customized protein powders. He also sheds light on the impact of lifestyle changes on life expectancy and offers his views on modern health interventions like Ozempic.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction05:45 Healthy lifestyle choices can offer significant lifespan.
08:48 US healthcare spending causing significant global impact.
12:00 Elo creates nutrition products to support medication.
14:34 Early experiences in tech change Finland drastically.
16:42 Startup success is uncertain, but aim high.
21:10 Grateful for your personal, passionate business insights.
26:22 Elo works with partners, expanding product reach.
27:23 Thanks Ari for the insightful discussion.
Guest Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aritulla/Tune in to hear Ari's heartfelt story, driven by his wife’s health challenges, which inspired his shift to health tech. Lastly, reach out to George if you have a fascinating business story to share!
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Join George Kapernaros as he sits down with Sam Moore, a former pro freestyle skier turned designer and founder of the fashion brand, Pyra. Sam shares his entrepreneurial journey from his roots in New Zealand and his love for the outdoors to creating a unique brand that combines technical sportswear with streetwear fashion.
Sam dives deep into the challenges and strategies behind successfully launching an apparel brand in a competitive market. He talks about the importance of having a distinct brand identity, understanding your target audience, and leveraging social media and retail partnerships for growth.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
03:44 Entrepreneur's journey from retail to outdoor fashion.
07:07 Careful brand planning achieves market differentiation and recognition.
11:56 Research brand niche for quicker market penetration.
15:52 Building community, creating content, partnering for growth.
19:22 Expand product range, open retail stores, international expansion.
21:02 Founder and CEO focus on brand vision.
23:23 Believe in yourself, keep going, never stop learning.
Guest Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-moore-2a93b632/
Get inspired by Sam's creative vision and learn valuable insights about building a brand from the ground up. Don't miss out on his expert advice and tips for aspiring entrepreneurs! Lastly, reach out to George if you have a fascinating business story to share!
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