Unboxing Ecommerce: Operations Behind Online Brands

James and Jennifer are joined by their final guest, Matt Hertz, Founder and CEO of Third Person, a digital marketplace helping ecommerce brands discover and connect with the right fulfillment partners. With 15 years of experience leading ecommerce operations at companies like Rent the Runway, Birchbox, and Shyp, Matt also runs a consultancy, Second Marathon, that has helped brands like Hexclad, Away, Birdies, and Milk Bar optimize their supply chains. He’s an active advisor and angel investor and lives in Nashville.
Why Rhoback?
Matt first noticed their apparel on Zoom calls—specifically, the logo of a dog featured prominently on shirts. Curious, he did some research and discovered the brand’s activewear, performance polos, and strong connection to dog lovers. As a self-described “dinkwad” (dual income, no kids, with a dog), Matt connected immediately with Rhoback’s mission and branding.
Explore Rhoback: www.rhoback.com
Research Included These Sources
Rhoback: www.rhoback.com/pages/our-story
G&E Magazine: www.gandemagazine.com/a-quick-round-with-rhoback-activewear
RocketReach: www.rocketreach.co/rhoback-profile_b4568f62fca05faa
The Darden Report: news.darden.virginia.edu/2017/02/12/rhoback-activewear-startup
Washingtonian: www.washingtonian.com/2017/10/23/story-behind-rhodesian-ridgeback-dog-inspired-activewear-line-awesome
Change Climate: explore.changeclimate.org/brand/rhoback-inc
Other Sites Mentioned
Shoe Dog (Nike Memoir): en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoe_Dog
Christopher Reeve: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Reeve
American Humane: www.americanhumane.org
Reeve Foundation: www.christopherreeve.org
Connect with Matt Hertz
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hertz/
Third Person: www.thirdperson.co
_______________

Have a brand/shopping experience you want us to review? Send us a message at [email protected]
Connect with James Marks:
www.linkedin.com/in/jameslmarks
www.withtrivial.com
Connect with Jennifer Yates:
www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferayates
www.workwithroux.com
_______________
Coverart imagined and designed by our friend, Melissa Dettloff
www.melissadettloff.com

James and Jennifer are joined by Kevin Lawton, founder of The New Warehouse podcast and blog, which he launched in 2019 to bring awareness to the warehousing industry. With 13 years of experience in inventory control and operations management, Kevin has been involved in multiple new distribution center start-ups and is an adjunct professor at Rider University, teaching supply chain management.
Why Brightland?
Kevin discovered Brightland while touring a 3PL warehouse and was immediately drawn to its packaging design and branding. Seeing the products firsthand on the warehouse shelves sparked his interest in their visual appeal and packaging quality. This led him to explore the brand further, making it a natural choice for this episode’s unboxing.
Explore Brightland: www.brightland.co
Research Included These Sources
Brightland: www.brightland.co/pages/about-brightland-olive-oil
Entreprenista Podcast: www.entreprenista.com/podcast/redefining-the-food-industry-with-aishwarya-iyer
New York Post: www.nypost.com/2021/09/14/brightland-olive-oils-review-why-theyre-worth-the-hype/
Bristol Farms: www.bristolfarms.com/founders/mtf-aishwarya-iyer-brightland-olive-oil
Food & Wine: www.foodandwine.com/brightland-duo-olive-oil-review-8757043
Crunchbase: www.crunchbase.com/organization/brightland-3dd6
Curated Technology List
Corso: www.corso.com
Other Sites Mentioned:
Zingerman’s: www.zingermansdeli.com/events
Connect with Kevin Lawton
Website: www.thenewwarehouse.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-warehouse
_______________

Have a brand/shopping experience you want us to review? Send us a message at [email protected]
Connect with James Marks:
www.linkedin.com/in/jameslmarks
www.withtrivial.com
Connect with Jennifer Yates:
www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferayates
www.workwithroux.com
_______________
Coverart imagined and designed by our friend, Melissa Dettloff
www.melissadettloff.com

This week James and Jennifer are joined by Hillary Hughes, Principal at Foster Garvey, a full-service law firm with 150 attorneys across six offices in the U.S. Hillary is a business, food & beverage, CPG, beauty & wellness, sports & entertainment, fashion & apparel, and technology attorney. She shares insights on legal considerations for consumer brands, including intellectual property, contracts, and the evolving landscape of ecommerce.
Why Loop Earplugs?
Hillary selected Loop Earplugs after a team brainstorming session, where a colleague suggested the brand for its innovative approach to noise protection. Initially unfamiliar with the product, she was intrigued by its stylish, functional design and the ability to modulate sound flow. The brand’s sleek aesthetic and growing popularity made it a compelling choice for review.
Explore Loop Earplugs: www.loopearplugs.com
Research Included These Sources
Loop Earplugs: www.loopearplugs.com/pages/about-loop
Loop Earplugs Founders Story: www.loopearplugs.com/blogs/blog/the-founders-story
CNBC Make It: www.cnbc.com/2023/10/10/loop-earplugs-how-childhood-friends-startup-brings-in-millions.html
Fast Company: www.fastcompany.com/91030352/loop-earplugs-most-innovative-companies-2024
Curated Technology List
Narvar: www.corp.narvar.com
Other Sites Mentioned
Loop Returns: www.loopreturns.com
Jeff Kaiden:  Summer Fridays with Jeff Kaiden
Connect with Hillary Hughes
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hillaryhhughes/
Foster Garvey: www.foster.com/people-hillary-hughes
_______________

Have a brand/shopping experience you want us to review? Send us a message at [email protected]
Connect with James Marks:
www.linkedin.com/in/jameslmarks
www.withtrivial.com
Connect with Jennifer Yates:
www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferayates
www.workwithroux.com
_______________
Coverart imagined and designed by our friend, Melissa Dettloff
www.melissadettloff.com

This week James and Jennifer are joined by Derek Loftus, Co-Founder of PopCapacity, a platform focused on adding visibility and a modern procurement experience for brands when sourcing and connecting with warehousing partners for fulfillment and storage. With expertise in e-commerce fulfillment and customer experience, Derek shares insights on how brands evaluate and select their distribution partners based on location, capabilities, automation, and more.
Why 1st Phorm?
Derek chose 1st Phorm because it has been on his radar for a while, appearing in his social media feed and through fitness influencers he follows. A friend also recommended their products, highlighting their high quality. Additionally, as a logistics expert, Derek was curious about how a brand that self-fulfills would handle order processing, especially given their wide product selection.
1st Phorm: www.1stphorm.com
Research Included These Sources
1st Phorm: www.1stphorm.com/pages/about-us
Andy Frisella: www.andyfrisella.com
1st Phorm Corporate Apparel: www.1stphormathletics.com
AALCO Athletic Equipment: www.aalcomfg.com/products/featured-facilities/1st-phorm-hq
Fox2 Now: www.fox2now.com/news/missouri/who-is-andy-frisella-founder-of-1st-phorm
Yahoo News: www.yahoo.com/news/andy-frisella-founder-1st-phorm-215438826.html?guccounter=1
KSDK: www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/club-fitness-removes-1st-phorm-products-andy-frisella/63-59a3f120-6800-4d8e-9b69-c1227235ccb3
OFS: www.ofs.com/explore/case-studies/1st-phorm-corporate-headquarters
Tracxn: www.tracxn.com/d/companies/1st-phorm/__kVl_2rcuoRqNsK7NES3q7OS5F4OlCLgQbdn8QO0Lhm8
Curated Technology List
Narvar: www.corp.narvar.com
Rebuy: www.rebuyengine.com
Other Sites Mentioned
Company Towns: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Company_town
MFCEO Podcast: www.andyfrisella.com/blogs/mfceo-project-podcast
Connect with Derek Loftus
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/derek-loftus/
Website: www.popcapacity.com
_______________

Have a brand/shopping experience you want us to review? Send us a message at [email protected]
Connect with James Marks:
www.linkedin.com/in/jameslmarks
www.withtrivial.com
Connect with Jennifer Yates:
www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferayates
www.workwithroux.com
_______________
Coverart imagined and designed by our friend, Melissa Dettloff
www.melissadettloff.com

This Week on Unboxing Ecommerce James and Jennifer are joined by Kate Klemmer Terry, Chief Commercial Officer at Outerspace, a 3PL company redefining fulfillment for mid-to-high-end brands. With extensive experience in retail, logistics, and brand strategy, Kate shares her insights into the dynamic world of ecommerce, including emerging challenges and opportunities for brands navigating supply chain complexities.
Why Tuckernuck?
Kate selected Tuckernuck for its unique position as a multi-brand retailer catering to mid-to-high-end customers. Known for its curated apparel, home goods, and athleisure, Tuckernuck exemplifies a commitment to storytelling and elevated customer experiences.
Explore Tuckernuck: www.tnuck.com
Research Included These Sources:
Tuckernuck: www.tnuck.com/pages/about-us
Modern Luxury DC: www.dc.capitolfile.com/tuckernuck-founders-interview-pickleball-athleisure-georgetown
CBInsights: www.cbinsights.com/company/tuckernuck
Washingtonian: www.washingtonian.com/2024/08/15/how-a-dc-label-became-a-capitol-hill-staple
PR Newswire: www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/apparel-company-tuckernuck-joins-whiplash-fulfillment-network-301514922.html
Curated Technology List:
Vela: www.vela.eco
Nosto: www.nosto.com
Elevar: www.getelevar.com
Other Sites Mentioned:
Nice Laundry: www.nicelaundry.com
The StartOps guide to Ecommerce Returns Cost Mitigation: www.startops.network/media/the-startops-guide-to-ecommerce-returns-cost-mitigation
Connect with Kate:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kate-klemmer-terry-1a81609/
Outerspace: www.outerspace.com
_______________

Have a brand/shopping experience you want us to review? Send us a message at [email protected]
Connect with James Marks:
www.linkedin.com/in/jameslmarks
www.withtrivial.com
Connect with Jennifer Yates:
www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferayates
www.workwithroux.com
_______________
Coverart imagined and designed by our friend, Melissa Dettloff
www.melissadettloff.com