Shopify Happy Hour

Understanding what your customers are actually thinking is one of the biggest competitive advantages an ecommerce brand can have. But collecting feedback is only half the battle, knowing how to turn that data into better marketing, higher conversions, and smarter business decisions is where the real opportunity begins.In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with Jason Zigelbaum, founder and CEO of Zigpoll, one of Shopify's leading zero-party data platforms. After collecting more than 100 million survey responses across thousands of brands, Jason shares how ecommerce businesses can use customer feedback, AI, and survey technology to uncover insights that directly improve their websites, marketing, and customer experience.You'll hear how Jason:Built Zigpoll by listening to how customers naturally used the product and evolving the platform around real demand.Helps brands collect actionable customer feedback through post-purchase, on-site, and email surveys.Recommends the three survey questions every ecommerce brand should be asking customers.Uses AI to analyze thousands of customer responses and uncover trends in minutes instead of days.Built and scaled multiple Shopify apps as a solo founder by focusing on distribution and customer feedback.Thinks about continuous product improvement by letting customers, not assumptions, guide business decisions.We also get into the bigger picture:Why post-purchase surveys are one of the most valuable tools for improving marketing attribution and customer segmentation.How open-ended survey responses uncover customer insights brands never expected.Practical ways AI can connect survey data, product reviews, and customer behavior to improve website performance.How brands can use customer language to create more effective product pages and advertising.Why the best-performing ecommerce brands don't just collect customer feedback—they consistently act on it.The importance of choosing the right distribution channel when building a SaaS business from the ground up.📊 Whether you're an ecommerce founder, marketer, agency owner, or SaaS builder, Jason shares practical frameworks for turning customer feedback into better decisions, stronger marketing, and faster business growth.Brands & Mentions:ZigpollShopifyKlaviyoRevioSegunoSalesforceBaremetricsAtlassianAsicsChapters00:00 Introduction to Jason Zigelbaum & Zigpoll02:28 Coffee preferences & founder routines04:23 The problem Zigpoll set out to solve07:56 Building as a solo founder & landing early customers10:55 The three survey questions every ecommerce brand should ask15:30 Real-world examples of survey-driven marketing improvements17:10 Using surveys to increase website conversion rates21:05 How AI is transforming customer feedback analysis25:17 Creative ways brands use surveys beyond post-purchase29:06 What separates brands that succeed with customer data33:30 Speed Round36:30 Where to connect with Jason Zigelbaum

Building meaningful customer relationships at scale sounds impossible—especially in an age of AI, automation, and overflowing inboxes. But what if technology could actually make marketing feel more human?In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with David Wachs, founder and CEO of Handwrytten, the company using robotics and AI to help businesses send authentic handwritten notes at scale. From bootstrapping early startups to creating a category-defining platform used by thousands of businesses, David shares why the future of customer engagement isn't replacing human connection—it's making it easier to create.You'll hear how David: Built Handwrytten by combining robotics, software, and real pens to automate handwritten notes.  Turned a simple observation about customer appreciation into a scalable SaaS business.  Landed early enterprise customers by solving a problem that email couldn't.  Uses automation to enhance personalization instead of replacing it.  Thinks about customer retention, loyalty, and lifetime value over short-term marketing wins.  Navigates the rise of AI while keeping authentic human experiences at the center of the business. We also get into the bigger picture: Why handwritten notes consistently outperform digital messages in building customer relationships.  How brands can stand out in an increasingly automated world.  The difference between capturing demand and creating lasting customer loyalty.  Practical ways ecommerce brands can use handwritten notes throughout the customer journey.  How AI and robotics are reshaping marketing without eliminating the importance of genuine human connection.  Why the highest-ROI marketing investments often aren't the easiest ones to measure. ✉️ Whether you're an ecommerce founder, marketer, or business owner looking to build stronger customer relationships, David's insights offer a fresh perspective on blending technology with authentic human connection.Brands & Mentions: Handwrytten  Shopify Charleston Coffee Roasters Blueland  Brittany Hodak Creating Superfans: How To Turn Your Customers Into Lifelong AdvocatesBBQ GuysZapierPilotStew Leonard'sChapters00:00 Introduction to David Wachs & Handwrytten 02:15 The startup that inspired Handwrytten 04:27 Why handwritten notes still matter in a digital world 06:25 How Handwrytten's robots actually write with real pens 12:54 Building the business & early operations 14:30 Landing the first customers with Google Ads 17:50 Why creating demand is harder than capturing it 20:06 Marketing channels that actually work today 24:01 Personalization vs. gimmicky marketing 29:22 The best ways ecommerce brands use handwritten notes 35:58 Which brands should invest in handwritten marketing? 39:47 AI, automation, and the future of customer engagement 42:20 Speed Round 46:00 Where to connect with David Wachs

What does it take to turn a tiny Ecuadorian snack company into a global brand sold in more than 30 countries? In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with Martin Acosta, founder and CEO of Kiwa, to break down how a $24,000 acquisition evolved into an internationally distributed CPG business built on sustainability, direct farmer relationships, and relentless product innovation.From sourcing nutrient-dense vegetables across South America to manufacturing chips nearly 9,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, Martin shares the behind-the-scenes realities of scaling a food company in one of the world’s most competitive retail categories.You’ll hear how Martin:Bought a struggling plantain chip business and transformed it into a global snack brand.Built direct trade relationships with farmers across Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia.Used trade shows as the foundation for landing major retail and private label partnerships.Expanded beyond plantain chips into vegetable chips, native Andean potatoes, cassava products, and pet snacks.Navigated the shift from branded products into private label manufacturing for large retailers.Leveraged high-altitude manufacturing to create a unique chip texture and quality.Balanced sustainability, product quality, and scalability while growing internationally.We also get into the bigger picture:Why differentiation matters more than ever in crowded CPG markets.The evolution of private label and how it changed the food industry after COVID.Lessons learned from scaling too aggressively during the venture capital boom.Why trade shows and real human relationships still outperform cold outreach in retail.How product innovation trends emerge — and why chasing trends too late can hurt brands.The realities of manufacturing, distribution, and scaling globally from South America.Why passion and long-term mission alignment are critical when building a consumer brand.🥔 Whether you’re building a food brand, launching a CPG product, or fascinated by the operational side of global retail, Martin’s story is packed with practical insights on manufacturing, innovation, and standing out in competitive markets.Brands & Mentions:KiwaWalmartCostcoAldiLatam AirlinesAviancaRunaMikunaChapters:00:00 Introduction to Kiwa & Martin Acosta02:24 High-altitude manufacturing & sourcing in Ecuador05:05 Buying a $24K snack business10:13 Trade shows, distribution & retail growth15:19 Private label vs. building a brand20:34 Product innovation & entering the pet category23:19 Why most CPG brands fail28:32 Speed round & final thoughts

Launching a supplement brand is hard enough but building one around clean ingredients, outdoor performance, and spiritual alignment instead of hype and artificial formulas? That’s a very different approach to wellness.In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with Zac Curhan, co-founder of Truwild, a natural supplement brand creating clean hydration, kombucha, and performance products for people who push beyond the gym. From bootstrapping the company with just $5,000 to scaling across Amazon, Shopify, wholesale, and TikTok, Zac shares how intuition, adaptability, and relentless experimentation shaped Truwild into a growing force in the supplement space.You’ll hear how Zac:Built Truwild from scratch with just $5K and reinvested profits to grow the business organically.Created products designed for hikers, surfers, endurance athletes, and outdoor adventurers — not just gym culture.Developed unique formulations using natural caffeine, kombucha powder, electrolytes, amino acids, and functional ingredients.Leveraged customer feedback and surveys to shape future products, flavors, and packaging formats.Pivoted away from underperforming SKUs and learned difficult inventory lessons along the way.Used Amazon as a primary growth engine while strategically narrowing focus across sales channels.Built wholesale relationships through cold calls, product seeding, and direct outreach to independent retailers.Used TikTok seeding campaigns, local events, and brand collaborations to drive organic awareness and traffic.We also get into the bigger picture:Why electrolytes are far more important than most people realize.The realities of building a profitable supplement brand without outside funding.Why customer reviews and social proof are critical in modern e-commerce.How TikTok, Amazon, and organic content now work together in the customer buying journey.Using AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and automation systems to streamline operations and decision-making.Zac’s philosophy around meditation, intuition, spirituality, and connecting to a “higher self” for entrepreneurial growth.🌿 Whether you’re an e-commerce founder, wellness enthusiast, or someone interested in the intersection of business, health, and personal growth, this episode is packed with practical lessons and unconventional insights.Brands & Mentions:TruwildAmazonShopifyWhole FoodsGT's KombuchaRed BullHOKAChatGPTClaudeOpenClawRolflexChapters:00:00 Introduction to Truwild & Its Mission02:45 Why Electrolytes Matter More Than You Think05:20 Reinventing Kombucha as a Powder08:10 Building Truwild with Just $5K11:00 Early Product Development & Scaling Challenges13:30 Why Amazon Became the Core Growth Channel16:20 Organic Marketing, TikTok, & Community Events19:00 Influencer Seeding & Brand Collaborations22:15 The Realities of Paid Ads in Supplements24:00 Wholesale Strategy & Cold Calling Retailers32:30 Customer Feedback, Product Iteration, & SKU Decisions35:40 Meditation, Spirituality, & Entrepreneurial Intuition40:40 Using AI & Automation to Scale E-commerce Operations

Launching a food brand is never easy — but creating an entirely new category like frozen cottage cheese ice cream? That’s a different level of bold.In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with Joe Rotundo, founder of Smearcase, the first and only frozen cottage cheese dessert brand built for people who want indulgence and clean, protein-packed ingredients. From a late-night craving for a healthier dessert to landing on shelves at major retailers, Joe shares how relentless action, rapid iteration, and authentic storytelling helped turn a simple idea into a fast-growing CPG brand.You’ll hear how Joe: Turned a DIY mix of cottage cheese, honey, and fruit into a brand-new product category.  Went from idea to market testing in just a few months by prioritizing speed and feedback.  Partnered with his sister early on to develop recipes and refine the product.  Used real-world validation (not just friends and family) to shape flavors, branding, and positioning.  Navigated early production, co-packing, and a 5,000-pint launch strategy.  Leveraged trade shows like Fancy Food Show to land meetings with major retailers like Whole Foods and Sprouts.  Built momentum through in-person demos, networking, and relationship-first outreach.  Embraced a polarizing brand name — and why standing out mattered more than pleasing everyone. We also get into the bigger picture: Why “healthy ice cream” is broken — and how Smearcase is redefining indulgence with real ingredients.  The power of relentless execution vs. overthinking in early-stage startups.  How founders can validate ideas quickly without overbuilding.  Why human relationships still beat cold emails and LinkedIn pitches in CPG.  Organic social strategy — and how to create content that actually feels authentic (even if you’re busy or camera-shy).  The realities of launching in retail, scaling distribution, and building a brand from scratch. 🍦 Whether you’re a founder, fitness-minded foodie, or someone curious about how new food categories are born, Joe’s story is a masterclass in speed, simplicity, and showing up consistently.Brands & Mentions:SmearcaseWhole FoodsSprouts Farmers MarketFancy Food ShowGood CultureHY.QREIDick's Sporting GoodsChapters:00:00 Introduction to Smearcase 02:00 The “healthy dessert” problem 05:30 From idea to action (June 2023 origin story) 08:45 Validating the product in the real world 12:00 Branding, flavor iteration, and feedback loops 16:20 Breaking into retail & first production run 20:00 Building relationships with buyers 23:00 Organic marketing & content strategy 26:00 Founder mindset and execution philosophy 29:00 Speed round & personal insights 31:00 What’s next for Smearcase

Launching a CPG brand is always a grind — but reinventing pork sausage with chef-crafted recipes, premium cuts, and a sixth-generation family farm story? That’s a whole new challenge.In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with Cassie Maschhoff, co-founder of Lottie’s Meats, the sister-run brand elevating pork with gourmet sausages and ground blends made from real ingredients, responsible sourcing, and culinary craftsmanship. Cassie shares how she and her sister Chelsea turned family heritage and Michelin-level technique into one of the most exciting new meat brands on the market.You’ll hear how Cassie:Transformed a sixth-generation Illinois family farm legacy into a modern, premium pork brand.Partnered with her chef-trained sister to craft sausages using only pork loin, pork shoulder, and clean, real ingredients.Navigated nine different co-packers to finally find partners who could uphold their exacting standards.Built early traction through restaurant partnerships, farmers markets, pop-ups, and brewery takeovers in Denver.Created cult-favorite products like The Lottie and perfected flavors through years of behind-the-scenes R&D.Balanced the demands of cold-chain logistics, short shelf life, and monthly production while still growing fast.We also get into the bigger picture:Why pork has gotten a bad rap — and how Lottie’s is changing that perception.The operational realities (and chaos) of scaling a perishable food brand.How retail, DTC, and food service each play their own role in Lottie’s growth.Why differentiation, quality, and ironclad non-negotiables matter when working with co-packers.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a modern food brand — from sourcing to storytelling to scaling in an unforgiving supply chain — this conversation is full of hard-won lessons and real-world strategies.🍽️ Whether you’re a foodie, a founder, or someone fascinated by how craft brands break through, Cassie’s story is proof that pork can be premium, purposeful, and genuinely delicious again.Brands & Mentions: Scribe Winery Nugget Markets US Foods Get Right’s Bakery Culinary Institute of America Maine Beer Company (“Lunch” IPA) Lottie’s Family Pork Farm NetworkShooka SauceJennies HouseRealsyChapters00:00 Introduction to Lottie's Meats02:48 Crafting Quality Sausages05:41 Navigating Co-Packing Challenges08:48 The Founder's Journey11:32 Scaling and Distribution Strategies14:20 Innovative Marketing Approaches17:25 Product Development and Consumer Feedback20:07 E-commerce and Digital Marketing Strategies23:05 Community Engagement and Partnerships25:59 Speed Round and Personal Insights

Launching a consumer brand is never easy — but launching a brewery without alcohol? That’s a whole new challenge.In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, I sit down with Joe Chura, founder of Go Brewing, the non-alcoholic beer brand redefining how we think about social drinking. Joe shares his journey from idea to launch, the countless recipe iterations, and the marketing moves that helped Go Brewing quickly find its place in a competitive industry.You’ll hear how Joe:Turned a personal vision into one of the fastest-growing non-alcoholic breweries in the U.S.Perfected the brewing process through relentless testing and innovation.Built an online-first business with Shopify at the core of its growth strategy.Leveraged subscriptions to create community and recurring revenue.Collected and used customer feedback to guide new products and campaigns.Balanced storytelling, social media, and PR to build credibility and excitement.We also dig into the bigger picture:Why health-conscious consumers are fueling the non-alcoholic movement.How “hybrid drinking” is changing beverage culture.Where Joe sees opportunities in THC-infused beverages and beyond.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a modern CPG brand — from brewing to branding to building community — this conversation will inspire and challenge you.🍺 Whether you’re sober curious, an entrepreneur, or just fascinated by where consumer trends are heading, Joe’s story is proof that you don’t need alcohol to build a buzz-worthy brand.Brands mentioned:Go BrewingEasy ManRich Roll75 HardHeinekenAthletic BrewingBuilding a Story Brand by Donald MillerJust for MenSimpler Hair ColorNaperville Running CompanyJolieChapters00:00Introduction to Go Brewing and Non-Alcoholic Beers07:33The Journey to Starting Go Brewing15:33Brewing Process and Challenges19:59Launching and Marketing Go Brewing28:24Subscription Model and Customer Engagement37:52Future Trends in Non-Alcoholic Beverages

In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan sits down with Francine Voit, co-founder of Pistakio, to talk about how she turned an underused nut into a standout brand — and made pistachios fun, accessible, and delicious for everyone.Fran shares the inside story of how Pistakio started as a college capstone project, went viral with creative sampling stunts (including a tiramisu purse that made it through TSA!), and grew into a fast-scaling DTC and retail brand — all while staying taste-first and relentlessly scrappy.You’ll hear: ✅ The simple sampling strategy that built word-of-mouth and early traction ✅ How Pistakio turned customer feedback into product improvements ✅ Creative ways they inspire customers to use their spreads in everyday recipes ✅ Why taste-first product development beats trendy buzzwords ✅ How Fran thinks about growing retail, DTC, and content — without paid adsIf you love founder stories packed with practical CPG marketing lessons and organic growth tactics, this one’s for you.Tune in, grab a snack (maybe a pistachio or two), and enjoy!Products and brands mentioned during this episode include:PistakioFaireBezi LabnehLottie's MeatsMichele FerreroChapters00:00 Introduction to Pistachio and Francine Voit02:27 The Inspiration Behind Pistachio Products05:25 Product Development and Market Entry09:04 Sampling Strategy and Initial Sales14:39 Balancing Direct-to-Consumer and Retail Sales17:46 Viral Marketing and Content Creation19:55 Retail Partnerships and Growth Strategies21:50 Advice for Aspiring Founders24:09 Speed Round and Personal Insights

How do you scale and optimize 45+ Shopify stores without losing your mind—or your margins?In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, Dan Cassidy sits down with Dov Quint, Storefronts Lead at OpenStore, to explore the playbook he’s built for operating dozens of DTC brands at scale.You’ll hear:How OpenStore standardizes tech stacks without sacrificing performanceWhy A/B testing offers (and pricing) is non-negotiableCreative growth tactics like cashback offers that boosted list opt-ins by 40%What Shopify brands are doing to navigate tariffs without raising pricesA smart strategy for post-purchase revenue (that won’t annoy your customers)How AI is being used for CRO, analytics, and review miningWhy Dov is leading a mission-driven eCommerce delegation to Israel this fallPlus, hear Dov and Dan crack a Blue Moon and discuss ASMR marketing and whether your mom should test your website (spoiler: yes).🎧 Tune in for a masterclass in operational excellence, CRO tactics, and why sometimes the best feedback comes from your mom.Show Notes:🍻 Drinks of the Day:Dan: Blue Moon (bottle)Dov: Blue Moon 19oz can with bonus ASMR pour📍 Guest Info:Dov Quint Storefronts Lead, OpenStore Mission Lead, Israel Tech Mission Connect on LinkedIn📘 Books Mentioned:The Five Types of Wealth by Sahil BloomShoe Dog by Phil Knight🧰 Tools & Tech Stack Shoutouts:Rebuy – Smart upsells & cross-sellsOkendo – Reviews, UGC, and surveysReplo – Landing page builderFermat – Embedded shopping experiencesFondue – Cashback instead of discountsOnward – Post-purchase insurance + experience layerIntelliGems – A/B testing for price, offers, landing pagesMicrosoft Clarity – Free heat mapping toolHeatmap.com – Revenue-based behavior analytics🛍️ Brands Mentioned:Jack Archer – DTC men’s performance apparel brandJolie – Luxury filtered showerhead with powerful DTC funnelBrez – THC-infused sparkling beveragesHexClad – Hybrid cookware (Jason Panzer mentioned as Tech Mission guest)✈️ Israel Tech Mission (September 2025):Curated trip for eCommerce founders, execs, and investorsDates: Sept 14–18, 2025Led by Dov Quint in partnership with Israel Tech MissionApplication link: https://tinyurl.com/ITM-for-eCommerce-LeadersIncludes: meetings with Israeli tech leaders, Air Force base visit, NOVA site, Jerusalem, and Tel AvivFeatured guest: Jason Panzer, President of HexClad

In this episode of Shopify Happy Hour, we sit down with Xeba Zareie—founder of Preme Foods, a wellness-driven CPG brand helping people with chronic illness and sensitive stomachs enjoy indulgent nutrition again.What started as a personal battle with gut health turned into a mission: create functional, prebiotic-powered products that don’t compromise on taste or ingredients. From handmaking puddings to launching a shelf-stable, collagen-rich cocoa mix, Xeba’s story is equal parts resilience, research, and real innovation.We talk about:Why most gut health products on shelves are not made for sensitive stomachsThe difference between prebiotics and probiotics (and why that matters)How Xeba scaled from small-batch to co-manufacturing without compromising qualityWhat most new founders get wrong about packaging, messaging, and retailHer exact process for landing ideal retail partners—including a few bold outreach tacticsWhy powders > puddings (at least to start)If you’re building a wellness brand, formulating a CPG product, or launching on Shopify, this episode is packed with firsthand lessons from the trenches.Also: it’s our Aries birthday episode—cheers to that!Connect with Xeba Zareie Instagram: @x_eba Brand: @drinkpreme More info: drinkpreme.comProducts mentioned during the episode:Zero to One by Peter ThielRamping Your Brand by James F. Richardson PhD7 Laws of Spiritual Success by Deepak ChopraOrganify Shilajit GummiesRevolveErewhonPistakioCharmleeNour DressingChapters00:00Introduction to Preme Foods and Xeba Zareie02:11The Science Behind Gut Health and Nutrition06:18Founder's Journey: From Personal Struggles to Business11:09Scaling Production: Challenges and Solutions12:03Transitioning from Puddings to Powders13:39Navigating Retail Partnerships and Consumer Education19:16Marketing Strategies for D2C Success21:19Lessons Learned and Future Directions